7 Best Waterfalls In Vietnam

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and you like spending time in nature, you’ll want to know where to find the best waterfalls in Vietnam. It is such a beautiful country and the waterfalls are one of the highlights!

Just like other tropical countries in South East Asia, Vietnam has stunning landscapes ranging from sandy beaches and vibrant cities to breathtaking mountains and quaint villages. 

With high temperatures year-round, Vietnam is a destination where you’ll be looking for a place to cool down in no time. The coast is full of stunning beaches, but they are not your only option!

As you move away from the coastline, you will find stunning waterfalls all over the country, so you can add some waterfalls to your Vietnam itinerary regardless of which part of the country you’re visiting. 

With so many to choose from, it is hard selecting which waterfalls to visit on your Vietnam trip, as they are all unique and worth a look.

Note that some, but not all, of these waterfalls are open for swimming. So if swimming in a tropical waterfall is on your bucket list, read on to find out which ones to go for. Trust me, the tranquil pools at the bottom of these falls are much better than the overly chlorinated pool at your hotel!

Let’s get started with the list of the best waterfalls in Vietnam!

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Best Waterfalls In Vietnam: Table Of Content

1. Ban Gioc Waterfall
2. Dray Nur Waterfall
3. Elephant Waterfall
4. Thac May Waterfall
5. Pongour Waterfall
6. Giang Dien Waterfall
7. Thac Bac Waterfall

1. Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc is by far one of the best waterfalls in Vietnam.

We can’t start this list with any waterfall other than the most beautiful and famous waterfall in Vietnam. Ban Gioc Waterfall is a picture-perfect waterfall as it looks like it came straight out of a fairytale.

It is not just one waterfall, it is actually a massive cluster of waterfalls, cascading down several levels and creating stunning teal pool terraces along the way. 

At a height of 30m and a width of 300m it is the largest among the waterfalls in Vietnam. Its beauty is best experienced floating on a bamboo raft on the lowest level taking you close to the waterfall.

You will have to pay the entrance fee and additionally for the bamboo raft ride, but it is well worth it!

Ban Gioc Waterfall is located in the North of the country and marks the border between Vietnam and China, so it is possible to visit from both sides.

2. Dray Nur And Dray Sap Waterfalls

If you are looking for spectacular waterfall in Vietnam, think of visiting Dray Nur and Dray Sap.

Dray Nur is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Vietnam. What makes it unique among Vietnam waterfalls is that it is about 250m wide, with water crashing over steep cliffs from over 30m. That makes it one of the largest in the country.

You’ll need to buy an entry ticket to visit, but this ticket also covers the adjacent Dray Sap waterfall, accessible via a small bridge.

While the waterfall is impressive on its own, behind the water curtain you will find a massive cave complex. You can enter the cave and explore the 3,000 square metre underground tunnel. It can be a slippery place, so wear decent shoes and consider using hiking poles!

Dray Nur waterfall is located around 25km from Buon Ma Thuot in south-central Vietnam.

3. Elephant Waterfall

If you are looking some gorgeous waterfalls in Vietnam, think of visiting Elephant waterfall.

Elephant Waterfall is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the south of Vietnam. It is close to Dalat and it is a popular choice for a day trip in the area. The waterfall is over 30 m tall, making it the third-largest in Lam Dong province.

You can admire the waterfall from the metal viewing platform as the refreshing mist from the falls gently flows over your face. Alternatively, make your way to Linh An Pagoda next door for an aerial view of the waterfall. 

For more adventurous travellers, you can descend to the base of the waterfall for a different perspective. It is also possible to climb into the bat cave below the waterfall and observe the water flowing down. 

Elephant Waterfall is located about 30km from Dalat, in the south of Vietnam. 

4. Thac May Waterfall

Thac May Waterfall might not be the most dramatic on this list, but it is certainly one of the most fun waterfalls to visit. It is a nine-step waterfall, with water cascading down nine levels, creating picturesque teal pools along the way.

What makes this waterfall especially fun for visitors, is that it is possible to climb this shelf-like waterfall. The rocks are not very slippery, and visitors love climbing to the top of the waterfall.

It makes for a perfect way to cool down after a trip to the waterfall, as it is quite a journey to get there.

Thac May Waterfall is located in the north of Vietnam, about 78km from Ninh Binh and 113km from Hanoi. 

5. Pongour Waterfall

The lovely steps of Pongour waterfall make it one of the coolest waterfalls in Vietnam.

Pongour Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls among the locals. This stunning cascading waterfall is about 100m wide, with waterfalls almost 40m high, making for a pretty spectacular sight. 

You can cross the bridge over the waterfall to observe it from both sides or make your way down to the base of the waterfall to refresh in the pool created by the waterfall. Despite its impressive height, the flow from these falls is not strong.

The best time to visit is during the rainy season, when more water flows, making the waterfalls even more spectacular. 

Pongour Waterfall is located in Central Highlands, about 50km from Dalat.

6. Giang Dien Waterfall

If you are pretty waterfalls in Vietnam close to Ho Chi Minh City, think about visiting Giang Den waterfalls.

Giang Dien Waterfall is the best waterfall close to Ho Chi Minh City, making it a popular day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city. It is not a large waterfall, instead, it is made of several smaller waterfalls creating many places to swim.

The whole area around the waterfall is relaxing and calm, perfect to unwind and enjoy the fresh air and sounds of nature. You’ll have to pay a small entrance fee to access this eco-tourism spot, and there are a couple of restaurants and other facilities available. 

Giang Dien Waterfall is located about 50km from Ho Chi Minh City.

7. Thac Bac Waterfall

One of the prettiest waterfalls in Vietnam is Thac Bac waterfall.

Thac Bac Waterfall, also known as the Silver waterfall, is located very close to central Sapa in northwest Vietnam. It is one of the easiest waterfalls to reach, as it is just a quick walk from the parking lot. The best viewpoint is from the small bridge, halfway up the waterfall. 

Sapa is a popular hiking area, so it is a good idea to visit this waterfall while on a walk. Bear in mind that some hiking trails around here can lead to very remote areas, so pack appropriately.

Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in this waterfall, so if you are keen on swimming, you will need to visit the stunning Love waterfall just 3km away.

Plan your visit to Silver waterfall in the morning to see the waterfall in the sunlight. The sun sets behind the hill in the early afternoon, leaving the waterfall in the shade.

You will find Thac Bac waterfall about 15km outside of Sapa city. 

And there you have it, a list of the best waterfalls in Vietnam to add to your itinerary. Regardless of your route, stunning waterfalls in North, South and Central Vietnam are just waiting to be discovered.

From the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall in the north to the charming Giang Dien Waterfall in the south, there’s something for all kinds of outdoor lovers!

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and enjoy the fresh air and cool water in the picturesque waterfalls dotted all over the country!