Hà Quảng: Pác Bó, memorial sites and Tày brocade

Hà Quảng tells its story not only through memorial sites: at Pác Bó, places of remembrance meet a mountain and waterscape described as scenic. Tày brocade adds an insight into the art of weaving to these historical themes. Hà Quảng therefore offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning your trip: memorial sites, scenery and handicrafts.

Pác Bó: memorial site and landscape

The Pác Bó National Special Relic Site is in Trường Hà Commune in Hà Quảng District and has been recognised by the government as a National Special Relic Site. It is also the kilometre-zero starting point of the Hồ Chí Minh Road. Pác Bó is considered scenic: descriptions of the place emphasise its harmonious mountain and waterscape and fresh air. Historical remembrance and scenic impressions therefore sit side by side here.

The names of the landscape also carry history: Hồ Chí Minh named the stream in front of Cốc Bó Cave Lê Nin and the mountain beside the stream Các Mác. He chose the cave itself as a place to live and work. The cave, stream and mountain each have their own place in the historic landscape. The Hồ Chí Minh Temple in Pác Bó is also a memorial site that conveys revolutionary history and patriotic values.

Other places of remembrance and culture

The Kim Đồng historical memorial site in Trường Hà Commune commemorates Kim Đồng and his mother, Lân Thị Hò. Pò Đoi–Thoong Mạ has a different significance: the National Children's Salvation Team was founded there on 15 May 1941. The site is therefore associated with a clearly dated founding event, while the memorial site in Trường Hà is dedicated to the memory of mother and son. Both points of interest broaden the view of Hà Quảng's history beyond Pác Bó.

In Luống Nọi, Tày brocade products made from indigo-dyed fabric, with varied decorative patterns and fine weaving techniques, are characteristic. Luống Nọi is also a cultural monument on the “Hành trình về nguồn cội” route in the Non nước Cao Bằng UNESCO-recognised Geopark. This links a specific cultural stop with the Tày's intricate textile work. For visitors interested in traditional handicrafts as well as memorial sites, this offers a distinct focus.

Festival programme and regional context

The “Lễ hội về nguồn Pác Bó” festival featured competitions in traditional sports. The programme also included drawing water at the Cốc Bó spring, a water procession, and water, incense and flower offerings at the Hồ Chí Minh Temple. The making of khẩu sli was also demonstrated. These programme items give the festival a cultural and ceremonial focus that differs from the permanent memorial sites.

In the wider destination of Cao Bằng, the Non nước Cao Bằng UNESCO Geopark offers a broader perspective on geology. Caves with stalactite formations, along with underground and surface rivers, illustrate a complete cycle of tropical karst development. This regional context complements the memorial sites and Tày handicrafts associated with Hà Quảng.

Choose the right focus for your trip

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Hà Quảng, you can start by choosing one that suits the kind of trip you have in mind. Pác Bó and the memorial sites offer a historical focus; Luống Nọi draws attention to Tày brocade and cultural routes. Consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay, then look for a location that fits your itinerary. That way, you can plan around not only individual sights but also what you are especially interested in discovering in Hà Quảng.

Discover more destinations: Thượng Thôn, Nguyên Bình, Nguyên Bình District.

See the overview of the wider destination: Cao Bằng.