Pac Bo cave is in the most north-eastern part of Cao Bang province, next to the Chinese border. It is a very important site for Vietnamese, as it is seen as the starting point of the revolution that led to the independence of Vietnam. The reason for it is very simple – this is the place where Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam. And he stayed here for a few weeks. It is claimed that he started his campaign from these caves. If you are interested in history, this is an interesting site. But even if you are not interested in history, Pac Bo is a worthwhile destination due to the beautiful setting.
Pac Bo Pagoda
Before reaching the cave, you pass a pagoda on a hill to your left. You can leave the bike at the gate next to the stall. You can either walk up the hill to your right after the park. Or you can climb the stairs at the front of the hill. On the top of the hill is the pagoda. Here you can also find a shrine for Ho Chi Minh, including a statue of Uncle Ho. It seems visiting Vietnamese leave little offerings for him on the shrine. Seemingly it is a pilgrimage for Vietnamese to this place. Besides the pagoda and the statue, you can also enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Back on the road is another important site – a monument highlighting the start of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Here does the famous trail start. In 2017 th Vietnamese government established this marker. If you have travelled on the trail in the Central Highlands it is impressive to see the starting point here.
Pac Bo Cave
Following the path past some little rice terraces and a village you get to the entrance booth of the cave. The entry fee was in May 2016 was 20.000 Dong, while the parking fee was 10.000 Dong.
After the entrance you walk along a row of stalls selling typical souvenirs, and as well as bottled water. At the end of the stalls is a little roofed area with an elderly woman selling fresh and more important cold sugar cane juice.
Opposite the stalls is a little stream passing by while a hill behind is overlooking the peaceful scenery. You could easily sit here for a while to relax and enjoy the view.
From the stall the path continues along a stream to your right. You can either follow the path on that side or cross the stream via a wooden bridge. As it is a circular path it is not important what way you go first. If you cross the bridge you get into a more shaded area. Here trees covering the path, while on the other side the path is passing some fields with water buffalos. Between the two paths is not a stream, but a beautiful pond. Its water shimmering in a lovely green reflecting the colour of the trees. There are some plaques along the path, but they are in Vietnamese, so I do not know what they say.
Ho Chi Minh’s base
On your right you will see then a little path going up the hills, partly with some stairs. This is the way towards the caves where Ho Chi Minh lived. The first one is a rather small one you can enter. From here another 150 you come to the larger cave, which due to some heat issues I had did not visit. Do not underestimate the humidity here. Also be aware of the free roaming goats in the area. It is lovely seeing them sitting along the path, adding something to this atmospheric place.
Back on the path you could continue walking around the pond. However, at the far end you have to do a detour via the hill as the path is not heading over the pond there.
If you do the full loop you will be able to see more of the area where Ho Chi Minh lived in 1941.This includes the chair where he apparently put parts of his plan onto paper. I must admit I am disappointed that I was unable to see every section of this beautiful place.
One thing I like about Pac Bo that it is not full of propaganda, posters etc. I am really glad that this is the case. The beauty of the site does all the talking, only plaques explaining in Vietnamese about the importance of the various parts. It would be nice if they had an English translation for it.
I would suggest spending 1 1/2 – 2 hours here to explore the area without rushing. The lovely and peaceful scenery also invites to just sit down and relax, taking in this very important site for the Vietnamese history, but also for the history of France and the US.
Food & Drinks
After the entrance booth to the Pac Bo Cave are several souvenir stalls that sell water and little snacks. The last stall also offers cold sugar can juice, and a seat in the shade. Great place to sit down and enjoying the surrounding the peaceful atmosphere.
Next to the gate up the hill are also some stalls selling drink and food.
Otherwise you find quite a few little food places along the TL208.
