Non Nước Cao Bằng UNESCO Global Geopark has steadily emerged as one of Vietnam’s top travel destinations. Increasing numbers of tourists are drawn to its winding mountain roads, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Located in Vietnam’s northernmost region, about 300 km from Hanoi, the geopark spans over 3,000 square kilometers. It covers six main districts—Hà Quảng, Trà Lĩnh, Quảng Uyên, Trùng Khánh, Hạ Lang, and Phục Hòa—and parts of Hòa An, Nguyên Bình, and Thạch An.
This vast area is home to nine ethnic groups, including the Tày, Nùng, Mông, Kinh, Dao, and Sán Chay. Their distinct cultures contribute to the region’s vibrant and diverse identity.
What sets Non Nước Cao Bằng apart is its extraordinary geological history, stretching back over 500 million years. Visitors can explore an impressive range of geological features such as ancient fossils, marine sediments, volcanic rocks, and minerals. Towering limestone formations stand as a natural testament to Earth’s evolution, highlighting the geopark’s status as a world-class geological site. The park also boasts diverse ecosystems and numerous endemic plant and animal species.
Major attractions include the Phia Oắc – Phia Đén eco-tourism areas, the scenic Thang Hen Lake complex, and the striking Ngườm Ngao Cave. Most notable is the spectacular Bản Giốc Waterfalls, considered one of the largest and most beautiful border waterfalls in the world.
In recent years, tourism in Cao Bằng has grown rapidly. The Geopark Management Board has embraced this opportunity by helping local tourism businesses develop high-quality, sustainable offerings deeply rooted in local heritage. Infrastructure developments—especially the upcoming Cao Bằng – Lạng Sơn Expressway, set to open in 2026—promise to improve accessibility and connect Cao Bằng more efficiently to Hanoi and other key regions.
This increased connectivity, combined with the province’s natural beauty and cultural diversity, opens new doors for innovative tourism experiences. The Geopark is operated in accordance with UNESCO guidelines to ensure long-term preservation of its geological and cultural value.
According to Vi Trần Thùy, Director of the Geopark Management Board, there is a rising demand for high-quality, personalized travel experiences. To meet this shift away from mass tourism, the board works closely with local communities and stakeholders, offering training and support to promote heritage and develop sustainable tourism.
The board also coordinates a network of 85 partners and potential members, encouraging collaboration to protect both cultural and environmental assets. This network empowers locals to showcase their traditions while instilling a shared responsibility for environmental preservation.
Many businesses have successfully integrated local cultural elements into their services. For example, accommodations and tour activities inspired by the Tày, Nùng, Dao, and Lô Lô ethnic cultures are creating clean, eco-friendly spaces that reflect unique identities. Entrepreneurs are diversifying services—offering homestays, crafts, and hands-on cultural experiences—to enhance visitor engagement.
One example is Mạc Thị Khon, a homestay owner in Quang Thuận. With guidance from the Management Board, she has built an eco-friendly space using stone, wood, and bamboo. Guests enjoy immersive activities like traditional weaving, cake-making, and folk music, while also gaining awareness of environmental protection.
Craft villages and community tourism projects in Quảng Hòa, Nguyên Bình, and Trùng Khánh districts are thriving. By modernizing facilities and improving packaging, artisans aim to turn their local products into high-quality, meaningful souvenirs. The Management Board supports these initiatives through regular training, workshops, and study tours to other successful provinces like Quảng Ninh, Lào Cai, and Lai Châu.
Local artisans such as Hoàng Thị Bày from Phja Thắp hamlet have seen real benefits. With help from the board, her family improved the quality and design of their traditional incense and launched a Nùng An-style homestay that lets visitors experience the craft firsthand.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts along the park’s five designated tourism routes, service quality and visitor satisfaction continue to improve. These initiatives not only enrich the tourist experience but also help preserve the Geopark’s UNESCO status, ensuring sustainable tourism development for generations to come.