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Mã Phục Pass in Cao Bằng, with its magnificent natural mountain scenery, is a favorite route among travelers on the Ban Gioc Waterfall Tour. Discover all about this pass before embarking on your journey.
Where is Mã Phục Pass Located?
Mã Phục Pass is situated in Quốc Toản commune, Trà Lĩnh district, Cao Bằng. The pass stretches over 3.5km and rises approximately 700m above sea level. Renowned as one of the perilous mountainous routes in Northeast Vietnam, it is precisely this feature that attracts many adventure enthusiasts and makes it an ideal stop for those traveling to Ban Gioc Waterfall on a guided tour.
To conquer Mã Phục Pass, you will navigate through 7 winding slopes with numerous twists and turns along the rocky mountain sides. With the mountain on one side and a deep abyss on the other, it provides an exhilarating experience for all drivers.
Taking the time to explore this route, tourists will be treated to breathtaking natural landscapes. Along the way, lush green cornfields cover the hills, and certain sections pass through picturesque villages, where small houses are beautifully surrounded by stone fences, leaving a lasting impression on travelers taking the Ban Gioc Waterfall Tour from Hanoi.
According to experts, Mã Phục Pass boasts a unique geological heritage. Around 260 million years ago, there were numerous active underwater volcanoes in this region. Over time, the volcanoes formed overlapping bends with a variety of colors and sizes. You can observe a segment of white limestone mountains with spherical black and blue stones, the splendid result of evolution and time.
Visiting Mã Phục Pass during the 3-day-2-night Ban Gioc Waterfall tour allows you to witness its unique beauty in different ways. In the early morning or just after the sun sets, clouds appear and create an enchanting primitive scene. When the sun rises high, the deep blue sky reveals its vitality, and the surroundings become vibrant, full of energy.
Moreover, the surrounding landscape is equally captivating. Everything remains untouched and pristine, with mountains, forests, and simple, honest people. This makes Mã Phục Pass an ideal destination for travelers from near and far.
Visiting Mã Phục Pass in summer, you will encounter the sight of lush green cornfields covering the mountains. In the distance, local families can be seen going to the fields during their summer holidays, carrying their characteristic bamboo baskets. In spring, tourists on the Ban Gioc Waterfall tour will immerse themselves in the vibrant beauty of cherry blossoms, apricot blossoms, and peach blossoms. Under the spring sunlight, the climate becomes warm, perfect for sightseeing.
What Legends Surround Mã Phục Pass?
The Cao Bằng tour not only impresses visitors with the beautiful landscapes of Mã Phục Pass but also enthralls them with various ethnic legends. One of the most captivating stories is about the heroic figure of the Tày Nùng ethnic group, Chí Cao. In the 11th century, he followed his father Nùng Tồn Phúc in rebellion, proclaiming himself king in 1038. After the Lý dynasty’s forces defeated him, King Lý Thái Tông recognized Chí Cao’s talents and made him a border lord to protect the frontier.
However, Chí Cao once again rose in revolt and occupied the Northwest. As his forces grew stronger, he invaded the Guangdong and Guangxi provinces of the Song dynasty. However, after three years of self-proclaimed kingship, Chí Cao was defeated by the Song dynasty at Pass. It is said that after the battle, both he and his horse were exhausted and collapsed at the pass. The name “Mã Phục” (kneeling horse) originated from this event.
Besides the tales of Chí Cao, tourists on the Ban Gioc Waterfall tour also learn about the resistance against French colonization by the people and army of Cao Bằng. Countless lives and sacrifices were made at Mã Phục Pass to protect every inch of Vietnam’s territory. The purpose of the enemy’s attack here was to block foreign aid. In the face of this situation, soldiers disassembled their vehicles piece by piece and carried them manually, with the assistance of local people, to safe locations without being discovered.
The spirit of unity among the military and civilians was a crucial factor in historical victories. Additionally, the ancient forests of Northeast Vietnam played a significant role in the resistance. The mountains acted like protective arms, shielding the army from the enemy’s pursuit.
Mã Phục Pass is an unmissable destination when visiting the beloved land of Cao Bằng. With its stunning scenery and rich historical legends, it will fill you with pride in our nation’s traditions of patriotism and resistance against foreign invaders. Surely, pausing for a few photographs and immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of Mã Phục Pass will make your Ban Gioc Waterfall tour even more complete.
Whatelse to visit in Cao Bang
Visit Nguom Ngao cave
Ban Gioc waterfall
Khuoi Ky stone village
Pac Bo historical site
