Nui Thung Mountain ( Angel Eye Mountain) & Thang Hen Lake: Nature’s Hidden Treasures
Nui Thung Mountain, also known as Angel Eye Mountain, remains a relatively undiscovered gem, situated just 30 km from Cao Bang City and 70 km from Ban Gioc Waterfall. The entire area is worth exploring, not just the mountain itself. The hidden valley of Tuyet Tinh Coc boasts Thang Hen Lake, charming villages, majestic mountains, and lush rice fields, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
Nui Thung Mountain
Starting from Cao Bang City and heading north towards Ban Gioc, you’ll reach the top of Ma Phuoc Pass, where you turn onto the DT205. After about 10 km on this main road, a small road on your left will lead you over a mountain into the stunning hidden valley of Tuyet Tinh Coc. As you drive through this valley, you’ll encounter dense jungle, impressive mountains on both sides, small authentic minority villages, and peaceful rice fields with buffaloes roaming around. Take your time to explore and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery that Cao Bang has to offer.
The biggest highlight of the valley is undoubtedly Nui Thung Mountain, also known as Angel Eye Mountain due to the enormous hole in its center. At the foot of the mountain, lush vegetation almost grows through the hole. Inside, Nui Thung houses a large cave filled with dark nooks, stalactites, stalagmites, and water seeping from cliffs above, forming a small stream that flows tens of meters into the cave. Since it is not a tourist attraction, exploring the cave can be dangerous and is not recommended without a guide.
Surrounding the mountain, you’ll find expansive plains and lakes. There are 36 emerald lakes connected to Nui Thung Mountain, with the closest being Thang Hen Lake. Additionally, there is a small waterfall called Nam Tra Waterfall. Before Nui Thung gained attention from tourists, it was a favorite spot for locals to camp and fish, depending on the water level of the lake in front of the mountain.
Thang Hen Lake
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Just a 10-minute drive from Nui Thung, you’ll find Thang Hen Lake, surrounded by beautiful jungle and mountains. This lake is part of a system of 36 lakes, each several hundred meters apart, all nestled in the same valley. Thang Hen, the largest of these lakes, stretches 2 km long and 500 meters wide. The surrounding mountains and jungle complete the impressive scenery. Unlike most other lakes in Vietnam that turn brown during the rainy season, Thang Hen Lake remains blue year-round, thanks to the clear, pure water fed from a cave above the lake.
To visit the lake, there’s a 30,000 VND entrance fee per person at an abandoned resort. A road circles part of the lake, which you can explore by walking or driving. You can also take a boat trip to discover more of the lake. Additionally, there’s a restaurant offering lunch, dinner, and even accommodation for an overnight stay.
Tay minority villages
There are a few Tay minority villages in the valley and around the lakes that you can visit. The villagers live in traditional stilt houses, surrounded by forests of hardwood trees, some of which are over a thousand years old. Interestingly, some of these trees are used by the locals to make wine. These villages offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the local culture and traditions.
How to get there?
Tuyet Tinh Coc Valley, featuring Nui Thung Mountain and Thang Hen Lake, is located just 30 km from Cao Bang City. To get there, rent a motorbike in Cao Bang and head north on the QL3. At the top of Ma Phuoc Pass, take a left turn instead of continuing straight towards Ban Gioc Waterfall. Follow this road for 10 km until you see a small road with a sign on your left. This road will lead you into the valley. Once in the valley, signs will guide you to the mountain and lake.
Best time to visit
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Picture of clients of World Mate Travel in Thang Hen Lake
The area is perfect for visiting year-round. However, if you want to see the rice fields at their most beautiful—during the golden season or harvest season—you should plan your visit from September to early October. During this time, the lakes also have more water compared to the dry season.
