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Together with the provinces of Thai Nguyen and Tuyen Quang, Cho Don was designated as an "An Toan Khu" (Safe Zone), abbreviated as ATK, a secure base for the leadership of the resistance movement during the Indochina War. For travelers who want to go beyond the tourist trail and uncover Vietnam's untold war stories, Cho Don offers a peaceful yet powerful experience. Let’s hop on and find out what this North Vietnam destination has to offer.
Tucked away in the serene highlands of Bac Kan Province, the Cho Don Safe Zone (ATK Cho Don) is a crucial part of Vietnam’s revolutionary legacy. Part of the larger Viet Bac revolutionary base, this area served as a vital shelter for President Ho Chi Minh and other central leaders during the resistance war against French colonial forces (1946–1954).
Cho Don Safe Zone (ATK Cho Don) holds a significant historical value
Among the top North Vietnam places to visit, this site stands out for those interested in exploring the remarkable history of Indochina.
From Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, the fastest way to reach Cho Don is by private vehicle via the Hanoi-Thai Nguyen Expressway. The drive is about 3 hours and 30 minutes, covering approximately 152 kilometers. Hiring a private car or traveling with a tour operator is a good choice, as navigation in more rural parts of Bac Kan can be challenging for first-time visitors.
If you prefer public transport during your Northern Vietnam travel, head to My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi. From there, you can take an intercity bus directly to Cho Don. Tickets typically cost just over 100,000 VND per person, and travel time may vary depending on road conditions.
Bac Kan was one of the most significant bases for the Vietnamese resistance during the Indochina War
The best time to visit Cho Don is during the dry season, from November to April. The temperature during this period is perfect for Northern Vietnam travel. December in particular offers the clearest skies of the year, which is ideal for sightseeing and photography. During this time of the year, rainfall is minimal, which makes mountain roads and footpaths safer and more accessible than in the wet season.
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Cho Don is home to a remarkable collection of historical relics. The special national site of Cho Don Safe Zone includes 25 recognized locations, with six listed as National Historic Sites.
These include Ban Ca and Na Quan in Binh Trung Commune, where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, as well as Na Pau and Khau Ma Hill in Luong Bang, and Khuoi Linh and Pu Co Hill in Nghia Ta Commune. From 1947 to 1951, these sites hosted some of Vietnam’s most influential political figures and key resistance operations.
During the war, Cho Don was a safe haven for central government agencies. General Secretary Truong Chinh worked from Khuoi Linh, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong stayed at Khau Ma Hill, and the Central Party Conference was held multiple times at Na Quan.
Visitors come to learn more about history and pay respect to those who have fallen
The district also housed vital institutions such as the Voice of Vietnam radio station, the national printing press, military technical schools, and even the mint under the Ministry of Finance. Walking through these locations today allows you to retrace the footsteps of Vietnam’s leaders in the very forests where the initial strategy and hope were nurtured.
Beyond its historical depth, Cho Don is rich in local culture. The Safe Zone’s night market offers a taste of traditional highland life. You’ll find handwoven crafts, herbal wines, sticky rice cakes, and a festive atmosphere illuminated by soft lights and the sounds of Then singing and the Tinh lute.
For a deeper cultural connection, consider visiting villages like Ban Cuon in Ngoc Phai or Con Poong in Nam Cuong. Here, the Tay and Dao ethnic minorities maintain their traditional lifestyles and crafts. You can learn to make rice cakes, weave brocade fabric, or take part in traditional ceremonial dances. The locals are eager to share their stories, customs, and history with curious visitors.
The Spring Festival is celebrated by various ethnic groups in Bac Kan
If you’re visiting in early spring, don’t miss the Spring Festival, which is a celebration of local traditions. The market sites will hold games like tug-of-war, bamboo dancing, and ball tossing, along with music and dance performances of the ethnic people. It can be an unforgettable opportunity for you to both witness and participate in cultural heritage preservation in modern life.
The location of Cho Don Safe Zone in the middle of forested hills gives it a peaceful and isolated atmosphere. A walk through the zone is not only educational but also restorative. There are no blaring speakers, no street vendors, and no modern commercial distractions, just trails, trees, and a chance to reflect on what this place once meant.
While Cho Don welcomes visitors, it is still a deeply respected historical site. Travelers should approach it with mindfulness and respect. This is a place where people fought and sacrificed for national freedom, and many of the landmarks carry emotional and symbolic weight. Be sure to follow local customs, dress appropriately, and ask for guidance when needed. The locals will appreciate your effort and are usually happy to help.
The Pathway to Phja Khao Temple within the Cho Don Safe Zone
Since Cho Don is not yet a tourist hub, accommodation is limited. There are a few small hostels and local guesthouses in the town center, suitable for basic overnight stays. If you’re looking for more comfortable amenities, the Ba Be area - a popular North Vietnam destination, which is about an hour away, has a wider range of homestays and eco-lodges. This makes it possible to visit Cho Don as a day trip while staying in Ba Be.
If you want to understand the Indochina War from the perspective of the Vietnamese, then Cho Don is a destination worth your time. This is not a place featured in glossy Northern Vietnam itinerary brochures or crowded with tour buses. It’s quiet, authentic, and preserved by the locals.
As of now, Cho Don remains outside the mainstream travel circuit, making it one of the few places that has yet to become too touristy. If you want to plan a visit to this hidden corner of Vietnam to learn more about the struggles that have shaped this land, feel free to reach out to our team at Asia King Travel for more information.
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