Ban Gioc Waterfall
Located in Trùng Khánh District, approximately 85 km from Cao Bằng city, Bản Giốc Falls is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Vietnam. Cascading 70 meters down three limestone terraces and spanning 300 meters across the Quây Sơn River, it holds the title of Vietnam’s largest waterfall and the fourth-largest transnational waterfall in the world.
A Natural Border Between Vietnam & China
Bản Giốc Falls serves as a natural border between Vietnam and China, with the Quây Sơn River marking the division. A bamboo raft ride allows visitors to get close to the powerful cascades while also offering a unique vantage point of the upstream Chinese section and the Vietnamese side of the falls.
A Sublime Landscape of Karst Peaks & Ethnic Villages
Surrounded by towering karst mountains, lush forests, rice paddies, and bamboo groves, the scenery around Bản Giốc Falls is nothing short of magical. Adding to the charm, traditional norias (water wheels) can be seen along the riverbanks, channeling water into irrigation canals to nourish the Tày ethnic group's rice and corn fields.
Local Culture – The Land of the Tày People
The area around Bản Giốc Falls is home to the Tày ethnic community, known for their stilt houses, colorful textiles, and traditional farming practices. Visitors can explore local villages to experience their hospitality, cuisine, and handicrafts, making the trip not just about nature but also about cultural immersion.
Things to see and do
Top Experiences at Bản Giốc Falls
Discover the Exceptional Landscape Heritage: Explore one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural sites, where towering karst mountains, lush forests, and golden rice fields frame the breathtaking Bản Giốc Falls.
Hike Around Bản Giốc Falls – Trails for All Levels: Enjoy hiking routes that take you through ethnic villages, bamboo forests, and rice terraces, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
Raft or Boat Excursion on the Quây Sơn River: Glide across the emerald waters of the Quây Sơn River on a bamboo raft, getting up close to the powerful cascades and witnessing the natural border between Vietnam and China.
Take in the Best Panoramic Views from Phật Tích Trúc Lâm Bản Giốc Pagoda: Visit this scenic mountaintop temple for a breathtaking view of Bản Giốc Falls and the limestone massifs, offering a perfect photo opportunity.
Swim in the Natural Turquoise Pools: Take a refreshing dip in one of the natural pools at the base of the falls, surrounded by pristine nature and the sound of cascading water. (Swimming is only permitted in designated areas for safety.)
Meet the Mountain Ethnic Groups: Visit Tày and Nung villages near the falls to experience local hospitality, traditional stilt houses, and unique crafts like weaving and silver jewelry making.
Good to Know
When to visit?
Access
A special permit is required to visit the falls that border China. It is issued by a military guard post, a legacy of the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979 that took place in the region and the border conflicts that lasted until the 1990s. Many commemorative steles recall this painful past.
- By motorbike: allow 3 hours of travel by motorbike from Cao Bang. Several stops on the way or possibility of taking trails through beautiful remote valleys.
- By private vehicle: 80 km from Cao Bang, about 2 hours 30 minutes of driving
Where to eat and taste
- Cao Bang sausage
- River fish
- Wild vegetables and bamboo shoots
- Trung Khanh chestnuts
Continuing your journey
The Nguom Ngao caves, 3 km from Ban Gioc, are a system of underground galleries and rivers with spectacular stalactites,
The craft villages nestled at the foot of karst rocks, about 50 km from Ban Gioc
The countryside and riverside villages along the banks of the Quay Son River on a 3 to 10 km walk downstream from Ban Gioc
The Pac Po cave, 130 km from Ban Gioc, refuge of former President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietminh general staff in 1941, during the insurrection against French colonial power, near Lenin's stream and Mount Karl Marx... A visit to this site will allow you to better understand the
Large karst spaces: Phong Nam Valley, Ngoc Con Valley
The Charming Beauty of Vinh Quy Grass Hill
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