Ban Gioc Waterfall (Cao Bang): prices, bamboo raft, getting there from Hanoi and best season (2026)
Ban Gioc Waterfall, on the Chinese border, is one of the widest waterfalls in South-East Asia; it is shared with China (Detian) on the Quay Son river. Entry is 45,000 VND per adult, the bamboo raft is 50,000 VND per person (50,000 to 100,000 VND depending on the source), payable in cash. From Hanoi, allow 335 km and 6 to 8 hours by road: most travellers sleep in Cao Bang, 85 km (about 2 hours) from the falls. The fees and hours below come from guides seen in October 2026; confirm on site.
Highlights
The falls and the bamboo raft
The water drops in several tiers over about 300 m of width. The raft (10 minutes) takes you close to the foot of the falls; it is the experience to do.
Nguom Ngao Cave
On the access road, entry 45,000 VND according to a guide; formations over about 2 km (shorter on the tourist circuit).
Rice fields and karst hills
The drive from Cao Bang crosses karst scenery and rice fields; several photo stops are possible.
The border
The falls sit right on the border; you cannot cross to the Chinese side from this point without formalities.
Practical info
Tips
- Bring cash: tickets and the raft are paid in cash. Scooter parking: 5,000 to 10,000 VND depending on the guides. A one-day car tour from Cao Bang is sold at about 92 USD (reseller listing, 5 stars from 57 reviews in October 2026); from Hanoi, tours of 2 to 5 days are more realistic. Combine it with Ba Be Lake or Pac Bo cave (where Ho Chi Minh lived in 1941) to make the journey worthwhile. For the neighbouring Ha Giang loop, see the Ha Giang loop from Hanoi.
How to get there
From Hanoi, about 335 km (6 to 8 hours depending on the sources) by car or bus to Cao Bang, then taxi, car or rented scooter (85 km, 2 hours) to the falls.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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