Ban Gioc Waterfall – Pride of the Vietnamese People

Cao Bang is a province in the Northeast region of VietNam. It is the home of VietNam’s
ethnic minority groups such as Tay, Nung, Dao and H’Mong. Together, they have built a
society with diverse habits and customs.

Visiting Cao Bang, you will be fascinated by the grandiose and romantic landscape. The
terrain is full of obstacles. It excites those who love adventure. There are many places in
Cao Bang that have both breathtaking beauty and adventure, one of them is Ban Gioc
Waterfall.
Things To Do in Cao Bang

1. Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall is located in the Dam Thuy Commune. It is a part of the Trung
Khanh District, which is about 350 km north of Ha noi. Not only is it considered one of
the 10 most beautiful places in Viet Nam, but Ban Gioc is also the 4 th largest waterfall on
Earth. It straddles the international border between VietNam and China. Thus, Ban Gioc
has a lot of historical, spiritual and nature centered values.

On sunny days, steam from Ban Gioc waterfall combines with sunshine to create a
majestic rainbow. Ban Gioc is a masterpiece of colors combined from many species of
flowers, water and forests.
 Tourists who travel to Ban Gioc Waterfall are surprised at its majestic and picturesque
sight. This definitely is a heart-touching, once in a life-time view. Taking a boat trip is
the best option for seeing the waterfall. The boat trip provides you with an opportunity to
eat a special kind of local fish. Its name is “tram huong” fish. This is a famous fish in the
far north of VietNam. The meat of this fish has a perfume of agarwood. If you arrive to
Ban Gioc in September or October, you will have the chance to enjoy Trung Khanh
chestnuts, which are very delicious.

2. Walking Inside Nguom Ngao Cave

Beside Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang is full of other destinations that you must see,
such as Nguom Ngao Cave. This cave is about 3 kms to the west of Ban Gioc Waterfall,
and it is about 2 144 meters long.

Nguom Ngao cave was formed approximately 300 years ago with three different
entrances. In the cave there are majestic, sparking, seven-colored stalactites hanging
down from high stone cliffs. Mother Nature creates many magical shapes from these
stalactites such as animals, trees, fairies, etc.
3. Visiting Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda
Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda is located in the Dam Thuy Commune, Trung Khanh
District. It is just 1 km to the south of Ban Gioc waterfall. This pagoda is the first pagoda
in the frontier land of North Viet Nam. Truc Lam was built in 2013 and completed in
2014. The pagoda’s construction follows VietNam’s traditional architecture. It consists of
many parts: a three-door gate; a bell tower; and a statue of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.
The main construction material of this pagoda is stone.
From Truc Lam Pagoda, visitors have a perfect view of Ban Gioc Waterfall. They also
can study more about the architecture of Viet Nam. The spectacular sight of Truc Lam
Pagoda and its surroundings won’t disappoint.
 4. Visiting Pac Bo Historical Site

Pac Bo is located in Cao Bang province, about 40 km from Cao Bang town.
 Pac Bo means "starting point of the river" in local languages. In 1941, President Ho Chi
Minh, after 30 years travelling all around the world, walked his first steps in Cao Bang
province and chose Pac Bo as the head office of the Vietnamese communist party.

One of the most highlighted destinations in this historical site is Pac Bo Cave. It is like a
“live museum” for tourist to learn about the simple life of the hero of the nation.

Tourists come here not only to enjoy the beautiful scenery such as the unique blue colors
of the Le Nin Stream, but also to learn more about the VietNam War and our beloved
president Ho Chi Minh.

Pac Bo complex is becoming a must see place for Vietnamese people.

6. Boat Trip in Thang Hen Lake

Thang Hen is located in Tra Linh District, about 25 km to the north of Cao Bang town.
The lake consists of 36 stunning little lakes around the mountains. This place is blessed
with charming landscapes of green trees, blue water, and the bending diamond shape
around the valley. The water level in the lake changes every day. Travelling by boat is the
best way to experience and explore this beautiful natural lake.
Best Time to Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall

The climate in Ban Gioc Waterfall is really equable. There are two seasons here: dry
season from October to May and wet season from June to September. Dry season is the
most appropriate time to travel to Ban Gioc. During this time, the fall is quite peaceful
and limpid. Yellow fields on the foot of Ban Gioc waterfall create a poetic sight.

How to Get to Ban Gioc Waterfall from Ha Noi

Nowadays, visitors can travel from Ha Noi to Cao Bang by many roads.

1. By bus

-Price: 200 000 VND- 300 000 VND (8.5 USD – 13 USD)

-Duration: 7 hours – 9 hours

-Bus from Ha Noi to Cao Bang is sleeper bus. Bus is equipped with small television, and
bed, so travelers can take a rest on the bus.

-On the way to Ban Gioc, the driver might let the bus stop at Ba Be Lake. This is an
outstanding place in Bac Kan. You can visit and take photos here. But remember, you
must return to the bus on time.

-You can catch bus in My Dinh Station or Luong Yen Station.

2. By personal vehicles

-Ban Gioc Waterfall is far from Ha Noi. Furthermore, the road is very dangerous. There
are a large number of cliffs on the roadside. Thus, tourists should go by car rather than
motorbike. Going by motorbike will make you feel more tired than going by car.