Nestled in Luc Hon Commune, Cao Xiem Mountain remains a hidden gem, largely untouched by mainstream tourism due to the rugged terrain surrounding what is affectionately known as the roof of the province. Standing at an impressive 1,429 meters above sea level, its towering peak is visible from almost any village in Binh Lieu. During the harvest season, local villagers look up to Cao Xiem’s summit to read the weather; the descending clouds signal approaching rain, warning them to quickly gather their rice and corn crops.
Cao Xiem Mountain is situated in Luc Hon Commune, Binh Lieu District, Quang Ninh Province. As the grandest peak in northeastern Quang Ninh, towering at 1,429 meters above sea level, it is deservedly celebrated as the “roof of Quang Ninh.” Viewed from afar, it stands majestically between the lush forests and the distant sea, casting a majestic and enchanting silhouette. The peak of Cao Xiem can be observed from virtually every commune in the region, from Huc Dong, Vo Ngai, Tinh Huc, and Luc Hon to Dong Tam and Hoanh Mo. Cao Xiem Mountain serves as an enduring symbol of vitality and pride for the people of Binh Lieu, as well as a premier allure for travelers who love exploring nature.
This rarely visited peak lends Cao Xiem a unique and mysterious allure.
To conquer the summit of Cao Xiem, adventurers must embark on a 7-kilometer trek, primarily along scenic ridges wrapped in year-round mist, traversing endless, undulating meadows. There are three routes to reach the peak. The first starts from Cao Thang Village in Luc Hon Commune. The second begins in Lục Ngu Village, Huc Dong Commune, and the third starts from Ngan Meo Village in Luc Hon Commune. If you choose the first route, you can park your vehicle at a local resident’s home and enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour hike to the top.
Along the journey to the top of Cao Xiem Mountain, we had the opportunity to pass through the villages of the Dao and San Chi ethnic groups in Binh Lieu, admiring their beautifully structured traditional stilt houses. Following the trail through endless forests, we marveled at vibrant wild flowers and tasted wild berries for a natural energy boost. After navigating dense pine forests, steep slopes, and babbling streams, a lush green meadow with incredibly crisp air unfolded before us. On this grassy plateau, we paused to immerse ourselves in the serenity of the mountains, marking the halfway point of our ascent. Continuing our trek, we traversed a 2-kilometer pine forest along a steep, winding path dotted with giant boulders.
On misty days, this section presents the greatest challenge of the Cao Xiem trek. You will find yourself walking through swirling clouds with every step. Due to the dense fog, visibility is often reduced to under 10 meters, requiring hikers to stick closely together to avoid getting lost. On clear days, the journey is much easier. Along the way, you can pause at various spots to rest, take in the views, and enjoy the cool breeze and pure air of the Northeast mountains. While the climb is demanding, the reward of reaching the summit is unparalleled. Standing atop Cao Xiem’s highest peak, a vast, breathtaking panorama unfolds.
To the east of the summit, the view stretches past Hai Ha and Dam Ha districts all the way to the Gulf of Tonkin. To the west, the majestic mountain ranges along the Vietnam-China border come into view. Looking south, the lush Binh Lieu Valley unfolds, with the rolling hills of Tien Yen District in the distance. To the north, the magnificent Cao Ly and Quang Nam Chau mountain ranges dominate the horizon. Historical trenches and mountain paths still remain on Cao Xiem’s peak. Historically, a flag was planted here to assert Vietnamese sovereignty. Consequently, the San Chi people refer to Cao Xiem as “Keo Kam Khay” (flag-planting mountain), while the Tay people call it “Khau Cam Co.”
In 2017, Binh Lieu District erected a triangular landmark at the summit of Cao Xiem. Standing at the peak, we also admired the natural stone walls stretching for kilometers, often referred to as the “Miniature Great Wall” of Binh Lieu.
According to local lore, these stone walls were built by the residents of Luc Hon and Huc Dong communes to demarcate territories and prevent livestock from wandering. Another romantic legend tells of a young couple from these neighboring communes who used to meet secretly on the mountain. When their families and villagers discovered their romance, they forbade them from seeing each other. To prevent further secret meetings, the villagers built these stone barriers. Leaving the summit, we stood at the mesmerizing intersection of heaven and earth in this northeastern frontier land, wishing for this sacred region to forever remain peaceful and pristine.
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