The five most beautiful waterfalls of Vietnam
Vietnam isn't only sea and beaches. Go a little inland, into the mountains, and the country opens up quite differently: with misty gorges and waterfalls that thunder among the jungle. From the giant Ban Gioc in the north to the 'heavenly' Yang Bay near Nha Trang — here are the five most beautiful waterfalls of Vietnam, and what makes each one special.
A country of waterfalls
Vietnam stretches along the mountains: ranges and highlands run the length of the country from north to south, and dozens of waterfalls tumble from them. In some places it's a narrow silver thread in the cliffs, in others a wide wall of water hundreds of metres across.
Waterfalls here aren't just a pretty view. They are sacred places with legends, centres of ecotourism, and a source of energy — hydroelectric plants sit on the mountain rivers. But tourists come above all for the spectacle and the cool.
Ban Gioc — the king of waterfalls
Ban Gioc in Cao Bang province in the north is the largest and, in many people's opinion, the most beautiful waterfall in the country. It stands right on the border with China: the Quay Son River drops in three tiers of white water about 208 metres wide.
It's one of the largest transboundary waterfalls in the world. Around it are emerald rice fields and karst mountains, and you reach the foot on bamboo rafts. The best time is autumn, when there's plenty of water and the fields turn gold.
Pongour — the seven-tiered beauty
Pongour in the south, in Lam Dong province near Da Lat, is considered the country's most romantic waterfall. The water falls not as a single wall but in seven wide steps, which is why it's called 'seven-tiered'.
At around 40 metres high, it spreads almost a hundred metres wide. In the rainy season Pongour is especially full and powerful, surrounded by untouched forest. It's one of the most photogenic spots in southern Vietnam.
Dray Nur — the roar of the Central Highlands
Dray Nur in the Central Highlands, near the city of Buon Ma Thuot, is power and noise. The waterfall on the Serepok River is about 30 metres high and up to 150 metres wide, and in the full-water season its roar can be heard from afar.
Its main highlight: behind the wall of falling water hides a long ancient cave you can walk into. Local peoples have legends of love tied to this place, which gave the waterfall its name.
The Silver Waterfall of Sapa
In the north, near the mountain resort of Sapa, falls Thac Bac — the 'Silver Waterfall'. A thin but very tall stream drops from the cliff among clouds and pines, and from afar the water really does look like a silver ribbon.
It's easy to reach from Sapa, with viewpoints and mountain trails nearby. In the cool northern climate this waterfall looks especially magical, particularly when the peaks are wrapped in mist.
Yang Bay — the 'heavenly' one near Nha Trang
The closest waterfall to us is Yang Bay, only about 45 kilometres from Nha Trang, in the mountains of Khanh Hoa province. Its name is translated as 'heaven's waterfall', and it's hidden in a green valley among the forest.
Today it's a whole eco-park: besides the waterfall itself there are hot mineral springs, natural pools and the culture of local peoples. It's a perfect option for those holidaying in Nha Trang who want a day trip out to the water and greenery.
Legends and peoples by the waterfalls
Almost every Vietnamese waterfall has its own legend — most often of love, or of the spirits of the mountains and water. The very name Yang Bay is linked to the sky, and Dray Nur to the story of lovers from a local people.
Many waterfalls lie in regions home to Vietnam's smaller peoples, with their own customs and costumes. So a trip to a waterfall is often also an encounter with another, mountain culture of the country.
How waterfalls benefit the country
Waterfalls and mountain rivers aren't only about tourism. Hydroelectric plants are built on them, giving the country a sizeable share of its electricity. The turbulent rivers of the Central Highlands and the north are especially important for energy.
And the eco-parks around the waterfalls feed whole villages: tourism gives work and, at the same time, an incentive to protect the forests and rivers. So beauty brings very practical benefits too.
When to visit the waterfalls
The mightiest waterfalls are in the rainy season and just after it: there's plenty of water and the spectacle is impressive. But the trails are slippery then and the water muddy, so caution is needed.
In the dry season the waterfalls are calmer and more accessible, the water is clearer and it's safer to come closer. For the north (Ban Gioc, Sapa) autumn is most beautiful; for the south and Nha Trang (Pongour, Yang Bay) the dry months are good too.
What to bring and how to get there
Most waterfalls are easy to reach by car or motorbike, and the distant ones by tour. Ban Gioc and Sapa are the north, separate trips; Pongour and Dray Nur are the south and Central Highlands; Yang Bay is easily done as a day trip from Nha Trang.
Bring comfortable non-slip shoes, water, a raincoat in the wet season and a swimsuit if you plan to dip. And don't go too close to the edge or the rushing water — mountain rivers are treacherous.
What it means for a visitor to Nha Trang
Even if you came to Nha Trang for the sea, waterfalls are a great way to see another Vietnam: mountainous, green and cool. And the nearest one, Yang Bay, can be seen in just a single day.
And if you'd like to delight a loved one, partner or friend right here in the city — we'll deliver a fresh bouquet or helium balloons to a hotel, villa or office the same day. Message us on WhatsApp, Telegram or KakaoTalk.
