January
15.3°C ~ 60°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
Cao Bang
Thang Hen Lake
A quiet lake in a valley of limestone hills, one of 36 lakes in the Truong Ha area.
- Time needed
- From 1 hour
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Sep – Nov
- Best time
- June – October, when the lakes are full
Overview
Thang Hen is a group of lakes in Truong Ha, among the limestone hills of Cao Bang. The water is clear and green in the rainy season and the lakes sit in a valley surrounded by terraces and village houses.
It is a quiet stop for a walk or a short boat ride, and it fits well on a trip from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc. In the dry season the water level is lower and the lakes can be much smaller.
Highlights
- Walk around the lake
- Take a short boat ride
- See limestone hills and rice terraces
- Visit a local village
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Open all day |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free to visit Boat rides are paid on site |
| Time needed | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| Best time of day | June – October, when the lakes are full |
| Good for | Nature lovers, photographers |
| Accessibility | Uneven village paths |
| Facilities | Small cafes, local stalls |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Cao Bang by month.
February
16.5°C ~ 62°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
20.5°C ~ 69°F
17 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
23.7°C ~ 75°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
26.1°C ~ 79°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
27.6°C ~ 82°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.8°C ~ 82°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.4°C ~ 81°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.5°C ~ 80°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
October
23.4°C ~ 74°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
November
20.2°C ~ 68°F
11 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
15.8°C ~ 60°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
How to get there
From Cao Bang centre
Thang Hen is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Cao Bang city. Some tours include it on the way to Ban Gioc.
Tips before you go
- Go in rainy months for full lakes
- Combine with Ban Gioc if the route allows
- Bring snacks; there are few shops
- Respect villagers when taking photos
Location
Thang Hen, Tra Linh, Cao Bang
About 60 km from Cao Bang city
More attractions in Cao Bang
FAQs
When is the best time to visit?
June to October, when the lakes are full and the hills are green.
Is it worth the detour?
Yes, if you have time and enjoy quiet places. Otherwise Ban Gioc is the main priority.
Is there a boat?
Local boats run on the lake, with prices set on site.