Cao Phong

Cao Phong is a rural district in central Hòa Bình province, about 30 km north of Hoa Binh city, best known for its spectacular Thung Nai area — a flooded karst landscape often called "Ha Long Bay on land." The district is also the province's premier orange-growing region, with its Cao Phong oranges (cam Cao Phong) recognised across Vietnam for their sweetness and thin skins.

The district covers around 254 km² with a population of about 45,000. The landscape is a dramatic mix of limestone karst peaks rising from the Da River reservoir, created by the Hoa Binh Dam upstream. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is dry and cool, and the oranges are in season (November–January).

By Plane

The nearest airport is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, about 100 km northeast. A taxi from the airport to Cao Phong costs around 900,000–1,200,000 VND and takes about 2 hours.

By Train

No railway serves Cao Phong. The nearest station is in Hanoi. From Hanoi, catch a bus to Hoa Binh city and then a local xe om or taxi north.

By Car / Road

Cao Phong lies on National Road 6 (QL6), about 60 km from Hanoi and 30 km north of Hoa Binh city. Frequent buses on the Hanoi–Son La route pass through Cao Phong town. From Hoa Binh city, local buses and minivans run regularly; the journey takes about 30–40 minutes.

The main sights — especially Thung Nai and Thac Bo Cave — are best reached by motorbike rental (150,000–200,000 VND/day) or by hiring a local taxi for the day (500,000–800,000 VND). Boat tours of the reservoir depart from the Thung Nai wharf.

• Thung Nai — The district's crown jewel: a breathtaking flooded karst landscape on the Da River reservoir, dotted with limestone islets, floating fish farms, and minority hamlets accessible only by boat.

• Thac Bo Cave (Động Thác Bờ) — A magnificent cave system on the reservoir with a natural spring inside. Accessed by a 30-minute boat ride from Thung Nai wharf.

• Cao Phong Orange Orchards — The district is blanketed with orange groves. Many farms welcome visitors for picking (in season November–January) and direct purchase.

• Da River Reservoir Viewpoint — Several scenic lookouts along QL6 offer panoramic views of the reservoir and karst formations.

• Muong Villages — Traditional Muong ethnic minority villages in the hills around the district.

• Take a boat tour on the Da River reservoir to explore Thung Nai, Thac Bo Cave, and floating villages

• Visit orange orchards for fruit-picking (peak season November–January)

• Trek or cycle through the Muong hill villages

• Photograph the limestone karsts at sunrise from the reservoir's edge

• Sample locally produced wild honey and orange-based products

Local cuisine centres on river fish from the Da River, grilled or cooked in sour soups. Ca nuc nuong (grilled river fish), com lam (bamboo-tube rice), and thit lon cap nach (free-range pork) are common dishes. Several simple restaurants near the Thung Nai wharf serve seafood caught fresh from the reservoir. Orange juice and orange-based desserts are seasonal treats.

Green tea from the nearby hills and fresh-squeezed orange juice during the harvest season are the local specialities. Vietnamese coffee is widely available. As elsewhere in the province, ruou can (jar rice wine) is served at festive occasions.

• Budget: Basic guesthouses in Cao Phong town offer rooms from 200,000–350,000 VND. Homestays in Muong villages are an authentic option from 150,000 VND per person.
• Mid-range: Several small lakeside resorts near Thung Nai offer comfortable rooms with reservoir views from 500,000–900,000 VND.

Cao Phong oranges are the main attraction and make an excellent edible souvenir during the winter months. Wild honey and traditional Muong brocade textiles are also available at roadside stalls near Thung Nai. Local markets sell seasonal fruit and vegetables.

• Hoa Binh City (30 km south) — Provincial capital with the Hoa Binh Dam and Muong cultural sites.
• Mai Chau (40 km west) — Famous valley of rice terraces and stilt-house villages.
• Da Bac (40 km north) — Remote district with pristine landscapes and the Da Bac reservoir.
• Hanoi (90 km northeast) — Vietnam's bustling capital city.
• Kim Boi Hot Springs (50 km southeast) — Natural mineral hot springs resort.