Fed by the Quay Son River originating in China, the Ban Gioc Falls, also known as the Detian Falls on the Chinese side, have gradually migrated upstream over millennia due to erosion. This 300-meter-wide, 30-meter-high waterfall sometimes divides into two distinct cascades – thac chinh (main) and thac phu (subordinate) – depending on the river's flow. During the summer monsoon, the increased water volume often reunites the falls into a single, awe-inspiring torrent. This majestic waterfall, the largest in Asia, is one of the four largest border waterfalls in the world, alongside the famous Iguazu, Victoria and Niagara Falls.
Aerial View of the Detian Falls - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures
Rising from the Quay Son River, which has its source in China, this waterfall stretches over a width of 300 metres and plunges from a height of 30 metres. Over the millennia, erosion has gradually shaped the waterfall, sometimes creating the illusion of two distinct waterfalls - which the Vietnamese call thac chinh (main waterfall) and thac phu (secondary waterfall). During the summer rainy season, these two arms join to form a spectacular curtain of water.
The natural setting surrounding the falls is equally fascinating. The area, characterized by ancient karst formations and multiple streams, offers a landscape of striking beauty. A stone boundary marker, accessible via a path along the top of the falls, marks the border between the two countries.
Quay Son River - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures
To get a closer look at this natural spectacle, visitors can board boats imitating traditional bamboo rafts. Guided by experienced boatmen, they get as close as possible to the falls, where the spray and roar of the water create a unique sensory experience. A special sight awaits attentive observers: intrepid fishermen, perched on natural terraces halfway up the waterfall, defy the tumultuous waters to cast their lines.
The surrounding area is also full of treasures to discover, including the Nguom Ngao caves. A one-kilometre footbridge allows you to explore these caves with their fascinating play of light. Numerous strategically placed observation points offer spectacular panoramas of the falls and their surroundings.
Mysterious Tiger Cave - Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures
Just a few hours' drive from Hanoi, the Ban Gioc Falls make an ideal two- to three-day getaway. This excursion can be harmoniously combined with an authentic immersion in Ba Be National Park, where homestay allows you to discover the cultural richness of this unspoilt region of Vietnam.
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