Cao Bang, a land of Vietnam’s northern border, is not only famous for the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall or historical Pac Po but also hides a precious gem called Khuoi Ky stone village. Here, time seems to slow down, leaving behind ancient mossy stone stilt houses, blending with the pristine nature, creating a picturesque landscape that captivates hearts. Let’s explore the unique beauty and unforgettable experiences at this 400-year-old stone village with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World).
1. Introducing Khuoi Ky Stone Village: Ancient Beauty Amidst Majestic Nature
Khuoi Ky stone village is located in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province, on the road leading to the magnificent Nguom Ngao cave. The village nestles beside the clear Khuoi Ky stream, surrounded by rolling limestone mountains. The most distinctive feature of Khuoi Ky is the unique architecture of stilt houses built entirely of natural stone.
Since ancient times, the Tay people here have skillfully utilized the abundant stone resources from the mountains and forests to build sturdy houses that last for generations. Large and small stones are meticulously hewn and stacked, bonded with a special mortar made from clay, molasses, and kitchen ash, creating solid stone walls. The yin and yang tiled roofs bear the traditional architectural style, both familiar and harmonious with the natural landscape.
Stone stilt house in Khuoi Ky village (Source: Collected)
Over more than 4 centuries, Khuoi Ky stone village has retained its pristine, rustic beauty. Ancient stone houses, winding stone paths, mossy stone fences… all create a cultural space rich in Tay ethnic identity. Coming to Khuoi Ky, visitors not only admire the unique architecture but also immerse themselves in the simple, peaceful life of the local people, feeling the close connection between humans and nature here.
The location of Khuoi Ky village is also very convenient for tourists to combine visits to other famous tourist attractions of Cao Bang. The village is only about 3km from Ban Gioc Waterfall, less than 1km from Nguom Ngao cave, and close to many other attractive destinations such as Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda, Pac Po relic site…
2. Ideal Time to Explore Khuoi Ky Stone Village
To have a complete exploration of Khuoi Ky stone village, the best time to visit is in the autumn, from September to October. At this time, the weather in Cao Bang is cool and pleasant, the sky is clear and sunny, with little rain, very suitable for outdoor sightseeing and exploration activities. This is also the season of golden ripe rice on terraced fields, creating an extremely poetic and charming rural landscape.
In addition, you can also come to Khuoi Ky in spring (February – April) to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the beginning of the year and admire plum and apricot blossoms blooming white in the forest. From December to June of the following year is also a suitable time to travel to Cao Bang in general and Khuoi Ky stone village in particular, however, this is the peak tourist season, so the number of visitors will be higher.
It is important to avoid visiting Khuoi Ky in the rainy season (July – August) as the weather may hinder travel and sightseeing.
3. Directions to Khuoi Ky Stone Village
To get to Khuoi Ky stone village, you can choose from various means of transportation depending on your starting point and personal preferences:
- Bus: This is the most popular and economical means of transportation to Cao Bang from Hanoi and neighboring provinces. You can catch a bus at major bus stations in Hanoi such as My Dinh, Giap Bat, Yen Nghia… with many reputable bus operators such as Thanh Ly, Khach Hien, 42 Auto… Travel time is about 6-7 hours. Arriving in Cao Bang city, you can rent a motorbike or taxi to continue to Khuoi Ky village, about 60km from the city center.
- Motorbike, private car: If you want to be proactive about time and schedule, you can drive a motorbike or private car to Cao Bang. From Hanoi, you can follow National Highway 3 or Lang – Hoa Lac Expressway, then turn into National Highway 4A to reach Cao Bang. The road is quite beautiful and easy to travel, you will have the opportunity to admire the majestic mountain scenery along the way. However, it is necessary to check the vehicle carefully and prepare a steady hand for steep and winding roads.
- Plane, train: Currently, Cao Bang does not have an airport or train station. If you are in the Central or Southern provinces, you can fly or take a train to Hanoi, then continue to Cao Bang by bus or private car.
From Cao Bang city, to get to Khuoi Ky stone village, follow National Highway 4A towards Ban Gioc Waterfall. At the junction to Ban Gioc Waterfall, go straight for about 3km to reach Khuoi Ky village. The road to the village is quite easy to travel, cars and motorbikes can move conveniently.
4. Must-Try Experiences in Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Coming to Khuoi Ky stone village, you will have the opportunity to experience many interesting and memorable activities:
4.1. Admire the Unique Stone Stilt House Architecture
The most special highlight of Khuoi Ky village is its ancient stone stilt houses. Take time to stroll around the village, exploring each house and alley. You will be amazed by the talent and ingenuity of the local people in turning inanimate stones into unique and durable architectural works.
Admiring the long-standing beauty of stone stilt houses (Source: Collected)
Touch the mossy stone walls, admire the ancient yin and yang tiled roofs, listen to stories about the history and culture of the village through the tales of local people. This will definitely be an unforgettable experience on your Cao Bang exploration journey.
4.2. Immerse Yourself in Pristine Nature
Khuoi Ky stone village is surrounded by beautiful nature with the clear Khuoi Ky stream, green rice fields, and majestic limestone mountains. You can freely immerse yourself in nature by:
- Bathing in Khuoi Ky stream: The clear, cool stream is an ideal place for you to relax and relieve fatigue after hours of exploring.
- Walking around the village: Stroll along the winding stone paths, admire the peaceful rural scenery, and breathe in the fresh air.
- Mountain climbing and exploration: If you are an adventure lover, you can try mountain climbing to explore the caves and cliffs around the village.
4.3. Experience Tay Ethnic Culture
Coming to Khuoi Ky stone village, you will have the opportunity to learn about the unique traditional culture of the Tay ethnic people. Visit families in the village to chat, learn about customs and traditions, traditional handicrafts such as weaving, making Do paper, making Khảo cake… If you have the opportunity to visit during the festival season, you will be immersed in the joyful and bustling atmosphere of traditional festivals, enjoying dances and songs imbued with ethnic identity.
4.4. Enjoy Cao Bang Specialty Cuisine
Cao Bang cuisine in general and Khuoi Ky village in particular are imbued with mountain flavors, with many attractive specialties such as:
- Xoi Tram (Black Olive Sticky Rice): Fragrant, sticky rice, rich in the characteristic black olive flavor of Cao Bang.
- Thit Lon Gac Bep (Smoked Pork): A dish prepared using traditional methods, with a characteristic smoky flavor, rich and delicious.
- Ca Suoi Nuong (Grilled Stream Fish): Fresh and delicious stream fish grilled over charcoal, retaining its natural sweetness and aroma.
- Rau Rung (Wild Vegetables): Fresh, cool wild vegetables, processed into many attractive dishes.
- Banh Khao, Banh Che Lam (Khao Cake, Che Lam Cake): Rustic cakes, bearing the sweet taste of the highlands.
You can enjoy these specialties at restaurants and eateries in the village or experience cuisine at local homes (homestay) to better feel the flavors and local culinary culture.
4.5. Combine Visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave
With its location near Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave, you can easily combine visiting these famous destinations in the same trip. Majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall and mysterious Nguom Ngao Cave will surely bring you wonderful and memorable experiences.
5. Unique Cuisine of Khuoi Ky Village and Cao Bang: Mountain Flavors
The cuisine of Khuoi Ky stone village and Cao Bang is a delicate blend of mountain flavors and Tay ethnic cultural identity. Coming here, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy famous specialties, bearing the imprint of the border highlands:
- Pho Chua (Sour Pho): A unique dish of Cao Bang, with soft and chewy pho noodles, sweet and sour broth, flavorful char siu pork, crispy roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs.
- Vit Quay 7 Vi (7-Spice Roasted Duck): Famous roasted duck with crispy golden skin, tender and sweet meat, marinated with 7 special spices, creating an irresistible delicious flavor.
- Khau Nhuc (Braised Pork Belly): Chinese-style braised pork belly, stewed until tender, fatty, rich in flavor, often used on holidays, Tet, and banquets.
- Banh Cuon Nong Cao Bang (Cao Bang Hot Steamed Rice Rolls): Thinly steamed rice rolls, filled with fragrant wood ear mushrooms and minced pork, served with hot bone broth, with a little fried onions and herbs.
- Lap Xuong Cao Bang (Cao Bang Sausage): Sausage made from fresh pork, marinated with special spices, naturally sun-dried, with a delicious, rich flavor.
In addition, Cao Bang is also famous for many specialty fruits such as plum, Dong Khe pear, Trung Khanh chestnut… You can buy them as gifts for relatives and friends after the trip.
6. Important Notes When Traveling to Khuoi Ky Stone Village: For a Complete Trip
To make your trip to Khuoi Ky stone village complete and meaningful, please note the following:
- Maintain environmental hygiene: Do not litter indiscriminately, protect the natural landscape and living space of local people.
- Respect local culture: Learn and respect the customs, traditions, and traditional culture of the Tay ethnic people.
- Prepare appropriate clothing: You should choose comfortable, easy-to-move clothing, sports shoes or low sandals for convenient travel and sightseeing.
- Bring sunscreen, hats: Cao Bang weather can be hot in the summer, so bring sunscreen and hats to protect your skin and health.
- Ask for prices before buying goods: When shopping or using services, you should ask for prices in advance to avoid being overcharged.
- Book rooms in advance if you intend to stay overnight: If you want to experience homestay in Khuoi Ky stone village, you should book rooms in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
- Learn about Khuoi Ky stone village: Read information about history, culture, attractions, cuisine… in advance to have a proactive and meaningful trip.
Khuoi Ky stone village is not only a unique tourist destination but also a place that preserves valuable cultural and historical values of Cao Bang land. Come and explore, experience to feel the simple, rustic beauty and hospitality of the people here. Surely, the journey to discover Khuoi Ky stone village will leave you with unforgettable memories and deep impressions of the Fatherland’s border region.