Phan Thanh Grass Hill – An Endless Green Meadow in the Mountains of Nguyen Binh
Gentle hills roll one after another, blanketed in lush green grass like a giant velvet carpet stretching to the horizon. Horses and cattle graze at an easy pace as bells clink through the quiet. White clouds drift lazily across the mountainsides. This is Phan Thanh Grass Hill, a small meadow in the mountains of Nguyen Binh where visitors feel as though they can embrace the whole sky and earth.
Where Is Phan Thanh Grass Hill?
The grassland is in Na Mung Hamlet (also recorded in some sources as Na Nung), Phan Thanh Commune (in the former Nguyen Binh District), about 70–75 km from Cao Bang City. Locals and visitors commonly call it Phan Thanh Grass Hill or Na Mung Grass Hill.
Getting there: From Cao Bang City, take National Highway 34 west toward the districts for about 43 km. At the Son Dong guesthouse area, turn onto Provincial Road 212. Continue for about 15 km to Phia Den Hamlet, Thanh Cong Commune, then follow the road toward Phan Thanh.
The route to Phan Thanh is mountainous and may be uneven, but the reward at the end of the journey is well worth it.
A 22-Hectare Meadow in the Highlands
Covering more than 22 hectares, Phan Thanh Grass Hill feels like a vast meadow set amid the mountains. It is not a single isolated hill, but a series of gentle slopes stretching as far as the eye can see.
The terrain is mostly level, with a few gentle rises that are easy to walk. At a moderate elevation, the hilltops are easy to reach and offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Each vantage point is a lovely place to take in the highland sky and clouds.
Many visitors compare the scenery to the grasslands of Moc Chau or the meadow below Mat Than Mountain, but Phan Thanh has its own character: wild, unspoiled and wonderfully quiet.
Highlights on the Hill
The boulder on the hilltop: A small rock stands alone at the top of the grassy hill, rising just over a meter above the ground. Now a popular photo spot with young travelers, it is nicknamed the “Social Media Rock.”
The lone tree: Standing by itself amid the grass, this tree makes a striking, emotive backdrop for photos.
Grazing livestock: Horses, cattle and buffalo graze at their leisure as bells ring across the hills, adding to the peaceful, pastoral scene.
When Should You Visit?
Phan Thanh Grass Hill takes on a new look with every season:
- Autumn (around September to October): The best time to visit. The hills are covered in vivid green grass, and the weather is cool and pleasant. Wisps of cloud hover in the sky in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Summer: The grass is lush, and the air is cool and fresh, making it an ideal escape from the heat.
- Spring: Fresh grass sprouts as the mountains come alive with new growth.
- Winter: The grass turns golden brown, lending the landscape a quieter, more subdued beauty.
Best time of day: Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light and cloud views, making them ideal for photography.
What Can You Do at Phan Thanh Grass Hill?
Hike to the Hilltop
Climb to the hilltop and take in the peaceful landscape stretching to the horizon. Standing in the vast meadow with the wind sweeping across it is an unforgettable experience.
Take Photos
There are plenty of beautiful photo spots on the hill: the rock at the summit, the lone tree, rolling grassy slopes and grazing livestock. Wear bright colors such as white, red or yellow to stand out against the green grass.
Camp and Picnic
The wide-open space is perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket or pitching a tent. Spending a night on the grassland, gazing at the stars and watching the sunrise over the hill, will make a lasting memory.
Unwind in nature
Simply sit among the grass, listen to the wind and the bells around the cattle’s necks, and watch the clouds drift by. The open landscape helps you leave the worries of everyday life behind.
Explore the Phia Oac – Phia Den area
Phan Thanh Grass Hill is close to several of Nguyen Binh’s most appealing attractions:
- Hon Da Song Ao: a popular photo spot at the top of the grass hill.
- Kolia Organic Farm and Kolia Tea Plantation: an organic tea garden atop Phia Den, along the way to Phan Thanh.
- Phia Oac – Phia Den National Park: home to pristine moss-covered forests and a cloud-watching spot at the summit of Phia Oac.
- Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest: a lush green bamboo grove straight out of a martial arts film.
- Khuoi Hau Community Tourism: a Hmong village in Phan Thanh Commune.
Suggested one-day itinerary: Head to the summit of Phia Oac in the morning to watch the clouds, stop at Kolia for tea at midday, then return to Phan Thanh Grass Hill in the afternoon to watch the sunset.
Visitor tips
- Mountain roads: Drive carefully, check your vehicle before setting out, and avoid traveling in heavy rain or thick fog.
- Bring essentials: Pack drinking water, snacks, and warm clothing, as there are few services around the hill.
- Keep your distance from livestock: Do not tease or chase local residents’ buffaloes, cattle, or horses.
- Do not light fires carelessly, especially during the dry season when the grass catches fire easily.
- Take your rubbish with you to keep the grass hill clean, green, and unspoiled.
- Respect local residents: The grass hill is used for grazing, so ask permission if you plan to camp overnight.
In conclusion
Phan Thanh Grass Hill has no elaborate services or grand structures. There is only green grass, white clouds, mountain breezes, and the sound of cattle bells ringing across the grassland. Yet that simplicity is exactly what makes visitors want to stay a little longer. If you are looking for a place to slow down and breathe in nature, make the trip to Phan Thanh.
