Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geological Park, 2nd world geopark in Vietnam

Non Nuoc Geological Park, Cao Bang Province, was recognized as a global geopark by UNESCO, becoming the second in Vietnam to be honoured after the Dong Van limestone plateau in Ha Giang Province.

Located some 300km away and covering 3,275 km2, it covers nine districts: Ha Quang, Tra Linh, Quang Yên, Trung Khanh, Ha Lang, Phuc Hoa, Hoa An, Nguyen Binh and Thach An. Among thirty ethnic groups inhabiting the province, nine are present, including Kinh, Tay, Nung, Hmong, Dao, San Chay, with nearly 250,000 inhabitants.

The park will take you on an exciting tour of varied and majestic landscapes shaped by limestones, towers, valleys, caves, fossils, lakes, rivers and connected underground caves… where the history of the earth dates back over 500 million years. A rich open-air museum which guarantees an emotional and instructive excursion not to be missed when crossing this Northern region. Adding to its exceptional geological value, the Non Nuoc Geopark is full of tourist attractions of great interest to mention, among others, Phia Oac - Phia Den National Park, all of Hang Then Lake, Nguom Ngao Cave and in particular Ban Gioc waterfall, one of the most beautiful falls in the world located on the border. This land is also home to two hundred national tangible and intangible cultural remains, three of which are specially preserved by the state.

Ban Gioc waterfall

Found in the heart of the Non Nuoc Geopark, in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, the Ban Gioc waterfall will amaze you with its breath-taking beauty. Let yourself be amazed by the superb streams falling over 30 metres in height. The best time to admire the Ban Gioc waterfalls is between September and December when the water is perfectly abundant and transparent. The surrounding landscapes are just as picturesque with the valleys covered with buckwheat flowers and Mexican sunflowers.

          >> To read more: Ban Gioc waterfall from every angle in autumn

Phia Oac - Phia Đen National Park

It is in Nguyen Binh district that you will arrive at Phia Oac - Phia Đen National Park, known for its complex geography made up of high mountains, big valleys and countless steep slopes. With a total area of 10,500 ha, you have to go there to discover its great biodiversity, its fauna of 58 species and its flora of 90 rare species. In addition, from the beginning of the 20th century, the Phia Oac mountains, 1,935m high and Phia Den, 1,391m high, were the holiday resorts of the French who appreciated them for their great freshness and lush nature. The traces of buildings and villas from the period remain there on certain roads.

Cao Vit Gibbon Reserve of Trung Khanh

One of the world's rarest primate species, Cao Vit's gibbons are subject to special protection in the Trung Khanh Endemic Species Reserve, part of the Non Nuoc Geopark. Covering nearly 7600ha and spanning three communes: Phong Nam, Ngoc Con and Ngoc Khe, this place is home to nearly 130 gibbons of Cao Vit which rub shoulders with a number of wild animals such as bears, monkeys and deer.

Thang Hen Lake

Perched at 1000m above sea level, Thang Hen Lake boasts turquoise water that flows all year round, bordered by rolling mountains and sumptuous vegetation. Located more than 30km from the city and recognized as a national site, the beauty of  Thang Hen Lake is reminiscent of the impressive set of lakes, caves and rivers that surround it. In the middle of a huge valley connecting the Tra Linh and Hoa An districts, 36 natural lakes are connected for a distance between tens and hundreds of metres. Trekking along the shores of the lake, excursion crossing one lake to another or tasting mountain dishes in a Tay village are so many pleasant moments for travellers coming to the Non Nuoc Geopark.

Ky Rang cave

Only about 1.5km from Thang Hen Lake in the Northwest, the eponymous cave is revealed in the Ky Rang mountain, reminiscent of a masterpiece full of mysteries. One kilometre long, it has many cavities, some of which can accommodate a hundred people. Particularly noteworthy are the surprising stalactites, the fruit of the concretions formed over 300 million years ago.

Pac Po Special National Historic Site

55km from the city to the North, this place is an opportunity to experience the Vietnamese revolution, marked by the return of President Ho Chi Minh for national salvation. It was in the middle of the jungle, rivers and streams of Pac Po that he devoted his life to the work of the independence of the motherland.

Other nearby interests to mention such as the Giuong village of the Tay ethnic group (Phuc Hoa district), the Quay Son river (Trung Khanh district), the Nguom Ngao (near the Bang Gioc waterfall) and Nguom Puc caves (Thach An district).

>> Do you want a wilderness excursion offered by the Non Nuoc Geopark? Take a look at a North Vietnam tour to better prepare for your next trip.

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