Ban Gioc Waterfalls

Described as a spectacular natural highlight, Ban Gioc is the best-known waterfalls in Vietnam. This very scenic spot lies on the border with China and takes around two hours to drive from Cao Bang provincial capital city and is 272 km north of Hanoi. One end of the falls is in China, the other is in Vietnam.

ban gioc waterfalls vietnam

Ban Gioc is currently the 4th largest waterfall along a national border after Iguazu Falls, Victoria Falls, and Niagara Falls.

Ban Gioc waterfall lines on the current of Quay Son river. This river starts from China, flows down to the border between the two countries and enters Vietnam at the point of Po Peo, Ngoc Khe commune, Trung Khanh district of Cao Bang. The river runs around on the land of Trung Khanh before bending its current at the foot of Co Muong Mountain and evergreen fields nearby then poor down the mountain cliff and creates the Ban Gioc. After getting down to the low level, the river turns back to Chinese territory. Two third the width of the fall is on Vietnamese side and the rest is on Chinese side.

The fall is with the height of 53m and width of 300m, comprises 3 layers with water falling from the peak, creating spectacular scenery. In the middle of the fall is a rock landing covered by trees that divides the stream into three currents. It looks like three white silk bands and makes a slight mist that cools down the temperature.

During rainy season, the thundering effect of the water hitting the cliffs can be heard from afar and the water columns that can be seen from a very far distance. At the foot of the waterfall is a large river, as calm as glass. It would be a miss if you ignore the paddy fields along the way leading to the base of the falls.

The water volume varies considerably between the dry and rainy seasons: the falls are most impressive from May to September. The falls have three levels, creating a sort of giant staircase, and there’s enough water any time, most years, to make the trip worthwhile.

Boast as the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam, the Detian, its name in Chinese also recognize as the best known waterfall of China by China’s geographic magazine. The fall has come into art with beauty described by lots of extraordinary paintings, photographs. Apart from tourism and art value, the fall and its upstream water source has also a huge potential for hydro power.

ban gioc waterfalls vietnam

The way from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc is spectacular by itself. Running along mountains and valleys passing rustic hill tribe villages and natural landscapes, the two hour drive is a great experience of adventure feel and provides huge chance for photos.

Located near Ban Gioc is Nguom Ngao Cave that boasts one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam that normally visited before or after you reach the waterfalls.

Apart from the natural beauties, there is currently no tourist facility at and around Ban Gioc so Cao Bang city is taken as the base for visit there.

Ban Gioc can be visited on a single destination excursion journey from Hanoi within 3 days but normally combined with Ba Be Lake on 4 or 5 day trip or taken as one of the visits on longer trip up to 8 or 10 days around the northeast and northwest of Vietnam.

The best time to visit Ban Gioc is during the rainy season from April to October as the large volume of water makes it most impressive than ever.

Anyway, it is not much less interesting of visiting the falls another time of the year.

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