Ban Gioc Waterfall: An Honest & Complete Travel Guide [2025]

Situated between the Karst hills of Daxin County, Guangxi, and Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province, Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the country. It flows down in soft white sheets over limestone rocks.

This waterfall is famous for its wide, multi-tiered falls surrounded by green mountains and small villages. It is less crowded, which allows you to take your time and space to fully appreciate the natural beauty around you.

If you are looking to slow down, breathe fresh air, and see a side of Vietnam that’s quiet and calming, Ban Gioc Waterfall is the perfect spot. Here is everything you need to know before your visit.

30 Sundays Honest Review Process 

At 30 Sundays, we keep it real. Our travel guides aren't sponsored or filtered. What you read here comes from real experiences, human perspectives, and practical tips. We blend honest opinions with cultural context so you know exactly what to expect and what not to.

Table of Contents

• TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews
• What Do Visitors Like?
• What Visitors Don’t Like?
• Things To Do
• The Basic Things To Know
• Deep Dive Into Finer Aspect
• Other Places To Visit  
• Hotels Near Ban Gioc Waterfall
• Restaurants Near Ban Gioc Waterfall
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews 

Ratings: 4.7 (320 reviews) 

• Excellent: 247
• Very Good: 61
• Average: 11
• Poor: 1
• Terrible: 0

Most visitors fall in love with the peaceful setting and powerful beauty of the waterfall. They enjoy the surrounding nature, the border location, and the gentle boat ride at the base of the falls. They also said that the area is not crowded and it has great aesthetics for the photos. 

A few of them mentioned that the travel time is very long, and limited public transport options are available. Also, there are a few food stalls, so it's better to pack some snacks. Weather can be unpredictable, which can limit visibility, so check the weather forecast before visiting.

What Visitors Like About Ban Gioc Waterfall?

The scenic drive through small villages, mountains, and rice fields is what attracts visitors the most. They love the sound of the waterfall, which brings calmness and peacefulness. Here is what visitors like about the Ban Gioc Waterfall:

• Natural Beauty: This waterfall is surrounded by beautiful green mountains and small rural villages. Travellers often say that this is the most calming spot they have seen in Vietnam. The water flows gently in wide tiers, and the mist adds a magical feeling.
• Peaceful and Less Crowded: Ban Gioc is far from big cities, so it doesn’t attract huge crowds. This gives the area a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Visitors love having space to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the sound of flowing water without loud noise or rush.
• Boat Ride to the Falls: A bamboo raft takes you right to the base of the waterfall. It is a slow and quiet experience, letting you feel the mist on your face while you look up at the falls. Many visitors mentioned that it is one of the few places in Vietnam where you can get very close to nature.
• Scenic Drive: The journey to Ban Gioc takes you through mountain roads, rice paddies, and rural villages. People said that the drive itself was as memorable and beautiful as the waterfall, especially during sunrise and sunset.

What Visitors Don’t Like About Ban Gioc Waterfall?

Many people say that the travel time is too long and there are limited options to reach the waterfall. Because of the few food stalls available and unpredictable weather, they suggested planning the trip accordingly. Here is what visitors don't like about Ban Gioc:

• Long Travel Time: To reach Ban Gioc Waterfall from Hanoi takes 6-8 hours. There are limited options available for public transportation, and only a few direct buses are offered. Some visitors found the journey too long and tiring, so they recommend booking a private car or a tour if possible for a smooth journey.
• Limited Food & Facilities: There are no restaurants and shops near the falls. A few small food stalls offer simple meals, but don’t expect luxury or variety. Visitors are advised to carry a few snacks and a water bottle for the visit.
• Border Checkpoint Nearby: Since the waterfall is located on the border with China, you will see security presence and signs. It is safe, but some travelers were shocked because of how close the waterfall is to the border line, with guards on both sides.
• Weather Can Be Foggy or Wet:  The weather in the north can be unpredictable. Fog and rain sometimes limit visibility. Visitors suggest checking the forecast and avoiding early morning hours during the winter months, when it tends to be mistier.

Things To Do in Ban Gioc 

Here are things you can do to explore Ban Gioc:

Ban Gioc Waterfall Viewpoint

Walk around the base and viewpoints for different angles of the waterfall. The sound of water, beautiful green mountains, and gentle breeze make it a place to stand still and feel calm. Early morning and late afternoon light are the best options for clicking aesthetic photos.

Bamboo Raft Ride

Hop on a bamboo raft to float near the bottom of the waterfall for a unique experience. It is slow, safe, and lets you see the falls up close. The cool mist hits you on your face, and the sound of water makes this experience quiet and unforgettable.

Explore Local Villages

Stay a night in a homestay and explore the surroundings of Tay and Nung villages. These communities live a simple life with farming and crafts. Many visitors love the warm hospitality, slow pace of the village, and traditional homemade food.

Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda

This Buddhist temple sits on a hill with a view of the waterfall and nearby rice fields. Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda is quiet and spiritual, and is built on Phia Nham Mountain. Constructed in the traditional Vietnamese style with wooden beams and tile roofs, the temple is peaceful and has breathtaking views of the waterfall.

The Basic Things To Know About Ban Gioc

Here are a few key details before visiting Ban Gioc, as this will help you prepare in advance so that your trip is smooth:

What to Eat?

Food near Ban Gioc Waterfall is simple, hearty, and full of local flavour. You will get freshly cooked, warm, and comforting meals. Most dishes are made with ingredients from nearby farms or gardens, and everything is homemade.

Popular dishes you can try are grilled chicken, sticky rice, local mountain vegetables, and roast pork. The flavours are earthy and smoky, which is often cooked over a wood fire.

If you are up for something local, don’t skip the corn wine. It’s a strong traditional drink, often served with dinner, and locals are proud to share it with guests.

Best Time to Visit

September to October is the best time to visit Ban Gioc. This is just after the rainy season, so the waterfall is full and beautiful. The weather starts to cool down, making it comfortable for walking around and enjoying the view.

You can also visit during the spring season from March to May. The rice fields turn lush green, the skies are clearer, and the temperatures stay mild. It is a peaceful time to visit because of fewer crowds and breathtaking views.

If you are planning to visit in winter, be prepared for cold and misty weather. The fog hides the waterfall, and it’s not the best time for photos. You can still visit, but you won't get the same experience as the warmer months.

How to Reach?

Getting to Ban Gioc Waterfall from Hanoi takes time, but the journey is beautiful and breathtaking. A common way is to travel to Cao Bang City, which is about 7-8 hours by road. You can either choose a sleeper bus or a private car. Sleeper buses are very budget-friendly and run overnight from Hanoi’s My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations.

Once you reach Cao Bang, the next step is to get to Ban Gioc, which takes another 2-3 hours. You can take a local bus, hire a motorbike, or arrange a car or van from your hotel. The roads are winding and offer beautiful scenery of mountains, rivers, and rice fields along the way.

If you want the easiest option, you can also book a guided tour from Hanoi that covers transport, meals, and sightseeing. This is perfect if you don’t want to worry about planning.

Entry Fees

Visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall is affordable and well worth it. The entry fee is around ₹138 (40,000 VND) per person. If you'd like to get closer to the falls, you can take a raft ride, which costs an extra ₹173 (50,000 VND) per person.

For those coming by motorbike or car, there’s a small parking fee of ₹17 (5,000 VND). Everything is well-managed and reasonably priced, making it easy to enjoy this natural wonder without spending too much.

Deep Dive Into Finer Aspects of Ban Gioc Waterfall

Now that we have covered everything any visitor should know about Ban Gioc Waterfall, here is some information in depth:

Border Waterfall Uniqueness

Ban Gioc is one of the few waterfalls in the world located on an international border, which makes the experience feel unique, like you are standing in two worlds at once. Over time, Ban Gioc Waterfall has slowly changed shape as the water has carved into the rocks. Today, it often looks like two separate waterfalls, but during the rainy season, when the river is full, the water joins together and creates one powerful fall again.

In Vietnam, both sides are seen as parts of a single waterfall, known simply as Bản Giốc. Locals call the larger side “thác chính” (Main Waterfall) and the smaller one “thác phụ” (Sub Waterfall). These names are commonly used when visiting or describing the falls.

On the Chinese side, the same waterfalls are often called Detian Falls in maps and travel guides. No matter the name, it’s one breathtaking natural wonder shared by both countries.

Clean Surroundings

Ban Gioc is well-kept and feels untouched. Lush greenery, soft hills, and clean air make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. Visitors say the lack of noise, crowd, and traffic makes it feel like stepping into a different time. You will just find the sound of water falling, birds chirping, and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. You will get to experience Vietnam’s countryside at its purest.

A Place for Stillness

Bon Gioc is the kind of place where you simply sit by the water, listen to the falls, and watch the world slow down. There is something peaceful and calm about the steady flow of the river and the quiet life in the villages located nearby. The calm surroundings, gentle breeze, and soft natural sounds help you relax from your daily stressful life.

Other Places To Visit Near Ban Gioc

If you have more time left, then explore beyond the main attractions:

Nguom Ngao Cave

Just 2 km from the waterfall, this large limestone cave is filled with stalactites, cave formations, and hidden chambers. Nguom Ngao Cave is nestled in Gun Village of Cao Bang Province in Northern Vietnam. It is well-lit and easy to walk through. Many visitors find the cave beautiful and unique, and like it for its quiet and mysterious vibe.

Cao Bang City

Cao Bang City is the closest central town to Ban Gioc Waterfall, and it’s where most visitors choose to spend the night. It’s a small, friendly place with local markets, peaceful riverside paths, and a relaxed pace of life. You will find plenty of simple hotels, homestays, and local places to eat.

The city is also a good transport hub, making it easy to catch a bus or arrange a ride to Ban Gioc and other nearby attractions.

Pac Bo Historical Site

Located about 60 km from Ban Gioc Waterfall, Pac Bo Historical Site is where Ho Chi Minh secretly returned to Vietnam in 1941 after years abroad. It’s a peaceful, quiet spot surrounded by green hills and clear streams, but it holds deep meaning for many Vietnamese people. You can visit the Coc Bo Cave, walk along the Lenin Stream, and see the simple memorial that marks this historic place.

Thang Hen Lake

About 30 km from Cao Bang City, Thang Hen Lake is a quiet escape tucked between karst mountains and lush green forest. The lake is famous for its emerald water, which changes color with the seasons, sometimes dark green, other times a light blue.  The water is clean and the place is not crowded. You can take a boat ride, walk around the shore, or just sit and enjoy the calm surroundings.

Hotels Near Ban Gioc Waterfall

If you are looking for an overnight accommodation near Ban Gioc Waterfall, then here are a few options for you:

Restaurants Near Ban Gioc Waterfall 

Here are a few restaurants you can eat at near Ban Gioc Waterfall:

Final Verdict: Is Ban Gioc Waterfall Worth Visiting?

Yes, Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of Vietnam’s most peaceful and beautiful natural landmarks, and offers a completely different side of the country, which is slow, calming, and quiet. Located on the border between Vietnam and China, makes it a very special place.

It allows you to take your time and space to fully appreciate the natural beauty around you. While getting there takes time, scenic views of green mountains, beautiful falls, friendly villagers, and fewer crowds make it worth it. 

Whether you sit by the water, ride a bamboo raft, or walk through nearby rice fields, it’s an experience that stays with you. If you are searching for calmness and a meaningful connection with nature, Ban Gioc delivers all of that and more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which city is the closest to the Ban Gioc Waterfalls?

Ban Gioc Waterfall is about 335 km from Hanoi, and the drive takes around 6.5 hours by car. It’s a scenic journey, passing through mountains, forests, and quiet countryside roads. 

From Cao Bang City, the waterfall is about 85 km, which is 2 hours by car. The road winds through hills and villages, and the drive is slow and peaceful. 

What is the name of the nearest airport to Ban Gio Waterfalls?

The nearest airport to Ban Gioc Waterfall is Cao Bang Airport, which is a small domestic airport located about 60 km away and is not yet fully operational for regular commercial flights. For most travelers, the closest airport with regular flights is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, which is 335 km from Ban Gioc. From Hanoi, you can travel by car, sleeper bus, or take a guided tour to reach the waterfall.

Can I swim in Ban Gioc Waterfall?

The raft ride at Ban Gioc Waterfall lasts around 10 minutes, and it’s a fun and refreshing experience. Be ready to get a little wet from the spray of the falls, especially if you are sitting near the front. While it’s a great way to get up close to the waterfall, swimming is not allowed for safety reasons.

Which is the nearest cave to Ban Gioc Waterfall?

Nguom Ngao Cave is the nearest cave to Ban Gioc Waterfall, about 2 km away. This large limestone cave is filled with stalactites, cave formations, and hidden chambers, nestled in the Gun Village of Cao Bang Province in Northern Vietnam.

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