Best Waterfalls in Vietnam: 11 Must-Visit Natural Marvels
Culture, people, and landscapes are where Vietnam truly stands out on the world tourism map, with the landscape being something that catches tourists’ attention. You may have visited many of the mountains, forests, and beaches in this country, but if you're looking to explore something new, the waterfalls in Vietnam could really satisfy your craving.
Note that Vietnam is home to over 200 waterfalls, both big and small, but visiting them all seems out of the question. So, it's safe to say that this article is perfect for you, as we will introduce the top ten most notable waterfalls in Vietnam in total.
Written by Oliver PHUNG (Tour guide)
Updated on Apr 24, 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.
To start the list, we head to Cao Bang, a northern province of Vietnam, where Ban Gioc Waterfall is located. Fed by the Quay Son River, Ban Gioc is shared between Vietnam and China (called Detian Falls in Chinese: 德天瀑布).
The Ban Gioc Waterfall is not only the largest waterfall in Vietnam, but also Southeast Asia’s biggest, and ranks among the top 4 largest waterfalls in the world located along national borders. This waterfall on the Vietnam and China border spans over 60 meters in height, stretches 300 meters wide, and is composed of multiple cascading levels, creating thick mist and mesmerizing views.
Address: Quy Xuan River, Dam Thuy, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang
Entrance Fee: 45,000 VND. Additional 50,000 VND for a bamboo raft ride and 20,000 VND for a 5-minute horse ride.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with August and September offering the best conditions; ideal water levels and golden rice fields.
Highlight: A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path escape with limestone mountains, jade waters, and drifting clouds. Nearby, explore Phong Nam Valley, Khuoi Ky Village, and Nguom Ngao Cave.
Visitor note: Because it is a border area, it is very sensitive, so always prepare a bodyguard to avoid trouble with Vietnamese or Chinese border guards, and visit between 11 am and 2 pm for the fullest waterfall.
The second waterfall in the Northern Vietnam that you should not miss is Silver waterfall (Thac Bac) situated in Sapa. Although you haven’t seen the falls, you can still hear the sound of water from afar. Climbing down some stone steps, Silver waterfall appears like a majestic and graceful space with white water foam descending over a series of rock steps. With a height of 200m, Silver Waterfall possesses a beautiful and "rare" landscape, so it is always mentioned in the list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND for adults, 10,000 VND for children.
Best Time to Visit: From October to April, during the dry season when the weather is mild, and the waterfall is at its most impressive
3. Love Waterfall (Sapa)
Not far from Silver Waterfall lies Love Waterfall, offering a more challenging trek for adventure seekers. With a higher difficulty level than Silver Waterfall, the journey to reach it requires walking through a lush forest, but the reward is worth every step. Once you arrive, you’ll have the place almost to yourself. You can take a refreshing dip in the water, enjoy a peaceful camp, or combine your visit with the breathtaking Tram Ton Pass for an unforgettable experience.
Location: Ton Station - Xe Mountain, San Sa Ho Commune, Sa Pa Town
Entrance Fee: 70,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND for children
Best Time to Visit: From October to April, during the dry season when the weather is mild, and the waterfall is at its most impressive.
Visitor Tips: Prepare for a hike to the waterfall. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera for the stunning views. If visiting during the rice harvest, the surrounding fields will be especially vibrant.
>>> My advice: You should limit going to Sapa in general and Love Waterfall and Silver Waterfall from July to August because this is the rainy season, the road will be very difficult and there may even be landslides if the rain lasts long.
4. Du Gia Waterfall (Ha Giang)
Du Gia waterfall has long been famous among those who love conquering the entire Ha Giang Loop. It has a serene and rustic beauty that is not as imposing as that of the other waterfalls nearby but rather expresses a sense of closeness. The waterfall emanates from the depths of the forest, flowing through ravines and across large and small boulders, cascading down from a height of 6 m and a width of 2 m. The gentle sounds of the water mingle with the sounds of the mountains and forests to create a soothing, calm atmosphere. The water here does not stop at the lake at the foot of the waterfall; it continues to flow through the rapids, right into Tien Cave.
Swiming in the waterfall is an attraction for young tourists in Ha Giang loop
Best times to visit: April to October, from November onwards the temperature in Ha Giang is very cold, not suitable for bathing.
>>> My advice: If you're a tourist who enjoys music and partying with others, this place will be perfect for you. However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and want to connect more with the locals, you might want to skip it.
5. Fairy Waterfall (Son La)
Fairy Waterfall (Nang Tien) is one of those high-secret, hidden ones in the Northwest, where indie tourists are often present. This is a waterfall at an altitude of about 150m, located in Chieng Khoa commune, approximately 30 minutes from Hmong Nguyen Thuy Village in Son La by road. The waterfall has a wonderful three-level structure, beneath each level of which lies a large, clear blue lake.
If Dai Yem Waterfall is very familiar to the people of Son La, then Nang Tien Waterfall is fairly new to many because it has only recently been developed for tourism. However, that’s exactly what makes the scenery here so unspoiled.
Even men cannot resist the beauty of Fairy waterfall
Best time to visit: You should go in March because this is the time when Son La has plum blossom season and Hmong New Year festivals.
>>> Note: You won’t have to pay an entrance fee, but you'll need to deposit 10,000 VND if you want to get on a raft to take pictures or go to the middle of the waterfall.
6. Hieu Waterfall (Pu Luong)
Hieu Waterfall is located in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a beautiful backdrop for the ripe rice fields, which are green or golden yellow during the harvest season of the Thai people. The waterfall is accessible all year round, about three hours west of Hanoi. The waterfall's water is clear and cool in the summer, and warm in the winter.
About 800m long, the waterfall pours from the top of a rocky mountain and splits halfway, flowing in two opposite directions before converging at the end. Below the waterfall is a natural lake about a meter deep. So, after hiking in the Pu Luong area, visitors can wade through the waterfall and swim in the lake.
Let's go to the Central Highlands, which is considered the capital of Vietnamese coffee. In addition to the fragrant coffee beans that any diner will enjoy, our list of top waterfalls in Vietnam will mention Dray Nur, which means “The Beautiful Muse" in the Central Highlands.
Dray Nur waterfall has been mentioned many times on the Culture Trip page, so it would be a big mistake if you missed it.... The waterfall is up to over 30 m and about 250 m long, also behind the waterfall is a cave of nearly 3km².
Dray nur waterfall
Address: Dray Nur Waterfall, Ea Na, KRong Ana District, Daklak province, Vietnam
Address: Road to Dray Nur waterfall, Dray Sap, KRong Ana, Dak Lak, Vietnam
Best time to visit: from October to April. From 5 AM to 7 AM for photo shooting.
Visitor note: The water is very pure and flows fiercely in the rainy season. So swimming is not allowed here because of the danger.
8. Pongour Waterfall (Lam Dong)
Pongour waterfall, a splendor fall in Vietnam, a 40-minute drive from the mountain town. The amount is 40 m high, stretching over 100 m with 7 stone floors. This is one of the famous waterfalls with dreamy and majestic beauty, once rated by the French as the 'most majestic waterfall in Indochina.' Often surrounded by luxuriant green plants, the waterfall's unique rocky ledges provide visitors with the chance to climb up and walk under and behind this cascade of water. All kinds of nature's bright sounds, like the cicada shrill from above and rustling at the edges, make the visit an enthralling experience for nature lovers.
Best time to visit: from July to September. The time when the waterfall is at its strongest and most majestic
9. Elephant waterfall (Lam Dong)
Elephant Waterfall (Lieng Rôwoa) is a natural site located in the heart of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, about 30 meters high and nearly 40 meters wide, flowing all day and night with a sound that echoes through the forest. Surrounded by moss-covered rocks, it’s named after the way the waterfall and its surroundings resemble a herd of elephants.
A steep set of 145 steps leads from the base of the waterfall to the top, passing through cliffs and forested areas. Large boulders and wooden plank paths are carefully set along the cliffside, offering stunning views as you climb. The higher you go, the more expansive the views become, revealing lush forests, vines, and centuries-old trees.
Address: Nam Ban, Lam Ha district, Lam Dong province
Entrance fee: Ticket price to visit Elephant Waterfall in Da Lat is 20,000 VND/person
>>> Local advice: You should avoid going on rainy days, as the rain washes away the mud, causing the water at the waterfall to become cloudy and muddy in color.
10. K50 Waterfall (Gia Lai)
K50 Cascade may be a name quite unfamiliar to you since it is a growing star in Vietnamese trekking. Maybe not many people have set foot here yet; hence, K50 Waterfall remains one of the very few remaining places with unspoiled charm. With its height of over 50m, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Central Highlands. Reaching the waterfall is a journey comprising long, winding roads, snaking their way across slopes, and crossing streams and rapids of remote forests, which are around 5 km. Therefore, trekking to K50 Waterfall stands as both an interesting and challenging expedition, alluring most adventure enthusiasts.
Address: Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Son Lang, KBang, Gia Lai
Highlight: Explore the nature of Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Kayaking.
>>> Expert advice: To reach K50 waterfall, you will have to cross Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve. If you want to go by yourself, you must proactively contact the area management board, or you can book a trekking tour, and the unit will handle the procedures for you.
11. Ba Ho Waterfalls (Nha Trang)
The list of top waterfalls in Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without Ba Ho Waterfall. Situated in the ocean paradise of Nha Trang, it’s a must-include on any Nha Trang itinerary, located just a 15-minute drive from the city center. The trek into the waterfall takes you through thick jungle, along a river, and up a canyon, offering views of the water flow of falls. In addition, Ba Ho Waterfall is popular for rock jumping, and the area also features a restaurant serving snacks and drinks.
Ba Ho Waterfall In Nha Trang, Vietnam
Address: Van Thuan village, Ninh Ich commune, Ninh Hoa town
Best time to visit: In April, the weather is cool, the lake water is always clear, you can freely admire and explore Ba Ho stream.
>>> Note for visitors: The path to the waterfall is quite slippery, so be careful not to wear flip-flops. Also, note that there is very little traffic around this area, so you should either rent a motorbike to drive yourself or hire a taxi for a round trip.
Conclusion
The breathtaking Vietnam waterfalls not only offer a place for tourists to relax and enjoy the natural beauty, but they also provide an opportunity to understand the culture, lifestyle, and hospitality of the local population. Waterfalls in Vietnam are undoubtedly the perfect option for nature lovers and those looking to discover something new.
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