Ban Gioc Waterfall in Ban Gioc and Cao Bang

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Ban Gioc is often called the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. It is not very tall, about 30 metres, but it is wide. The water spreads over several tiers of rock and falls in many white streams between green trees and moss. It sits on the Quay Son river in the far north of Cao Bang, in a valley of rice fields and limestone peaks.

What you will see

Ban Gioc is not one single drop. Rocks and small islands of trees break the river into several falls side by side, with layers of steps and pools between them. In the wet season the streams join into one long white wall, and you can hear the roar before you see it. In the dry season the falls split into thinner ribbons, and the water in the pools below turns a clear blue-green. The setting adds a lot. Rice fields run right up to the river, and green karst hills rise all around.

Bamboo rafts

At the foot of the falls, bamboo rafts wait to take visitors across the pool. The ride is short and slow, but it brings you close enough to feel the cool spray on your face. The raft operators give you a life vest, and you should wear it. In very high water the rafts may stop running for safety. Buy the raft ticket at the official counter near the river, not from people on the path. On busy days you may queue for a while, so go early in the morning.

The best viewpoints

From the car park, a path leads down through gardens and small shops to the river bank. The first wide view of the falls is from the lower meadow beside the pool. This is the classic photo, with the full width of the water in front of you. Walk along the bank for different angles of the upper tiers. A path also climbs to a higher viewpoint near the upper falls. In the late afternoon the sun can be behind the falls, so morning light is usually better for photos. Morning is also quieter.

When to go

The flow changes a lot with the seasons. The rainy months, roughly May to September, bring the most water, but heavy rain can make the river brown and the mountain roads slippery. Many travellers say late August to October is the best time. The water is still strong, the sky is clearer, and the rice in the valley turns golden before harvest. From about December to April the falls are smaller and the river is clearer, which some people prefer. Winter mornings can be cold and misty. Weekends and Vietnamese holidays are busy.

Practical tips

The waterfall is about 80 to 90 kilometres from Cao Bang city, and the drive takes about two to two and a half hours on mountain roads. There is an entry fee, and the bamboo raft is extra. Paths near the water are wet and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. Stay on the marked paths and follow the signs. Simple restaurants near the entrance serve grilled fish and local dishes. Homestays in the nearby valleys let you see the falls at first light.

Ban Gioc Waterfall at a glance

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