Ban Gioc Waterfall: Travel Guide & Best things to do

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Ban Gioc Waterfall: Travel Guide & Best Things to do in 2025

Ban Gioc Waterfall ranks among Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Located at the border with China, and, in Cao Bang Province in northeastern Vietnam within 340km distance from Hanoi, this spectacular cascade rises 30 meters and stretches an impressive 300 meters in width, making it the country’s broadest waterfall. The Quay Son River, a striking jade-blue waterway, flows through lush rice paddies and bamboo groves, with towering limestone peaks framing the scenery. Ban Gioc showcases a landscape of unparalleled beauty.

Improved road access and better public transportation in 2025 make it easier to reach Ban Gioc. Viral drone footage has recently highlighted the waterfall’s grandeur, yet mass tourism has not overwhelmed the area. Outside of weekends and public holidays, only a modest number of local and international visitors explore the site, allowing it to maintain its serene and off-the-beaten-path appeal.

Thác Bản Giốc in Vietnamese or Detian in Chinese, are the two other names.

Where is Ban Gioc Waterfall & What to Expect

This guide offers a detailed overview of Ban Gioc Waterfall and its surrounding area, showcasing the top attractions and activities, along with suggestions for accommodations, dining, and how to get therefrom Hanoi. It also features google map of the region to assist with trip planning. While Ban Gioc is accessible year-round, I recommend visiting between September and November. During this time, the summer rains diminish, the waterfall remains vibrant, and the surrounding rice fields glow with the golden colors of the harvest.

When you visit Ban Gioc, be sure to explore the nearby Nguom Ngao Caves, renowned for their remarkable limestone formations. You can also enjoy a motorized boat ride (not bamboo anymore) at the base of the waterfall for an up-close view while waving to the visitors in the Chinese side. Ban Gioc serves as a highlight of the Northeast Loop Vietnam and can be easily paired with other destinations in the area.

Map: Ban Gioc Waterfall & Cao Bang from Hanoi

8 Active Things to do near Ban Gioc Waterfall

The waterfall and surrounding countryside offers few good thins to see that makes it a highlight for the trip. Here are the 5 best things to include on your visit to Ban Gioc waterfall from Hanoi;

1. The Ban Gioc Waterfall

At Ban Gioc, the Quay Son River forms the border between Vietnam & China, with the waterfall straddling both countries. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on either side, taking them close to the base of the falls for stunning views. It’s even possible to interact with Chinese tourists on the rafts across the river.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is located about 350 km from Hanoi, accessible via a well-maintained national highway to Cao Bang City, followed by recently upgraded provincial roads that pass through picturesque countryside . Although the area has become more accessible, few travelers, especially international tourists, visit, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

While at Ban Gioc waterfall, visitors can marvel at the waterfall’s dramatic tiers, admire the emerald-green waters of the Quay Son River, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding limestone mountains and rice fields. For motorbike riders, traveling the Northeast Loop or independent travelers wanting to avoid crowds, Ban Gioc offers something unique.

Before reaching Ban Gioc Falls, the Quay Son River meanders through a lush valley, dotted with limestone karsts. The landscape is totally scenic, and it will surely become one of the favorite spots in Vietnam for anyone.

Ban Gioc falls ticket fee & opening hours

Price: 40,000 VND

Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Motorbike parking: 10,000 VND.

2. The Nguom Ngao cave

You’ll find an impressive limestone cave system, known as Nguom Ngao Caves, just a few kilometers to the right before reaching Ban Gioc Waterfall. A one-kilometer walkway takes you through the caves, where the lighting enhances their stunning beauty. Be careful on the path, as it can become slippery from the dripping calcium carbonate that forms the stalactites surrounding you.

The Nguom Ngao cave’ ticket fee & opening hours

Price: 45,000 VND

Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

3. Scenic countryside near the fall

The path winds through rice fields, crosses wooden bridges over bubbling creeks, and leads to a grassy bank at the base of the falls. The broad, white cascade is surrounded by lush foliage and framed by jagged limestone mountains, which are partially hidden by the mist rising from the spray of the waterfall. A great vantage point offers a view from the newly built hilltop temple and pagoda on the south side of the road, directly across from the falls.

You can explore further up the side of the falls for even more breathtaking views of the cascade from above. The sight is truly awe-inspiring, but be very cautious, and avoid attempting the climb if it has been raining. With no handrails, a slip could leave you grabbing onto nothing but exposed roots. The path starts at the base of the falls, just behind a milestone marking the Vietnamese border, accessible by crossing a rickety wooden bridge.

4. Truc Lam Ban Gioc Buddha Temple

After exploring Ban Gioc, head to the best viewpoint of the waterfall. You can enjoy this view from the Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda, also known as the Ban Gioc Temple. From the waterfall, return to the main road and walk about 600 meters back toward Cao Bang. Look for a left turn with a few souvenir and food stalls. This road leads to the Truc Lam Pagoda, or Ban Gioc Temple. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panorama, offering a direct view of the valley and Ban Gioc Waterfall.

5. Phong nNam Valley, Cao Bang

The enchanting Phong Nam Valley (Phong Nậm in Vietnamese) sits in the Commune of Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province. Located just 15 kilometers from the Ban Gioc falls, the valley is easy to reach. Majestic mountains covered in dense jungle foliage surround the valley, while vast rice fields stretch across the landscape. Picturesque villages, home to vibrant minority communities, dot the area, and a tranquil stream meanders through the valley, enhancing its serene beauty. The area is best explore on Motorbike tours in Vietnam

6. Nui Thung mountain - Angels-Eye Mountain

Nui Thung Mountain, widely known as the Angel eye mountain, located 60 km from Ban Gioc, remains a hidden off the beaten track that hasn’t been visited by tourists. Also known as Angel Eye Mountain known for its hill shape feature with an unusual hole in the middle. The area offers more than just a great photo opportunity; the entire hidden valley is breathtaking. It boasts lush forests, towering mountains, serene lakes, expansive plains, and small villages inhabited by minority communities.

7. Thang Hen Lake

Thang Hen Lake lies right next to Nui Thung Mountain and is the largest of 36 lakes in the Tinh Coc Valley (Cao Bang). You can enjoy a boat trip across the lake or simply relax by the water’s edge, taking in the stunning views of the mountains reflected in the calm waters. It’s one of the best things to see in the area on the way to Ban Gioc Falls.

8. Festival in October

Ban Gioc Waterfall Festival in October, considered as the fourth-largest transnational waterfall in the world. The festival, held annually, showcases the region’s vibrant traditions, featuring colorful performances, traditional music, and delectable local cuisine.

Best time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall

The best time of the year to visit Ban Gioc waterfall & Cao Bang (Northeast Loop), would be from early September to late November. However, Ban Gioc experiences fluctuations in water levels depending on the season which means, you can visit the waterfall year-round, the winter months are cold and blasting while summer months are hot and drenching.

Cao Bang has a wet season from June to September and a dry season from October to May. During the wet season, the waterfall is larger, but the increased water flow brings more sediment, often turning the water a dark brown color.

In the dry season, there is less rain and cooler weather. The water takes on beautiful blue hues, but the flow is not as strong.

The best time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall is September to November. During these months, the waterfall has plenty of water, and the colors are vibrant and clear. You’ll also get to enjoy the stunning rice fields around Ban Gioc during this season.

How to Get to Ban Gioc Waterfall

Getting to Ban Gioc Waterfall from Hanoi, by car, motorbike or local bus. The journey takes about 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic from Hanoi and road conditions. The route offers scenic views which can be quiet narrow and winding, so drivers should proceed with caution.

Ban Gioc Waterfall lies about 350 kilometers from Hanoi and 90 kilometers east of Cao Bang. You can easily reach the waterfall by taking a well-maintained national highway to Cao Bang City, followed by several provincial roads that lead through stunning scenery to the falls.

From Hanoi to Bang Gioc Waterfall

The bus travel from Hanoi to Cao Bang is very straightforward, from Hanoi, take a sleeper bus from My Dinh bus station for an eight hours journey. If you’re interested in to ride a motorbike, get on highway QL3 through Bac Kan, or an alternative QL1A htrough lang Son. The highway is well-maintained and offers beautiful landscapes along the way. The distance from Hanoi to Cao Bang is 280 km. Bus tickets typically cost between VND 200,000 and 250,000 (~10-12 USD)

From Cao Bang to Bang Gioc Waterfall

Small local buses operate several times a day between Cao Bang and Ban Gioc. You can ask the staff at your accommodation for bus schedules and more details. Taxis and motorcycle taxis are also available in the city center. Riding a motorcycle offers the best experience, with spectacular views along the route. Most hotels and homestays offer motorbikes and scooters for rent at around $8 per day. The QL3 highway provides the easiest and fastest route to Ban Gioc Waterfall from Cao Bang.

Bang Gioc Waterfall tours

The easiest way to explore Ban Gioc is by taking a multi-day motorbike tour from Hanoi. Most tours to Ban Gioc Waterfall last three days and include visits to other nearby attractions, such as Ba Be Lake and the Ngam Ngao Cave, alongside the waterfall.

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Ba Be Lake, located in Ba Be National Park in northern Vietnam, stands out for its stunning natural beauty. Although the journey from Ba Be to Ban Gioc is quite long, adding this incredible lake to your itinerary will make your trip to northern Vietnam even more memorable. Many travelers add Ban Gioc together with Ha Giang, this need at least 1 week time, the experience is simply amazing. Learn more about Ha Giang Loop

Where to stay In Ban Gioc

There are a few local guesthouses and a couple of homestays (nhà nghỉ in Vietnamese) line both sides of the road between the Nguom Ngao Caves and the waterfall. Most of them are sit just west of the falls on Road DT206. These guesthouses offer simple, clean rooms from around 200,000 VND ($8). Some of them aren’t online, so if you can’t find anywhere to book, just drive around and you’ll be able to see them.

Additionally, there is a better option available, called, Saigon-Ban Gioc Resort, located on the road directly opposite the entrance to the falls, offers rooms starting at $40 per night (VND900.000). Only rooms on the top floor provide a view of the waterfall from the balcony. Alongside the resort.

Staying in Cao Bang City or Trung Khanh offers better chances of finding quality accommodations at attractive prices. In Trung Khanh, the best options are near the market. However, Cao Bang City provides a wider variety of choices for hotels and homestays.

Food & Drink around Ban Gioc Waterfall

Cao Bang City offers plenty of good local places to eat, but finding food near Ban Gioc Waterfall can be more challenging, however, there are few basic local rice N beef and noodle eateries (quán cơm phở in Vietnamese), if you walk outside the waterfall toward the villages. There are also more options in small towns like Trung Khanh, especially near the market, and in Quang Uyen. You can also find a few roadside rice stalls between Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Caves. The newly established Saigon-Ban Gioc Resort features a restaurant serving a variety of Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices and decent quality.

Cao Bang offers plenty of places to eat, especially along Vuon Cam Street. For Western foods, try Pizza Chi for a fair quality of pizza. Breakfast options include bánh cuốn, a popular northern Vietnamese dish. Grab coffee at local cafes and stock up on picnic supplies like bánh mì baguettes around Cho Xanh market.