Cao Bằng is a province of northeastern Vietnam.

Geography

Cao Bằng Province is centered on the town of Cao Bằng itself. It is located in the far north of the country. It borders the provinces of Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, Bắc Kạn, and Lạng Sơn, as well as the province of Guangxi in the People’s Republic of China.

Most of Cao Bằng Province is mountainous, with only a small amount of habitable land. Much of the province is heavily forested. The average temperature in the province is 22°C, but in winter, certain areas may sometimes become cold enough to receive snow. The Bản Giốc Waterfall is one of the province’s best known natural features.

History

Cao Bằng's proximity to China has meant that it has had a somewhat turbulent history, having changed hands a number of times. Later, the province became an important center of nationalist activity after Vietnam was conquered by the French, with many pro-independence groups basing themselves in the mountains. The Communist Party of Vietnam also chose the province as a base, using the rough terrain as protection.