On the border of China PRC and Viet Nam, a formerly off-the-beaten-path natural marvel is enjoying renewed popularity, thanks to a bilateral government effort and changing travel preferences.
As the largest transnational waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest in the world, the Ban Gioc-Detian Falls cascades across the Quay Son River (Guichun River in China PRC), forming a breathtaking borderland spectacle.
For years, visitors could only admire the falls from their respective countries’ side, with neither group allowed to make the crossing. However, with a new initiative allowing limited cross-border travel, tourists can now experience both sides of the falls more seamlessly than ever before.
A waterfall shared by two nations
The waterfall’s name reflects how it’s called on either side of the border: “Ban Gioc” on the Vietnamese side and “Detian” on the Chinese side. The site covers 400 hectares, divided between Viet Nam’s Cao Bang Province and China PRC’s Guangxi region.
While the falls are stunning year-round, visitor levels tend to peak between September and December, when the water flow is at its maximum and the surrounding rice fields are lush with green-growing crops.
In October 2024, a new cross-border tourism cooperation zone was officially launched by both the Viet Nam and China PRC authorities, allowing up to 1,000 visitors daily to explore both sides. To maintain security and order, the initiative is currently limited to Vietnamese and Chinese passport holders, who must travel in tour groups of 20 or fewer.
Two sides of the story
The Ban Gioc Waterfall is a major attraction in Viet Nam’s Cao Bang province, a region known for its karst landscapes and traditional villages.
Bamboo rafts operated by local boatmen take visitors close to the waterfall’s misty base, offering a refreshing and up-close experience.
Visitors can secure an exit-entry permit at the cross-border tourism cooperation zone service hall on their respective side of the border; once secured, they can cross over to enjoy the waterfalls from the other country’s perspective.
On the Chinese side, Detian Waterfall is part of a well-developed scenic area with walkways, food stalls, and souvenir shops. (Vietnamese coffee is particularly cherished by caffeine-loving Chinese shoppers.) In the evenings, the falls transform with a light show, illuminating the cascades in vibrant colors.
A motorized bamboo raft ride provides a similar experience to the one in Viet Nam, gliding past both waterfalls.
This AAAAA scenic spot is recognized as a Chinese Characteristic International Tourism Destination, National Ecological Tourism Demonstration Area, and one of Guangxi’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions.
The future of cross-border tourism
The cross-border initiative at Ban Gioc-Detian Falls represents a singular opportunity for China PRC and Viet Nam to collaborate on tourism, bridging cultural and natural heritage across borders. While currently limited to citizens of both countries, it sets a precedent for future agreements that could allow international travelers to enjoy the full beauty of this transnational wonder.
Its blend of nature, culture, and cross-border cooperation makes Ban Gioc-Detian Falls more than just a scenic destination. It’s a symbol of shared heritage between two Greater Mekong Sub-Region countries – offering visitors a unique way to experience the beauty of two nations at once.
