Thac Ban Gioc is a scenic spot located in Cao Bang province. The name Ban Gioc is derived from the Montagnard languages spoken in the area. Being is one of Vietnam’s most impressive natural sights, the waterfall is the largest in the country. The vertical drop is only 53m, with an approximately 300m span. The water volume varies considerably between the dry and rainy season – the falls are most impresive from May to September. The falls have three levels, creating a sort of giant staircase. It is a beautiful sight and should not be missed if you have time to make the journey. The falls are fed by the Quay Son river, which marks the border with China. The beautiful jade-blue body of water flows from China through a pastoral landscape of rice fields and bamboo groves surrounded by limestone pinnacles. Ban Gioc is still a relatively off the beaten path sight.

There is an impressive limestone cave system called Nguom Ngao Cave. The main entrance to this cave is 2 km from the waterfall, just off the road to Cao Bang. Actually, there are two main entrances, it is customary to enter by one and exit by the other. The cave is enormous ( about 3 km long) and one branch reaches almost all the way to the waterfalls where there is a secret entrance. Lights have been installed in the cave and the generator are turned on on whenever tourists show up. And you need to buy a ticket before exploring the cave.

Other Montagnard Markets

In Cao Bang province, Kinh are a distinct minority. The largest ethnic groups are the Tay (46%), Nung (32%), Hmong (8%), Dzao (7%), Kinh (5%) and Lolo (1%). Intermarriage, mass education and modern clothing is gradually eroding tribal and cultural distinctions. Most of Cao Bang’s Montagnards remain blissfully naive about the ways of outside world. Cheating in the marketplace, for example, is virtually unknown and even tourists are charged the same price as locals without bargaining. The following big Montagnard markets in Cao Bang province are held every five days, according to lunar calendar dates.