When autumn softens Ban Gioc's wildness

By Lan Phuong   October 31, 2025 | 12:37 am PT
As rains fade in northern Vietnam, Ban Gioc Waterfall trades its summer spirit for jade-green water and fields glowing gold beneath the mist.
When autumn softens Ban Gioc's wildness

Located in Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, the Ban Gioc Waterfall stretches across the Vietnam - China border.

Ban Gioc is the largest natural waterfall in Southeast Asia and the fourth largest transnational waterfall in the world. In 2024, it was named one of the 21 most beautiful waterfalls on the planet by Travel + Leisure magazine.

When autumn softens Ban Gioc's wildness

Pham Van Phong, 23, a Vietnamese traveler, said he never gets tired of visiting Ban Gioc in early autumn.

"The waterfall remains powerful, but the scenery around it changes, with golden rice fields, blue skies, and soft sunlight. The calm and beauty of this place always draws me back," Phong said.

When autumn softens Ban Gioc's wildness

In early autumn, clouds settle low, the light turns gentle, and the water shimmers a jade green.

When autumn softens Ban Gioc's wildness

Phong said this is the best time of year to visit, when the weather is cool and the water gleams turquoise. In the rainy season, the falls grow stronger but the water turns muddy, making photography harder and travel less pleasant.

When autumn softens Ban Gioc's wildness

He recommends visiting early in the morning, when the light is pure, or in the late afternoon, when sunlight filters through the mist for the best photos, thus fewer crowds.

When autumn softens Ban Gioc's wildness

Taking a boat close to the foot of the waterfall is another unforgettable experience, offering the feeling of being embraced by nature's grandeur.

When autumn softens Ban Gioc's wildness

The landscape here remains unspoiled. Compared with other waterfalls in Vietnam, Ban Gioc stands out for its setting among border mountains.

"It's a kind of beauty you rarely find elsewhere. If you're looking for a destination that's both majestic and peaceful, rich in culture and natural wonder, Cao Bang is the answer," Phong said.

Photos by Pham Van Phong

 
 
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