Where is Ban Gioc Waterfall?
Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam, located in the far north of the country near the Chinese border. It lies in Cao Bang Province, one of the most remote and scenic regions in northern Vietnam. The waterfall is around 360 kilometers from Hanoi by road, and depending on how you travel, the journey can take anywhere from 7 to 10 hours.
Despite the distance, it’s worth making the trip—not just for the waterfall itself, but for the stunning valleys, ethnic villages, and mountain landscapes that surround it. If you’re planning a visit, see our complete Ban Gioc Waterfall travel guide for tips on the best time to go, where to stay, and what to combine your visit with.
Ban Gioc Waterfall as a day trip from Hanoi
Technically, you can do a round trip from Hanoi to Ban Gioc in a single day—but that means a grueling 7+ hour drive each way, just to see the waterfall for an hour or two. We don’t recommend it. Cao Bang has so much more to offer: hidden valleys, ethnic villages, and scenic passes that deserve at least a 2-day visit (you’ll still miss out on many highlights otherwise). A rushed day trip is a poor way to experience such a stunning region—better to extend your stay and really soak it in.
Option 1: Going by tour
The easiest and most recommended way to travel from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall is by booking a tour. Everything is arranged for you—transport, meals, accommodation, and a local guide—so you don’t need to worry about logistics.
Most tours start in Hanoi and take you to Cao Bang either by shared limousine van or sleeper bus, where a car or motorbike with guide will be waiting. This is a more affordable option, but if you prefer convenience, you can also start the tour in Hanoi with private door-to-door transport all the way to Ban Gioc.
Tours to Ban Gioc are rarely standalone. They’re typically part of a 3–5 day Cao Bang itinerary that also includes nearby highlights like Nguom Ngao Cave, Phong Nam Valley, or even a loop route through Ha Giang or Ba Be Lake. This option is ideal if you want to make the most of the journey and not just rush to the waterfall and back.
Best for:
• Travelers who want everything arranged
• Those interested in seeing more than just Ban Gioc
• Visitors short on planning time or unfamiliar with Vietnam’s transport system
Option 2: Going by yourself
You can also visit Ban Gioc Waterfall independently, but it requires more planning and time. There are no direct buses from Hanoi to Ban Gioc—after all, it’s a waterfall, not a city. The nearest large town is Cao Bang City, the provincial capital, which acts as the gateway. The journey consists of two legs: first, traveling from Hanoi to Cao Bang, then continuing to the falls.
Step 1: From Hanoi to Cao Bang
This is the first leg of the trip and takes 6.5–9 hours, depending on your choice of transport.
For detailed options, check our full guide: From Hanoi to Cao Bang
Main options at a glance:
- Sleeper bus – Budget-friendly and time-efficient. Leaves Hanoi in the evening and arrives in the early morning. Best for travelers who want to save on accommodation and day time travelling.
- Limousine van – Comfortable daytime option with small-group seating. Offers pickup in the Old Quarter and drop-off in Cao Bang.
- Private car – Most convenient and flexible. Door-to-door transfer, suitable for families or travelers with limited time. Can be expensive if not shared.
Step 2: From Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall
The second leg is approximately 85–100 km, depending on your route. Travel time is around 2.5–3 hours, longer if you stop along the way.
By taxi or private car
A simple option for a day trip from Cao Bang.
- Can stop at nearby sights like Nguom Ngao Cave or scenic viewpoints.
- Always agree on a fixed price in advance for return trip—there are no taxis available at the waterfall to go back.
Renting a motorbike
Great for independent travelers.
- Motorbikes can be rented from most hotels and homestays in Cao Bang (approx. 150,000–200,000 VND/day).
- The road to Ban Gioc is paved and generally quiet, with some of the best scenery in the region.
- Offers the freedom to explore small villages, rice fields, and viewpoints along the way.
Local bus
There’s a local bus between Cao Bang City and Ban Gioc Waterfall, departing a few times daily.
- Good option if you’re on a tight budget (approx. 40,000–50,000 VND / ~2 USD).
- Ask your accommodation for up-to-date times and locations, as these can vary and there’s no English signage.
- The route is scenic, but the bus makes frequent stops and doesn’t allow for sightseeing or detours.
- Navigation and communication can be a challenge without local support.
Practical tips
- Break up the trip — Stay overnight in Cao Bang or near Ban Gioc to avoid a long, exhausting travel day.
- Avoid same-day return trips — Even with private transport, it’s not practical to go there and back in one day.
- If self-driving — Make sure to leave Hanoi early and avoid night driving in the mountains.
Option 3: Direct private car transfer
This is the most expensive, but also the most comfortable way to reach Ban Gioc Waterfall from Hanoi. However, it’s not without drawbacks.
While it’s technically possible to do a round trip in one day, it involves more than 14 hours of driving, which most drivers won’t agree to—and even if they do, it’s an exhausting journey for everyone involved. A better approach is to turn it into a multi-day road trip.
That said, if you only hire a driver (not a guide or tour service), don’t expect sightseeing support. They’ll take you from point A to B, but won’t recommend stops or help plan your itinerary. All research and decisions will be up to you. If you need help with this, best to just book a tour where this whole trip from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall is taking care for you.
Best for:
• Travelers with very limited time
• Those who prioritize privacy and convenience over cost
• People who have already planned their own route and just need transport
