Thác Bản Giốc, or Ban Gioc Waterfall, is a stunning transnational waterfall that straddles the international borders between Vietnam and China. In Vietnam, the waterfall is named Ban Gioc Waterfall, while the Chinese call it Detian Waterfall. It is the fourth largest cross-border waterfall after Iguazu, Niagara, or Victoria Falls.

It attracts a large number of visitors every year for its sheer beauty. We visited Ban Gioc Waterfall during our Vietnam trip, and this blog highlights all the information you need to know as a visitor.

Ban Gioc Detian Waterfall Guide

How To Reach Ban Gioc Waterfall?

Board a public bus from Cao Bằng (Cao Bang) to the Ban Gioc Waterfall. The bus journey takes about two hours and costs 85000 VND one way. The timings are as follows.

As mentioned above, the bus timings are the same for both ways. The road connecting Cao Bang City and Ban Gioc Waterfall is very well-laid.

You can also rent a tuk-tuk, car, or two-wheeler from Cao Bang to reach the waterfall.

Network Availability

Viettel and Vinaphone only had intermittent signals as you approached the international border. We recommend that you download offline maps to help you navigate.

Languages Spoken

Vietnamese is widely spoken by the locals. A few people and business owners can converse in English, but all the signboards here are only in Vietnamese.

Where to Eat?

Locals sell fresh produce like chestnuts at the entrance to the Ban Gioc Waterfall. You can also buy souvenirs from shops located in the area. Restaurants are available about a Kilometer away. Be sure to carry food and water, especially if you have kids.

Where to Stay?

Many homestays, hotels, and resorts are available in the region. You can choose based on your comfort and budget. We stayed at Lan’s Homestay. Here are a few other suggestions.

• Yen Nhi Homestay Ban Gioc ($)
• Khuio Ky Eco Homestay ($)
• Riverside Homestay ($)
• Cao Bang Eco Camping ($$)
• Saigon-Ban Gioc Resort ($$)

Amenities

A vast paid parking space is available at the entrance to the falls. Ample restroom facilities are available as well.

Swimming & Rafting

Swimming is strictly prohibited in the Ban Gioc Waterfall. To get close to the waterfall, you can go on a rafting or boating tour. The journey takes about 15 minutes. The boatman stops a short distance away for the passengers to take pictures. As you move fairly closer, you will get drenched by the water spraying from the waterfall. All the rafts serving in the area will have hoisted their national flag to indicate which country they belong to.

Timings

Visitors are allowed to enjoy the waterfalls between 5 AM and 5 PM, seven days a week.

How to Avoid the Crowds?

You can avoid being crushed by throngs of visitors if you visit the falls fairly early in the day. It is a very popular waterfall. It gets crowded as the day passes. The tourists visiting the Chinese side of the falls arrive only after 10 AM. Some people say that the water from the dam is released for a couple of hours after 10 AM every day, but we did not witness this.

Avoid visiting the Ban Gioc Waterfall from December to February, especially during the Vietnamese New Year or Tet holidays, since many domestic tourists or visitors from countries celebrating the Lunar New Year flock to see the waterfall.

Photography & Drones

Photography and videography are allowed. You can carry your cameras. However, drones are strictly prohibited as the waterfall is close to the international border.

Entry Ticket Price

• Rafting/ Boating Price: 50,000 VND per person to go near the waterfall
• Ban Gioc Waterfall Entry Fee: 40,000 VND per person
• Parking Fee: 5000 VND for motocycles

Best Time to Visit

Ban Gioc Waterfall has water throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall is September and early October, when the water flow is perfect. The rice fields in the surrounding areas also add beauty to the waterfall.

The low season for the Ban Gioc Waterfall is from May to September during the monsoon. During the monsoon season, the water flow at Ban Gioc Waterfall is less. The full flow of Ban Gioc Waterfall can be observed during the dry season in the months of October and April. When the water currents permit, the boat rides are resumed.

About Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall showcases a majestic cascade where white water tumbles over limestone cliffs approximately 30 meters high, plunging into a vast pool before flowing downstream as the Sông Quây Sơn (Quay Son River). The main waterfall is complemented by smaller, equally enchanting side cascades, each possessing its own unique charm and name. 

The waterfall is illuminated at night with vibrant colors, creating a magical atmosphere. During the peak season, visitors can enjoy traditional music performed by local artists, enhancing the cultural richness of this stunning natural wonder.

You can try horse riding as an option for visitors. However, we recommend boating instead. 

View From Vietnam Side Vs Chinese Side

It is not possible to see all the waterfalls from the Vietnamese side. The aerial view seen from the China side is much better, nonetheless. You can see and wave to the Chinese tourists. They are that close. This made us wonder how we have marked our territories, for we are all humans.

Surrounded by lush greenery and Karst mountains, Ban Gioc Waterfall offers a serene and picturesque escape, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Ban Gioc Waterfall Tours

If you’re struggling to decide how to visit the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, we recommend the following tours.

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