From the waterfalls of Ban Gioc to those of Pongour, Vietnam is home to a stunning and incredible selection of falls. Some are perfect for dipping, while others make for lovely picnic spots; some are even ideal of those who are seeking tranquillity. However, all of them are worth visiting.
If you could custom build a desirable waterfall, it would resemble that of Ban Gioc, one of the largest, most majestic cascades in Vietnam. The falls, which have three magnificent levels divided by rocks and trees, have two sides: one in Vietnam and the other in China.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, TL 211, Đàm Thuỷ, Trùng Khánh, Cao Bằng, Vietnam
No, you’re not in India. This Elephant Waterfall is actually in Nam Ban village, approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Dalat’s city centre. The best part is that you can get up close to this waterfall, allowing you to get the most mesmerising vantage point; however, it can be tricky due to the rugged trails and bracing spray.
Elephant Waterfall, Nam Ban, Lâm Hà District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
The setting can enhance the overall impression of a waterfall, and Pongour is a good example. The multi-layered falls allow visitors to get under and behind them, perfect for cooling down in the heat. While not as well known to tourists as the Elephant Waterfall, Pongour has the edge when it comes to ambience and untamed beauty.
Pongour Falls, Thôn Tân Nghĩa, Ninh Gia, Đức Trọng District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Located approximately 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Hanoi, Mu Waterfall makes a pleasant city break. Set among wild ruins and fig-scented woodlands, it’s an ideal spot for dipping in the water.
Mu Waterfall, Mu Village, Tự Do, Lạc Sơn District, Hoa Binh, Vietnam
Mu Waterfall | © Nguyen Duc Hieu / Shutterstock
Tucked away in a small green valley where the Dao ethnic village resides, the pristine and pure beauty of Tac Tinh Waterfall will make you feel as though you have stumbled upon a bygone era.
Tac Tinh Waterfall, tt. Tam Đường, Tam Đường District, Lai Chau, Vietnam
May Waterfall (which translates into ‘cloud’) is about a three-hour drive from Hanoi and is a true gem. Although the route is poorly managed, the experience is completely rewarding. May Waterfall consists of more than nine individual falls in low season, resembling a sea of cascading clouds.
May Waterfall, Thạch Lâm, Thạch Thành District, Thanh Hoa, Vietnam
May Waterfall | © Tran Qui Thinh / Shutterstock
A 20-minute pleasant woodland walk alongside a red-soil route through the bamboo and rhododendron forests and a stream with plenty of steep slopes will bring you to the 100-metre-high (328 feet) falls that flow in the shade of the scenic and tranquil woods.
Love Waterfall, Sơn Bình, Tam Đường District, Lai Chau, Vietnam
At Yang Bay, you are spoilt for choice, with hot springs, mud spas, and lagoon swims. It can be overwhelming with all of the activities on offer, but if you’re simply looking for natural pools in which to cool off, Yang Bay is a pleasant and relaxing choice.
Yang Bay Falls, Khánh Phú, Khánh Vĩnh District, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
In terms of quality and quantity, a trail through Krong Ana River takes some beating with its three spectacular cascades: Dray Nur, Dray Sap, and Gia Long. The Dray Nur Waterfall, however, is in a different league thanks to its great, galloping gush of water.
Located 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Dalat, Dambri Waterfall is one of the highest falls in Vietnam, and it is monstrously loud with a torrent of water plunging over 80 metres (262 feet) into a large pool. The most impressive views of this natural wonder are from the base and the steep stairs in front of the waterfall.
Dambri Waterfall, Hamlet 14, Lý Thái Tổ, Đambri, Đạ MBri, Bảo Lộc City, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
Dambri Waterfall | © Thoai / Shutterstock
This area of gentle waters in a wild forested and rocky landscape is a serene retreat. Three levels of falls create stunning panoramic views for nature lovers.
Thuy Tien Waterfall, Ea Púk, Ea Kar District, Đắk Lắk Province, Vietnam
Thuy Tien Waterfall | © Saigonese Photographer / Shutterstock
Ba Ho Waterfall is a lovely, quiet place to unwind. A challenging 15-minute trek takes you through the first of three natural falls, culminating in a lake surrounded by densely forested landscape.
Ba Ho Waterfall, Ninh Ích, Ninh Hòa, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Ba Ho Waterfall | © Irna / Shutterstock
Hikers can take the mountainous paths, which trail through dense forests, paddy fields, and ethnic villages, to reach the Khe Van Waterfall. At the height of 100 metres (328 feet), the waterfall has three levels of water, pouring over large slabs of rock, which creates beautiful, smooth and crystal-clear streams.
Khe Van Waterfall, Bình Liêu District, Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam
In this wild green area, you will find a breathtaking rocky landscape with freshwater pools, streams, and sparkling waterfalls. Suoi Tranh is truly a spectacular spot to swim, so plunge in and cool down under the fast flow of the water.
Suoi Tranh Waterfall, Suối Mây, tt. Dương Đông, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
A one-hour drive from Pleiku and a 20-minute climb will bring you to this breathtaking cascade – a steady flow of water tumbling over red rock – which is an excellent refuge from the crowds of tourists.
Phu Cuong Waterfall, Highway 25, Dun, Chư Sê, Gia Lai, Vietnam
Phu Cuong Waterfall | © bui minh vu / Shutterstock
