Ban Gioc Waterfall Motorbike Tours

Ban Gioc Waterfall stands as an awe-inspiring testament to Vietnam’s natural splendor, nestled in the northeastern province of Cao Bang. It proudly holds the title of the country’s most magnificent waterfall, captivating all who behold its majestic beauty. In this ultimate guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about exhilarating Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tours offered by the experts of Indochina Motorcycle.

Introduction to Ban Gioc Waterfall

Situated in the northeastern province of Cao Bang, Vietnam, Ban Gioc Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder that captivates visitors from near and far. Surrounded by lush greenery, this majestic waterfall is celebrated as the largest and most spectacular in all of Vietnam. Exploring Ban Gioc Waterfall on a motorcycle tour northeast Vietnam offers an unforgettable adventure through this enchanting landscape.

Spanning across an expansive area of 6,700 square kilometers, Cao Bang province is home to approximately 535,000 inhabitants, adding to the vibrant tapestry of this picturesque region. As one of the region’s most iconic landmarks, Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tours are renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, drawing travelers eager to witness its grandeur firsthand.

Best Seasons to Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall Motorbike Tours offer an enchanting experience year-round, each season presenting its unique charm. Whether you’re drawn to the colorful blooms of spring or the majestic waterfall flow in winter, there is a perfect time to embark on a Ban Gioc Waterfall Motor Tour and witness nature’s wonders in Cao Bang:

• The flower season, from March to May, paints the landscape with vibrant blooms, offering a tranquil atmosphere and opportunities to partake in local festivals.
• Harvest season, spanning late September to mid-October showcases the region’s golden rice fields and sunny, dry weather, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Autumn to early winter brings the waterfall to its full strength, with jade-green waters cascading dramatically.
• Starting from October, winter to spring reveals clearer waters and blossoming buckwheat and wild sunflowers, accompanied by the cool, refreshing air of impending spring.

Guide on Getting to Ban Gioc Waterfall by Motorbike

Riding a motorbike from Cao Bang is the best way to get to Ban Gioc Waterfall Motorcycle tours there let you enjoy the beautiful Vietnamese countryside at your own pace, with the freedom to stop and see attractions like Ngam Ngou Cave.

For an easy trip to Ban Gioc Waterfall, take DT206, a smooth 2-lane highway accessible by turning left at Quan Uyen intersection. This route is great for beginners, winding gently through the mountains with wide bends.

Although DT206 is well-kept, be cautious of trucks heading to the China border. Expect overtaking on sharp corners and occasional exposure to exhaust fumes.

Just before reaching Ban Gioc Waterfall, there's a turn-off to Ngam Ngou Cave. Entry costs 45,000 VND, and exploring takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The cave features well-lit paths with stunning limestone formations, adding excitement to your journey.

Find out more: Ban Gioc Waterfall Travel Tips: Expert Advice for a Memorable Trip

Accommodation in Ban Gioc

Hotels

Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tours have various accommodation choices for different budgets. Most hotels are mid-range or low-cost, priced under 1,000,000 VND/night. They offer comfy rooms and central locations for a pleasant stay. Popular hotels near Ban Gioc waterfall are:

Homestays

Homestays provide an immersive local culture experience. Staying with locals offers authentic hospitality and insights into community life. Homestays may be simpler than hotels but offer warmth and authenticity. Choose a budget hotel or cozy homestay for a memorable Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tour.

Given the limited number of hotels and homestays in Cao Bang compared to other tourist cities, it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, ideally 2 – 4 weeks before your departure.

Utilize booking applications and websites, such as Traveloka, Booking, Agoda, or any service specializing in hotel and homestay reservations to browse through numerous options and find great deals that suit your preferences and budget.

Booking ahead ensures you secure your preferred accommodation and allows for a smoother Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tours, especially during peak tourist seasons when availability may be limited.

Tourist Attractions around Ban Gioc Waterfall

While Cao Bang may not boast extensive eco-tourism areas, Ban Gioc Waterfall offers a lot of exciting activities to immerse yourself in nature and create unforgettable memories. Here are some captivating experiences awaiting you at Ban Gioc Waterfall:

Boating on the Waterfall

When enjoying Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tours, it is essential to do more than just observe the stunning waterfall from a distance. Instead, seize the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating boat ride to its base. As you sit aboard a motorboat, you will have the chance to witness the powerful rush of water cascading down from a considerable height, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

This experience allows you to truly immerse yourself in the vibrancy of nature, with the untamed energy of the waterfall juxtaposed against the tranquil backdrop of the surrounding landscape, including the sky, earth, and verdant foliage.

Checking in at the Border Marker

As the region with the most border landmarks in the country, Cao Bang carries the weight of heroic historical narratives and the poignant recollections of our ancestors’ struggles for national sovereignty.

When visiting, it is advisable to capture a photograph of these landmarks, ensuring that the memories of your trip endure for years to come.

Camping

While en route on Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tours, you will come across expansive, level areas perfect for camping or picnicking during the day. Pitch your tent near the waterfall, relish a warm cup of coffee, and cherish a rare moment of tranquility as you marvel at the enchanting scenery of the waterfall and surrounding forest.

It is a setting that could even inspire an impromptu elopement. Remember to note that, if you plan to camp overnight, you should reach out to travel agencies or tours run by local residents to ensure your safety.

Must-Visit Places in Ban Gioc Waterfall Motorbike Tour

Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tours in Cao Bang let travelers explore the beauty of the highlands fully. These tours include visits to nearby attractions, allowing tourists to experience the region's natural wonders deeply.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall in Vietnam is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with water cascading down limestone terraces, creating a mesmerizing sight. The scene is enchanting, with mist adding to the magical atmosphere, like something from a fantasy movie.

Moc 835 Market

The market is held right next to the border marker and is often called market marker 53. After the border, a new marker was re-installed as marker 835. In the market there are 53 stalls of Vietnamese traders, the opposite is a market for Chinese traders. The goods in the market are quite rich and diverse, imbued with the cultural identities of the two countries.

Border Marker 836(2)

The Ban Gioc waterfall area has landmark 836(2) where you can freely take photos without permission. This landmark is on the Vietnamese side, with a corresponding landmark 836(1) on the Chinese side, marking the border between the two countries.

Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda

Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda is the first temple ever built in the northern part of Vietnam. It follows the traditional Buddhist style of architecture found in our country. From this temple, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic and picturesque Ban Gioc waterfall.

Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village

Khuoi Ky village belongs to the Tay ethnic group. When you visit, you will experience their unique customs, ways of life, and traditional clothing. The people in Khuoi Ky village are very friendly, welcoming, and joyful. You will feel embraced by their warmth and genuine hospitality when you arrive, making you feel right at home among the Tay ethnic community.

Ngườm Ngao Cave

Nguom Ngao Cave is located in Gun village, Dam Thuy commune. Nguom Ngao Cave has extremely splendid beauty with layers of brilliant stalactites. Colorful stalactites intertwine from below and hang down from above in many different shapes, creating an extremely unique, new, and beautiful natural cave.

Ancient Fossilized Tree

Chestnuts are renowned specialties of both Trung Khanh and Cao Bang. In Ban Khay hamlet, Chi Vien commune, there’s an ancient chestnut tree over 110 years old. This tree has been officially recognized by the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree.

Ban Viet Lake

Ban Viet Lake is in Ban Viet and Tan Phong near Phong Chau commune. The lake is 5 hectares, split into four parts, surrounded by beautiful mountains with diverse plants. The hamlets have Tay and Nung people with unique cultural traits. Renovated in 1967, the lake provides water for farming and locals.

Co La Waterfall

To get to Chi Vien commune from Trung Khanh town, take the concrete road through Na Mu hamlet, passing the Thoong Got Hydroelectric Plant about 1 kilometer away. Along the route, you'll see Tay people's stilt houses in Ban Ruoc hamlet and Co La waterfall, named after the "stork" tree. The waterfall has three tiers shaped by nature over thousands of years, each tier with clear blue pools, enhancing the scenic beauty.

Read more: Things to Do in Ban Gioc Waterfall for Thrill Seeker Traveler

Combined Destinations

Going to Cao Bang if you only go to Ban Gioc waterfall is a bit wasteful. If you have time, you can combine some of the places below to have a more complete trip to Cao Bang.

Pac Bo Tourist Area

The Pac Bo Special National Monument holds significant importance and allure along the Northern tourist route within the UNESCO Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark. It serves as a journey back to the revolutionary origins for visitors arriving in Cao Bang.

Thang Hen Lake

Thang Hen Lake is found in Quoc Toan commune, Tra Linh district, high up in the mountains. It’s one of the many beautiful lakes in the area. Surrounded by tall trees and steep cliffs, the lake’s clear water winds through the valley floor, reflecting the greenery above.

Shaped like a diamond, it’s between 100 to 300 meters wide and 500 to 1,000 meters long. Water flows from a big cave into the lake all day and night, making it even more special.

Mat Than Mountain

The “Angle Eye” Mountain – Nam Tra waterfall can be found in the valley of Ban Danh hamlet, Quoc Toan commune (Tra Linh), about 2 kilometers from Thang Hen Lake. Despite being newly discovered, it has already captivated many tourists with its majestic and untamed natural beauty, enticing them to visit and explore.

Delightful Local Cuisine in Ban Gioc

Cao Bang Steamed Rice Rolls

Cao Bang locals cherish steamed rice rolls paired with bone broth as their signature dish. This unique steamed rice roll variation is served with a flavorful bone broth infused with chili and bamboo shoots soaked in molasses, earning it the nickname “steamed rice rolls soup” to distinguish it from the version found in the lowlands.

To savor it the Cao Bang way, dip the rolls into a bowl of soup mixed with a hint of chili sauce and tangy bamboo shoots. Then, use a spoon and chopsticks to enjoy it, much like how one would eat vermicelli or pho.

The blend of the cool rolls with the savory, sweet, and oily bone broth, enriched with eggs and pork sausage, along with the subtle aroma of clausena indica ( mắc mật fruit), creates a memorable culinary experience.

Khau Nhuc (Local Herbs)

Khau Nhuc, a traditional dish among the Tay and Nung communities in Cao Bang, holds a special place in festive occasions like holidays, Tet, and weddings. While each region has its distinct approach to preparing it, they all share the bold and unique traits of highland cuisine.

This dish features pork belly slow-cooked in a water bath, resulting in a tender and succulent texture. Despite its richness, Khau Nhuc is surprisingly not greasy, offering a refreshing and fragrant experience enhanced by aromatic spices.

Even when you’re already full, its irresistible flavor will leave you craving for more. Served with hot rice, Khau Nhuc is a truly delightful culinary experience that embodies the essence of highland cuisine.

Grilled Chicken

Highland chickens are typically small in size, but they boast firm and sweet meat. When grilled over charcoal, they emit a delightful fragrance and offer a delicious taste. Grilled chicken is a sought-after dish among many tourist groups visiting community tourism villages in Cao Bang, especially in Ban Gioc.

Colorful Sticky Rice

Five-color sticky rice holds deep cultural significance among the Tay and Nung communities, symbolizing festivities, New Year celebrations, familial bonds, and joy throughout the year.

This special dish features five vibrant colors – red, black, blue, white, and yellow – crafted from Pi Pat sticky rice, known for its aromatic and pliable grains, along with various plants and flowers for coloring.

The unique aroma of five-color sticky rice arises from the blend of Pi Pat rice fragrance, “Bjooc phon” flower scent, leafy pungency, Cham Cham tree’s fragrance, spicy ginger leaves, and even pineapple notes.

These appealing sticky rice dishes reflect the beauty of the Cao Bang mountains and forests

Bamboo Shoots Stuffed with Meat

In Cao Bang, where numerous mountains and hills thrive, bamboo shoots flourish, particularly during the early spring months. Locals have devised various methods to prepare bamboo shoots, one of which is stuffing them with meat.

Fresh bamboo shoots are purchased, peeled, and boiled whole before being split in half into large sections. The minced meat is seasoned with spices and herbs, then stuffed into the hollowed or split bamboo shoots.

Next, they are steamed until cooked through. When served, the bamboo shoots boast a crispy exterior while being infused with the sweet juices of the seasoned meat.

Trung Khanh Duck

The duck breed found in Trung Khanh area originates from mallard ducks and has been developed through a natural domestication process over generations. This has resulted in a breed of ducks well-suited to natural grazing, which has been raised by locals for many years.

The meat of these Trung Khanh ducks is known for its sweet flavor and moderate toughness, making it highly favored among the people of Cao Bang.

Mac Pup Jelly

Mac Pup Jelly pudding is a beloved sweet originating from Trung Khanh people. To make it, Mac Pup nuts are harvested, washed, dried, peeled, and deseeded. These small, light yellow seeds, resembling sesame seeds, are then dried and crushed to create the jelly base.

To serve, a cup is filled with a little ice, bite-sized pieces of jelly are added, and enough sugar water is poured over them to create a refreshing and delicious treat.

Additionally, Mac Pup jelly pairs well with black bean sweet soup, green bean sweet soup, and corn sweet soup, offering a unique and delightful combination.

Crispy Fried Vermicelli

"Fried vermicelli" gets its name from using fresh vermicelli flour. The dough, made before shaping into strands, is key to this dish. Popular in Trung Khanh, its unique flavor is memorable. Locals in Trung Khanh enjoy fried vermicelli cakes, often bought for home cooking. Few snack shops sell them due to ingredient scarcity.

Trung Khanh Chestnuts

Trung Khanh is renowned for its chestnuts, owing to its cold weather, well-suited soil, and climate characterized by hilly terrain and mountain slopes, which are ideal conditions for chestnut trees to thrive.

Trung Khanh chestnuts stand out from other varieties due to their uniform size, slightly round shape with nearly equal dimensions, dark brown and shiny shells, and silky yellow kernels. They boast a nutty flavor, fragrance, and are rich in nutrients.

Trung Khanh Green Sticky Rice

Each year, as the weather transitions to autumn, typically at the end of July and the beginning of August in the lunar calendar, the people of Trung Khanh savor the delightful taste of green rice – a humble yet elegant delicacy. If you visit in the perfect season of rice, you can easily buy Trung Khanh green rice at the markets on the street.

Pi Pat Glutinous Rice

Pi Pat sticky rice emanates a delightful fragrance from the moment it transitions from a newly harvested grain, brimming with milky sap, to the time it is milled into rice. This seductive aroma permeates each white grain. Pi Pat sticky rice boasts superior quality compared to other varieties of sticky rice found in the province and some Northern regions.

It features uniform grains, high protein, and an abundance of amino acids. As a result, Pi Pat Trung Khanh sticky rice is renowned for its deliciousness and is utilized in numerous local dishes such as green rice, banh kha, sticky rice, banh gai, and banh troi.

Mec Cang Sauce

Thong Hue Street in Trung Khanh has been famous for generations for making wheat soy sauce (locally called Mec Cang soy sauce). Mec Cang sauce is processed entirely in the traditional manual way with the crystallization of natural ingredients such as wheat and sage.

This soy sauce is used as a great dipping sauce for boiled dishes, such as boiled pork, boiled goat meat, and boiled spinach. In addition, it is also used to braise meat and as a very important seasoning in the Khau Nhuc specialty dish.

Thong Hue Sweet Short Cake

The tradition of crafting Thong Hue Sweet Short Cakes has been passed down through generations and continues to be cherished by local artisans today. Beginning with the selection of ingredients, the sticky rice must be large, plump, ivory white, evenly shaped, and round. The peanuts used for the filling must be red and sourced from mature seeds free from pests.

Sugar is added to prevent the cakes from souring during long-term storage. Thong Hue Sweet Short Cakes are distinguished by their rich flavor of sticky rice, the sweetness of sugar, and the aromatic essence of peanuts.

Travel Itineraries for Ban Gioc

Ban Gioc Waterfall Motorbike Tours offer a serene and picturesque setting. Here’s a suggested travel itinerary for exploring Ban Gioc and its surrounding attractions:

Hanoi – Ba Be – Ban Gioc

Here’s a suggested itinerary for your trip:

Day 1: Hanoi to Ba Be

Depart from Hanoi towards Highway 3 to Thai Nguyen Bac Kan, with an optional stop at tourist attractions in Thai Nguyen along the way. Arrive at Ba Be Lake in the evening and opt to stay at homestays in Pac Ngoi village.

Day 2: Ba Be – Pac Bo – Cao Bang City

Travel from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang, approximately a 3-hour journey covering over 100km. Upon arrival, you can rest, check in, and then head to Pac Bo in the early afternoon. Alternatively, you can go straight to Pac Bo. Return to Cao Bang City in the evening for accommodation.

Day 3: Cao Bang City – Trung Khanh – Ban Gioc Waterfall

Start your day by heading from Cao Bang City to Ban Gioc Waterfall, making stops at Ta Lung border gate and visiting border markers in Cao Bang.

Continue to Trung Khanh to explore Nguom Ngao cave, Truc Lam Zen monastery, and then proceed to Ban Gioc Waterfall. In the afternoon, return to Cao Bang City for relaxation.

Day 4: Cao Bang City to Hanoi

Depart early from Cao Bang City for your return journey to Hanoi.

Hanoi – Mau Son – Ban Gioc – Ba Be

This suggested itinerary offers a diverse experience, combining natural beauty, cultural exploration, and scenic drives. Here’s a breakdown of the itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Lang Son – Mau Son

• Depart from Hanoi and drive towards Lang Son.
• Along the way, consider stopping at attractions like Thuy Mon Dinh Beer, Huu Nghi border gate, and Dong Dang Mother Temple.
• Continue the journey to Mau Son peak and spend the night there.

Day 2: Mau Son – That Khe – Cao Bang City – Trung Khanh

• Explore Mau Son peak in the morning.
• Depart from Mau Son and head towards That Khe, en route to Cao Bang City.
• Take time to explore That Khe and any other attractions along the way.
• Upon reaching Cao Bang City, consider visiting local landmarks or sampling regional cuisine.
• Continue towards Trung Khanh for an overnight stay, preparing for the next day’s journey to Ban Gioc.

Day 3: Trung Khanh – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave – Cao Bang City – Ba Be Lake

• Depart from Trung Khanh to Ban Gioc Waterfall.
• Spend the morning exploring Ban Gioc Waterfall and nearby attractions such as Nguom Ngao Cave.
• Afterward, head back to Cao Bang City via National Highway 3.
• From Cao Bang City, drive towards Ba Be Lake, enjoying the scenic route.
• Arrive at Ba Be Lake and settle in for the night.

Day 4: Ba Be – Hanoi

• Take the morning to explore the beauty of Ba Be Lake, perhaps by boat or hiking around its shores.
• Depart from Ba Be Lake and begin the journey back to Hanoi.
• Depending on time and preferences, consider stopping at any points of interest along the way.
• Arrive back in Hanoi by late afternoon or evening, concluding the trip.

Preparation for Ban Gioc Waterfall Motorbike Tours

For a safe and complete Ban Gioc Waterfall Motor Tour, prepare adequately with this checklist:

• 1. Essential Gear and Equipment: Ensure you have sturdy footwear, navigation tools, and other necessary gear.
• 2. Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to Ban Gioc's diverse climate.
• 3. Necessary Documents: Bring identification and permits to avoid bureaucratic hurdles.
• 4. Motorbike Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your bike to prevent breakdowns.
• 5. Local Currency and Emergency Funds: Carry both for unexpected expenses and emergencies.
• 6. Health and Safety: Get necessary vaccinations and pack first aid supplies.
• 7. Language and Communication: Learn basic phrases and cultural nuances to enhance interactions.
• 8. Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions for a richer experience.
• 9. Emergency Contacts: Have local authority and embassy details for emergencies.

If you're overwhelmed by the many companies offering motorbike tour Ban Gioc Waterfall, choose Indochina Motorcycle Tours for a trustworthy and knowledgeable guide. We promise an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of riding with the breathtaking scenery of Ban Gioc Waterfall. Let us make your adventure memorable.

At Indochina Motorcycle Tours, we offer compelling reasons to choose us for your Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike tour:

• 1. Modern, Well-Maintained Bikes: Enjoy a comfortable ride with our top-quality fleet.
• 2. Experienced Staff: Our knowledgeable team ensures your safety and satisfaction.
• 3. Variety of Tour Options: Find the perfect tour for your budget, maximizing value and experience.
• 4. Meticulously Planned Routes: Experience breathtaking views and unforgettable moments on our safe routes.
• 5. Top-Ranked on TripAdvisor: Join the many satisfied travelers who have chosen us for their adventures.

Indochina Motorcycle Tours offers meticulously planned tours for both novice and experienced riders across Vietnam. From day-long explorations of Hanoi’s countryside to month-long adventures on the Ho Chi Minh trail, our tours are tailored to your preferences. With flexible start dates and expert guides, we ensure a seamless and memorable journey. Contact Indochina Motorcycle Tour now to embark on an unforgettable Ban Gioc Waterfall motorbike adventure!

• Head Office: N08B Huynh Van Nghe Street, Phuc Dong Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi Capital, Vietnam
• Tel/WhatsApp: +84.909154215

Often hailed as a must-visit destination, Ban Gioc is considered the jewel of Cao Bang, beckoning travelers to explore its mesmerizing beauty. If you haven’t experienced the splendor of Ban Gioc, you’re missing out on one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Hurry and embark on motorbike tour Ban Gioc Waterfall with Indochina Motorcycle to discover this stunning waterfall today!