Lung Pan Bamboo Forest: Wander Through the “Bamboo Capital” of the Huy Giap Highlands
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a bamboo forest straight out of a martial arts film, you don’t have to travel far. In western Cao Bang, on the high slopes of Huy Giap, bamboo-lined paths stretch into the distance, their tall green stalks rustling in the breeze as sunlight filters through the leaves. This is Lung Pan Bamboo Forest, a still-pristine destination where natural beauty is closely tied to the livelihoods of local people.
Where Is It, and How Do You Get There?
The bamboo forest is in Lung Pan Village, Huy Giap Commune (formerly Bao Lac District). In July 2025, the new Huy Giap Commune was formed by merging Dinh Phung and Huy Giap communes.
Lung Pan is about 100 km from Cao Bang City, a drive of roughly three hours. The route is fairly straightforward: follow National Highway 34, then turn toward Lung Pan. From the former center of Bao Lac, it’s about 42 km.
National Highway 34 is one of Cao Bang’s scenic mountain routes, so take your time and stop to enjoy the views along the way. Check your vehicle carefully, fill up with fuel, and avoid traveling on days with heavy rain, when the mountain roads can be slippery.
The “Bamboo Capital”
Huy Giap is known as the “bamboo capital,” with thousands of towering bamboo stalks covering the high slopes of Lung Pan. The bamboo forest stretches beyond Lung Pan to villages such as Nam Cop, Lung Cam, and Pac Tra. Lung Pan is considered the largest area for commercial bamboo cultivation, and over time it has also become a popular tourist destination.
Interestingly, this isn’t a virgin forest. It’s the result of local people’s hard work. Bamboo is Bao Lac’s main crop, covering around 2,200 hectares, with more than 1,300 hectares ready for harvesting. The stalks here are straight, thick, and evenly rounded, making them highly sought after in the market.
Bamboo has transformed the lives of many local families. Dang Quy Tan, from Lung Pan Village, saw how profitable bamboo farming could be, so his family bought more land to expand their fields. As you walk through the forest, you’re walking through the “backyard” of Lung Pan’s residents.
What to Do in the Bamboo Forest
Walk Along Bamboo-Lined Paths
Bamboo grows on both sides of the road, creating a cool green corridor that stretches all the way to the commune center. The deeper you go into the forest, the fresher the air feels. Thousands of straight bamboo stalks line the path like two green walls.
A tip from the editor: turn off your music, put your phone away for a while, and just listen. The wind passing through the bamboo, the rustle of leaves, and the calls of forest birds are Lung Pan’s most distinctive “soundtrack.”
Take a Break on Bamboo Benches and Swings
Local authorities and residents have invested in the forest to welcome visitors. Bamboo stalks have been used to make benches, swings, resting platforms, and tea tables, giving visitors a place to pause while adding to the forest’s dreamy atmosphere. Sipping tea among the bamboo is a wonderfully unhurried experience.
Take Photos in Period Costume
Many people describe this place as a setting straight out of a period drama. The neat rows of green bamboo make a striking backdrop for traditional long dresses, historical costumes, or martial arts outfits. If you love taking photos, consider bringing an outfit to match.
Camp Overnight
If you’d like to stay longer, you can camp in the bamboo forest. Bring a tent, a groundsheet, and ready-to-eat food so you can skip cooking and keep things simple.
Visit Dao and Hmong Villages
The bamboo-lined road leads to Dao and Hmong villages, where old wooden homes and earth floors bear the marks of time. If you’re invited inside, take the opportunity to chat with your hosts and learn more about life in the highlands.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is on a clear, sunny day with blue skies and dry conditions. Early morning and late afternoon offer the most beautiful light filtering through the bamboo canopy. Winters in Bao Lac can be very cold, while mountain roads may become slippery during the rainy season, so plan accordingly.
Help Keep the Bamboo Forest Green
- Respect local property: The bamboo forest is a source of livelihood for local residents. Don’t break branches, carve into the stalks, or cut bamboo for camping gear.
- Be careful with fire: If you camp, avoid lighting a fire if possible. If you must, choose a safe spot and put it out completely before leaving, as dry bamboo leaves catch fire easily.
- Take your rubbish with you: Leave the forest as clean as you found it.
- Come prepared: Bring water, snacks, a jacket, and insect repellent. Services in the area are limited.
- Ask locals for directions: Residents are friendly and happy to point the way.
Lung Pan Bamboo Forest isn’t a grand natural wonder. Its beauty lies in its simple, unspoiled character and in the hands of the local people who planted its green bamboo groves. Walking through the forest, you can enjoy the rare fresh air while seeing how highland communities have turned bamboo into a path out of poverty. Spend a day in Lung Pan, and you’ll come away with more than just beautiful photos.
