Angle eye mountain
Angel Eye Mountain (Núi Mắt Thần) – The Hidden Gem of the Cao Bang Loop
One of the most spectacular landscapes in Cao Bang, Angel Eye Mountain – locally known as Núi Mắt Thần – lies deep inside the Thang Hen Valley.
With its unique formation — a giant circular hole piercing through a limestone cliff — this mountain is often called the “Heaven’s Gate” of the Karst Plateau stretching between Bac Kan and Cao Bang.
Where is Angel Eye Mountain?
Angel Eye Mountain is located in Tra Linh District, about 50 km from Cao Bang City.
It sits along the famous Cao Bang Loop, the scenic route connecting Ban Gioc Waterfall, Thang Hen Lake, and several ancient Tay ethnic villages.
🧭 Travel coordinates:
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Around 1 hour’s drive from Cao Bang City
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10 minutes from Thang Hen Lake
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Inside the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark
Why is it called “Angel Eye”?
The name Angel Eye comes from the enormous natural hole carved through the limestone mountain by millions of years of erosion.
When sunlight passes through the circular opening, it creates the image of a giant eye gazing over the lush green valley — a truly surreal sight, especially from a drone view.
What to Do at Angel Eye Mountain
🚶♂️ Trek through the peaceful Thang Hen Valley
🏕 Camp overnight inside the valley beneath the “eye”
🚣 Kayak or bamboo raft across the serene Thang Hen Lake
📸 Drone & photography spot: sunrise or golden sunset
💡 Pro tip: If you go with a local guide, you can hike up the ridge on the right side of the valley to capture a direct view through the “eye” — one of the rarest angles.
Best Time to Visit
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September – November: Best scenery — green grass, crystal-clear lake
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April – June: Ideal for camping and drone photography
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Avoid July – August: Heavy rains can make the dirt roads slippery
How to Get There
From Cao Bang City, follow National Highway 3 north, then turn toward Thang Hen Lake.
Suitable for motorbikes, cars, or jeeps.
It’s part of the Cao Bang Loop 3D2N–4D3N tours or the Ha Giang–Cao Bang Loop adventure.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Cao Bang → Thang Hen Lake → Angel Eye Mountain → Overnight Camping
Day 2: Ban Gioc Waterfall → Nguom Ngao Cave → Return to Cao Bang
👉 Check out our Cao Bang Loop 4D3N Tour
Travel Tips
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Bring a light jacket, headlamp, and sleeping bag if camping
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The road into the valley is dirt—go with a local guide for safety
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Avoid going alone at night (no phone signal in the valley)
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Angel Eye Mountain is one of the few places in Vietnam where dramatic geology meets pristine wilderness.
If Ha Giang amazes travelers with its high passes and rugged peaks, Cao Bang touches the heart with its silence, purity, and raw beauty — best captured in hidden valleys like Núi Mắt Thần.
