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ters. We skirted around a stream to go
deeper into the site under the shadows
of trees to visit Coc Bo cave where Ho
Chi Minh stayed. The place is sparse but
harmonious, with a simple hand-made
wooden bed and a chair and desk made
from stones.
The second day in Cao Bang prov-
ince we drove 90km from the city to
Ban Gioc water fall. The falls are near
another set named Ban Uoc which
belong to China. The two falls pour
down from 70 meters like silk bands
surrounded by fresh green paddy fields
and mountains. Close up, I felt the cool
water carried toward me by the breeze.
We had lunch at a restaurant near
the falls. Cao Bang has many special-
ties, but the most impressive dish is
khau nhuc, which is made with pork
side and many other ingredients such
as ears, sweet potatoes and taro. Ac-
cording to local people, this is a must-
have dish on a wedding ceremony’s
menu here.
Nguom Ngao cave – or Tiger cave
– was our last destination. Its mag-
nificent, pure beauty is immediate. This
can be listed as one of the most beauti-
ful caves of Vietnam. Walking among
corn fields either side of the path, we
reached Nguom Ngao cave which wel-
comed us with the coolest atmosphere
yet. At over 2km long, it is believed to
have been formed around 300 million
years ago.
The cave is very rich in stalagmites
in various shapes, like masterpieces of
art. We all used the pure, cool wa-
ter inside the cave to ease the noon’s
heat. Also inside is a natural lithophone
which makes very pretty sounds when
people chime on it.
On the way back to Hanoi we all
bought specialties of the land, such
as sweet persimmons, dried fish and
shrimps and dried herbs for traditional
medicine. We also had warm feelings in
our hearts thanks to this beautiful and
fertile land.
Nguyen Hoai Yen, director of An-
nam Travel – the organiser of the trip
– said: “The experiences of the purity,
peace and stunning landscapes of the
north east are unforgettable.” She be-
lieves that the tourism products in this
region will impress any traveller.
TRAVEL
Ba Be Lake