Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Vietnam, is also one of the amazing attractions in Cao Bang you should visit. The waterfall adores tourists through its majestic scenery surrounded by lush forests and mountains. Following the flow of the Quay Son River, the water overflows the sub-waterfalls, creating a stunning landscape. Let’s explore the beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this blog post, you will find these pieces of information below.

General information about Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall is located in Dam Thuy Commune, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, and is well-known for its white natural stream. The waterfall is located on the flow of the Quay Son River, which originates from China and flows into Vietnam territory at Ngoc Khe, Trung Khanh. From Vietnam’s perspective, Ban Gioc Waterfall includes both main and secondary waterfalls with a total width of 208 meters. The waterfall is divided into two parts. The Southern part is the secondary waterfall with a small amount of water. Whereas, the main waterfall is located in the North on the Vietnam-China border. The main waterfall is  60 meters high, and 300 meters wide, with three floors of limestone rock.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Following the flow of the Quay Son River, the water overflows the sub-waterfalls, creating a stunning landscape. From Ngoc Khe Commune, the river flows through Dinh Phong, Chi Vien, and Dam Thuy Communes. Before returning to the borderline and splitting into many branches, the river runs through the foot of Co Muong Mountain, the fields of Dam Thuy Commune, and the cornfield on Gioc Village. The riverbed dropped about 35 meters, forming the Ban Gioc Waterfall. After falling at the foot of the waterfall, the river turns completely into Chinese territory.

Quay Son River

The ideal time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall

Cao Bang’s weather at this time is extremely cool and mild, with an average temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius. The scenery at Ban Gioc waterfall is beautiful in every season. Therefore, you can visit Ban Gioc Waterfall any time you want. The ideal time to visit the waterfall depends on your itinerary. From August to October, the waterfall is most impressive after the rainy season with high water volume. The surrounding scenery is particularly beautiful during this period, with green rice fields and lush vegetation. Especially, if you come here in early October, you can enjoy the crowded atmosphere of the Ban Gioc Waterfall festival. 

Ban Gioc Waterfall in Autumn

You can refer to our blog post here to see Cao Bang throughout the year: the ideal time to visit Cao Bang. 

Amazing things to do in Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall offers a range of amazing activities that allow you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area. Let’s explore exciting experiences in Ban Gioc Waterfall with us!

Boating

Boating at Ban Gioc Waterfall is an ideal way to see a panoramic view of the waterfall. You can choose to go bamboo rafting or kayaking. While bamboo boats are usually rowed by locals, you can go kayaking by yourself under the careful guidance of a tour guide. The boat ride takes you close to the waterfall, allowing you to feel the mist and hear the roar of the cascading water. It's a fantastic opportunity for photos and a memorable experience. 

Boating in the Ban Gioc Waterfall

The boat ride usually lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take in the waterfall from different angles. By sitting on a bamboo boat or kayaking, you will have a chance to pass through the foot of Ban Gioc Waterfall, Keo Na - Ban Dit, Hang Thoang, Thoong Cot, Ngoc Con, etc. 

When boating at Ban Gioc Waterfall, you may want to know these tips below. 

• Safety first: always wear a life jacket 
• Waterproof your belongings: Bring a waterproof bag for your camera, phone, and other valuables
• Be prepared to get wet
• Respect the environment: Ensure you don’t leave any trash behind and respect the natural beauty of the area.

Kayaking in Ban Gioc Waterfall

If you want to book a boat ride or rent a kayak to paddle, you can book directly at the waterfall site. There are usually plenty of boats available, especially during peak tourist seasons. Otherwise, you can take a Cao Bang tour with a complete itinerary which includes boating in Ban Gioc as a part of your journey. 

Camping

Camping by Ban Gioc Waterfall is also among the wonderful experiences here, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. You can admire the waterfall while enjoying a cup of coffee, relaxing, and chatting with friends. You can choose nearby areas suitable for setting up a tent. Remember to check if your chosen areas are permitted for camping. Let’s bring your sturdy camping gear, including a waterproof tent, sleeping bags, and camping mats. Besides, don’t forget essentials like a flashlight, portable stove, cooking utensils, and a first aid kit. Camping by the waterfall at night, you can enjoy stargazing and a stunning view of the night sky. 

Camping in Ban Gioc Waterfall

Hiking

Hiking around Ban Gioc Waterfall offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Cao Bang. You can explore various viewpoints of the waterfall, walk along the Quay Son River, and discover small trails that lead to serene spots perfect for relaxation and photography. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and respect nature and local culture while hiking.

Exploring local villages

Exploring the local villages around Ban Gioc Waterfall offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and daily life of the ethnic minority communities in Cao Bang. Phia Thap village, inhabited by the Tay people, and Trung Khanh district, inhabited by the Nung people, are two places worth exploring around Ban Gioc Waterfall. Let’s come here and participate in or observe traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, and blacksmithing. Remember to respect local customs while visiting local villages. 

Phia Thap Incense Village

Overall, visiting Ban Gioc waterfall not only gives you the opportunity to admire the majestic nature but also helps you understand the people of Cao Bang. Let’s visit the fall and have your own experiences!

Attractive spots near the Ban Gioc Waterfall

Near Ban Gioc Waterfall, you can find many attractive spots. Here are some of them.

Nguom Ngao Cave

Besides Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave is also one of the impressive attractions in Cao Bang. This 2,144-meter-long cave has three entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom, and Ban Thuon. You will visit the cave from Nguom Lom gate and get out of the cave from Nguom Ngao gate. Visiting the cave, you will be amazed by the magnificent scenery inside the cave. Besides a vast space, Nguom Ngao Cave also possesses a unique stalagmite system in different sizes and shapes protruding from the ground or falling from above. 

Nguom Ngao Cave

Thang Hen Lake

Thang Hen Lake is 1,000 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by karst formations, ideal for boating.

 

Thang Hen Lake

Pac Bo Special National Relic Site

Pac Bo special national relic site is one of the attractions you may want to visit when you travel to Cao Bang. It is the place where Ho Chi Minh President, the leader of the Vietnamese independence movement, lived and organized revolutionary activities. Until now, Pac Bo special national relic site still keeps intact the evidence of his life and revolutionary career.  Lenin Stream, Karl Marx Mountain, Pac Bo Village, Coc Bo Cave, and Ly Quoc Sung’s house are some outstanding spots here. 

Lenin Stream

Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda

Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda is the first temple built on the northern border of Vietnam. The pagoda was built in the traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architectural style. From the temple, you can see the entire Ban Gioc Waterfall and an extremely large space below.

Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Waterfall

These attractive spots near Ban Gioc Waterfall offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance, making the region a fascinating destination for travelers.

In conclusion, you have just learned some pieces of information about Ban Gioc Waterfall. Hope that they will be helpful to you. Further you need to book a Cao Bang tour package, don’t hesitate to contact our Handspan team.