Angel’s Eye Mountain, or Núi Mắt Thần in Vietnamese, is located in the misty hills of Cao Bằng Province, Vietnam’s northeast frontier, part of the Non Nước Cao Bằng UNESCO Global Geopark, a region celebrated for its dramatic karst landscapes and biodiversity.
It’s about 50 km (30 miles) from Cao Bằng City, surrounded by hidden lakes, rice paddies, and stony highlands.
Towering over lush valleys and mirror-like lakes, this limestone colossus is pierced by a giant circular hole named by locals “Mắt Thần” – literally Eye of God. The cave is around 50 meters in diameter, carved naturally through the rock by millions of years of erosion.
The formation looks like a portal to another world, especially when the sunlight streams through the hole or it reflects in the seasonal lake below. For many visitors, it’s a spiritual, almost otherworldly experience.
Nearby lies the Thang Hen Lake system, a network of 36 interconnected lakes that change dramatically between dry and wet seasons, creating an ever-evolving landscape.
🧭 GPS Coordinates: 22.80127°N, 106.33685°E
One of the most magical things about Angel’s Eye Mountain is how it transforms with the weather.
Rainy Season (May–September): A lake called Nam Cha forms at the base of the mountain. The reflection of the “eye” in the still water creates an almost symmetrical spectacle. Mist often floats across the valley, giving the scene a dreamlike quality.
Dry Season (October–April): The lake dries up, revealing wide grassy meadows. Buffaloes and horses roam freely. The golden light of dawn and dusk paints the surrounding cliffs in amber hues.
Arrive early in the morning for soft lighting and fewer tourists, as the mountain is often included in the popular Ha Giang loop tours.
The valley around Angel’s Eye Mountain is inhabited primarily by the Tày ethnic group, one of Vietnam’s 54 recognized ethnic minorities. Their stilt houses – made of wood and palm thatch – dot the nearby hills. You’ll walk past stone fences, herds of buffalo, and terraced rice fields on your way to the site.
The locals are warm and welcoming. Some families offer homestay experiences, where you can sleep in traditional homes, try regional dishes like thịt lợn gác bếp (smoked pork), and enjoy folk music under the stars.
In the evenings, Tày villagers sometimes play the Đàn tính, a traditional lute used in love songs and spiritual rituals.
Though it’s in Cao Bằng, not Hà Giang, many travelers include Angel’s Eye Mountain as a detour or bonus stop when riding the Hà Giang Loop – Vietnam’s most legendary motorbike route (which can also be done by car/4WD). This detour is especially rewarding for those craving less touristy, more serene natural experiences.
To get to Angel’s Eye Mountain from Hanoi, it’s about a 300 km drive, which takes roughly 6 to 7 hours by car or sleeper bus. You’ll follow National Highway 3 to Cao Bằng City, then head towards Trà Lĩnh District and Quốc Toản Commune. Once you’re in Cao Bằng City, you can hop on a motorbike or taxi to reach Thang Hen Lake, and from there, it’s a 7 km journey to Bản Danh Hamlet. After parking your vehicle, it’s about a 1.5 km walk through rice paddies and along stone paths to the mountain itself. If you’re planning to camp, there are flat grassy areas perfect for setting up a tent or hammock, and campsites are also available in the area. While there’s no entrance fee at the moment, it’s always a good idea to check with locals and ask for permission before setting up camp.
Angel’s Eye Mountain remains one of northern Vietnam’s least commercialized natural wonders. There are no souvenir stalls, no ticket booths, no crowds, just you, nature, and the quiet stare of a limestone mountain that has watched over this valley for millions of years.