Near the Chinese border in the North of Vietnam lies Cao Bang Province, 5 hours away driving from Hanoi. This is a major place in the country’s history. Indeed, back in the 1940s, Ho Chi Minh chose Cao Bang Province to hide and prepare his army before the August Revolution (1945). Besides, Cao Bang features beautiful scenery. Several spots are worth the trip: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Thang Hen Lake in Tra Linh and Ba Be Lake. Mountain markets also take place every week.