Ban Giac Waterfall, Vietnam (Detian Falls)

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam: How to Visit on Your Own

Tucked away in a remote area of Northern Vietnam, the province of Cao Bang is bursting with beautiful dramatic scenery and landscapes like the gorgeous Ban Gioc Waterfall (also known as Detian Falls in China). Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, where the falls are located, is still relatively uncrowded during the week, making this majestic waterfall even more impressive since you’ll feel you have the entire place to yourself. But don’t wait to visit – this unique area in Vietnam, with its stunning natural beauty, is drawing more and more visitors every season.

It’s easy to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall on your own with multiple transportation options to choose from. If you’re motorbike touring Vietnam’s North Loop, Ban Gioc Waterfall is also the perfect destination and stopover to explore. And even if you don’t have your own motorbike, public transport makes it super easy to get to the falls on your own so booking a guided tour to Ban Gioc is no longer necessary.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to visit Ban Gioc waterfall and the surrounding area, including places to see and things to do around the falls. If you find yourself in Northern Vietnam, you’ll definitely want to add this off-the-beaten-track adventure to your Vietnam itinerary

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam

Why you Should Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam: How to Visit on Your Own

Located in the northeastern part of Vietnam on the border with China, lies one of the most impressive waterfalls that I have ever seen. It’s one of the largest waterfalls along a national border and for me, it was the most stunning waterfall I’ve come across during my travels in Southeast Asia.  

Ban Gioc Waterfall is simply breathtaking in person! Imagine multiple cascades of all sizes with jade-colored water flowing into the river below. Measuring more than 800 feet wide, these massive falls are surrounded by lush tropical jungles.

Another thing that makes Ban Gioc Waterfall so interesting is its proximity to China. It sits directly on the border of the two countries with half the falls in Vietnam and the other half in China. Visitors from both countries can take bamboo rafts for a closer look at the falls.

During the dry season the falls are split in two, but when the rain starts the river can form one giant waterfall. Both sections are connected with multiple bamboo bridges, giving the scene a rustic vibe.  And when viewing up close via the rafts, you’ll most likely get wet due to the spray. On sunny days, the mist creates tiny rainbows making the views even more beautiful.

Even the views from the riverbank are absolutely stunning and once the rafts start darting across the water, the falls look even more impressive in comparison to the tiny boats. You’ll find many spots to sit along the banks of the Quay Son River and enjoy the scenery. And there are several treks around the falls that allow you to venture to higher grounds for impressive panoramic views.

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Where is Ban Gioc Waterfall?

Where is Ban Gioc Waterfall?

Ban Gioc Waterfall is ~205 miles north of Hanoi and about 55 miles from the small Vietnamese town of Cao Bang. Ban Gioc Waterfall is a part of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, a UNESCO heritage site. Besides the waterfall, this park is also famous for its diverse landscapes, distinct hill tribe groups, and lakes. Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark alone includes five major rivers and over 40 lakes. The surrounding natural landscapes, limestone cliffs, and scenic countryside make Cao Bang one of the best places to visit in Vietnam

Some tour agents in Vietnam will tell you that it’s impossible to get to the falls on your own, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A few years ago, you needed a special permit to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, but now the restriction has been lifted. You don’t need a designated guide to visit the area. 

It’s easy to get to Ban Gioc Waterfall on your own and there are many transportation options available. From Hanoi, you can either drive your own motorbike or take a sleeping bus to Cao Bang, which is the largest city near the falls. Most visitors choose to spend the night in Cao Bang and use it as a jumping-off point for visiting the waterfall.

Bookaway.com is the best way to book bus and train tickets in Vietnam and you can check bus schedules from Hanoi to Cao Bang (and back again).

Check Bus Schedule to Cao Bang

Where to Stay in Cao Bang

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam: Max Boutique Hotel in Cao Bang

Max Boutique Hotel

Cao Bang isn’t exactly known for its luxurious accommodations, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Max Boutique Hotel. This brand new boutique hotel has super comfy beds and a great breakfast. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for views of the city!

Check Prices on Booking.com


Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam: Luong Son Homestay Ecolodge in Cao Bang

Luong Son Homestay Ecolodge

If you don’t mind staying a bit out of town then consider Luong Son Homestay Ecolodge. The bamboo huts are rustic but clean and comfortable. And the staff at this homestay are wonderful! They can also help by arranging a motorbike rental or guided tour of Ban Gioc Waterfall.

Check Prices on Booking.com


Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam: Jeanne Hotel in Cao Bang

Jeanne Hotel

Jeanne Hotel is another great choice for accommodation in Cao Bang. With a central location, clean rooms, hot showers, and comfortable beds, it’s the perfect base for visiting Ban Giac Waterfall.

Check Prices on Booking.com

How to Get to Ban Gioc Waterfall

How to Get to Ban Gioc Waterfall?
Photo by Carrie Back

If you are comfortable riding a motorbike, a bike ride is one of the most enjoyable ways to get to the falls thanks to the scenic views on highway DT206. Motorbikes are available to rent from most guest houses in Cao Bang for around $10-15 USD per day.

Alternatively, many accommodations in Cao Bang can arrange a day trip to the falls by a hired car with a driver. However, this can be more expensive, and taking a public bus is a more budget-friendly option. Several times a day, small local buses run directly from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall and back again. From the main bus stop in Cao Bang, just look for buses marked “Thác Bản Giốc“.

When you’re ready to return from the waterfall you’ll need to head back to the main road to catch the bus back to Cao Bang. The last return bus is usually in the late afternoon, but this time can vary so be sure to ask when the last one is for that day.

If you choose to use public transportation to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall you should go in the morning. That way you’ll have plenty of time for exploring the falls without worrying about missing the last bus back to Cao Bang. 

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Entrance Fees

The entrance fee for Ban Gioc Waterfall is 45,000 VND (or around $2.00 USD) and if you choose to ride on the bamboo rafts it’s an additional 45,000 VND per person. 

What to Bring

Ban Gioc is slowly growing in popularity but the location is still fairly remote so bring snacks, a light lunch, and water. There are some food stalls at the entrance but they are somewhat overpriced so it’s better to bring your own.

You should also wear comfortable shoes for hiking and a change of clothes since you’ll probably get wet during your visit.

Other Sites Near Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam: Entrance Fees

Since you are headed to the falls, you might as well make a day trip out of it and see some of the other sites that the area offers. To fully explore the falls, some footpaths lead further up the jungle to see the other tiers of the falls. Make sure you are wearing proper footwear. The paths are pretty steep. It’s probably best to only do these treks in the dry season considering how slippery the rocks can be. 

Be sure to bring a sarong if you want to visit the nearby Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda, found opposite the falls. It’s a steep climb but once you reach the Pagoda, you’ll be rewarded with a great viewpoint – a panorama that looks straight down into the valley with a spectacular view of the falls.

Just a few miles from the falls is an impressive limestone cave full of stalactites and interesting rock formations. The Nguom Ngao Cave was once used as a hiding place for the Communist leaders of Vietnam. A long walkway leads through the cave which is beautifully lit making it easy to visit without a guide or flashlight. 

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When is the Best Time to visit Ban Gioc Falls? 

Ban Gioc Waterfall: When is the Best Time to Visit?

Ban Gioc Falls are beautiful regardless of the season so you can visit the falls throughout the year. During the monsoon season, the falls are full and the water is transparent. However, heavy rains are frequent and it’s the busiest season to visit the falls so expect to encounter crowds. I visited during the dry season, which starts around September in Vietnam.

I liked visiting during the dry season since there was less rainfall and fewer crowds. At the end of the dry season, the dam of the Quay Son River releases water in the afternoon. It brings the falls up to a full flow so you will still be amazed by these beautiful waterfalls no matter what time of the year. 

Now you know how to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall on your own! If you have questions, feel free to ask them below.


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About the Author:

  • Carrie Back

    Carrie Ann Back is part-time travel writer and full-time globetrotter based in Southeast Asia. Recent bylines include Travel + Leisure, Parents Magazine, Postcards Magazine, Culture Trip, Matador Network, & more!

    Leaving her home in 2015, she has embarked on an around-the-world journey and has been traveling continuously ever since. Her most recent adventures include working in the Bolivian Amazon jungle, surfing in Sri Lanka, and exploring Laos via a slow boat up the Mekong River.

    She’s a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and is passionate about sustainable travel. She now lives in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with her cat Lil’ Mama. Most nights, you can find her munching down at the street food vendors.

1 thought on “Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam: How to Visit on Your Own”

  1. Thanks so much for the helpful article! I’m planning a trip to Vietnam and I’m interested in adding Ban Gioc Falls to my itinerary. I’m wondering if the photos in this article where you can see multiple layers of the falls are taken with a drone, or is it possible to hike to a viewpoint?

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