When is the Best Time to Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall? What to Eat, What to Do?

Embark on a journey to the stunning natural masterpiece of Cao Bang with a trip to Ban Gioc Waterfall. Ban Gioc Waterfall captivates travelers with its serene and peaceful atmosphere, making all worries from urban life seem to vanish. So, when is the best time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall? What are the attractions to explore here? Are there any exciting activities? Let's discover this new destination together through the following article.

Ban Gioc Waterfall - Where is it located?

Ban Gioc Waterfall is situated in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province. It is approximately 335 km away from Hanoi, equivalent to a 7-hour drive by car. Ban Gioc Waterfall is renowned as a natural wonder with gentle streams, serene lakes, and endless forests. This is why Ban Gioc Waterfall is hailed as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia.

Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang is one of the most majestic waterfalls in Vietnam (Image source: Collection)

Introduction to Ban Gioc Waterfall

More than just a beautiful scenic spot, Ban Gioc Waterfall is also a source of pride for the people in the border area. The most impressive feature of Ban Gioc Waterfall is that it does not flow directly from top to bottom but is divided into several separate tiers. This creates a stunning white curtain of water resembling impressive white silk ribbons.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is located along the Vietnam - China border. Therefore, the main part of the waterfall is exploited for tourism by both Vietnam and China with different names. One part of the secondary waterfall and half of the main waterfall on the left are entirely within Vietnamese territory. Additionally, the waterfall is situated on the main flow of the Quay Son River, originating from China and flowing into Trung Khanh district.

• In Vietnam, the secondary waterfall is called the High waterfall and the main waterfall is called the Low waterfall. However, nowadays, both parts are commonly referred to as Ban Gioc Waterfall.
• In China, it is divided into 2 separate waterfalls with 2 different names. The main waterfall is called the German Heaven waterfall, and the secondary waterfall is called the Wishing Table waterfall.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall?

Cao Bang's climate is distinctly divided into rainy and dry seasons. Therefore, due to the warm and pleasant temperatures, any time of the year is beautiful for visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall, except during the dry season. The scenery of Ban Gioc Waterfall varies in each season. Here are the most suitable times to visit Ban Gioc:

• Early October: This is when Cao Bang holds the Ban Gioc Festival with many prominent activities. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in lively activities and admire the beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall during the ripe rice season.
• From mid-September to early October: If there were a vote for the most beautiful time in Cao Bang, it would probably be during this period. At this time, the brilliant yellow of ripe rice fields will cover all the villages. Here, you can admire the majestic waterfall while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the harvest season.
• Late autumn, early winter: You don't need to go to distant European skies to see the red and yellow colors of falling autumn leaves. Come to Ban Gioc Waterfall in the late autumn days to admire the full season of changing leaves and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall is suitable in any season (Source: Collection)

Transportation to Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall is about 335 km from Hanoi. With this distance, tourists from northern provinces can choose cars or coaches to travel to Cao Bang. For tourists from central and southern provinces, flying to Hanoi is recommended. After arriving at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), tourists can take a coach to Cao Bang. Below are 2 common transportation options from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall:

Coach

Travelers can catch coaches at My Dinh bus station (Hanoi). For the route to Cao Bang, buses will depart at 8 p.m. daily with ticket prices ranging from approximately 200,000 VND/passenger.

Independent Motorcycle

If you want to explore the stunning roads, you can choose to travel independently on a motorcycle with the following 3 routes:

• Route 1: Departure from National Highway 1A - Hanoi - That Khe - Trung Khanh - Ban Gioc
• Route 2: Departure from National Highway 3 and National Highway 1B - Hanoi - Thai Nguyen - That Khe - Trung Khanh - Ban Gioc
• Route 3: Departure from National Highway 3 - Hanoi - Thai Nguyen - Bac Kan - Cao Bang - Trung Khanh - Ban Gioc

What to Do at Ban Gioc Waterfall?

Not only can you admire the beauty, but travelers can also experience various exciting activities. Amidst the majestic mountains and forests of the Northeast, Ban Gioc Waterfall resembles a swath of white silk.

It's only when you set foot here that you can feel the wild yet gentle beauty of the rushing waterfall. Ban Gioc Waterfall can be likened to the fairy of the Northeastern mountains and forests, sometimes wild and powerful, sometimes gentle and charming. Faced with such enchanting scenery, how can one resist the tempting activities at this waterfall, right?

Boating to Enjoy the Scenery

Standing at the foot of the waterfall looking up, you'll feel the rushing flow of water from dozens of meters above. Large water blocks creep into multiple layers of limestone, splitting into 3 cascades, creating thick mist and a layer of white dust rain. Below the waterfall's foot is a calm river resembling a bright mirror reflecting the entire mountain forest. Faced with such earthly beauty, there's nothing more ideal than boating to enjoy the scenery.

The picturesque beauty reminiscent of a fairyland at Ban Gioc Waterfall leaves everyone in awe (Source: Collected)

Camping and Picnicking

To change the atmosphere, you can organize a picnic or camp overnight by the waterfall. This is also one of the most favorite activities when visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall. According to the travel experience at Ban Gioc Waterfall, pitch a tent with friends, sip some spicy wine, and admire the beautiful waterfall scenery. This fresh experience will bring a refreshing, peaceful atmosphere that will make you linger.

Strike a Pose with Stunning Backdrops

It would be such a waste not to check in front of the exquisite backgrounds of the pristine white waterfall. Don't forget to capture those beautiful moments at Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang through your photos! Every magnificent scene at Ban Gioc Waterfall produces timeless photographs.

You don't need fancy poses; you'll still get stunning photos at Ban Gioc Waterfall (Source: Collected)

Some Attractive Places near Ban Gioc Waterfall

Thang Hen Lake

Thang Hen Lake is a unique attraction of Cao Bang, situated at an altitude of over 1000 meters. It is also the highest natural lake in Vietnam. Moreover, Thang Hen Lake is blessed with breathtaking scenery resembling a 'Fairytale Valley'.

The serene and tranquil beauty of Thang Hen Lake fills our hearts with awe (Source: Collected)

Visitors to this place will be captivated by the pristine and mysterious landscape, which is incredibly romantic and picturesque. It's no exaggeration to say that Thang Hen Lake is a masterpiece of natural art and a source of pride for the people of the border region.

• Location: Ngườm Ngao Cave is located in Quốc Toản commune, Trà Lĩnh district, Cao Bằng province

Ngườm Ngao Cave

Ngườm Ngao Cave is a precious gem hidden beneath the majestic mountains of Gun village. The cave is only about 3km from Ban Gioc Waterfall. Few know that this cave has a history dating back nearly 300 million years. It was first discovered in 1921 and officially opened for tourism in 1996. However, the place still retains its pristine beauty as it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists.

Ngườm Ngao Cave extends over 2000 meters with three main entrances. As you venture deeper into the cave, you will be mesmerized by its sparkling and mystical beauty. The scenic beauty of the cave is derived from the various formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Don't forget to capture the stunning moments of the cave through some check-in photos!

• Location: Ngườm Ngao Cave is situated on a large mountain in Gun village, Đàm Thủy commune, Trùng Khánh district, Cao Bằng province

Conquering Mã Phục Pass

Mã Phục Pass is one of the most challenging and difficult routes to conquer in Vietnam. To reach the summit of the pass, adventurers must overcome 7 winding loops with narrow, steep roads.

The perilous and majestic route of Mã Phục Pass sends shivers down everyone's spine (Source: Collection)

However, the road to Mã Phục Pass boasts magnificent natural scenery that mesmerizes everyone. What's more, Mã Phục Pass is recognized by UNESCO as a geological heritage of Non nước Cao Bằng Geopark. If you're an adventure enthusiast, don't miss the challenge of conquering Mã Phục Pass!

• Location: Mã Phục Pass is located in Quốc Toản commune, Trà Lĩnh district, Cao Bằng province

Trúc Lâm Bản Giốc Pagoda

Trúc Lâm Pagoda is situated about 500 meters from the foot of Bản Giốc Waterfall. The pagoda is built in traditional Vietnamese architecture with many shrines and halls. Here, visitors can feel the peaceful and gentle atmosphere in their souls. Against the majestic backdrop of the borderland, Trúc Lâm Bản Giốc Pagoda stands as a prominent symbol of Northeastern culture.

Find a bit of tranquility in your soul at Trúc Lâm Pagoda (Source: Collection)

• Address: Located in Đàm Thủy commune, Trùng Khánh district, Cao Bằng

Pác Bó Revolution Relic - Lê Nin Stream

Not only for admiring the beautiful scenery, visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the nation's history. The Pác Bó Revolution Relic complex was once chosen by Uncle Hồ as a revolutionary base against foreign invaders. Despite the ups and downs of time, this place still preserves intact the imprints and historical evidence.

When in Pác Bó, don't miss out on some famous relics like: Cốc Bó Cave, Nậm Stream, Lê Nin Stream, Bo Ram Cave,... Standing amidst the land of Pác Bó (Cao Bằng), visitors feel like turning back the wheels of time to return to the glorious historical period.

• Address: Pác Bó Relic is located in Pác Bó commune, Trường Hà district, Hà Quảng province, Cao Bằng

What to Eat at Bản Giốc Waterfall?

It would truly be a shame to visit Bản Giốc Waterfall without trying the specialties of Cao Bằng. Here are some famous Cao Bằng delicacies you can experience: 

• Seven-spice roasted duck: This dish features duck roasted with seven traditional spices over a charcoal fire. When the duck comes out of the oven, it has a golden, crispy, glossy appearance, carrying the distinctive flavor of honey.
• Grilled fragrant fish: There's a saying that if you visit Bản Giốc Waterfall and don't eat grilled fragrant fish, you've never been to Cao Bằng. The fragrant fish is directly caught, then cleaned and marinated with various herbs and spices. Finally, the fish is wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over a charcoal fire. The fish has a gentle fragrance, with firm and delicious meat that satisfies even the most discerning palates.
• Khảo cake: This is a specialty dish that many tourists buy as souvenirs after each trip to Cao Bằng. When enjoying it, diners will experience the soft, melt-in-your-mouth outer layer combined with the sweet flavor of caramelized sugar.

Important Tips for Traveling to Bản Giốc Waterfall

To have a complete and enjoyable trip to Bản Giốc Waterfall, tourists should pay attention to the following important tips:

• Because the weather in the Northeast mountainous region is colder than in the plains, tourists should bring extra warm clothing to avoid catching a cold.
• Don't forget to bring cold and flu medicine, headache medicine, flashlights, insect repellent spray, personal bandages,... to use when necessary!
• The road to Bản Giốc Waterfall will consume a lot of energy. Therefore, bring along snacks, coffee, energy drinks,... to prevent hunger and fatigue along the way.
• Wear sports shoes or specialized hiking shoes for convenience when moving through each location.

Above is the complete travel experience of Ban Gioc Waterfall shared by Mytour. We hope that from the information provided, you will have a perfect trip in the near future. If you need to book affordable tours, please contact the Mytour hotline 19003398 for free advice! Our team of advisors will assist and address any inquiries you may have.