Ban Gioc Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in Vietnam

Ban Gioc Waterfall is situated in northeastern Cao Bang province, near the China border. It is Vietnam’s largest and widest waterfall, consisting of three levels and reaching a height of 30 meters. The waterfall is fed by the Quay Son river, which runs through a breathtaking landscape encompassing rice fields, limestone formations, bamboo thickets, and karst peaks. Although not heavily visited by tourists at present, Ban Gioc Waterfall is a definite gem for those seeking solitude and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring natural splendor of the area.

How to get to Ban Gioc Waterfall

By bus/ coach

The bus is the most convenient and comfortable way to get to Ban Gioc Waterfall from Hanoi which is around 286kms. The bus journey takes about 7 hours and costs around 200,000 VND per person. You can choose from different types of buses, such as VIP, air-conditioned, or sleeper buses.

The journey you will go through is as follows:

Start from 1A Highway -> then take the Bac Giang-Lang Son Highway, -> followed by 4A Highway -> Proceed to Dong Khe Town and continue on 208 Road -> from there, take 3 Highway and then 206 Road to reach Dam Thuy Commune -> and finally, Ban Gioc Waterfall.

By Personal Transportation( Car/Motorbike)

You can hire a private car with a driver in Hanoi to go to Ban Gioc Waterfall. It’s a 6-hour drive and costs approximately 3,000,000 VND (129 USD) per car for a round trip.

What to do at Ban Gioc Waterfall

Once you arrive at Ban Gioc Waterfall, you will be amazed by its beauty and majesty. There are many things you can do at the waterfall, depending on your time. Here are some of the best things to do at Ban Gioc Waterfall:

Rafting on the Quay Son river

Rafting on the Quay Son river is an exciting adventure! You can hop on a bamboo raft from either side of the waterfall and get up close to the powerful, thundering water. It’s a 10-minute ride that costs around 2 dollars per person. As you cruise along, you might even spot some Chinese tourists on the opposite side of the river.

Climbing up to the top level

If you’re up for a challenge, you can climb up to the middle level of the waterfall. There’s a secret path that leads you there, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire cascade. Just keep in mind that the path is quite steep and can be a bit risky, so it’s important to be cautious and prepared. Along the way, you’ll also catch sight of another smaller waterfall on your left.

Exploring the caves

Don’t miss the chance to explore the fascinating caves near Ban Gioc Waterfall. There are two caves you must visit: Nguom Ngao cave and Thanh Long cave. Nguom Ngao cave is a natural wonder filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations. On the other hand, Thanh Long cave is an artificial cave adorned with beautiful paintings on its walls. Both caves are free to enter, but be ready for a bit of a walk through muddy paths.

Taking photos

Capture unforgettable memories at Ban Gioc Waterfall with your camera! The picturesque surroundings and the variety of angles make it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. You can take shots from different locations along the river or even from higher viewpoints.

What to eat near Ban Gioc Waterfall

Grilled Agarwood fish

The dish you must try when visiting Ban Gioc waterfall is grilled Agarwood fish. This type of fish is caught by the local people right at the foot of the waterfall and sold. It can be said that grilled Agarwood fish is a dish you can only eat when you come to Ban Gioc waterfall.

Seven-Flavor Roasted Duck (Vit quay bay vi):

Savor the exquisite taste of roasted duck, expertly seasoned with a medley of seven flavors, including garlic, ginger, pepper, dried onion, honey, tofu, and dried clausena. This culinary delight promises a perfect balance of crispy skin on the outside and succulent tenderness within.

Trung Khanh Chestnuts:

Indulge in the finest Trung Khanh chestnuts, flourishing in the favorable climate of Northeastern Vietnam. Whether roasted, steamed, or dried, this variety of chestnuts offers a delightful and versatile culinary experience.

Banh Cuon Cao Bang (Steamed Rice Roll):

Delight your palate with the renowned Banh Cuon, a steamed rice roll originating from Northern Vietnam. Served with a flavorful pork bone broth and egg, this dish exemplifies the rich culinary heritage of Cao Bang.

Khao Cake:

Experience the sweetness of Tet (Lunar New Year) festivities with the Khao Cake, a delectable treat crafted from glutinous rice. Filled with a delightful combination of sesame, peanut, sugar, and fat, this cake is a must-try dessert that captures the essence of festive celebrations.

This list is my favorite dishes at Ban Gioc Waterfall, and I think you will love it too. It is a perfect dish to enjoy after a day of exploring the waterfall and the surrounding area.

When to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall is a year-round destination, but depending on the time of the year, you will have a different experience and impression of the waterfall and the surrounding area.

The best time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall is from September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, there’s plenty of water, and the rice fields have a beautiful golden color. You’ll see the most breathtaking views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.

The temperature is around 20°C (68°F), so it’s cool and dry with less rain. The water level is high, creating a powerful and majestic flow. The ripe rice fields add a stunning mix of yellow and green colors. The clear blue sky and fresh air make the whole experience even better. This is also the most photogenic and appealing time to visit the waterfall, giving you the chance to capture the best memories and photos.

Tips for Visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall

Bring your passport: You need to show your passport when crossing the border between Vietnam and China at Ban Gioc Waterfall. This is because there are no visa-free agreements between these two countries.
Wear appropriate clothes: The weather at Ban Gioc Waterfall can be unpredictable, so it is better to wear clothes that are comfortable and suitable for different conditions. You may encounter rain or wind at any time of day or year.
Bring insect repellent: There are many mosquitoes around Ban Gioc Waterfall, especially near the river or in humid areas. You may want to bring some insect repellent to protect yourself from bites.
Bring water bottle: There are no shops or vending machines near Ban Gioc Waterfall, so you need to bring your own water bottle or buy one from local vendors along the way.

Conclusion

Ban Gioc Waterfall is a hidden gem in Vietnam that deserves more attention from travelers. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and power of nature, as well as have some fun and memorable moments. I hope this article has inspired you to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall someday and share your own stories and photos with me.