Cao Bang lies on the border with its big neighbour China, and although it is now a rural province, it still has historical significance and picturesque sights to offer.

The city already existed during the colonial era, and under the French Cao Bang was one of the most important military bases in the northern mountains of Vietnam. Cao Bang Province is also the place where Ho Chi Minh first set foot on Vietnamese soil when he returned from exile. 

With five major river systems and 47 lakes, water plays an important role in shaping the landscape and local life. Much of Cao Bang is protected as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The province is a spectacular place to explore, especially for adventure travellers. Here are four highlights not to be missed in Cao Bang.

The ethnic minorities in Cao Bang

In the small villages of the region you can get to know the everyday life of the ethnic minorities.

The province of Cao Bang in the mountainous north of Vietnam is not only known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, but also for its cultural diversity. The province is home to several ethnic minorities who preserve their traditional customs, costumes and folk songs. Among the best known are the Tày, the Nùng, the Red Dao and the Hmong.

The Tày

The largest ethnic minority in Cao Bang. They speak a Tai language and live mainly in the valleys along the Bang Giang River. The Tày are known for their Then singing, a type of religious chant accompanied by a Tinh musical instrument. The Tinh is a two-stringed lute made of bamboo that produces a soft sound. Then singing is an important part of Tày culture and is performed at various occasions such as weddings, harvest festivals and funerals.

The Nùng

Another Tai ethnic group that is closely related to the Tày. They live mainly in the mountainous regions of Cao Bang and also practise Then singing and the Tinh musical instrument. The Nùng are also known for their weaving art, which they produce from cotton, hemp or silk. The Nùng costumes are colourful and richly decorated with embroidery, beads or coins.

The Red Dao

An ethnic minority that originally comes from China and belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family. They live in the higher altitudes of Cao Bang and are easily recognisable by their red headscarves adorned with silver jewellery. The Red Dao have a rich oral literature that includes legends, fairy tales and riddles. They also practise a form of traditional medicine based on herbs.

The Hmong

Another Sino-Tibetan ethnic group that lives in various areas of Cao Bang. They speak various dialects of Hmong-Mien and wear characteristic traditional costumes made of indigo-coloured fabric. The Hmong are known for their music and dance, which they accompany with harmonicas, flutes or drums. The Hmong also have their own script, which is based on Chinese characters.

The ethnic minorities in Cao Bang enrich Vietnam's cultural heritage with their diversity and richness. They preserve their identity and traditions despite the challenges of modernity. They invite visitors to get to know and appreciate their way of life.