Conquer Ban Gioc Falls: Your Insider Guide from a Local
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 (Tour guide)
Updated on Sep 20, 2025
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Oliver Phung is a specialist in cultural tourism and trekking in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, with over 7 years of hands-on experience. Born and raised amidst the sounds of the kèn (a traditional instrument) and the songs of the Mông, Thái, Tay, and Dao ethnic communities, Oliver does not just have a passion for their history and culture, he lives it. For him, sharing the beauty of these traditions is not just a job, it's a way of life.
Drawing from his experience on hundreds of trekking trips and guided tours across routes from Ha Giang, Lao Cai to Cao Bang, Oliver offers an authentic and in-depth perspective.
Waterfalls are everywhere you go. So what makes Ban Gioc waterfall really worth going? Well below you'll find that the Ban Gioc Waterfall is beautiful and should be at the top of your list by me, a local guide!
Southeast Asia's Largest Natural Waterfall
A true titan among waterfalls, Ban Gioc falls is the largest natural waterfall in Southeast Asia and a spectacle of immense scale. As the widest waterfall in Vietnam, it stretches over 300 meters across a series of limestone layers. A massive, tree-covered rock formation at its center splits the Quay Son River into three powerful cascades that thunder down a 30-meter drop. This stunning natural wonder also stands as the fourth-largest border waterfall in the world.
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
The Ban Gioc region attracts travelers with its grandiose beauty
A World-Class Destination
The splendor of Ban Gioc Waterfall has captured the attention of the global travel community. The prestigious magazine Travel + Leisure has named it one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, an accolade that complements its standing as Southeast Asia's largest natural waterfall and the fourth-largest border waterfall globally. This international recognition cements its status as an essential destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The Cultural and Historical Significance
Beyond its natural grandeur, the waterfall holds deep symbolic importance as a physical border between Vietnam and China. The surrounding region is the homeland of the Tay ethnic group, adding a rich cultural dimension to the dramatic landscape.
Historically, the falls also bear the marks of conflict, having been a battlefield during the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. Memorials in the vicinity commemorate this chapter of its history, drawing visitors interested in the region's past. Today, the cascade is shared peacefully: the Vietnamese side is known as Ban Gioc, while the right side is known in China as Detian Falls.
What to know before getting there?
Where is Ban Gioc Waterfalls?
Located in Dam Thuy Commune of Trung Khanh District, Ban Gioc Waterfall sits within Cao Bang Province in Vietnam's mountainous Northeast. The falls are fed by the Quay Son River, which forms the natural border with China. From Hanoi, the journey north covers roughly 335 km (210 miles) and takes about seven hours by car.
Best time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall
You can get to Ban Gioc Waterfall year-round, but the experience changes significantly between the rainy and dry seasons.
Rainy Season (May to September)
During the rainy season, heavy downpours swell the Quay Son River, transforming the falls into their most powerful and expansive state. It becomes a thunderous, awe-inspiring spectacle. However, the trade-off is that the water can turn murky with sediment, and persistent rain makes regional travel, especially by motorbike, more challenging.
Dry Season (October to April)
This period, particularly from September to December, is widely considered the optimal time to visit. As the rains subside, the water flow remains strong but becomes remarkably clear. The falls reveal a stunning, jade-like turquoise hue that highlights the intricate limestone cascades.
Autumn and Winter Scenery
The beauty of this season extends beyond the waterfall. The pleasant weather is best for taking in the landscape, which becomes even more picturesque by early December when surrounding valleys are blanketed in vibrant buckwheat flowers and wild sunflowers. On sunny days, the mist from the cascades often catches the light and creates sparkling rainbows.
>>> My advice: For the best of both worlds, I recommend visiting between September and October. During this time, the rainy season has just ended, so the waterfalls are still full and powerful, but the weather is more pleasant. This is also the harvest season, and the surrounding rice paddies turn a brilliant gold, creating a breathtaking landscape.
Women wearing Tay ethnic costumes and performing Then singing at the festival
How Many Time Do You Need for Ban Gioc and Cao Bang?
To make the most of your trip, you can explore Cao Bang via two popular routes, each offering a distinct adventure:
The East Loop (featuring Trung Khanh & Quang Uyen): This route focuses on the province's natural landscapes and includes Ban Gioc Waterfall.
The West Loop (featuring Bao Lac & Nguyen Binh): This journey covers the rocky plateau and the remote villages of diverse ethnic communities.
Each loop typically requires about 3 days and 2 nights to explore comfortably. To experience all that the province has to offer, you can combine both for a comprehensive 6-day, 5-night adventure.
>>>How long to spend at Ban Gioc: Once you arrive at the waterfall itself, plan to spend at least two hours at the site. This will give you plenty of time to take a boat ride near the cascades, hike to the different viewpoints, and simply soak in the magnificent scenery.
How to Get to Ban Gioc Waterfall?
Transportation is an important factor. Surely you do not want your trip to be overdue because of going the wrong way or trusting too much on Google Maps xD. Next, in this part, I will give the best options to answer the question "How to get to Ban Gioc falls?" and also how to move from "Cao Bang to Ban Gioc".
From Hanoi to Cao Bang city
Sleeper Bus or Limousine Van (Most Popular Option)
Taking a bus is the most convenient and affordable way to get to Cao Bang. For buses, you have two main choices: a standard sleeper bus or a more comfortable VIP limousine van. Most reputable bus companies leave from My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi. You should book tickets online in advance to secure your seat, especially during busy seasons. Websites like Vexere.com, 12Go.asia and Baolau.com are good, English-friendly options for comparing schedules and booking tickets.
Besides, I don't recommend riding a motorbike from Hanoi for this trip. The route is mountainous with many windings passes, making the journey much longer and more difficult by bike. You also need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally ride a motorbike in Vietnam.
Limousine Van: Duc Ngoc, Thuan An (Ranges from $14).
The journey takes between 5.5 to 9 hours. Anyways The bus to Ban Gioc waterfall (or rather, to Cao Bang city first) is a great choice as overnight sleepers save you a day of travel and one night's accommodation cost.
Private Car
For families or small groups, hiring a private car offers the most comfort and flexibility, giving you the freedom to stop for photos along the scenic route. While it is the fastest option (6-7 hours), it is also the most expensive. Many local tour operators, like Kampá Tour, can arrange a private car as part of a tour package to the waterfall.
From Cao Bang city to Ban Gioc Waterfall
The falls are another 83 km (52 miles) from Cao Bang City.
Local Bus: The most budget-friendly option. A ticket costs about 85,000 VND (~$3.50 USD) for the 2–3 hour trip. You can catch the bus at the stop on the main road marked "Thác Bản Giốc".
Taxi: A one-way taxi trip costs approximately 700,000 VND (~$28.50 USD).
Motorbike Rental: The roads around Cao Bang are now safer, so you can rent a motorbike to ride on your own or with an easy driver. Prices start from 200,000 VND per day (~$8 USD), not including the easy driver.
Stunning scenery on the road from Hanoi to Ban Gioc
No visit to Ban Gioc is complete without taking a bamboo raft to the base of the falls. For a modest fee (approximately 50,000 VND), boatmen navigate the jade-blue waters of the Quay Son River, bringing visitors directly into the misty spray of the main cascade. It is an immediate and sensory way to appreciate the immense power and scale of the waterfall, transitioning from a panoramic sight to a thunderous, immersive experience.
My #2 Tip: Perspectives for Photography
For photographers, the soft light of the early morning or late afternoon provides the best conditions for capturing the scene. While many vantage points exist along the riverbank, the most commanding panoramic view is afforded from the Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda, situated on a hill opposite the falls. From this elevated perspective, the full breadth of the waterfall is visible as it descends into the pastoral landscape of rice paddies and karst formations below.
My #3 Tip: The "Secret" Hike to the Top.
For more intrepid visitors, a steep and often inconspicuous trail offers access to the top tier of the waterfall. Given the challenging nature of the ascent, engaging a local guide is a prudent consideration for both navigation and safety. The reward for the climb is a unique and seldom-seen perspective, standing above the main drop as the Quay Son River splits and plunges into the valley. It feels like you’ve found a hidden part of the world. 10/10, would recommend the climb.
Official Entrance Fees and On-Site Service Prices (2025)
Ban Gioc Waterfall Entrance Fee (Adults): 45,000 VND (~$1.85 USD)
Bamboo Raft Price (Ban Gioc): 50,000 VND (~$2.00 USD) per person
Mat Rental for Picnics: 30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD) per mat
Photos with Horses: 20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD) per person
Motorbike Parking: 10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD) per motorbike
Beyond the Falls: Top Attractions in the Cao Bang Geopark
The Eastern region, as I mentioned above, includes Trung Khanh, Ha Lang, and Quang Uyen. You can also explore these areas after visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall!
Truc Lam Pagoda (Trung Khanh)
Located on Phia Nham Mountain and 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..
Truc Lam Buddhist Temple
Nguom Ngao Cave (Trung Khanh)
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.
The interior of Nguom Ngao Cave, the most beautiful cave in North Vietnam
Khuoi Ky Stone Village (Trung Khanh)
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.
Ban Viet lake (Trung Khanh)
About 17 km from Ban Gioc Waterfall, you'll find Ban Viet Lake in Trung Khanh District. It's a five-hectare, man-made lake that is known for looking especially beautiful in the winter. The best time to visit is from late December to mid-January. That’s when the maple forests around the lake turn bright red, creating a colorful scene that many people say looks like it could be in Europe.
A boat trip on the calm water is the best way to take in the views. You can float along and see the amazing reflection of the red trees on the water, all while enjoying the quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Cao Bang Geological Park (Trung Khanh)
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.
Thang Hen lake system (Trung Khanh)
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.
Picturesque landscape of Thang Hen Lake
Traditional craft villages (Quang Uyen)
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.
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.
Waterproof Gear: Given the misty environment and the popular raft excursion, waterproof items are essential. This includes a rain jacket and a dry bag or waterproof case for phones and cameras.
Sturdy Footwear: The area involves walking on varied terrain, so comfortable shoes with reliable grip are highly recommended.
Cash (VND): While ATMs are available in Cao Bang City, many services at the waterfall, including entrance fees, boat rides, and local vendors, operate on a cash-only basis.
Appropriate Attire: For those planning to visit the Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda, respectful attire that covers the shoulders and knees is required.
Border Area Regulations & Advisories
Passport Requirement: As Ban Gioc is in a sensitive international border zone, visitors must carry their passports at all times. While not always checked, authorities reserve the right to request identification.
Drone Prohibition: Due to the immediate proximity to the international border, the use of aerial drones is strictly prohibited in the entire waterfall area.
Time Zone Fluctuation: Be aware that mobile devices near the border may automatically switch to China Standard Time (GMT+8), which is one hour ahead of Vietnam (GMT+7).
Border Adherence: Visitors are required to remain on the Vietnamese side of the border unless participating in an officially sanctioned cross-border tour.
Rafting at Ban Gioc Waterfall is a must-do
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:
FAQs
Is Ban Gioc Waterfall worth the long journey from Hanoi?
Absolutely. While the journey is considerable, it is an integral part of the experience, traversing some of Vietnam's most spectacular and undeveloped landscapes. The majestic waterfall, combined with the rich local culture and surrounding natural wonders, makes for a truly rewarding destination.
Can you swim in Ban Gioc Waterfall?
No, swimming is strictly prohibited. This regulation is enforced for visitor safety and due to the waterfall's location on a sensitive international border.
Is a passport required to visit the falls?
Yes. As the waterfall lies in an international border zone, visitors must carry their passports. Authorities may request to see identification at the entrance or within the surrounding area.
Is it safe to travel to the Ban Gioc region?
Yes, the region is widely considered safe for tourists, and the local communities are known for their hospitality. The primary safety consideration relates to road travel; visitors choosing to ride a motorbike should be experienced and properly licensed.
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