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the endangered rhesus monkey,” our
guide told us.
After sailing for 400 meters, Puong
cave appeared. In contrast to the small
entrance, the inside is surprisingly
large, with a high vault and many sta-
lactites. We then stopped by Dau Dang
water fall and An Ma temple.
After a visit to the glistening Hua
Ma cave, visitors can choose a homes-
tay in a Tay house at Pac Ngoi village
near the lake. There, they can enjoy
fresh vegetables, chicken and soured
shrimp paste served with hot rice.
UNTOUCHED CHARM
The following day, we drove 150km
to Cao Bang City. There, the Kinh people
(the majority Vietnamese ethnic group)
accounts for just under 6 per cent of the
total population, with Tay (more than
40 per cent), Nung (more than 30 per
cent) and H’mong (more than 10 per
cent) forming the bulk.
“It is a pity that people here have
not yet been involved in tourism much,”
said Nhan Thi Minh Thi, Deputy Direc-
tor of Cao Bang Department of Culture,
Sport and Tourism. She added: “We are
trying to improve that; the first step was
our community tourism project which
has just finished”.
Our first major site was the Pac Bo
Historical site which is over 50km from
Cao Bang City. The beauty of this was
far beyond our expectations. After 30
years abroad seeking a way to rescue
the nation, Nguyen Ai Quoc - the name
of President Ho Chi Minh at that time -
returned and selected this place as his
base for leading the revolution.
It is really a picturesque and po-
etic place with turquoise coloured wa-
TRAVEL
HED NORTH
Ban Gioc Waterfall