Why Ban Gioc Falls Should Be on Your Bucket List?

Cao Bang Loop is a little-known treasure; it rivals the Sapa and Ha Giang loops in the adventure it offers and serves as a peaceful getaway from city life. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience amidst nature in Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall is the place to visit. This is the largest natural waterfall in Vietnam and an experience that will leave a mark of nature on you. Ban Gioc Falls was named one of the 21 most stunning waterfalls in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2024, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 17-01-2025

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Ban Gioc Falls: A Majestic Wonder of Vietnam

Located in Cao Bang province, 300 km (211 miles) northeast of Hanoi (approximately 6 hours by car), Ban Gioc Waterfall lies on the Vietnam-China border and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. It is also Southeast Asia's largest natural waterfall and the fourth-largest border waterfall in the world. Rising more than 60 meters, with slopes up to 30 meters, the waterfall cascades across successive limestone layers, stretching hundreds of meters. A large, tree-covered mound divides the river into three branches, creating a spectacular scene of cascading water that flows into the Quay Son River.

Top 4 largest border waterfalls in the world:

1. Iguazu Falls - Brazil and Argentina border

2. Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe and Zambia border

3. Niagara Falls - Canada and US border

4. Ban Gioc - Detian Falls - Vietnam and China border

Ban Gioc falls is also of symbolic importance as a natural border between China and Vietnam. Its surrounding area is home to the Tay ethnic group, adding cultural richness to its breathtaking beauty. Here, one can behold the unique biodiversity of the area, dramatic limestone cliffs, and a peaceful rural setting.

This waterfall also holds historical value because it was a battlefield during the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979. Memorials have been set up in its background to commemorate that war, drawing visitors interested in its history. Today, the left side belongs to Vietnam, and the right side belongs to China, known as Detian.

When to Visit Ban Gioc Falls?

Traveling to Cao Bang, and specifically to Ban Gioc Waterfall, is favorable throughout the entire year; however, the optimal period for visiting Ban Gioc and its vicinity occurs between September and December. This timeframe coincides with the conclusion of the rainy season in Northern Vietnam, revealing an unexpected beauty that enhances the allure of Ban Gioc Waterfall. At this time, the waterfall has the most significant water volume and a wider width than in other seasons.

Moreover, you can enjoy the fall season when the waterfall displays a beautiful turquoise color. In early December, bright-colored buckwheat flowers and sunflowers fill the valleys around Ban Gioc. When the sun shines, you can admire the sparkling rainbow formed when the clouds and water of the waterfall come into contact.

During October, the "Ban Gioc Waterfall Festival" takes place. Organized by Vietnam and China, this annual event promotes cultural tourism in the border region. Visitors can experience the traditions, games, and cuisine of the Hmong, Tay, Nung, and Dzao communities in Vietnam, as well as the Zhuang people from China. For festival dates and updates, visit the Kampá Tour website.

💡▶️ Read more: When is it best to travel to Vietnam?

What to See and Do in Ban Gioc Water Fall and Nearby

Sightseeing isn't the only thing you can do at Ban Gioc Waterfall. It has a grassy area right at the foot of the waterfall that is perfect for camping and picnicking. You can have a small party there or simply relax with friends and family in its tranquil atmosphere.

Adventure sports such as kayaking on the Quay Son River, trekking, and mountain climbing are ideal for those who enjoy adventure. You can also hire local guides to explore the trails around the waterfall. When you stand at the very top, you will see an incredible view of the white cascade flowing through the green mountains and forests, a sight to remember.

You can admire the beauty of Ban Gioc Falls from afar or take a boat to get closer. Either way, the view is stunning. The powerful water flows like a silk ribbon into a serene landscape of rice fields, bamboo groves, and limestone rocks.

Beyond the iconic Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang offers many other beautiful places worth exploring. Discover the full range of natural beauty and cultural identity this region has to offer.

• Truc Lam Pagoda

Opposite Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda is an ideal stop for you to find peace after the bustling activities at the waterfall. This is the first pagoda located on the country's border, built with traditional Vietnamese architecture. The pagoda offers a beautiful view of Ban Gioc Waterfall and part of the Chinese border area, creating a unique landscape that cannot be missed.

• Thang Hen lake system

Thang Hen Lakes consist of 36 interconnected miniature lakes linked by caves and underground passageways. During the rainy season, the water rises to form a single lake winding through a valley of karst peaks stretching over 300 kilometers. Its crystal-clear waters reflect lush mountains and striking rock formations, while a spacious cave nearby features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, adding to the lake’s allure. The name "Thang Hen," meaning "bee's tail" in Vietnamese, highlights its unique charm and serene beauty.

• Nguom Ngao Cave

The cave of Nguom Ngao is referred to as the "Tiger Cave" in the Tay language and is also called the "Little Son Doong" of the North. It is an approximately 2,144-meter-long cave system with three entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom, and Ban Thuon. This limestone cave, formed around 400 million years ago, is famous for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites of various sizes, making it one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam.

• Khuoi Ky Stone Village

Khuoi Ky stone village, located less than 3 km from Ban Gioc Falls, is a must-visit destination for those interested in ancient architecture and cultural heritage. This village is home to 14 Tay ethnic households and features stilted stone houses that have stood for over a thousand years. These unique structures showcase the community’s craftsmanship and cultural identity.

• Cao Bang Geological Park

It was officially recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark on April 12th, 2018. Landscapes are formed in three major parts: karst relief, high and low mountains, and valleys. Cao Bang Geological Park is one of the most distinctive destinations in Vietnam. Exploring the park and its limestone landscape literally takes you through more than 500 million years with its well-conserved fossils, marine sediments, volcanic rocks, minerals.

It has many beautiful regions, and especially, the outstanding place is Phong Nam Valley. The picturesque scenery of rice fields at this valley attracted so many famous photos. On the rice harvest season, it attracts tourists and photographers into taking unique, wonderful pictures.

• Traditional craft villages

Discovering the locals is always a moment not to be forgotten on every trip to an unknown land. Visiting villages specializing in handicrafts: Dzao Tien embroidery workshops in Hoa Tham, Phia Thap incense villages (on the road from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc waterfall), Pac Rang Forge Village in Quang Uyen (road from Cao Bang to Quang Uyen), the village of stone houses on stilts in Khuoi Ky, a unique village in Vietnam (on the way to the Nguom Ngao cave), the basket village in the Lan Duoi hamlet, the Ban paper village in the Dia Tren hamlet which is located in Quang Uyen.

• Meeting the Lolo Noir in Bao Lac

Originally from Yunnan in China, the Lolo immigrated 400 years ago and currently reside in the high mountains of northern Vietnam. This Vietnamese minority ethnic group is divided into three groups: Black Lolo, White Lolo and Colorful Lolo. Most of the Black Lolo, with a population of less than 1000 people, live in very isolated and inaccessible hamlets in Bao Lac, Cao Bang.

>>> Discover more about this land through the article: Don't Visit Cao Bang Without Knowing These 7 Things

Where to stay in Ban Gioc Falls/Cao Bang?

Accommodation facilities are still very limited in Cao Bang. Most the hotels are located in Cao Bang City, about 90 km from the Ban Gioc waterfall - examples of accommodation: Max Boutique, Thanh Loan, Sunny. These hotels offer basic comfort. You can also choose guesthouses whose prices are more attractive. Only guesthouses can be found near Ban Gioc Falls.

Except for hotels, many travelers have set their sights on spending a night with a homestay in the Phia Thap village of Nung or Khuoi Ky village of Tay, enabling them to share a convivial dinner with the host family. The comfort is rather rudimentary: mattress, blanket/fan, shared toilet outside, but guests can have the private space separated by a curtain.

💡▶️Experience a unique service: Sleeping in the house of a local inhabitant

How to get to there?

If you are looking for a way to get to the most beautiful waterfall in the north of Vietnam, you can rent a private car from Hanoi, take a tourist bus or a local bus. However, getting around by bus is quite complicated (you have to make your own way to the bus station and there are a lot of stops along the way.).

Furthermore, it only drops tourists off at Cao Bang Town; to get to from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc, you have to manage to visit sites further away from the city. Also, we recommend not taking a motorcycle if you are not an experienced biker since the paths are quite hazardous. We suggest taking a private car instead so that you can go with your head free.

Tips for Visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall

• Entrance Fee

To see the falls up close, visitors need to purchase an entrance ticket for 45,000 VND ($2) per person. While you may not always be asked for documents, the entrance kiosk staff might request your passport as this is a sensitive border area. Be sure to bring it along for a smoother experience.

• Rent a Raft

If you’re looking for the best view of Ban Gioc Waterfall, hiring a raft is the way to go. On the Vietnamese side, rafts with blue canopies are available, while green-canopied rafts can be found on the Chinese side. For around 50,000 VND ($2), the boat owners will guide you on a bamboo raft close enough to the falls that you’ll feel the refreshing spray. The 10-minute ride offers an exhilarating perspective of the cascading water. Note that while swimming at Ban Gioc is common, it’s not permitted by law due to the border’s sensitivity. Besides, there are some other rental services that you should know:

• Mat rental: 30,000/mat
• Taking photos with horses: 20,000 VND/person

• What Should I Bring to Ban Gioc Waterfall?

• Camera
• Rain poncho
• Walking shoes
• Waterproof case for phone
• Dry bag
• Passport

Some suggested routes

The visit to Ban Gioc Falls is often combined with other sites in the high mountains of northern Vietnam such as Ba Be Lake, Ha Giang Loop, Sapa and Bac Ha provinces. You can also visit Halong Bay and other sites...

4 days / 3 nights itinerary in Ba Be – Cao Bang:

• Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be
• Day 2: Ba Be Lake – Cao Bang
• Day 3: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang
• Day 4: Cao Bang – Hanoi

8 days/7 nights itinerary for a full loop in northern Vietnam

• Day 1: Hanoi – Bac Ha
• Day 2: Bac Ha – Ha Giang
• Day 3: Ha Giang – Dong Van
• Day 4: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lake
• Day 5: Ba Be Lake – Cao Bang
• Day 6: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Lang Son
• Day 7: Lang Son – Halong
• Day 8: Halong - Hanoi

If you are looking for an authentic natural destination with breathtaking landscapes, Cao Bang and the Ban Gioc waterfalls are definitely what you need! Its majestic landscapes and hospitable people promise you unforgettable experiences.

If you want to visit Cao Bang on a scenic tour of Vietnam, let us design an itinerary completely to your liking. Check out our collection of tours by duration here:

💡▶️Explore more of northern Vietnam's top destinations:

• Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Where Nature, Culture, and Adventure Collide
• Unforgettable Ha Giang Loop: A Motorbike Odyssey Through Vietnam
• The Hmong Ethnicity in Vietnam: History, Culture, and Language
• Mu Cang Chai decoded: Complete guide for first-time visitors
• 6 Most Majestic Trekking Spots in Vietnam
• 7 Amazing Places to Catch Stunning Rice Fields in Vietnam!

Image source: Kampá Tour, sovhtt.caobang.gov.vn Tourist Guides and Travelers