Ban Gioc Waterfall

The spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, sometimes known simply as the Detian Falls, can be found in the province of Cao Bang in northern Vietnam, about eight hours’ drive from Hanoi. Ban Gioc Waterfall, like other world-famous waterfalls such as Niagara and Iguazu, straddles the international border between two nations; in this case, Vietnam and China. It receives water from the Quay Son River.

The waterfall’s several tiers further add to its visual impact. The breathtaking natural setting helps make it so. Surrounded by karst peaks and green valleys, Ban Gioc Waterfall is a picture-perfect location.

The waterfall is popular year-round (it never dries up!) and is enjoyable at any time. However, September through October is widely regarded as peak travel season.

Best time to visit

Heavy rains in the months of June through August can cause the waterfall’s several levels to mix, so visitors should be prepared for this possibility. The stronger the spray, the more difficult it is to capture a photograph of the waterfall without getting soaked.

Weekdays in Ban Gioc are peaceful, but visitors should steer clear of the area on weekends and holidays, when the town becomes overrun with locals. If you want to see the falls when the dam upstream is open, lunchtime is your best bet. Because of this, the water may freely flow and the falls will look much more beautiful than before.

How to get there?

There is an entrance fee of 40,000 VND ($2) each person for those who want to get closer to the falls than just looking at them from a distance. While your passport is not typically required to purchase a ticket at the admission kiosk, it is recommended that you bring it along just in case.

You may get a bus from Hanoi’s My Dinh Bus Station and arrive in Cao Bang in a matter of hours. The trip should take about 8 hours. A minibus will transport you straight to the falls from Cao Bang. These depart hourly between 5:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., costing 70,000 VND for the two-hour journey.

Hostels and tourist firms in Cao Bang and Hanoi can set up day trips to the Ban Gioc Waterfall for groups. If you want to meet other visitors and see some of the beautiful scenery in the area, this is a fantastic alternative. Group excursions can also be reserved in advance online, for those who like to plan ahead.