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Right between the border of China and Vietnam lies a hidden gem that is yet to be touched by mass tourism. The Ban Gioc Falls or Detian Falls as it is called in China. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. It spans 300 meters across and falls from a height of 30 meters across three different levels creating a sort of cascading staircase. With its stunning lush green forest and limestone karst backdrop, the falls make for a magnificent sight.
The stunning Ban Gioc Falls is located in Cao Bang province in North Vietnam. The waterfall is a part of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, a UNESCO heritage site. It also shares its borders with China with half of the falls located within Chinese borders.
Ban Gioc Falls is located 200km away from Hanoi and 90km from Cao Bang City which is the nearest city.
The best way to get to Cao Bang city from Hanoi is by bus. There are daily bus services to and fro Hanoi and Cao Bang. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach. You can also rent a car and drive to the falls yourself.
After you reach Cao Bang city, you can catch a minibus to Ban Gioc Falls which runs daily. It usually takes about 1 hour to 90 minutes to reach the falls. You can also get a private cab with a driver.
If you are looking for a more adventurous trip, then a motorbike ride is the way to go. There are motorbike rentals in Cao Bang city which generally cost about $10-15 per day.
Though the falls can be visited any time of the year, the best time to witness the Ban Gioc Falls in its full splashing glory is during the rainy season from June to August. But the rains also bring floods which may not be ideal. Another great time to visit is from September to October when the rainy season is at its end.
Once you reach the beautiful Ban Gioc Falls, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of around $2. After paying the fee, head to the gravel path at the bottom of the waterfall to take in the majestic views.
Another great vantage point is the serene Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda located near the falls. From this pagoda, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Ban Gioc Falls in all its glory. This pagoda is one of the most popular places to take stunning photos of the waterfall and the forests surrounding it.
If you want to get closer to the falls, there are bamboo boats that go near the foot of the falls. It costs around $2 to $3 and usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. It is a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the waterfall and admire one of Mother Nature’s best creations.
You can also trek up to the falls to get a better view of the first and second levels of the waterfall. Make sure to bring proper footwear. The path is steep and slippery. But you’ll be rewarded with a view very few people get.
Besides spending time at the falls, there are some nearby places that you should check out like the Nguom Ngao Cave or Tiger Cave, a limestone cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites located around 3km away from Ban Gioc Falls.
Another place is the Phing Nam Valley located around 10 km away from Ban Gioc Falls. This valley's sprawling green fields and river make for a great place to enjoy a peaceful walk.
Most people who visit Ban Gioc Falls are there as part of a day trip. But if you want to stay overnight, Cao Bang City has numerous hotels and homestays, where you can experience the best of Vietnamese hospitality.
One of the best places to stay in Cao Bang is the Saigon-Ban Gioc Resort located right across the falls. The 53 room resort offers breathtaking views of the waterfall. There is also a restaurant that serves local Vietnamese and continental cuisine.
Book your hotel or homestay in advance to enjoy your trip without worrying about your accommodation.
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