Exploring Cao Ba Lanh and Legend of the Nature’s Xylophone

Cao Ba Lanh rocky peak. Photo: Cinvestra Travel

Resting on the Vietnam-China border, Cao Ba Lanh is located in Dong Van, Binh Lieu of Quang Ninh. It is the home to 3 summits Cao Ba Lanh Thuong, Cao Ba Lanh Trung and Cao Ba Lanh Ha. This historic destination tells the story of 1000-years-old legendary rock field.

The beautiful scenery of Cao Ba Lanh comes as a reward for adventurous people. You will have to challenge the abrupt slopes and bumpy roads for hours before reaching the mountain tops, as reported by Doanhnghiepvn. Be sure to stop by the beautiful little house on the way to regain your strength. This rest stop itself is a destination worth visiting because you can listen to interesting stories from locals next to a cup of hot tea.

The rest stop on the way to the top. Photo: Doanhnghiepvn

In the quest to conquer Cao Ba Lanh peak, you will also discover 2 lakes. The area of these lakes is estimated to be 1ha. Situated in and around the lake, strange rocks with different shapes create a mysterious and cinematic feel. Going deeper into the forest, you will admire a rich forest ecosystem with a variety of precious woods such as doi, yellow chestnut, anise, cinnamon. The green bamboo forest along with the trickling streams adds to the poetic scenery of Cao Ba Lanh.

The big rocks around the lakes interest curious visitors. Photo: Doanhnghiepvn

The scenery of the road. Photo: Doanhnghiepvn

As you get closer to the top, the scenery opens up. Travelers can immerse in the beauty of nature, inhale the fresh air, leaving the hustle and bustle of life behind. Surrounded by mountains and forests, you will feel like a true explorer. Those imposing and majestic sceneries make visitors fall in love with Cao Ba Lanh through out the year.

The Legendary Rock Xylophone

The soldiers make loud sounds by hitting the rock and the invaders quivered in fear. Photo: Doanhnghiepvn

The mountain tops are about 1.050m above sea level, covered with big rock in bizarre shapes. The rock field is evidence of the war against invaders from a thousand years ago. The locals explains that when they hit the rock, it makes loud and terrifying sounds. The enemy was evil and brutal but Vietnam’s soldiers knew the mountains like the palm of their hands so they came up with clever way to win the battle. They hit the rock and the sounds makes invaders quivered in fear and ran away. Our ancestors won the battle and avoided bloodbath thanks to the rock field.

The quest to conquer the Cao Ba Lanh mountain top is a trip back in time. Photo: Doanhnghiepvn

It is an one-of-the-kind experience to witness the evidence of victory with your own eyes and to learn more about the war history. The locals believe the rock field holds the soul of the war heroes so they named it the legendary rock xylophone. They are proud of their brave and clever ancestors and continues passing down the legend to younger generations. The historic destination attracts more tourists every year.

Historical Landmarks

Tourists take a trip back in time at Cao Ba Lanh, to when soldiers fought restlessly to protect the border. The land offers a glance of a typical day in wartime. Some historical landmarks still remain today like the brick podium for morning salute routine, the community well, the regular trail where soldiers operate, etc.

The remained of the stone well used by soldiers. Photo: Doanhnghiepvn

There are other man-made landmarks for you to explore, like tortoise couples statue and sphinx statue sculpted in stone. They are based on the local belief that the land holds great power and will protect the innocence from the evil. The souls of their ancestors are with them and will help them secure the borderland.

A Celebration of Ethnic Culture

Rice terrace in Cao Ba Lanh, Quang Ninh. Photo: Doanhnghiepvn

You can also learn about the culture of Dao people. This native minority group still preserve many traditions like stilt houses, rice terraces, traditional attires, and the annual love market. The love market attracts waves of tourists every year. This is the time of the year where local bachelors and bachelorettes can mingle and find a suitable partner.

The parade on festival day in Cao Ba Lanh. Photo: Doanhnghiepvn

For tourists, they can enjoy local vendor food and beverage like smoked meat or rice wine. Endless fun awaits on that day. Couple swings or Tug-of-war are among the popular group games. You can also watch unique music performances of traditional bamboo pipe called Khèn. It is also a celebration of good harvest so the native people welcomes everyone to join the party. Cao Ba Lanh expected good weather this year, the perfect condition to explore the legendary land.