When it comes to the mountainous provinces in Northern Vietnam, you may think of the misty Sa Pa with majestic mountains or the picturesque Ha Giang with endless buckwheat fields. But have you heard of another natural masterpiece called Ban Gioc Waterfall? We are here to introduce you to this wonderland.
Overview of Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang
- Ban Gioc Waterfall is a part of the Quay Son River in Cao Bang, a province in Northeast Vietnam. It is a mark of the Vietnam – China border
- Ban Gioc Waterfall drops from 30 meters, and its highest point is 60 meters above sea level. It is the 4th largest waterfall along a national border
- The best time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall is from September to November, when the water is translucent and embellished with white foam, and the ricefields turn golden
- Distance from Hanoi to Cao Bang City: 300 kilometers; from Cao Bang City to Ban Gioc Waterfall: 90 kilometers
How to Reach Ban Gioc Waterfall
Bus
You can catch buses to Cao Bang City from Hanoi’s My Dinh Bus Station, which depart almost every hour.
Price: VND 170,000 – 200,000
Duration: 7-9 hours
Upon arrival in Cao Bang City, catch a local bus to Ban Gioc Waterfall. The buses depart every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
Price: VND 70,000
Duration: 2 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes
*Tips: Instead of staying a night in Cao Bang City, take an overnight bus to save your money and time.
Find cheap bus tickets from Hanoi to Cao Bang:
Taxi/Car
If you choose a car, ask your lodger in Hanoi to book one for you. A private driver will bring you more comfort and flexibility. Or in case you want a taxi, pick reputable brands like Mai Linh, Vinasun, etc., and keep in mind these 3 Tips to Avoid Taxi Scams.
Price: VND 3,800,000 – 5,000,000
Duration: 7-8 hours
Motorbike
Since the way from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall is challenging, traveling by motorbike is not recommended. But if you have decided to go for it, here is What to Know about Motorbike Rental in Hanoi.
Price: VND 150,000 – 300,000/day
Duration: 8-10 hours
What to Do in Ban Gioc Waterfall
Admire the Natural Landscapes in Ban Gioc Waterfall
Once coming here, you will pay VND 45,000 for an entrance ticket and another VND 50,000 for a bamboo raft ride. These rafts will bring you so close to the waterfall that you can feel the spray on your skin. After that, you can go for a panoramic view of the whole area by climbing Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda’s hillside. From here, you can view the entire karst valley and its lush green forests.
Try Ban Gioc Waterfall Specialties
Blessed with fresh produce from Mother Nature, Ban Gioc Waterfall, as well as Cao Bang Province, treats you well with a myriad of appetizing dishes. Some of them have familiar names like Banh Cuon or Roasted Duck, but the making process and the taste have nothing to do with the versions you know.
Where to Stay in Ban Gioc Waterfall
Since Ban Gioc Waterfall is quite untouched, there are no luxury resorts and fancy restaurants here. If you seek hotels with modern amenities and professional service, go back to Cao Bang City. In case you are more into nature and local life, there are homestays a few steps away from Ban Gioc Waterfall. Check out Where to Stay in Cao Bang for more details or see below for some of our recommendations.
Look for cheap hotels in Cao Bang:
Final Words about Ban Gioc Waterfall
Though located far away from the bustling cities, Ban Gioc Waterfall is now a hotspot for young travelers. If you have a fancy for it, pack your bags and head straight to this heaven on Earth right away! As one of the most beautiful Vietnam waterfalls, Ban Gioc guarantees you eye-catching sceneries that surely imprint on your mind.