Bao Lac is a hidden gem nestled in Vietnam's mountainous region, perfect for travelers seeking a thrilling adventure. From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural encounters, Bao Lac has something unforgettable for everyone. Whether you’re planning a detailed vietnam itinerary or looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Vietnam, this charming destination is sure to leave a lasting impression. Pack your bag and get ready to discover the magic of this incredible destination.
Introduction to Bao Lac, Vietnam
Bao Lac is a mountainous district located in the western part of Cao Bang Province, about 134 km from Cao Bang City via National Road 34. The district borders several areas like Thong Nong, Nguyen Binh, and Bao Lam, and has a border with China.
Bao Lac is a mountainous district in Vietnam
This area is known for its pristine beauty, featuring a variety of landscapes from mountains to rivers, and ecological tourism spots like Thung Nai Lake. Bao Lac is an ideal destination for those who love natural scenery and want to explore the traditional cultures of ethnic groups such as Dao, H'Mong, Tay, Nung, and Lo Lo. For travelers crafting a comprehensive vietnam travel guide, Bao Lac offers an enriching experience of Vietnam's lesser-known treasures.
The economy here mainly relies on agriculture and tourism, with local products like tea, tangerines, oranges, and handicrafts. Exploring Bao Lac as part of a vietnam tour provides an authentic glimpse into the traditional way of life and the region's natural beauty.
Why you should visit Bao Lac
There are many reasons to visit Bao Lac when you come to Cao Bang. We will explain 2 main features below.
Bao Lac - A pristine and majestic land
Bao Lac is famous for its complex and rugged terrain
Bao Lac is famous for its complex and rugged terrain, created by high mountains and winding passes. At an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level, the district is nestled among forests, with towering mountain ranges challenging even the most experienced drivers.
By following national Road 34, you will experience the winding curves and unique steep passes of Bao Lac, especially the 15-level pass (also known as Khau Coc Tra), a destination known for its magnificent natural scenery. The winding road resembles a soft silk ribbon, weaving through the mountains, interspersed with lush green or golden rice terraces during harvest season.
The landscape in Bao Lac is not just about high mountains or spectacular passes but also features colorful blooming seasons. In early spring, white plum blossoms bloom, followed by gentle pear flowers.
At the end of spring, the fiery red of wild persimmons and rice flowers adds vibrant colors to the mountains. In autumn, the golden rice terraces stretch endlessly, creating a breathtaking scene that is both majestic and poetic.
The system of rivers and streams in Bao Lac
In addition to mountains, Bao Lac has a rich system of rivers and streams, with the Gam river being the largest flowing through the region. The Gam river is known for its clear green waters, providing a soft contrast against the towering rock mountains.
The riverbed is wide, with a strong current that creates small waterfalls, enhancing the beauty of Bao Lac. The Gam River is also famous for its rare fish species such as the anh vu, lang fish, and dam xanh fish—locally known as “ngu quy ha thuy”—which hold cultural and culinary significance in the region.
Bao Lac is not just a beautiful land, it also offers strong emotional experiences, with every pass and mountain slope presenting memorable challenges. This is truly an ideal place for those seeking peace and a connection with nature.
Bao Lac - A place rich in ethnic cultural identity
Bao Lac is a cultural crossroads among minority ethnic groups
Bao Lac is a cultural crossroads among minority ethnic groups such as Tay, Nung, Mong, Dao, San Chi, and Lo Lo. Each ethnic group has its own customs, clothing, and lifestyles, creating a colorful and unique cultural picture.
The Bao Lac market, held on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th of each lunar month, is a cultural meeting point where people from various villages gather to socialize, trade, and exchange goods. Here, you can see Mong girls in bright floral dresses, Lo Lo and San Chi women in colorful black, red, and yellow outfits, bringing a lively and traditional atmosphere to the market.
In addition to the daytime market, the Bao Lac night market every Saturday night is also an interesting highlight. Here, visitors can join cultural exchange activities with folk songs like Then, Sli, and Luon, as well as unique folk games.
The night market also features food stalls and handicrafts, where you can taste traditional dishes like sour meat, lap xuong (Vietnamese sausage), thang co (a traditional dish), and ant egg cake—specialties not to be missed when visiting this land. Exploring the market is one of the things to do in Vietnam that gives visitors a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
The Bao Lac night market
A must-visit spot is the community tourism village of Khuoi Khon in Kim Cuc commune, home to the Lo Lo ethnic group. Khuoi Khon still preserves the traditional culture of its people, from stilt house architecture to customs and festivals. This village is an ideal destination for travelers wanting to learn more about the lives and cultures of local people while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere amidst nature.
Must-visit tourist spots in Bao Lac
Bao Lac is not only famous for its pristine natural beauty but also for preserving many unique cultural heritages. Here are some tourist spots you cannot miss when visiting Bao Lac, each offering interesting and unique experiences.
Quan Thanh De temple
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Address: 02/43 TDP 3, Bao Lac town, Cao Bang province
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Cost: Free
Quan Thanh De temple
Quan Thanh De Temple is a famous historical and spiritual site in Bao Lac. It is one of the largest and oldest temples in the area, built during the early Nguyen dynasty.
Located on a small hill in the town center, the temple attracts many visitors with its unique architecture, including traditional Vietnamese wooden columns and roofs. Inside the temple, artistic works and sculptures vividly reflect the vietnam culture and spiritual values, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere.
Phja Da mountain
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Address: Thai Son commune, Bao Lac district, Cao Bang province
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Cost: Free
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Opening hours: All day
Phja Da mountain
Phja Da Mountain, about 40 km from Bao Lac town, is an ideal destination for those who love to explore and experience pristine nature. With an elevation of over 1,500 meters, the mountain is surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests.
Here, you can hike, experience survival skills, and take beautiful photos. The cool, fresh air and floating clouds create a romantic landscape. This is truly a wonderful destination for those seeking challenges and wanting to immerse themselves in majestic nature. Phja Da Mountain is a must-see for travelers looking for the best places to visit in Vietnam for its natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
Bao Lac night market
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Address: Center of Bao Lac town, Bao Lac district, Cao Bang province
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Cost: Free
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Opening hours: 6 PM - 10 PM
Bao Lac night market
Bao Lac Night Market is one of the lively places that attracts many tourists every night. Here, you can find products ranging from clothes, shoes, and household items to local cuisine and agricultural products.
The market is an ideal place to enjoy local dishes like rice rolls, sticky rice, sweet soup, and grilled rice paper. Besides shopping and dining, it is also a place where visitors can chat and interact with locals, learning about customs, traditions, and the unique culture of Bao Lac.
Me Pia pass
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Address: Khanh Xuan Commune, Bao Lac District, Cao Bang Province
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Cost: Free
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Opening Hours: All day
Me Pia pass
Me Pia Pass is one of the most beautiful and steepest passes in northern Vietnam. Stretching about 20 km and rising up to 1,600 meters, this winding pass requires professional driving skills but promises breathtaking natural scenery when you reach the top.
From here, visitors can see the pristine and peaceful mountainous region of Cao Bang. This is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the untouched beauty of Vietnam. Its thrilling routes make it a prime location for those enjoying vietnam motorbike tours.
Where to stay in Bao Lac
When you visit bao lac, you will find many options for places to stay, from cheap hotels to guesthouses, homestays, and hostels. Most places are affordable and fit different budgets. you can easily find a place to stay when you arrive, so there is usually no need to book in advance.
If you want to experience local culture, try staying at a homestay. This is a great choice to feel the lifestyle of the local people. Homestays are often built in the style of stilt houses, offering open space and beautiful views of the mountains and rice fields. The rooms are usually comfortable and have modern amenities.
In Bao Lac town, you can also find many shops selling clothes, food, and drinks. There are plenty of restaurants serving delicious dishes, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine during your trip. Whether you're looking for a comfortable stay or planning your Vietnam luxury tours, Bao Lac has accommodations to suit every need.
Tips for exploring Bao Lac
To have an enjoyable and complete trip to Bao Lac, remember these tips and bring a travel guide for a smoother experience:
Best time to visit:
The best times to explore Bao Lac are in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is cool and the scenery is beautiful. This is the ideal time to relax and take photos. For travelers planning their journey, knowing the best time to travel to Vietnam can enhance your experience in this picturesque region.
Best time to visit Bao Lac
What to pack: you should prepare warm clothes, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to stay healthy and comfortable during your journey.
Driving tips: If you plan to ride a motorbike, make sure you have experience riding on mountain roads. If you are unsure, let someone with experience take the lead.
Try local food: Bao Lac is famous for many delicious dishes like pho chua, xoi ngu sac, thit lon rung nuong, and ca suoi nuong. You should try these dishes to enjoy the unique cuisine of the area.
Choosing where to stay: there are many types of accommodations available with reasonable prices to meet various needs, from hotels to homestays.
Conclusion
Bao Lac promises beautiful scenery and is full of memories and connections. For those who crave adventure and unique experiences, this destination is a must. Pack your bags, plan your trip, and let Bao Lac's charm captivate you on a special adventure.
