Mosey and Jess are currently on a 12-month career break to explore the world. To them, traveling is not merely short trips for sightseeing and entertainment, but an opportunity to understand cultures, meet local residents, and experience alternative ways of living.

In early May, Mosey and Jess set foot in Vietnam. “Without planning every detail in advance, we started in Hanoi and gradually explored destinations across northern Vietnam,” the couple said.

They spent wonderful days in Hanoi, Sa Pa, Tuyen Quang (the former Ha Giang area), and Cao Bang.

"Initially, we intended to stay in Vietnam for the full 45 days under the permitted stay duration. However, due to a family matter, we had to rush back to the UK after a few weeks.

“Despite the trip being shorter than anticipated, the experiences in Vietnam still left a profound impression on us. In late July or early August, we will return here to continue exploring the wondrous beauty of this Southeast Asian nation.”

Surprised by the view 

Unlike some travelers who try to visit as many places as possible in a short period, the British couple preferred to travel slowly in order to gain a deeper appreciation of the culture, landscapes, and local people.

Cao Bang is a mountainous province in northeastern Vietnam, sharing more than 300km of border with China. Despite its rugged terrain, the province is blessed with spectacular natural scenery, including mountains, cave systems, rivers, and lakes, making its beauty all the more striking.

While staying in the area of the former Cao Bang City, they were introduced by a homestay owner to Ba Quang Grass Hill and Thang Kham Waterfall known for their untouched beauty. But they are still largely unknown to international visitors.

The recommendations inspired Mosey and Jess to set off on a motorbike adventure to explore the area.

While searching for the route down to Thang Kham Waterfall, the couple happened upon a traditional stilt house owned by a local family. The house occupied a particularly scenic location and appeared to offer accommodation.

“We stopped to ask whether they had any rooms available. Luckily, there were no guests staying that night. When we entered the room and pulled back the curtains, the view completely stunned me. 

“The waterfall rushed below, sending up white spray. The surrounding mountains, rice fields, and lush greenery looked untouched and peaceful in the afternoon sunlight. In the distance, a herd of buffalo wandered slowly across the landscape. It looked like a painting,” Mosey recalled.

The Thang Kham Waterfall, located in Khon Quang Hamlet (formerly Phieng Khan Hamlet), is about 2km from Ba Quang Grass Hill. The route is relatively easy and convenient for visitors.

The couple recorded the scenery and shared it on social media. Their short video quickly attracted one million views.

Many Vietnamese and international travelers asked for the homestay’s location, fascinated by what they called a “million-dollar balcony.”

Viewers were even more surprised when Mosey revealed that the room cost only around VND600,000 per night. 

The homestay is not particularly large. The rooms are simple in design but clean, comfortable, and equipped with air conditioning. Bathrooms are shared but still provide sufficient privacy for guests.

“The view from the balcony was unbelievably beautiful. We genuinely felt happy just resting there and taking in the landscape. The hosts were also incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they prepared delicious local dishes,” Mosey said.

Trieu Cong Tu, the homestay owner, said his family is local to the area and only recently started operating the homestay to welcome guests interested in experiencing life in a traditional stilt house and exploring the surrounding villages.

The property has five rooms, three of which offer direct views of Thang Kham Waterfall. The best time to visit is from May to November.

Tu added that the homestay is still under development and does not yet have official room rates. The VND600,000 per night rate shared by the British guest was a temporary promotional price during the completion phase.

It’s too difficult to pick a single favorite destination

When asked about their favorite destination in Vietnam, the couple admitted that it was “too difficult to choose just one place,” but said the routes through Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang were among their most memorable experiences.

To Mosey and Jess, this trip to Vietnam was merely the opening chapter for marvelous, unfolding experiences yet to come.

Linh Trang