Ban Gioc Falls are the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. Nestled in the northeastern province of Cao Bang, these waterfalls are a natural wonder to see if you visit the Northern Dragon Country.
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Introduction
Located in the mountainous province of Cao Bang in northern Vietnam, the Ban Gioc Falls offer a breathtaking and captivating natural spectacle. Extending over three levels, the waterfall rises to 30 meters high and extends over nearly 300 meters wide. The fourth largest transboundary waterfall in the world, after Iguazu, Victoria and Niagara, Ban Gioc attracts adventurous travelers in search of spectacular scenery.
Did you know that… Ban Gioc Falls have two different names? Ban Gioc, the Vietnamese name for the falls, means "stone chessboard" and refers to the chessboard-shaped rock formation at the foot of the falls. Detian, the Chinese name for the falls, means "waterfall from the sky" and evokes the power and majestic beauty of the falls.
Location of Ban Gioc Falls
The falls are located about 400 km from Hanoi, on the Chinese border. They are divided into two sections: the main fall, located in Vietnam, and a smaller secondary fall, located in China. The Quay Son River, which rises in the karst mountains of northeastern Vietnam, feeds the falls. A gravel path winds through the grassy banks and spans the wooden bridges. Bamboo rafts allow visitors to approach the thunderous water, almost close enough to shake hands with tourists on the other side.
Hidden treasures
To the left of the main waterfall, there is another "smaller" waterfall that is no less impressive. Adventurous souls can explore a path that climbs along the falls from a wooden bridge beneath the waterfall. The jungle trail leads to the first and second layers of the waterfall, offering a breathtaking view.
Did you know that... Legend says that a couple of lovers, Ban and Gioc, jumped from the falls to escape a forced marriage. Their souls would have turned into two trees rising on either side of the falls.
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Peaceful Ban Gioc Province - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
How to get to Ban Gioc Falls from Hanoi
By bus: Direct buses connect Hanoi to Cao Bang, with a journey time of about 6 hours. From Cao Bang, taxis or minibuses can take you to the waterfalls, which takes about 2 hours.
By motorcycle: For the more adventurous, the winding road from Hanoi to Cao Bang offers breathtaking scenery. The journey takes about 8 hours.
Organized tour: Various travel agencies offer multi-day tours that include visiting Ban Gioc Falls and other natural sites in the area.
Note: More details can be found later in this article.
Best season to visit Ban Gioc Falls
The ideal period to visit the Ban Gioc waterfalls falls between September and December (which corresponds to the end of the rainy season in northern Vietnam) and between March and May, when the rains are less intense, that the sky is clear and the flow of the river is perfect to marvel at the power of the falls.
What to do and see in Ban Gioc
Admire the beauty of the falls
The main waterfall offers a breathtaking spectacle. Observation platforms allow you to enjoy different perspectives.
Take a boat ride
Board a small boat to get closer to the falls and discover the refreshing spray.
Explore the cave of Nguom Ngao
Also known as the "tiger cave" or "cave between the rocky valleys" in Tay language, this cave has the particularity of being 2,144 meters long and has 3 main spaces: Nguom Lom, Nguom Ngao and Ban Thon. This site was formed from rockfalls of limestone. Nguom Ngao is considered one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam, with its galleries and magnificent stalactites and stalagmites of different sizes.
Discover the surrounding villages
Explore the ethnic villages of the Tay and Nung who live in the area and discover their culture and traditions. Discover the craft villages, visit the Dzao Tien embroidery workshops in Hoa Tham, the Phia Thap incense village (on the road from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc), the Pac Rang forges village in Quang Uyen (road from Cao Bang to Quang Uyen) or walk the streets of the village of stone houses on stilts in Khuoi Ky, a unique village in Vietnam (on the road to the Nguom Ngao cave), the basket village in the hamlet Lan Duoi, the paper village Ban in the hamlet Dia Tren in Quang Uyen…
Hiking in the mountain
Many hiking trails allow you to enjoy the breathtaking karst landscapes and panoramic views of the waterfalls.
Impressive Ban Gioc Falls - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
Catering and accommodation
Local restaurants and food stalls can be found in villages near the falls. They offer a variety of local dishes such as grilled chicken, pork and Trung Khanh chestnuts. The Ban Gioc waterfalls are also very popular for their cakes and fish. It is important to note that it is necessary to order early if you want to have a meal near the waterfalls, as food is transported from Trung Khanh. There are various accommodation options, ranging from hotels and guesthouses to bungalows and homestays.
Ban Gioc Falls - Useful information
Entrance fee: 45,000 VND
Hours of operation: 7:30 am to 5 pm
What’s new at Ban Gioc Falls?
Recent news and developments
✓ Infrastructure Improvements: Efforts have been made to improve the infrastructure surrounding the waterfalls. This includes building more accessible roads and trails, as well as adding new visitor facilities such as restaurants and accommodations. The road to the falls has been renovated, making it easier for visitors to get there by car or motorbike. Hiking trails and viewing platforms have also been created to enhance the visitor experience.
✓ Accommodation: New hotels and guesthouses have opened in nearby villages, offering a range of options to suit different budgets.
✓ Activities: New proposals for activities and excursions are now available, such as boat rides on the Quay Son River, hikes in the surrounding mountains and visits to nearby ethnic villages. In addition to hiking and viewing the falls, visitors can now practice kayaking, paddleboarding and ziplining.
✓ Promotion of sustainable tourism: Local initiatives aim to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in the region. Various efforts have been made to encourage sustainable and responsible tourism, including the development of environmentally friendly hiking trails and environmental awareness programs.
What is the best tour for Ban Gioc from Hanoi?
The best tour for Ban Gioc from Hanoi depends on your interests and budget. In order to help you in your choices, we have here some possible options:
The most affordable option is bus travel, with fares starting at $20 per person. The journey lasts about 8 hours, with breaks during the journey. As a general rule, bus trips include an overnight stay at a hotel or hostel in Cao Bang, as well as exploring the Ban Gioc Falls and other attractions in the area.
The motorcycle trip is a more adventure option that offers you the opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of northern Vietnam. It takes about $20 a day to rent a motorcycle. It is essential to be competent in motorcycle driving and to be aware of the risks of the road.
As for the private trip, if it represents the most flexible and comfortable option, it is also the most expensive choice, with rates ranging from $ 100 per person. It is possible to select your route and activities according to your preferences.
As a rule, private tours include a private guide, a driver and an air-conditioned vehicle.
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Mysterious Tiger Cave - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
3-day vs 2-day tour to Ban Gioc Falls: strengths and weaknesses
✓ Highlights of a 3-day tour
• More time to explore the region: You’ll be able to explore more sights and enjoy the beautiful scenery of northern Vietnam.
• Additional activities: You will be able to take part in additional activities, such as hiking, kayaking or hiking.
• The pace will be slower, allowing you to relax and enjoy your trip.
• More relaxation: You won’t feel rushed and can fully enjoy your trip.
✓ Weak points of a 3-day tour
• More expensive: Typically, a 3-day tour is more expensive than a 2-day tour.
• If you choose to travel by bus or motorcycle, you will spend more time on the road.
• Less flexibility: If you want to adjust your route, it will be more complicated to do so with a 3-day excursion.
• If you want a more intense tour, a 2-day tour can be a more advantageous alternative.
✓ Highlights of a 2-day tour
• The price of a 2-day tour is often lower than a 3-day tour.
• When you travel by bus or motorcycle, you will save more time on the road.
• More flexibility: If you want to adjust your route, it will be easier to do so by choosing a 2-day tour.
• Increase in intensity: You will have the opportunity to quickly discover the main tourist sites of the region.
Tay people in Ban Gioc Province - Photo : Mr Linh's adventures
✓ Weak points of a 2-day tour
You will need less time to discover the region: You will no longer be able to explore the tourist sites and admire the magnificent landscapes of northern Vietnam.
Fewer activities will allow you to spend less time on additional activities.
Accelerated pace: You will have less time to relax and enjoy your trip.
Less relaxation: You will have to hurry to see everything and do in just two days.
Find here some elements to take into account when choosing
• Your interests: What do you want to see and do during your trip?
• Your budget: How much are you willing to spend?
• Your time: How long do you have to travel?
Ideally, take the time to visit the Ba Be National Park, a true green jewel of the region: discover the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam by boat, dive into fascinating caves and take a break in a Jungle Resort by sharing the life of the Tay.
The advice of Mr Linh
We designed this tour to balance travel time, visits and breaks ; please, feel free to have a look here :
► Adventure Tour to Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake 3 days 2 nights
► Adventure to Ba Be National Park 3 days 2 nights
Or here :
► Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights
In conclusion
The waterfalls of Ban Gioc are perfect for travelers looking for adventure and authenticity. With its impressive landscapes, varied culture and diverse activities, the region offers everything that tourism enthusiasts need to relax.