Ban Gioc Waterfall: How to Visit One Of The Most Remote and Largest Falls In Southeast Asia
Planning a trip to see Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam?
Over thousands of years, Ban Gioc (or Detian Waterfall) has been eroded into a massive double fall drop. Plus, it’s the biggest waterfall in Vietnam and all of Southeast Asia!
Why is Ban Gioc Waterfall famous?
Located along the border of China and Vietnam, Ban Gioc Detian Falls is the fourth-largest waterfall along a national boundary in the world. It’s also the largest and widest waterfall in Asia, with its three tiers crashing down at the height of 30 meters and nearly 300 feet wide.
For such a magnificent Vietnamese landmark, you would think this waterfall would be a hotbed for mass tourism, but there was practically no one when we went in 2022.
After reading this article, you will have all the information needed to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall. We’ll cover directions on how to get there, entrance fees, the best times to visit, things to do, and any final tips!
Don’t get FOMO! Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the bucket list things to do in Vietnam, but it takes a lot of work to get around. If you’re looking for a tour, book this 2Day/1Night overnight excursion that also sees all the Cao Bang highlights via motorbike (or EasyRider, where you will be a motorbike passenger).
Overview of Ban Gioc Waterfall
Located between Vietnam and China, Ban Gioc is usually made up of two waterfalls. Although, during periods of intense summer rainfall, the Quay Son River can fill up enough to form one large fall once more.
In Vietnamese, the two waterfalls are considered one and simply called Ban Gioc. However, in China, both falls are named Détiān Falls. Both countries can view the falls, but the Vietnamese side is vastly more impressive.
Where is it Located?
Ban Gioc Waterfall is approximately ~340 km from Hanoi. It’s situated in the northeastern province of Cao Bang province in Vietnam, close to the Chinese international border.
Most people going by public transport will stop at Cao Bang City, about 2 hours (83km) away.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How do I get to Ban Gioc Waterfall?
You can reach Ban Gioc Waterfall by car, public bus, motorbike, or taking a tour, but it takes about 7-8 hours from Hanoi.
Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall
The best way to get to Ban Gioc Waterfall from Hanoi is by taking an 8 hour sleeper bus to Cao Bang (300K-500K VND), then renting a scooter from there.
If you don’t want to drive, you can take one of the 2.5 hour small local buses from Cao Bang directly to the waterfall (80k VND) area. The cheapest way is to rent your scooter from Hanoi and drive yourself to Ban Gioc, although that will take considerable time.
Related Post: Read full details on renting a scooter in Vietnam
If you rent a scooter, you should want some travel insurance. Rocking those knee and elbow bandages is a real look in Southeast Asia, especially in that Vietnam traffic. I use nomad insurance, Safety Wings, which covers medical in scooter accidents. Since I travel long-term, it auto-charges me $42 every month until I cancel.
Ban Gioc Waterfall Tours
Visiting this landmark certainly does not require a guided tour, but it can enhance the experience by making it much easier as it is far and transport can be a bit complicated.
I recommend booking this 2Day/1Night Ban Gioc Waterfall tour in particular. It has only stellar 5 star reviews. Check out some details below:
Drive around Cao Bang province by motorbike or Easyrider (where you hire a driver so you are the motorbike passenger) to discover highlights like Ngao Cave and ethnic craft villages. Get more out of your trip with the help of a knowledgeable guide who can show you all the best spots and answer any questions you may have about the waterfall and Vietnam.
“We have just finished this 2 day tour with an and we had such a brilliant time. We made a request for a route an had not done before and he created it especially for for us…The route was incredible and I cannot recommend a tour with him more.”
(SEE MORE REVIEWS on Viator)
Best Time To Visit
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall is in the summer months, between May and August. During this rainy season, water flow is at its highest, making the waterfall more spectacular but probably more cloudy as well. If you want a higher probability of sunny days, visit during the dry season.
Better yet, time your visit right before the harvest season. We went at the end of September, which was the perfect time to catch the vibrant yellow of the rice fields. By the time we left for the Ha Giang Loop, many fields were already being harvested and turning a muddy brown.
Best Time of Day to Visit
We visited twice, once in the morning around 10 am and once around sunset. There are advantages to both.
You shouldn’t miss the waterfall under the direct sunlight of the day when the water shines the brightest, but the sunset is quite amazing too. The sky’s colors transform into a gorgeous hue that magnifies the beauty of the falls even more!
Tip! Avoid the weekends if you can. Since visitors are mostly local tourists, larger crowds visit on the weekends and public holidays.
Ban Gioc Waterfall General Information
Entrance Fee: How Much Does It Cost To Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall?
The entrance fee for Ban Gioc Waterfall is VND 40,000 per person. If you want to take the boat trip, it’s an additional VND 50,000 per person. You will buy tickets at a small ticket booth in the parking lot of the waterfall.
Along with the entry fee, you should also budget for transportation costs to reach the waterfall and any additional fees for a tour guide or operator you hire.
Waterfall Opening Hours
The waterfall is open all year round, and Google states it is open 24 hours (but I have my doubts). Lonely Planet says it’s open from 7:30am to 5pm daily.
What to Expect: Things To Do
Exploring the waterfall and its surrounding Cao Bang area is a great way to spend two days in Vietnam, even if the actual waterfall itself may only take a couple of hours to see.
Related Post: To find out other things to do in Cao Bang, check out the full list here.
1. Walk Around the Grounds of the Most Beautiful Waterfall in Vietnam
Stroll around northern Vietnam’s most beautiful waterfalls while capturing some incredible photos! Climbing past the wooden bridge to get a better view of both falls. Be sure to exercise caution as the bridge may be slippery from the constant spray.
2. Get Up Close on a Bamboo Raft
Embark aboard the bamboo rafts for 50k VND per person. You will be brought up close and personal, witnessing the majesty of the cascading waterfall as you float to various angles.
3. Take Super Touristy Pictures
Nearby souvenir shops rent out traditional ethnic group costumes, and you can take pictures with horses by the riverbank.
4. Celebrate the Ban Gioc Waterfall Festival
In early October every year, the Ban Gioc Waterfall Festival begins with a water procession ceremony that will take place from the foot of the falls to Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda. The festival will feature booths with crafts and culinary culture, as well as folk games such as tug of war and sack racing. Folk songs and dance competitions will also showcase ethnic and cultural identity.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Can you swim in Ban Gioc?
Although people do swim, legally, it is not allowed since you are so close to the Chinese side of the border. At the smaller falls, we did walk all the way into the water with no problem.
Can you Use a Drone at Ban Gioc?
No, you can’t use a drone because you’re near the Chinese border. Signs are everywhere telling people not to fly them (even though we did). There have been reports of drones being disrupted by signal interference in less than a few minutes or shot at.
Aside from clear signs at the waterfall itself, Vietnam does (technically) have strict drone laws where you must register and get pre-approval for every flight plan, every single time.
Where to Eat Nearby
Restaurant prices near the waterfall area cater to group tours and sit well above Vietnam’s typical rates. However, if you have your own transport, a short drive will take you to a cozy local restaurant ran by an endearing auntie who will happily feed your entire group at the cost of an individual diner near the waterfall.
Where to Stay nearby
The area around the waterfall has plenty of accommodations available for all travelers. However, only some are available to be booked online.
I recommend staying in the nearby Stone Village, where stone buildings date as old as 200 years. It is close to a fantastic attraction, the Nguom Ngao Cave. Otherwise, you will have more options if you stay in Cao Bang town.
Here is my recommended place to stay for pretty cheap, and the best-reviewed in the area:
STONE VILLAGE HOMESTAY – Nguom Ngao – Ban Gioc Homestay
Enjoy a warm, ethnic-style stay by booking with Nguom Ngao – Ban Gioc Homestay for only $8 USD and get breakfast included! This cozy guest house is near the most popular sites of Cao Bang Geopark. You’ll be welcomed with open arms; besides, they offer delicious meals that are both affordable and generous portions. Plus, you can relish your spare time in their big lobby, where there’s a ping pong table to play with friends or family.
STYLISH CAO BANG HOMESTAY – Lan’s Homestay
With two locations, one in Cao Bang city and one near the waterfall, book a stay at Lan’s Homestay, one of the most popular choices in the area. Both stylish and affordable, Lan’s Homestay has both dorm and private rooms.
Final Thoughts: Is Ban Gioc Waterfall Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, if you have the time! Ban Gioc Waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam and should not be missed on any north Vietnam itinerary. Aside from just the waterfall, Cao Bang itself has many banger attractions and has undoubtedly left a special mark on my travel story.
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.