Located about 45 kilometres from Cao Bang City, Slam Cao is the highest peak of the Khau Giang mountain range, located in the communes of Tam Kim and Hoa Tham in Nguyen Binh District, Cao Bang Province.
Lam Cao is the highest peak of the Khau Giang mountain range. (Photo: NDO)
Surrounded by a primeval forest of 200 hectares with rich vegetation, conquering Slam Cao is always the desire of travellers who love to explore nature and learn more about history.
Slam Cao Peak is located in Tran Hung Dao Forest, a Special National Historic Site that witnessed the birth of the Armed Propaganda Unit for National Liberation (December 22, 1944), which was the predecessor of the Vietnam People's Army. Compared with the trekking arcs to conquer the northern peaks, it is easier to conquer Slam Cao Peak because the whole path has only about 1,200 stone steps that are covered by large tree canopies. The highlights of the path are the ancient maple forest and the towering chestnut trees. In October and November, when the maple leaves turn red and the chestnuts fall on the steps, visitors can see very impressive scenery.
Throughout the whole journey to conquer Slam Cao Peak, visitors will discover the place where the Armed Propaganda Unit for National Liberation was founded, a series of shack houses that replicate the kitchen and sleeping quarters of cadres and soldiers during the war, as well as the location where General Vo Nguyen Giap chose to observe in preparation for the battles on Phai Khat Fort and Na Ngan Fort on December 25 and 26, 1944. With more time, visitors can explore the historical sites of the two forts, which are also located in Tam Kim Commune.
Moving another 20 kilometres into Nguyen Binh District, visitors have more options for their journeys, such as visiting Nguyen Binh Town, learning about the Tinh Tuc tin mine, discovering Mo Market and enjoying the specialty of Mo Thiec vermicelli. In addition, travellers will find it interesting to visit the tea hill in Kolia, a salmon farm, or go trekking in Phia Oac - Phia Den National Park to discover a variety of flora and fauna. There are many species of animals and plants recorded in the Red Book of Vietnam in the park including nghien (Burretiodendron hsienmu), bach vang (Yellow Cedar), hoang lien chan ga (Coptis chinensis Franch), bay la mot hoa (Paris polyphylla Smith), vuon cao vit (Nomascus nasutus), super red monkeys, and king cobras. Learning about the unique features of culinary culture of the Dao, Tay and Nung people at the end of the day will be interesting and unforgettable experiences for travellers in the journey to discover Cao Bang.
Thanh Hien - Translated by NDO