Northern Vietnam is renowned for its magnificent natural landscapes and stunning waterfalls that cascade like soft silk ribbons from great heights. These waterfalls not only showcase natural beauty but also carry legendary tales that captivate visitors’ hearts. Here’s a detailed guide to the most beautiful waterfalls in Northern Vietnam that you shouldn’t miss.

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang

Located approximately 90km from Cao Bang town, Ban Gioc Waterfall is considered Vietnam’s most beautiful waterfall and one of the world’s famous scenic spots. It ranks as the fourth largest waterfall in the world situated on the border between Vietnam and China. With a height of about 30 meters, the waterfall is divided into multiple limestone tiers, creating a magnificent and majestic landscape. As you approach, you’ll hear the thunderous sound of rushing water and see white foam spraying everywhere, painting a vivid natural masterpiece.

Ban Gioc Waterfall attracts visitors not only with its natural beauty but also with its surrounding environment. You can explore caves, lush green fields, and ethnic minority villages. During the rainy season, when water flow increases, the waterfall becomes more spectacular than ever, creating perfect photo opportunities for tourists.

Tac Tinh Waterfall, Lai Chau

Tac Tinh Waterfall lies on the western foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, about 30km from Sapa. With a height of over 100 meters, the waterfall plunges straight down, creating a wild and majestic beauty. This place attracts tourists not only for its natural scenery but also for the touching love story between No Lan and a local young man. Legend tells that to preserve their love, she jumped into the waterfall, hence its name “Tac Tinh” (Love Waterfall).

When visiting Tac Tinh Waterfall, you’ll experience the fresh air and pristine beauty of the Northwestern mountains. The water flows through weathered rock faces, creating unique formations. From afar, the waterfall looks like a soft silk ribbon, but up close, you’ll be overwhelmed by its grandeur.

Nam Luc Waterfall, Lai Chau

Nam Luc Waterfall is located about 40km from Sin Ho district center (Lai Chau province), right in Nam Luc 2 village, Phang So Lin commune. The waterfall is surrounded by a primary forest system with rich and diverse vegetation of great value for tourism development. Standing at over 140 meters tall and divided into three consecutive tiers spanning 15-25 meters, with the longest tier reaching about 50 meters, visitors can admire the poetic beauty of another waterfall branch with large water volume cascading from above, spreading evenly like a soft white silk ribbon standing out against the green of the primeval forest.

At the lower tiers, the waterfall remains equally majestic and poetic with water streams plunging straight down onto rocky outcrops, with some sections where waves flow over large floating rocks, bringing visitors feelings of excitement and surprise. The best time to conquer this waterfall is on sunny days. You can walk along the stream to the source leading to the waterfall, or for adventure sports enthusiasts, you can combine mountain climbing with trekking through the primary forest, following towering cliff faces to reach this waterfall.

Dai Yem Waterfall, Son La

Dai Yem Waterfall, also known as Nang Waterfall, is located in Muong Sang commune, Moc Chau district. With a height of about 100 meters, the waterfall is divided into two branches: one with 9 tiers and another with 5 tiers. The gentle, sparkling water stream under the sunlight creates a beautiful landscape. According to legend, the waterfall represents the scarf of a girl who saved a young man from flood waters, giving the waterfall its meaningful name.

To reach Dai Yem Waterfall, you’ll need to trek through sparse forest, creating an exciting journey. Upon arrival, you’ll witness the waterfall’s stunning beauty along with a peaceful, fresh atmosphere. This is an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.

Nang Tien Waterfall, Son La

Nang Tien Waterfall is located in Chieng Khoa commune, Van Ho district, with a height of about 150 meters and a beautiful 3-tier structure. Each tier features a large, crystal-clear pool, creating an exquisite natural painting. Although recently developed for tourism, Nang Tien Waterfall maintains its pristine beauty, attracting many visitors’ attention.

Nang Tien Waterfall is still relatively new to many people, but this makes the scenery here even more attractive. Visitors can participate in activities such as swimming, picnicking by the water, or simply admiring the magnificent natural scenery surrounding them.

Ban Ba Waterfall, Tuyen Quang

Ban Ba Waterfall is located in Ban Ba hamlet, Trung Ha commune, Chiem Hoa district, and is one of the longest waterfalls in Northern Vietnam with 3 tiers of year-round flowing water. This place is recognized as a National Heritage Site and attracts numerous domestic and international visitors. With its unique structure, Ban Ba Waterfall creates a beautiful landscape amidst wild, majestic mountains and forests.

Each tier at Ban Ba has its own distinct name. The first tier is called Tat Cum, with the waterfall base known as “Dragon Abyss” due to rock formations resembling coiled dragons. The second tier, Tat Cao, is the most beautiful but also the most challenging to conquer. Finally, there’s Tat Gio tier, where the waterfall flows along limestone slabs into deep gorges.

Mo Waterfall, Quang Ninh

Mo Waterfall is located near Highway 18A, in Dong Mai ward, about 2km from Hanoi. The waterfall is formed by Mo Stream, flowing through Yen Lap pine forest. The crystal-clear stream creates numerous small waterfalls at various terrain points, forming a peaceful and fresh atmosphere.

At Mo Waterfall, visitors can relax, swim in the clear blue water, or simply sit back, listening to the sound of flowing water and birdsong. This is an ideal place to reconnect with nature and escape the noise of daily life.

Conclusion

The enchanting waterfalls of Northern Vietnam are not only ideal destinations for nature lovers but also repositories of rich cultural stories and legends. Visit these waterfalls once to experience their magical beauty, immerse yourself in nature, and lose yourself in the mystical tales of the mountains and forests.