The mountain with a 'giant eye' in Cao Bang, curious tourists come to check-in

Mat Than Mountain is located in the Thang Hen Lake scenic complex of Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Geopark, with a system of 36 interconnected lakes located in two communes, Cao Chuong (Trung Khanh district) and Quoc Toan (Trung Khanh district), about 50km from the center of Cao Bang city.

This is a "healing" destination that attracts a large number of visitors every year thanks to its wild, green landscape with many interesting activities, immersing in nature.

According to locals, Mat Than Mountain is also called Thung Mountain (in Tay ethnic language, Phia Piot) because at the top of the mountain there is a large hole through the mountain, like a "giant eye" with a diameter of about 50m at its widest point.

At the foot of the mountain is a large valley, surrounded by lakes and many small streams. The landscape is said to change with the seasons.

In the dry season (from September to March of the lunar calendar), the valley appears green with lush green grass, attracting tourists to camp, picnic, etc. In the rainy season (from April to August of the lunar calendar), the water level rises, turning this place into a large, clear lake, where you can row a boat or set up a fishing net.

If you want to visit here, tourists should check the weather forecast before the trip, avoid bad weather days to ensure safety and have the most enjoyable experiences.

Hoang Van Huy (in Hanoi, specializing in Ha Giang - Cao Bang tours) said that when coming to Mat Than mountain, visitors not only admire the majestic natural landscape but also have the opportunity to participate in some interesting activities such as mountain climbing, camping, boating, etc.

Besides, tourists can also combine visiting some other destinations such as Nam Tra waterfall; Danh village with stilt houses with yin-yang tile roofs or learn about the cultural life of Tay ethnic people in the area.

“Don’t forget to enjoy some delicious local specialties such as ant egg sticky rice, chestnuts, rice rolls, rice cakes, hill chicken, black jelly,…”, Huy suggested.

According to the young man, the road to Mat Than mountain is easy to travel. The two main routes chosen by most people are from the center of Cao Bang city through Ma Phuc pass or from Lenin stream (Truong Ha commune, Ha Quang district).

Among them, the route through Ma Phuc Pass is more popular with tourists because this is one of the most famous and beautiful passes in Cao Bang.

“Near Ma Phuc Pass, there is a very beautiful stretch of road, which is also a popular stop for tourists to check in before reaching Mat Than Mountain,” Huy added.

Coming to Mat Than Mountain, visitors can have fun and experience the day on their own or register for a tour with a number of options such as the Cao Bang specialized tour with a schedule of 3 days 2 nights, 2 days 1 night or the Ha Giang - Cao Bang inter-route tour,...

Here, if you want to stay overnight, visitors should bring a specialized tent or rent a tent from some nearby accommodation establishments with prices ranging from 400,000 - 600,000 VND/night/person.