Автопутешествие по Вьетнаму - Као Банг: от Бао Лака до Тинь Тука и статуи президента Хо Ши Мина

In this video 4th video of my northern Vietnam road trip I'd like to show you the 2 best and very different routes from Bao Lac Town in Cao Bang Province to Bac Kan City in Bac Kan Province. We'll explore these 2 options and then focus on the main one, however, I am in the process of making a video about the other, more secluded, rustic and adrenaline-inducing route! Do stay tuned for that and other videos in the coming weeks!
The wonderful Cao Bang Province includes many touristic destinations, such as the popular Ban Gioc Waterfall, God’s Eye Mountain and Pac Bo Cave. This video is not only about the best route, but it also includes the story of my most favourite selfie, which is also the logo of my channel, taken at a big tin mine with a long history here in Cao Bang Province.
This was the 6th day of my annual 2000-km Tet trip. Tet, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year is the biggest holiday in Vietnam. After exploring Ha Giang Province on the previous days of this trip (and do watch those 3 detailed videos about Ha Giang), we got to Bao Lac Town in Cao Bang Province on the 5th day. On the 6th, early in the morning, we started heading to Bac Kan Province. In Bac Kan Province perhaps the biggest attraction is the Ba Be Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam.
So Cao Bang and Bac Kan provinces are both located in the northern part of Vietnam, next to each other. But which route from Bao Lac Town (in Cao Bang) to Bac Kan is the best?
If you are in Bao Lac Town, open Maps and type in Bac Kan City, you’ll get 2 main routes: the main one includes the following roads: QL34, DT212, QL279 and finally QL3. The other route, which my 2 friends chose, is pretty intense: the quality of the road is not always great, sometimes you might have to go through mud, sometimes it’s dusty, you might have to be prepared for some off-road experiences. So basically, it depends what you want. The regular route is about 170 km long. The road my friends took is only 148 km long.
Cao Bang is renowned for its amazing natural landscapes, characterized by karst mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests. The province is home to Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. The waterfall is situated on the Quay Son River, which forms a natural border between Vietnam and China. It is currently the 4th largest waterfall along a national border, after Iguazu Falls, Victoria Falls, and Niagara Falls. Cao Bang has a rich history intertwined with Vietnam's struggle for independence. It was a significant area during the French colonial period and later during the Vietnam War. Historical sites such as Pac Bo Cave, where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, attract visitors interested in Vietnam's history. Cao Bang Province can be accessed from Hanoi by road via QL3 or National Road 3. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by car or bus. The provincial capital, Cao Bang City, serves as a hub for exploring the province and accessing nearby attractions. Another main highway here is QL34 or National Road 34, which is the road we are on today. Cao Bang Province which I’m showing you today offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including trekking, hiking, and exploring caves. This route in this video as the whole province is characterized by mountains. These geological features create dramatic landscapes with steep cliffs, rugged peaks, and deep valleys. It’s going to be cold.
Motorcycling around Cao Bang Province during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) can be both rewarding and challenging:
ROAD and TRAFFIC: While main highways like this QL34 and provincial roads are generally well-maintained, some rural roads may not be in such a good condition. Be prepared for muddy or slippery surfaces, especially if you take the route my 2 friends took.
TET: If it’s Tet it means it’s probably very cold in Cao Bang, Check weather forecasts and pack accordingly with warm clothing and rain gear. Tet is a significant cultural holiday in Vietnam, marked by celebrations and closures of businesses and attractions. Fill your tank and keep an eye on it, because you may find it difficult to find gas here during Tet. You may encounter communal celebrations in villages or towns. Participate respectfully if invited, however remember not to drink and drive, you can refuse politely. Not only is it morally wrong, but it also is illegal – Vietnam has a 0% alcohol law when it comes to drinking and driving.
I hope you enjoyed my video and please “SUBSCRIBE”, “LIKE” and “SHARE” to enjoy other videos in the future and also to support me, and I thank you for that! Next Friday we are heading to Central Vietnam and the pristine, gorgeus and mysterious Ho Chi Minh Road - West. Till then, ride safe!
0:00 Overview
2:00 Best route
6:00 Cao Bang Province
11:30 Tinh Tuc Tin Mine
12:30 Uncle Ho Chi Minh
13:30 My best photo