Conquering the Sinkhole of Canh Cao - "Little Son Doong" in Cao Bang

For those who love exploring wild nature and seeking adventure, Canh Cao sinkhole is a must-visit destination. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the masterpiece of nature, immersing oneself in the pristine space will be a memorable journey for travelers.

Image source: Collected

Dubbed as the "Little Son Doong," the space beneath Canh Cao sinkhole features towering cliffs and spans several thousand square meters, evoking a sense akin to standing in a miniature version of Son Doong Cave (Quang Binh). Canh Cao sinkhole is situated amidst the Lũng Gà plateau (Ngũ Lão commune, Hoa An district, Cao Bang), part of the limestone mountain system within the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, recognized by UNESCO in April 2018.

Currently, Canh Cao sinkhole remains largely pristine with a rich ecosystem. Vertical cliffs adorned with moss, diverse vegetation ranging from trees to grasses form dense forests, alongside dry caves adorned with surreal stalactites and stalagmites, all await exploration as it has yet to be fully developed for mainstream tourism.

Standing beneath the Canh Cao sinkhole and looking up, visitors are treated to a vibrant and colorful tableau. Surrounding the sinkhole are upright rock formations adorned with thriving moss and vegetation. Below the sinkhole lies a forested area with diverse trees and plants, creating a lush canopy. Following the cave path, travelers will be amazed by the rich vegetation on the floor, as if being transported into another world.

Image source: Collected

The best time for travelers to experience and explore Canh Cao sinkhole is during the dry season, from October to April of the following year in the Gregorian calendar. During this period, while the entire valley is surrounded by lush green grass, the rainy season from April to August brings slippery and wet conditions, posing risks to the journey. Therefore, travelers are advised to go with local guides, join larger groups, and have experienced trekking companions to navigate safely.

To reach Canh Cao sinkhole from the People's Committee of Ngũ Lão commune (Cao Bang), travelers can either drive their own vehicles or rent one to navigate the winding roads up to the Lũng Gà plateau, approximately 5km away. Upon reaching the plateau, visitors will need to park and then hike for about 2km on a trail to reach Canh Cao sinkhole.

Here, one of the most anticipated activities for travelers is abseiling inside Canh Cao sinkhole. Abseiling involves descending vertical heights using controlled rope techniques. It is commonly used in mountain climbing and rock climbing. Participants use ropes and safety equipment to safely lower themselves from features like cliffs, mountain peaks, or tall structures.

Image source: Collected

Additionally, upon reaching the bottom of the cave, visitors can further explore a dry cave section adorned with moss-covered, horizontally laid green rocks. Following the cave path, travelers eventually step onto the opposite slope of the mountain, where they will be impressed by the scenery here.

Hole Canh Cao is still relatively pristine, with tourism services not fully developed. Therefore, visitors should prepare essential trekking gear, food, and water. It's advisable to have a trekking tour guide (an adventurous forest guide) to ensure a safe journey. Additionally, visitors should adhere to regulations prohibiting littering to preserve a cleaner and more beautiful environment.

For those who love exploring wild nature and seeking adventure, Canh Cao sinkhole is a must-visit destination. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the natural masterpiece. It promises to be a memorable journey into untouched wilderness.

So why wait any longer? Prepare your luggage now to explore the magnificent beauty of the "UNESCO Global Geopark Non nuoc Cao Bang" and conquer Canh Cao sinkhole!

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)