Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark
A UNESCO global geopark of karst towers, caves and lakes in the far north, on a route of three loops.
Updated 30 August 2026
Non Nuoc Cao Bang covers around three thousand square kilometres of the far northern border country and was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018 - a different programme from World Heritage, aimed at geological heritage managed with local communities. What it protects is a mature tropical karst landscape: tower and cone hills, caves, underground rivers and collapse lakes, along with fossil beds and the marks of several geological eras. Three signposted routes loop out from Cao Bang town, taking in Nguom Ngao cave, the Thang Hen lakes, Phia Oac mountain and the Ban Gioc falls on the Chinese border.
The landscape
- A UNESCO global geopark since 2018 - a geological rather than heritage listing.
- Mature tropical karst - towers, caves, underground rivers and lakes.
- Three signposted loops - out from Cao Bang town.
- Border country - the routes run along the Chinese frontier.
When to go
September to November and March to May. Two to three days.
Things to know
Distances between sites are long on mountain roads. Some areas near the border have access restrictions. Signage and interpretation are thin outside the main sites. Rain closes roads in the wet season.
Nearby
Nguom Ngao cave and Ban Gioc are north-east; the Thang Hen lakes are west.
What to pack for Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Grippy closed shoes - Cave floors are wet, muddy and slick with formations. Find on Amazon
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