Ban Gioc Waterfall: The Biggest Waterfall in Vietnam

Ban Gioc is the biggest waterfall in Vietnam and sits right on the border with China. The water falls in wide steps into a green river, and bamboo rafts take visitors close to the base.

What you can do

• Take a raft to the falls Simple bamboo rafts bring you close enough to feel the spray.
• Walk along the river A path runs along the water with views from different angles.
• See the border markers The border with China runs through the middle of the river.
• Visit Nguom Ngao cave A big cave only a few minutes away. Easy to combine.

Good to know

• Most water is between June and September, right after the rains.
• It can be misty in winter, which hides the view.
• Bring your passport. It is a border area and there are checks.

Where it is

• Region: Cao Bang province
• From Cao Bang city: about 2 hours
• From Hanoi: about 7 to 8 hours
• From Ba Be Lake: about 4 hours
• Coordinates: 22.85390, 106.72329
• Map: Open in Google Maps

How to fit it into your trip

Too far for a day trip from Hanoi. Plan two or three days for Cao Bang, and combine Ban Gioc with Nguom Ngao cave and Ba Be Lake.

Travelling around North Vietnam is easiest with your own driver. We arrange cars and drivers for trips like this.

Getting there: see Hanoi to Ba Be and Cao Bang, or let us plan your whole trip, airport to airport.

Photo: 张元柏, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.