Over 100-Year-Old Milkwood Tree in Trung Phuc 3 – A Living Landmark Amid the Mountains of Cao Bang
Along the winding roads through the mountains of Cao Bang, some places don’t impress with grand scenery at first glance. Instead, they make you want to stop for something a little different: an unexpected view beside the road, a peaceful village corner, or an old tree that has stood for generations.
In the former hamlet of Coc Phay, now part of Trung Phuc 3 Hamlet, stands a milkwood tree believed to be more than 100 years old. Surrounded by the lush mountain landscape, it rises beside a small road, a living witness to the passage of time and a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to discover the quieter charms of Cao Bang.
A century-old milkwood tree in the mountains
The first thing you notice about this old milkwood tree is its height and its weathered trunk, rugged with age. Large branches stretch up from the main trunk, spreading into a canopy of green against the sky. Behind it, mountain ranges unfold one after another, while a small road winds along the hillside below, creating a scene that feels close to nature in this highland region.
Standing before a tree more than a century old, it is easy to imagine all it has lived through. More than 100 years means countless rainy and sunny seasons, leaves turning year after year, and changes across the surrounding land. While life keeps moving, the tree continues to reach skyward, its roots holding fast to the earth amid the mountain scenery.
An old tree’s appeal lies in more than its size or age. It also evokes the passage of time and the generations it connects. Beneath its canopy, looking up at the great branches reaching overhead, visitors can pause during their journey and notice details that are easy to miss when passing by too quickly.
If you have a chance to visit, take in the tree from different angles. From the road, admire its striking silhouette against the mountain landscape, then come closer to see the trunk and the marks left by the years. Sometimes, these seemingly ordinary details are what make a stop memorable.
Start your journey at Thong Hue Market
The old milkwood tree stands in the area of the former Coc Phay Hamlet, now part of Trung Phuc 3 Hamlet. It is about 4 km from Thong Hue Market, an estimated 15-minute drive along the currently known route. The concrete road makes it easier to reach than some of the more challenging mountain roads in the region.
The journey begins well before you arrive at the tree. The scenery along the way is part of the experience, with streams winding through the landscape, lush greenery, and broad slopes covered in ferns creating a fresh, peaceful atmosphere.
This is a route best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. Rather than focusing only on the final destination, take time to observe the scenery and stop at suitable, safe spots to capture the mountain landscape. A stream flowing through a rocky crevice, hillsides covered in greenery, or a small road winding through open country can all become memorable details of the trip.
For photography enthusiasts and travelers keen to explore local life, the appeal of the journey often lies in its unplanned moments. The scenery shifts with every stretch of road, the light changes throughout the day, and each new viewpoint offers a different impression of the landscape.
Visit Cho Waterfall along the same route
One advantage of this trip is that you can also visit Cho Waterfall along the way. That makes the journey about more than finding the old milkwood tree: it also offers a chance to take in more of the area’s natural scenery.
If the milkwood tree brings a sense of history and old-world charm, the water and scenery around Cho Waterfall add a different dimension to the journey. Ancient trees, streams, waterfalls and green fern-covered slopes offer plenty for visitors to take in, photograph and enjoy outdoors.
Check road conditions and the weather before setting out, especially if you plan to visit the area near the waterfall or stream. When stopping for photos, choose a safe spot, avoid slippery rocks and take all your rubbish with you.
Rather than trying to visit as many places as possible in a short time, take this trip at a slower pace: admire the milkwood tree, enjoy the scenery along the way and visit Cho Waterfall if conditions allow.
A stop for those who love exploring Cao Bang
Not every worthwhile destination needs grand structures or lively tourist activities. Sometimes, a place’s value lies in what makes it distinctive: an old tree, a mountain road or a simple landscape closely tied to local life.
The ancient milkwood tree in Trung Phuc 3 is a suggestion for anyone looking to expand their Cao Bang itinerary, discover lesser-known places and spend time appreciating the natural surroundings. It may not suit travelers seeking a wide range of tourist services in one place, but it is well worth considering if you enjoy relaxed trips, scenic landscapes and learning about the region’s heritage.
If you’re planning to explore the Thong Hue area and its surroundings, save this spot for your itinerary and pair it with Cho Waterfall for a short trip through the mountains.
Sometimes, what stays with you after a journey isn’t the number of places you visited, but a moment when you truly paused, looked around and felt the beauty of the place beneath your feet.
Visitor Information
- Location: Ancient milkwood tree, in the area of the former Coc Phay Hamlet, now part of Trung Phuc 3 Hamlet, Doai Duong Commune, Cao Bang Province.
- Suggested starting point: Thong Hue Market.
- Distance: About 4 km from Thong Hue Market.
- Travel time: About 15 minutes, depending on conditions.
- Road: Concrete road, according to the information provided.
- Nearby attractions: Cho Waterfall and the streams and fern-covered slopes along the route.
