Overview of Thang Hen Lake

Located in the high mountains of Quoc Toan commune, Thang Hen Lake is like a green pearl in the heart of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark. This is essentially a system consisting of 36 natural freshwater lakes located thousands of meters above sea level, creating an extremely unique and magnificent scenic complex. Shaped like a giant "bee tail" when viewed from above, this lake has become a must-see destination for those who love the wild beauty of the Northeast mountains and forests.

Thang Hen Lake

The highlight that makes Thang Hen's brand is the water color Typical emerald green, unchanged all year round, even during the rainy season. In the language of the Tay ethnic people, the name "Thang Hen" means "bee tail", associated with interesting folk legends about this land. The quiet space of the lake blends with the shadow of the mountains to create a real-life "Tuyet Tinh Coc", bringing a feeling of absolute peace to all diners who visit.

Outstanding attractions at Thang Hen Lake

Magical Eye Mountain (Punched Mountain) - A unique wonder in the highlands

Magic Eye Mountain

Located in the same scenic complex in Quoc Toan commune, Than Mat Mountain is a unique geological masterpiece in Vietnam with a giant circular hole more than 50m in diameter through the towering cliff. Surrounding the foot of the mountain is a green grassy valley like a miniature steppe, where tourists in 2026 often choose to organize picnics and camping in a quiet space. The image of the "eye" of the mountain looking down at the vast green carpet creates a magical scene, turning this place into an iconic "check-in" place not to be missed for those who love the wild beauty of Cao Bang.

Valley - Green steppe in the heart of the rocky mountain

Valley

Nestled among the undulating limestone mountains adjacent to the main lake, Thung Valley appears as a picture of peaceful and poetic steppe in Quoc Toan commune. This place has endless flat lawns, winding along the towering limestone cliffs like natural walls protecting the green valley. In the early morning of 2026, visitors can leisurely stroll amid the mist hanging over the ancient trees, listen to the distant sound of rattles and feel the slow, nomadic life of the border highlands.

Thang Hen Cave - Origin of jade water

Hang Thang Hen

Located right at the source of the lake system in Quoc Toan commune, Thang Hen cave is an exciting exploration destination for those who love the mystery of the underground world within the limestone mountains. Inside the cave is a brilliant system of pristine stalactites, where underground streams always flow coolly all year round to nourish the complex of 36 large and small lakes below. The entrance to the cave has been upgraded with environmentally friendly wooden walkways in 2026, allowing visitors to easily explore and admire nature's million-year-old sculptures safely.

Thang Hen Lake - "The emerald" in the middle of the jungle

Thang Hen Lake

Known as the green heart of the scenic complex in Quoc Toan commune, Thang Hen Lake attracts tourists with its clear and smooth jade-colored water all year round. This natural freshwater lake is located at an altitude of more than 1,000m, surrounded by hundreds of years old trees and undulating rocky cliffs that reflect on the fast-flowing underground stream under the lake. In the space of 2026, the experience of sitting on a bamboo boat gliding gently on the lake surface to inhale the pristine atmosphere is always the top relaxing activity, helping travelers find the absolute balance between nature.

Ma Phuc Pass - "The most majestic" border region

Ma Phuc Pass

Ma Phuc Pass is a symbolic road and the main gateway leading visitors to the scenic area of ​​Quoc Toan commune with 7 slopes winding spectacularly around steep mountain slopes. The name "Ma Phuc" originates from the shape of two limestone mountains towering at the top of the pass like two kneeling horses, associated with heroic legends about the patriotism of the highland people of Cao Bang. From the modernly arranged viewing points in 2026, you can observe the peaceful life of the villages below and the brilliant beauty of wild flowers blooming along the cliffs, creating an impressive start.

Here are suggestions for other places to visit around Thang Hen Lake area:

  • Community Village Quoc Toan commune: Where visitors can experience staying in traditional stilt houses and enjoy delicious rustic dishes.

  • Na Ma Lake: A small, quiet lake nestled in a green valley, an ideal spot to organize private picnics and camping.

  • Chestnut forest in commune Quoc Toan: A rich chestnut forest surrounds the valley, where you can experience the feeling of harvesting fresh chestnuts with local people when in season.

  • Phia Oac peak view point: The neighboring high mountain area offers panoramic views of the entire limestone mountain system and hazy cloudy valley.

Beautiful time to travel most

>Green steppe season and nomadic experience (September - April next year)

The period from autumn to spring next year is considered the "golden" time for you to visit Than Mat Mountain in Quoc Toan commune. This is when the water at Nam Tra Lake recedes, giving way to lush green grass stretching like an endless steppe, creating ideal conditions for camping and outdoor picnic activities. The cold, dry weather and bright golden sunlight of the highlands make the scenery poetic, helping visitors easily capture the moment of herds of horses leisurely grazing at the foot of the majestic mountain.

The season of pouring water and the beauty of "Tuyet Tinh Coc" (May - August)

Entering summer, the scenic complex in Quoc Toan commune takes on a completely different look when the first rains of the season raise the water level from underground caves. The green grass valley turns into a vast lake, clear as jade, sharp reflections of the surrounding limestone mountains. The blue color of the water blends with the green of the ocean to create a cool space, a great escape from the heat to help visitors dispel the sweltering heat of the city and enjoy the refreshment from the cool steam.

Transportation information

By air

Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is the most important aviation gateway connecting tourists from all over the country with their journey to explore the "wonderful valley" of the Northern mountains. With the outstanding development of aviation infrastructure by 2026, the airport will meet the frequency of dense domestic flights, helping passengers easily start their trip towards Quoc Toan commune, Cao Bang province right after landing. Choosing early flights helps you proactively have time to transfer to road vehicles, ready to enjoy the beauty of majestic mountain passes on the first day of the journey.

  • Distance and travel route: From Noi Bai airport to Thang Hen Lake in Quoc Toan commune, the distance is about 285km. Tourists travel along the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen - Bac Kan expressway extending to Cao Bang, which has been completed synchronously by 2026. Travel time by private car or service vehicle is now only about 5 hours, taking you through the vast forests and rustic limestone valleys of the highlands in an extremely smooth and fast way.

  • Reference ticket price: Tickets Airplanes range from 1,800,000 - 4,500,000 VND/way; The cost of a private pick-up and drop-off from the airport to Quoc Toan commune is about 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 VND/car.

By road

Passenger bus and luxury Limousine routes

The road transport network from Hanoi center to Cao Bang province has reached maximum comfort with sleeper and business class Limousine cars operating continuously 24/7. These vehicles are fully equipped with amenities such as personal entertainment systems, high-speed wifi and high-quality leather massage chairs, ensuring absolute comfort for travelers throughout the long journey. This is the optimal choice for those who want to save energy, allowing you to rest and relax before starting the trekking journey to explore the green grass valley and jade lake in Quoc Toan commune.

  • Reputable car companies: Kim Cuong Limousine, Khanh Hoan, Thanh Ly and transport units depart from meeting points in Hanoi and go straight to the central rest stop. province.

  • Reference ticket price: About 450,000 - 650,000 VND/trip depending on seat class and service quality of the bus company.

Internal transportation in Cao Bang province

Taxi and local technology car booking application method

Taxi is the most flexible means of transportation from central areas such as Thuc Phan ward or Nung Tri Cao ward to Thang Hen lake complex. The distance from the provincial center to the scenic spot in Quoc Toan commune is about 30km long with a flat asphalt road, winding through medicinal fields and peaceful villages. Experienced local drivers not only take you to your destination safely but are also willing to share stories about the legend of Thang Hen Lake and the mysterious cave on the top of the mountain.

  • Note: You can easily book a car through the switchboard of major companies such as Mai Linh Taxi or reputable local transport units in the Thuc Phan ward area.

  • Reference fare: About 16,000 - 20,000 VND/km for the journey from the province center to Quoc Toan commune directly.

>Rent a motorbike to experience freedom

For those who are passionate about conquering, renting a motorbike To personally experience the road towards Quoc Toan commune is an option not to be missed. Roads running through limestone valleys with a majestic and enchanting space will appear before your eyes right after each turn from the top of Ma Phuc Pass. The feeling of being able to freely stop and inhale the passionate scent of honey grass on the Nam Tra steppe or take photos with the leisurely horses is the most special attraction of this form of transportation.

  • Procedures: You only need to provide your Citizen ID card and a valid driver's license at car rental locations near the accommodation areas in the center of the province to pick up the car.

  • Reference rental price: Motorbike from 200,000 - 300,000 VND/day (excluding gasoline).

Accommodation information

Luxury (High-class hotel)

Kim Dong Hotel

Kim Dong Hotel

Located in the bustling central area of Thuc Phan ward, Kim Dong Hotel integrates smart room management technology of 2026 with prices ranging from 850,000 to 1,600,000 VND per night. The location right next to the walking street helps you easily experience the city's nightlife and prepare your energy for the journey to explore the core area of ​​the Geopark with only about 45 minutes by car. The professionalism in service and luxurious interior space here bring absolute peace of mind to travelers from far away who want to balance high-end amenities and the passion to explore the majestic mountain passes in Quang Hoa district.

Anh Duong Hotel

Located on the main road towards the outskirts of the city in Thuc Phan ward, Anh Duong Hotel scores points for its service style that meets international standards. The same accommodation cost ranges from 800,000 to 1,500,000 VND for one night. The hotel provides professional shuttle service by electric car and new Limousine directly to attractions in Quoc Toan commune, ensuring thoughtfulness and safety in each journey. This is an ideal stopover for you to rest in absolute quiet and rearrange your picnic equipment before entering the poetic God's Eye valley.

  • Other quality hotel options:

    • Ha Vuong Hotel: Thuc Phan Ward - Clean, comfortable space with prices around 600,000 - 1,100,000 VND/night.

    • Duc Trung Hotel: Thuc Phan Ward - Convenient location, enthusiastic service priced from 550,000 - 950,000 VND/night.

Resort (Resort, Villa)

Thang Hen Lake Ecotourism Area 

Thang Hen Lake Ecotourism Area

Located right next to the natural freshwater lake complex in Quoc Toan commune, this resort offers a system of rustic wooden bungalows in an eco-resort style with prices ranging from 900,000 to 1,800,000 VND per night. Guests can wake up amid the mist on the lake and enjoy the fresh air of the ocean right from the private balcony of each bungalow. This is the perfect stop for you to enjoy the quiet, participate in outdoor barbecues and only take a few minutes to walk to reach the lush green grass at the foot of Magic Eye Mountain.

Kolia Organic Farm & Resort

Although located in the Phia Oac tea hills, this is a high-class resort often chosen by tourists on their journey to explore the Eastern route. Cao Bang with a system of luxurious separate wooden villas. With prices ranging from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND per night, visitors can experience sophisticated resort services amid misty tea fields, enjoy the temperate climate and panoramic views of the vast sea of ​​clouds. This is the ideal accommodation choice for those who want to combine visiting Thang Hen Lake with relaxation in an isolated, classy and close-to-nature space according to international standards in 2026.

  • Other quality resort spaces:

    • Luxury Villa Pho Nui: Thuc Phan Ward with design Modern garden villa - Price from 1,200,000 - 2,500,000 VND/night.

    • Eco-Villa Quang Hoa: Neighborhood of Quoc Toan commune with valley view - Price from 900,000 - 2,000,000 VND/night.

Experience (Indigenous Homestay)

Thang Hen Lake Homestay

Located in a village neighboring the freshwater lake complex in Quoc Toan commune, Thang Hen Lake Homestay offers an authentic living experience in the traditional stilt houses of the Tay people with prices from 250,000 to 550,000 VND per night. The host here is very enthusiastic in guiding visitors on "secret" trekking routes leading to small, little-known lakes in the 36-lake system, and at the same time serving rustic dinners over an open fire. Waking up in the mist hanging over the lake right in front of the room is a privilege for those who want to temporarily leave the phone signal to completely immerse themselves in the vast nature.

Green Door Homestay

Nestled among orchards in the vicinity of Quoc Toan commune, Green Door Homestay scores points for its lush green space and professional SUP boat rental service at a cost of 300,000 to 700,000 VND per night. Guests can rest in exquisite wooden rooms with views of the majestic limestone mountains, participate in relaxing afternoon tea sessions under the canopy of ancient trees and pick vegetables from the garden for a rustic meal. The combination of meticulous service and "eco-friendly" space brings a sustainable resort experience, the perfect healing therapy after hours of conquering the Thuong Mountain steppe.

  • Other cozy homestay locations:

    • Yen Homestay: Xa Quoc Toan – Rustic wooden space Desert, close - Price from 250,000 - 500,000 VND/night.

    • Quoc Toan Garden: Commune center area - Price from 300,000 - 600,000 VND/night.

Festival cuisine and culture

Famous restaurants

Red Mountain Cave Restaurant

Located right on the main road leading to the scenic complex of Ho Thang Hen in Quoc Toan commune, the restaurant is a prestigious culinary stop chosen by a large number of tourists thanks to its unique space in cave and an extensive menu of specialties. The restaurant is famous for dishes made from natural lake fish and grilled hill chicken with honey, imbued with the delicious, sweet flavor typical of the mountains and forests of Quang Hoa. With costs ranging from 150,000 to 350,000 VND per diner, the professional and agile service style here ensures you have a complete lunch before continuing your journey to explore the majestic Magic Eye Mountain.

Red Mountain Cave Restaurant

Thu Hang Restaurant

Located in the center of the residential cluster of Quoc Toan commune, Thu Hang Restaurant is an ideal address to enjoy rustic dishes imbued with the identity of the Tay ethnic people in the highlands of Quang Hoa. Diners coming here often cannot miss the crispy-skinned roasted duck with molasses and the famous whole roasted Ban Pig, meticulously prepared from clean ingredients harvested directly from the villages in the region. The cost here is about 150,000 to 300,000 VND per person, combined with the warmth and hospitality of the host, bringing a cozy feeling like a family meal in the heart of the romantic limestone valley of the Global Geopark.

Some other quality culinary places around the area:

  • Thanh Trung Restaurant (Quoc Toan Commune): Famous for traditional roasted duck pho and grilled rib sausage with prices ranging from 100,000 - 250,000 VND.

  • Thuy Hieu Restaurant (Quoc Toan Commune): Specializes in serving affordable rice and fish Fried springs and local snacks cost from 50,000 - 120,000 VND.

  • Thang Hen Restaurant (In tourist area): The most convenient place to dine while looking at the jade lake with prices from 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person.

Local cuisine

Quang Hoa duck fried rice dumplings

At markets in Quoc Toan commune, fried rice dumplings are a "soul" dish that warms the souls of tourists in the cold weather of the Northeast highlands. The crispy crust is made from a mixture of glutinous rice flour and finely ground soybeans, embracing the richly marinated duck meat filling and then fried until golden in a pan of boiling oil, priced from only 10,000 to 15,000 VND each. The fatty taste of duck mixed with sweet and sour dipping sauce and green papaya creates an irresistible flavor, bringing a refreshing source of energy for the journey to explore Phja Piót underground cave.

Grilled Thang Hen Lake fish

Thang Hen Lake fish is a quintessential product caught directly from the natural freshwater lake system in Quoc Toan commune in clean water flowing from the caves. underground cave. This fish has firm, fragrant meat and absolutely no fishy smell. It is often grilled on a bamboo grill over pink charcoal at a price of about 150,000 to 250,000 VND per plate. Enjoying a fragrant piece of grilled fish with a cup of passionate corn wine in the quiet space of the jade lake surface will help you fully feel the rustic yet sophisticated flavor of the border region in 2026.

Experiential cuisine

Picnic barbecue at the foot of Magic Eye Mountain

Experience organizing a barbecue BBQ right on the Nam Tra steppe, under the shadow of the unique "hole" mountain, is an extremely interesting activity for groups of friends when visiting Quoc Toan commune. In a spacious space, the feeling of personally grilling fragrant Ban Pork skewers with an ingredient cost of about 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person helps you completely get rid of the fatigue of city life. This is a great way to enjoy freedom amidst majestic nature, enjoying hot food while watching herds of horses freely grazing on the side of limestone mountains.

Enjoy Shan Tuyet tea on a raft

Sitting and sipping a cup of ancient Shan Tuyet tea on rafts drifting slowly on the surface of the jade lake in Quoc Toan commune is an extremely sophisticated cultural experience of 2026. With a service cost of 100,000 to 200,000 VND per group, you will listen to the gurgling sound of water flowing through the rocks and watch the mountain reflection under the clear blue water. Talking with local drivers and listening to stories about Thang Hen Lake helps visitors feel connected and love the simple beauty of the people here.

Culture & Festival Experience

Quoc Toan Commune Spring Festival

Quoc Toan Commune Spring Festival 

Held bustlingly on the 20th day of the first lunar month every year in the central area of Quoc Toan commune, this is the largest festival in the region bearing the cultural imprint of the Tay and Nung ethnic people in Quang Hoa district. The unique highlight that attracts the most tourists is the dramatic bullfighting performances, demonstrating the martial spirit and ingenious cattle care skills of border highland residents. Tourists visiting Magic Eye Mountain in early 2026 will be immersed in the crowded festival crowd, listen to the crisp sound of festival drums and participate in folk games such as tossing shuttlecocks and pushing sticks amid the majestic mountains and forests.

Suggestions for other cultural activities and experiences:

  • Then singing cultural exchange: Participate in Then singing performances: smooth Tinh Dan performance with the indigenous performing arts team at homestay areas in Quoc Toan commune.

  • Shop for souvenirs: Choose from dried bamboo shoots, wild shiitake mushrooms and fruit jams at a system of clean agricultural stores in Thuc Phan ward.

  • Taking photos of national costumes: Renting traditional indigo suits system with prices ranging from 50,000 - 100,000 VND to keep commemorative photos of the majestic "God's Eye".

  • Explore Quoc Toan market: Visit and learn about the typical lifestyle and exchange of goods of ethnic minorities on trading days of the month.

Area have fun

Thang Hen Glamping & Eco Outdoor 

Thang Hen Glamping & Eco Outdoor

Thang Hen Glamping & Eco Outdoor is located right on the shore of the jade lake in Quoc Toan commune, bringing a completely new style of entertainment close to nature. High-class tents are set up in the middle of the green valley, fully equipped with modern amenities to help visitors enjoy a professional camping feeling while still ensuring absolute comfort. In the context of sustainable tourism in 2026, this is an ideal rendezvous for those who want to "escape" from the noise of the city to immerse themselves in the quiet space and inhale the passionate scent of honey grass of Quang Hoa mountains and forests.

This area also has many other attractive experiential activities for tourists:

  • SUP rowing and rafting on the lake: Experience gliding on jade water, weaving through rock holes and watching the undulating limestone cliffs reflect in the lake bed of Quoc Toan commune.

  • Night campfire exchange: An activity that connects the community with music, bamboo dance and stories told by the fire in the quiet steppe space.

  • Check-in Nam Tra steppe: Capture "million-view" frames with nomadic horses and the unique God's Eye mountain penetrating the blue sky.

  • Team Building: Flat and large lawn space is extremely suitable for business groups to organize bonding activities amidst majestic nature.

  • Cycling to explore the village: Rent a mountain bike to ride around the small roads through the corn fields and learn about the rustic life of residents of Quoc Toan commune.

Suggested tour

Experience tour

>3 Days 2 Nights Tour: Tuyet Tinh Coc – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang Mountain Street

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Hanoi – Conquer Ma Phuc Pass – Check in at central hotel in Thuc Phan ward.

    • Day 2: Ward Thuc Phan - Dam Thuy Commune (Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave) - Quoc Toan Commune (Thang Hen Lake, sunset hunting on Magic Eye Mountain) - Return to Thuc Phan ward.

    • Day 3: Visit Phuc Sen forging village - Shop for clean agricultural products - Return to Hanoi.

  • Features: The journey offers a panoramic view of the majesty of the Northeast, combining the wonder of cross-border waterfalls and the magical beauty of a system of 36 underground lakes. Visitors will clearly feel the development of infrastructure in 2026 with flat asphalt roads, making traveling between destinations faster and more professional. This is an opportunity for you to both explore nature and experience modern mountain town life while still imbued with national identity.

  • Transportation: Business class tourist car, equipped with massage chairs and wifi throughout the journey.

  • Reference tour price: 3,100,000 – 3,650,000 VND/person (Full package of specialty dining services, standard hotels and sightseeing tickets).

  • Suggested organizers: PYS Travel, Vietravel.

Family tour

>Tour 1 Date: Green Journey - Magic Eye Steppe & Bich Ngoc Lake

  • Itinerary: Thuc Phan Ward - Move to Quoc Toan commune - Visit Thang Hen Lake complex - SUP boating to admire the lake - Picnic and picnic in Nam Tra valley at the foot of Magic Eye Mountain - Explore Phja Piót cave - Return to the province center.

  • Features: Tour is designed specifically for families who want to find a green resort space and participate in gentle outdoor activities. Children will be extremely excited to run and jump on the vast grass, while adults can relax and sip afternoon tea beside the calm jade lake. The spacious space of Quoc Toan commune and the thoughtful preparation of picnic parties will help your family have moments of absolute relaxation after a busy working week.

  • Transportation: Personal car or new group tour car.

  • Reference tour price: 800,000 - 1,100,000 VND/person (Including shuttle bus, premium picnic lunch and SUP boat/raft rental fee).

  • Suggested organizer: Cao Bang Eco Travel, Highlands Tourism Company.

Ecotourism & Discovery

Tour 2 Days 1 Night: Thang Hen Glamping & Conquering the Divine Eye Light

  • Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Thuc Phan Ward – Quoc Toan Commune – Light trekking to explore the underground lake system – Receive a modern Glamping tent – Enjoy BBQ party and campfire in the middle of the valley.

    • Day 2: Catch the first rays of sunlight through the heart of Magic Eye Mountain - Experience chestnut picking with indigenous people (seasonal) - Explore the underground cave entrance - Return to Thuc Phan ward.

  • Features: Experience for those who love freedom and wish to "heal" their soul amidst the pristine nature of the Global Geopark. The unique highlight is a night of sleeping in a high-class tent with full amenities right in the heart of the steppe, listening to the sounds of insects and watching the dense starry sky. The moment the dawn light shines straight through the majestic "magic eye" in Quoc Toan commune will definitely be an extremely splendid and memorable visual memory in 2026.

  • Transportation: Specialized cars and trekking to explore the terrain on foot.

  • Reference tour price: 1,850,000 - 2,400,000 VND/person (Including Glamping service, specialized travel insurance and local tour guide).

  • Suggested organizers: Meditours Cao Bang, Luxtour.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Specialties as gifts

Quang Hoa wild honey: Exploited completely naturally from rock holes and forests surrounding Quoc Toan commune, the honey here is golden in color, thick and carries the passionate scent of highland forest flowers. In 2026, this product is often packaged in delicate glass bottles by indigenous people with clear traceability stamps, becoming a valuable gift to help improve the health of loved ones after the trip. The elegant, not harsh sweetness of forest honey is the crystallization of the Northeast sky and earth, bringing a warm and refreshing feeling every time you enjoy it with early tea. Price is about 400,000 - 600,000 VND/liter.

Quang forest honey Hoa

Quoc Toan's dried bamboo shoots sprouts: The freshest wild bamboo shoots are harvested by people in the rainy season, then boiled and dried naturally in the highland sun and wind until they reach golden yellow and have a characteristic sunny scent. This is an indispensable ingredient to prepare greasy bone soup or stir-fry with chicken intestines, bringing the crunchiness and rich aftertaste of Quang Hoa mountains and forests to the family kitchen. Bamboo shoots will be professionally vacuum-packaged in 2026, making it very convenient for tourists to carry on long journeys without worrying about damage or odor. Price is about 250,000 - 450,000 VND/kg.

Cultural souvenirs and crafts

Traditional Dan Tinh (Mini Dan Tinh): An important spiritual symbol of the Tay ethnic people in Quoc Toan commune, the Tinh Dan is crafted from old dried gourds and mulberry wood and is an extremely meaningful souvenir for culture lovers. Visitors can choose to buy small-sized guitars as decorative gifts or traditional guitars to learn about the smooth Then singing of the foggy country. Each guitar is not only a musical instrument but also a work of art expressing the ingenuity and romantic soul of the residents of the core area of ​​the Global Geopark. Prices range from 350,000 - 1,200,000 VND.

Tay conical hat (Non Lon): Handwoven from carefully selected bamboo fibers and leaves, the conical hat of Tay women in Quang Hoa region has an elegant shape, is light and extremely durable against the sun and rain of the border. This is an effective protective item during trekking trips and is also a great accessory for you to combine with traditional indigo costumes when taking photos by the jade lake. Owning a hand-woven conical hat not only helps you preserve memories of your trip but also contributes to supporting local artisans in preserving long-standing traditional crafts. Prices range from 120,000 - 250,000 VND.

Reputable shopping location

Quang Uyen Market (Quang Hoa District): Meeting on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, 26th lunar month, this is the largest market in the neighborhood Quoc Toan commune and located right on the road from Thang Hen to Ban Gioc. Here, you will be overwhelmed by the richness of forest spices such as doi seeds and mac khen to precious medicinal herbs and exquisite bamboo and rattan household utensils of the Nung and Tay ethnic people. This is a trading space with indigenous characteristics, where you can directly bargain and listen to interesting daily life stories from highland grandmothers and mothers.

Agricultural product stall at the Tourist Area (Quoc Toan commune): The most convenient shopping stop is located right at the entrance to the Thang Hen Lake complex, where a full range of specialties from black arrowroot vermicelli to Shan Tuyet teas have been beautifully packaged as gifts. The products here always have enthusiastic guidance from local staff, helping you feel completely secure about the quality and origin before ending your exploration journey. In 2026, this store system will support flexible electronic payments, helping visitors easily own the most satisfactory gifts for relatives and friends.

Support information and other information

Emergency support information

In order for the journey to explore the jade lake bed and Mat Than steppe in Quoc Toan commune to always be safe, saving the hotline numbers of the authorities is extremely necessary. These units not only ensure security and order but are also a timely "lifesaver" if you encounter problems with service quality or need directions in the limestone maze area of Quang Hoa district.

  • Quang Hoa district police: 02063.820.126 - Headquartered in Quang Uyen town (direct management unit of Quoc commune) Toan).

  • Standing office of the Provincial Department of Tourism: 02063.852.232 - Headquartered in Thuc Phan ward.

  • Hotline reflecting the quality of tourism services: 0912.132.090 - Receiving complaints 24/7 on entire province.

In situations requiring quick medical intervention or rescue on complex mountainous terrain around Nam Tra valley, visitors should immediately connect to the national emergency system. The rapid response team in Quang Hoa district has been extensively trained in cave rescue and high mountain terrain in 2026, ready to be there to support you in overcoming unexpected incidents, helping your trip to explore heritage always be complete and secure.

Local support information

Quoc Toan Commune People's Committee:

  • Address: Central area of Quoc Toan commune, Quang Hoa district (located right on the main road leading to the lake).

  • Phone number: 02063.821.205.

  • Function: Agency highest state management in the area, responsible for ensuring a civilized and safe tourism environment and supporting tourists with temporary stay procedures when visiting the scenic core area.

Quang Hoa District Medical Center:

  • Address: Hoa Binh Street, Quang Uyen Town, Quang Hoa District.

  • Phone number: 02063.820.134.

  • Function: Nearest district medical unit, providing first aid, treatment and mobile medical support services for tourists in necessary cases while experiencing the Ho Thang Hen eco-tourism area.

Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark Management Board:

  • Address: 4th Floor, No. 11 Ly Tu Trong Street, Thuc Phan Ward.

  • Heritage support hotline: 02063.859.198.

  • Function: Providing scientific information, detailed maps of heritage sites in Quoc Toan commune and assisting tourists in connecting with local guides who are knowledgeable about the unique underground lake system of this land.

Thang Hen Lake and Than Than Mountain in Quoc Toan commune are always open to welcome those who are passionate about exploring; Hopefully the above supporting information will be a reliable companion for you to confidently conquer every corner of the "jade" in the heart of the great world of 2026.