Top 12 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Vietnam: Nature’s Hidden Masterpieces

Vietnam is not just about turquoise beaches or endless rice fields. Venture beyond the cities, follow the mountain roads, and you’ll find majestic waterfalls hidden deep in the forest — powerful yet graceful, like white silk ribbons cascading down ancient cliffs.

If Europe has the Rhine Falls, and America has Niagara, Vietnam offers its own wonders: Ban Gioc, Pongour, Dray Nur, Bao Dai — each with its own story, culture, and emotion.

Let’s explore the 12 most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam, from the northern mountains to the Central Highlands and the southern plains — to discover a Vietnam that’s wild, poetic, and profoundly alive.

1. Ban Gioc Waterfall (Cao Bang) – “The Niagara of the East”

Standing before Ban Gioc, I felt completely overwhelmed. This isn’t just another “check-in” spot — it’s one of Asia’s largest and most stunning waterfalls.

Water from the Quay Son River plunges over multiple tiers, sending white spray into the sky. From afar, the roar echoes like distant drums between the border mountains of Vietnam and China.

What’s special: Ban Gioc sits right on the Vietnam–China border. You’ll see bamboo boats from both sides gently floating near the base of the falls — a surreal sight where nature transcends political boundaries.

How it compares: If Niagara feels urban and grand, Ban Gioc is more romantic and untouched — surrounded by rice fields and Tay–Nung villages

Practical Info:

• 🚌 From Hanoi: 6–7 hours to Cao Bang, then 1.5 hours to Trung Khanh.
• 💰 Tour (2D1N): $120–150.
• 🍜 Must-try: Cao Bang sour pho, seven-spice roasted duck.
• 🏡 Stay: Local homestay in Ban Gioc or small hotel in Trung Khanh.
• 📅 Best months: September–October (full water, golden rice).
• ➕ Nearby: Nguom Ngao Cave.

2. Dambri Waterfall (Lam Dong) – “The Fairy of the Highlands”

I first heard Dambri before I saw it — a deep, thunderous sound echoing through the forest. Then, through the mist, a white curtain of water appeared, falling over 70 meters high.

Legend says Dambri was once a girl who waited so long for her lover that she turned into a waterfall — “Dambri” means waiting in the K’Ho language.

Top Experiences:

• Ride a glass elevator through the forest down to the base.
• Cross a suspension bridge above the mist.
• Visit K’Ho ethnic villages and enjoy gong performances.

Comparison: Smaller and more romantic than Iguazu (Brazil–Argentina), but easily accessible and surrounded by authentic local culture

Practical Info:

• 🚌 From Ho Chi Minh City: 4–5 hours to Bao Loc.
• 💰 Entry: ~$3.
• 🍵 Try B’Lao tea and Laba bananas.
• 📅 Best time: Early morning for fewer tourists.
• 🌧️ Bring a light raincoat — the mist is intense!

3. Pongour Waterfall (Lam Dong) – “The Southern Queen of Waterfalls”

Unlike vertical falls, Pongour’s water flows across seven natural terraces, creating an elegant white cascade over dark basalt rock.

The French once called it “The most majestic waterfall of the South.”

Experience:

• Trek through bamboo forest to the base.
• Watch butterflies flutter in spring.
• Picnic by the cool stream.

Comparison: Similar to Kuang Si Falls (Laos) but larger and less commercialized

Practical Info:

• 🚗 50 km from Da Lat (~1.5 hours by motorbike).
• 💰 Entry: ~$1.5.
• 📅 Best months: July–October (rainy season = full flow).
• 👟 Wear sneakers — the path can be slippery.

4. Dray Nur & Dray Sap Waterfalls (Dak Lak) – “Twin Giants of the Highlands”

From the suspension bridge between them, I saw a stunning contrast: Dray Nur, fierce and thundering, and Dray Sap, soft and misty.

The Ede people believe these falls are home to mountain gods. At sunset, when light hits the spray, a rainbow often forms — pure magic.

Experiences:

• Explore the hidden cave behind Dray Nur.
• Capture the sunset at Dray Sap.
• Enjoy a campfire night with local gong music.

Comparison: Like Kaieteur (Guyana) but infused with deep indigenous spirit

Practical Info:

• 🚗 25 km from Buon Ma Thuot.
• 💰 Entry: ~$2.
• 🍗 Try Ban Don grilled chicken, bamboo rice, and local coffee.
• 📅 Go in rainy season (May–Nov) for full power.
• ⚠️ Be careful near slippery rocks.

5. Bao Dai Waterfall (Lam Dong) – “The Royal Escape”

Hidden deep within Ta In Forest, this 60-meter-high cascade was once a retreat for King Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last emperor.

Experiences: Light trekking, peaceful forest walks, and quiet photography

Comparison: Like untouched falls in Costa Rica, raw and serene.

Practical Info:

• 🚗 50 km from Bao Loc.
• 💰 Entry: ~$1–2.
• 🥾 Bring water, snacks, and good walking shoes.

6. Silver Waterfall (Sapa, Lao Cai) – “The White Jewel of Fansipan”

At 1,800 meters above sea level, Silver Waterfall glitters in sunlight — each droplet reflecting light like gemstones.

Highlights: On the way to Fansipan Peak, with sweeping views of terraced valleys.

Practical Info:

• 🚗 12 km from Sapa town.
• 💰 Entry: ~$1.
• 📅 Best in spring and summer.
• 👣 Short, scenic walk with cool mountain air.

Comparison: Like a fall in the Swiss Alps, but with unmistakable Vietnamese charm

7. Tac Tinh Waterfall (Lai Chau) – “The Tragic Love Song”

This 130-meter fall plunges into a turquoise pool surrounded by limestone cliffs. Legend tells of a Thai girl who turned into the waterfall out of love and sorrow.

Experiences: Swim, trek, and capture ethereal photos

Comparison: Resembles Bridalveil Fall (Yosemite, USA) — slender and emotional

Practical Info:

• 🚗 10 km from Lai Chau town.
• 📅 Combine with visits to local Thai villages.

8. Yang Bay Waterfall (Khanh Hoa) – “The Rhythm of Forest and Sea”

Located near the coast, Yang Bay mixes tropical forest with ocean breeze — its sound both soothing and vibrant.

Experiences:

• Relax in hot mineral springs.
• Watch Cham musical shows.
• Play traditional village games.

Comparison: Like Hawaii’s waterfalls — where jungle meets sea

Practical Info:

• 🚗 45 km from Nha Trang.
• 💰 Entry: ~$5.
• 📅 Spend a full day here for spa + nature combo.

9. Seven-Tier Waterfall (Nghe An) – “Nature’s Staircase”

Seven cascading levels of crystal-clear water surrounded by pristine jungle.

Experiences: Swim, picnic, and unwind beside the pools

Comparison: Similar to Erawan Falls (Thailand) but quieter

Practical Info: 📍 Que Phong District, 200 km from Vinh City

10. Phu Cuong Waterfall (Gia Lai) – “The Red Basalt Curtain”

During the rainy season, white water pours over fiery red basalt cliffs — a striking contrast.

Practical Info:

• 🚗 45 km from Pleiku.
• 💰 Entry: ~$1.
• 📅 Best in rainy months.

Comparison: Reminiscent of Iceland’s rugged falls, raw and cinematic

11. K50 Waterfall (Gia Lai) – “The Hidden Muse”

At dawn, mist floats around this remote jungle fall — mystical and breathtaking.

Experiences:

• 6–7 hour trek into Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve.
• See a rainbow at sunrise.

Comparison: Like Angel Falls (Venezuela) — wild and legendary

Practical Info:

• Go only in dry season (Dec–Mar) with a guide.
• Bring food, water, and strong trekking boots.

12. Thuy Tien Waterfall (Dak Lak) – “The Three-Tiered Beauty”

Three gentle layers of white water flow through lush forest — peaceful, pristine, and photogenic.

Experiences: Climb up each tier, dip in cool pools, and relax in nature

Comparison: Like Bali’s smaller waterfalls, but untouched

Practical Info:

• 🚗 50 km from Buon Ma Thuot.
• 💰 Free entry.
• 🧺 Bring food and water for a perfect picnic.