Ban Gioc Waterfall (Ban Gioc / Bản Giốc) is located in Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province, right on the Vietnam–China border. It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Southeast Asia, organized into multiple tiers with water foaming white and set among lush karst mountain ranges.
Why is Ban Gioc Waterfall special?
Border location: The waterfall stretches between two countries, creating a unique landscape viewable from both sides.
Multi-tiered structure: The waterfall consists of several large tiers — a main fall and subsidiary falls — forming a wide “curtain” of water with many vantage points.
Water color and karst backdrop: Ban Gioc’s water often has a characteristic jade-green hue, reflecting the limestone mountains and forests behind it.
Basic information about Ban Gioc Waterfall
Height & width: Different sources report varying figures according to Vietnamese and Chinese geographic perspectives — some Vietnamese statistics put the total width of the falls at over 200 m; some international sources describe the falls as roughly ~30 m high and ~300 m wide when considering the whole system.
Best time to visit Ban Gioc
Rainy season (June–September): Water volume is high and the falls are powerful and spectacular, but roads can be slippery and water may sometimes be muddy from silt.
Autumn — rice harvest season (September–October): A favored time for many photographers — you can get both good water flow and golden terraces/paddy fields.
Spring: Cooler weather and lush greenery — great for walking and sightseeing.
Note: Winter can be cold; some higher areas may have mist or frost (e.g., higher elevations like Phia Oắc), but the waterfall itself remains beautiful in its own way.
How to get from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall
From Hanoi to Cao Bang: About 300–360 km depending on the route; actual travel time is usually 6–8 hours by car or coach (depending on stops and traffic). Overnight sleeper buses operate on some routes.
From Cao Bang town to Ban Gioc: About 80–100 km from the provincial center — an additional 2–3 hours of travel depending on the roads. Many travelers choose to hire a private car or join a shared tour for convenience.
Suggested itineraries (1–2 days)
Option 1 — 1 day (focused, early start):
Morning: Depart from Cao Bằng (or stay overnight in Trùng Khánh the night before) → arrive at Ban Gioc, visit the main viewing area, hire a traditional bamboo raft to get closer to the base of the falls if permitted.
Afternoon: Visit a nearby cave or village, then return to Cao Bằng town.
Option 2 — 2 days (relaxed, combined exploration):
Day 1: Travel to Trùng Khánh — stop at points along the way and stay in a homestay.
Day 2: Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, photograph sunrise or sunset (season dependent), visit Tày / Nùng villages and enjoy local cuisine.
Tip: Stay at a local homestay to experience ethnic culture and taste regional specialties such as bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls), cơm lam (bamboo-tube sticky rice), and grilled mountain-stream fish.
Experiences & activities not to miss
Bamboo raft ride near the base of the falls: Offers an impressive perspective, subject to safety conditions and seasonal allowances.
Panoramic photography from viewing areas: Use a wide-angle lens or a drone (observe local regulations if using a drone).
Explore surrounding villages: Interact with the Tày and Nùng communities — enjoy homestay experiences.
Combine nearby sites: Ngườm Ngao Cave, Thắng Hẹn (Thang Hen), and the Pác Bó historical site if you have time.
Photo tips for Ban Gioc
Timing: Sunrise and sunset provide soft light; the high-water season shows the falls at their most powerful.
Gear: A wide-angle lens (16–35mm) for panoramas; ND filter for silky long-exposures in daylight; a sturdy tripod for long exposures.
Shooting angles: Try different elevations (upper and lower viewing areas) and include foreground elements (trees, rocks) to add depth.
Safety & notes
Do not swim near the base of the falls — strong currents and submerged rocks are dangerous.
Monitor flood/mudslide forecasts — the rainy season can cause landslides or very slippery roads.
Keep the area clean and respect the border zone (do not cross border markers) — follow posted signs and instructions from local authorities.
Conclusion
Ban Gioc Waterfall is a must-visit destination if you love untamed nature, landscape photography, and experiencing highland culture. If you’d like me to plan a full package (car, homestay, guide, photo itinerary) for 1–3 people or a group, optimized by season and your preferences (budget / standard / premium), reply with: proposed dates — number of guests — service level. My Vietnam Travel will prepare a detailed itinerary and a quotation for you.
Contact Information
Hotline: 0967 689 659
Zalo: 0967 689 659
Email: myvietnamgrouptravel@gmail.com
