Thanh Cong Bamboo Forest – a “martial arts film” forest at 1,000 meters in Nguyen Binh
Walk between rows of towering bamboo, listen to the wind rustle through the leaves, and watch sunlight filter through the green canopy in delicate streaks—it feels like stepping into a martial arts film. That’s what awaits at Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest in Thanh Cong Commune, one of the most popular green escapes in western Cao Bang. But this forest is more than a beautiful place to visit. It also tells the story of how local people protect both their livelihoods and the landscape for visitors.
Where is the bamboo forest?
The forest is in Ban Phuong Hamlet, Thanh Cong Commune (formerly in Nguyen Binh District). In July 2025, the new Thanh Cong Commune was formed from Quang Thanh and Thanh Cong communes.
The forest is about 35–40 km from the former center of Nguyen Binh. It lies along the western tourism route, “Discovering Phja Oac – Mountains of Change,” in the UNESCO Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark.
At more than 1,000 meters above sea level, the forest enjoys a cool, pleasant climate year-round. Even in midsummer, it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket.
A bamboo forest with rules for its care
Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest now covers more than 40 hectares. The bamboo here grows tall and straight, with slender stalks and lush green leaves, creating a cool, peaceful retreat.
Bamboo is an important source of income throughout the area. Nguyen Binh has around 2,300 hectares of bamboo forest. Nearly every commune grows bamboo, especially Ca Thanh, Thanh Cong, Minh Tam, The Duc, and Trieu Nguyen.
What sets Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest apart is how local people care for it. When the community decided to turn the bamboo grove into a visitor attraction, it established rules for harvesting bamboo and vau, setting out the right methods and seasons. Residents supported the plan. Hoang Van Hoat, a member of the Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest management team, says that since visitors began coming, people have reminded one another to avoid careless harvesting and protect the scenery.
In other words, every straight row of bamboo you see today reflects the commitment of an entire community.
Tourism that respects the landscape
Visitor facilities here were planned to minimize their impact on the natural surroundings. The walking path is a good example. Instead of covering the ground with concrete, builders made individual concrete slabs and laid them down as a path, preserving the bamboo forest’s natural appearance. There’s also a parking area and a central rest stop tucked behind a stand of trees.
As you walk along the small concrete slabs set among soil and bamboo leaves, you’ll see how tourism can respect nature.
What to do in the bamboo forest
Take a walk and enjoy a forest bathing experience. The deeper you go into the forest, the more you’ll feel the cool, fresh mountain air. Slow down, turn off your music, and simply listen to the wind moving through the bamboo leaves.
Take photos in traditional costume. The scenery feels like something from a martial arts film or one of Japan’s famous bamboo forests. A long dress, traditional-style outfit, or clothes in white or red will stand out against the green.
Enjoy a relaxed picnic. Bring food and drinks to enjoy in the bamboo forest, but remember to take all your rubbish with you.
Best time to visit: The bamboo forest is beautiful year-round. Early mornings bring a dreamy veil of mist, while the afternoon sun filtering through the bamboo makes for lovely photos.
Explore Phia Oac – Phia Den
Thanh Cong Bamboo Forest is surrounded by plenty of interesting places to visit. Stop by Phia Den Market for distinctive local produce, or head to the summit of Phia Oac to catch the sea of clouds. Thanh Cong Commune is also home to:
- Red Villa – a French colonial-era ruin among the pine forests of Phia Den.
- Vong Tien Cung Shrine – an old shrine with Chinese couplets on a mountain summit.
If you love bamboo forests, compare it with Luong Pan Bamboo Forest in Huy Giap Commune. Each has its own distinctive charm.
Visitor Tips
- Respect local property: Don’t break branches, carve into the bamboo, or cut it down.
- Stay on the walking paths: Avoid stepping on bamboo shoots and roots off the trail.
- No open fires: Dry bamboo leaves catch fire easily.
- Take your rubbish with you: Leave the forest as clean as you found it.
- What to bring: Grippy shoes, warm clothing, and insect repellent. The mountain road has steep, winding sections, so check your vehicle before setting off.
Thanh Cong Bamboo Forest is beautiful not only for its neat rows of green bamboo, but also for the story behind them: a small hamlet at an altitude of over 1,000 metres has come together to protect the forest and welcome visitors in a way that respects nature. Take your time, breathe deeply, and leave nothing behind but your footprints.
