Experience the Majestic Beauty of Ban Gioc/Detian Waterfall!

‍Ban Gioc Waterfall, also known as Detian Falls in China, is a spectacular sight and one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

If you are searching for a waterfall that is both majestic and breathtaking, then look no further than Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang, Vietnam! Ban Gioc Waterfall, also known as Detian Falls in China, is a spectacular sight and one of the world’s largest waterfalls. It’s located on the border of China and Vietnam and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience nature at its best.

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Natural wonder

Ban Gioc Waterfall is a magnificent three-tiered waterfall located on the Quây Sơn River. It’s one of the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The waterfall is located on the border of China and Vietnam, in the Vietnamese Cao Bang Province. The water cascades down a series of limestone cliffs, creating an impressive scene. The waterfall is around 300 meters wide and has a drop of approximately 50 meters. The cascading water is a beautiful sight to behold and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience nature at its best.

Ban Gioc waterfall is on our list of the TOP 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world!

Ban Gioc Waterfall is an impressive site to behold. The waterfall cascades down a series of limestone cliffs, creating a captivating scene. The water is a beautiful turquoise colour and is illuminated by the sun. The surrounding cliffs are covered with lush vegetation, creating a stunning backdrop. The waterfall is also surrounded by a thick forest, making it a fantastic place to explore.

Thanks to its stunning scenery and rich culture, the province is a popular tourist destination. It’s home to various ethnic minorities, including the Tay, Nung, and Dao people. North Vietnam is also home to a variety of national parks, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.

How to Get to Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall is located in Cao Bang Province in the northeast region of Vietnam. The easiest way to get to the waterfall is to fly into Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and then take a bus or car to Cao Bang. The journey from Hanoi to Cao Bang takes around five hours.

Once you arrive in Cao Bang, you will need to take a local bus or hire a car to get to the waterfall. The journey from Cao Bang to the waterfall takes around two hours. You can also hire a boat to take you directly to the waterfall, which is a popular option for those looking for a more direct route.

🚶‍♀️ What to Do at Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc isn’t just about snapping a photo and leaving—it’s a peaceful place that invites you to slow down and explore its serene surroundings.

🌿 Walking Paths & Viewpoints

Once you enter the site, take your time wandering the well-maintained walking paths that hug the Quây Sơn River. A paved trail leads you along the base of the waterfall, where you’ll feel the refreshing spray and hear the thunderous roar of the water. Several viewing platforms give you different angles, and if you follow the riverbank trail far enough, you’ll find quieter spots perfect for reflection or photography.

Just across the way, a bamboo raft ride (optional and inexpensive) lets you float close to the cascading curtain of water—an iconic experience that brings you right to the border between Vietnam and China.

For a bit more elevation, follow the path up to Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda. The viewpoint from up here gives you a panoramic look over the falls and surrounding limestone karsts—especially beautiful in the morning light or golden hour.

🍜 Food & Drink at the Entrance

Before or after your visit to the falls, you’ll find several local food stalls and simple restaurants near the main entrance. These are perfect for a quick meal, iced tea, or a fresh sugarcane juice.

You’ll typically find:

Phở or bún chả cá (noodle soups)
Sticky rice with grilled meat
Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls)
Seasonal fruits like lychees or rambutans
Fresh sugarcane juice and iced herbal tea

For something more filling, there are small sit-down eateries that serve local dishes such as river fish, grilled pork, and mountain vegetables, often cooked over an open fire. These meals are simple, hearty, and very affordable.

Staying near Ban Gioc Waterfall

Spending a night near Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the best ways to truly soak in its magic. Several charming guesthouses and homestays lie within close reach, allowing you to experience the falls at different times of the day—without the rush.

Early mornings are especially rewarding: the sun lights up the cascading water in soft golden hues, perfect for photography or a peaceful moment before the day’s visitors arrive. By afternoon, the falls slip into shadow, lending a cooler, more mysterious mood. Staying nearby gives you the gift of both—the golden light and the quiet twilight mist.

Whether you’re an early riser chasing the sunrise or a sunset seeker soaking in the serenity, staying close lets you embrace Ban Gioc at its most natural pace.

🛏️ Where to Stay Near Ban Gioc Waterfall

1. Saigon – Ban Gioc Resort
Best for: Comfort & direct waterfall views
Located just a short walk from the falls, this is the only resort-style accommodation in the area. With sweeping views of the rice fields and the sound of cascading water in the distance, it’s the most comfortable option if you want amenities like a restaurant, garden, and large windows to admire the scenery.

Why stay here? It’s the closest you’ll get to “waking up with a waterfall view” in Vietnam.

2. Khuổi Ky Homestay
Best for: Authentic village experience
Nestled in the traditional Khuổi Ky stone village, just 2 km from the waterfall, this homestay offers a truly local experience. You’ll sleep in a stilt house, eat home-cooked meals, and chat with friendly Tay ethnic minority hosts.

Why stay here? It’s not just a stay—it’s cultural immersion. The stone-paved village and peaceful mountain surroundings are stunning.

3. Yen Nhi Homestay
Best for: Budget travelers & scenic simplicity
Located in a quiet valley just 5 minutes’ drive from Ban Gioc, Yen Nhi Homestay is a welcoming, family-run option. Rooms are basic but clean, and the mountain views are unbeatable. They can help organize transfers or bike rentals too.

Why stay here? Budget-friendly and full of heart. Great for sunrise trips to the falls.

4. Lan’s Homestay
Best for: Rustic charm and rice field views
Another lovely option in Trùng Khánh district, Lan’s Homestay is ideal if you’re after a quiet place with good food and sweeping rice paddies. You’ll likely share a meal with fellow travelers and enjoy the peaceful countryside vibe.

Why stay here? Homey, cozy, and surrounded by green—perfect for slow mornings with local coffee

The Ban Gioc Falls are less impressive in the dry season (April-September) than in the rainy season (October-March).

Is strongly advised to avoid weekends when domestic tourists crowd the area. The ticket is 40 000 dong.

Threats to the waterfalls

Mass tourism brings lots of people to waterfalls, and the exact is happening here. The Chinese part of the border is developing fast with infrastructure, so its iconic pristine image and appeal are disappearing. Unfortunately, this is the fate of most of these majestic places. Asian understanding of nature and waterfalls is clearly nature subdued to the fun of people. Waterfalls are primarily seen as amusement parks rather than places for enjoying and worshipping nature. Datanla Waterfall in Vietnam is such the case, while Tada waterfall in the Kampot region in Cambodia is an extreme case of natural destruction and shortsightedness of development.