Best time to visit waterfalls in Ha Giang
For the most captivating experience, plan your visit to the waterfalls in Ha Giang during the rainy season, which spans from May to November. The increased rainfall during this period enhances the waterfalls’ beauty as they cascade with abundant water. Conversely, in the height of the dry season, certain waterfalls may significantly diminish due to reduced water flow.
How to explore the waterfalls in Ha Giang
While the waterfalls in Ha Giang may not stand out as the country’s most prominent attractions, they can certainly enhance your Ha Giang experience. Consider them as valuable additions to your Ha Giang Loop itinerary, a 3 to 5-day trip that brings you to the province’s most remarkable highlights, including mountain passes, ethnic villages, markets, and Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes.
These waterfalls can be a refreshing stop along your Ha Giang Loop, particularly on warm days, providing a chance to cool off and add an extra layer of enjoyment to your adventure.
1. Du Gia Waterfall
A highlight cherished by travelers embarking on the 4-day Ha Giang Loop or longer journeys, Du Gia Waterfall offers a serene oasis. While a quick visit might be possible during the 3-day loop, it’s during extended trips that you have the time to truly relish the experience.
This waterfall is a favored destination for those seeking to swim in its natural pool or jump from the top of the waterfall. Following your waterfall exploration, you can opt to spend the night within the Tai ethnic minority villages of Du Gia, where stilt houses dot the landscape amid lush rice fields. The serene waterfall, green rice fields, and local hamlets makes Du Gia an exceptional sanctuary for relaxation during your Ha Giang Loop adventure.
2. Number 6 waterfall
Situated in close proximity to Ha Giang City, the Number 6 Waterfall is positioned merely 6 kilometers away from the Ha Giang kilometer marker numbered 0, which aptly inspired its name. This waterfall proves to be a captivating destination, particularly during the rainy season when it takes on a resplendent appearance. Nestled between two modest rocky cliffs, the waterfall gracefully emerges from the lush jungle. A natural pool nestled nearby provides a refreshing oasis for a cooling swim. However, in the dry season, the waterfall might appear more subdued.
For those planning an overnight stay in Ha Giang City, an better alternative to consider is lodging in Thon Tha Village, a local settlement inhabited by the Thai ethnic minority. Characterized by charming stilted houses and an authentic ambiance, the village offers a genuine cultural experience. From Thon Tha Village, a trekking excursion to this waterfall presents an appealing opportunity.
3. Nai Nam Dam Waterfall
Situated in proximity to Nam Dam village within Quan Ba, the Nai Nam Dam Waterfall beckons explorers. To reach this cascading wonder, you’ll venture off the main road QL4C, a segment of the Ha Giang Loop, and traverse a 3.5-kilometer detour to Nam Dam village. This village hosts an array of local homestays, offering potential accommodations or a midday meal.
At the end of the road and a brief hike, you’ll encounter the waterfall nestled amid the embrace of mountains and forests. During the rainy season, the waterfall is amazing. In drier months, while the detour might be less compelling, the area remains a charming option for deviating from the beaten path of the loop.
4. A Boong Waterfall
Located off the beaten path, A Boong Waterfall offers a serene escape. To reach traveling from Meo Vac, head toward Mau Due and continue in the direction of Du Gia. Before you reach Du Gia, turn off at Lung Ho, taking the westward road back toward Ha Giang City. As you venture along this scenic route for about two hours, you’ll eventually arrive at the waterfall.
Though relatively modest in size, A Boong Waterfall is charming and provides an ideal spot for a refreshing swim, especially on hot days. Nestled amidst lush jungle, the waterfall offers both beauty and tranquility. The water is crisp and the pool is deep, offering a refreshing respite from the heat.
The waterfall is fairly close to the road, yet it remains a well-kept secret due to its secluded location within a canyon. Keep an eye out for it, as it’s easy to miss but well worth the detour.
Visiting the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang
While Ban Gioc Waterfall stands as Vietnam’s most impressive waterfall, it’s worth noting that it lies in Cao Bang province rather than Ha Giang. However, you can seamlessly blend your exploration of Ha Giang with a visit to Ban Gioc. The province Cao Bang is situated adjacent to Ha Giang, though the waterfall itself is roughly a 9-hour journey from Ha Giang’s nearest city.
To facilitate this excursion, follow the Ha Giang Loop until you reach Meo Vac. Although you won’t complete the entire loop, you’ll still experience its primary highlights, including Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van, and Tham Ma Pass.
From Meo Vac, venture toward Cao Bang City via Bao Lac. Continuing onward from Cao Bang City, you’ll eventually arrive at Ban Gioc Waterfall.
Typically this trip from Meo Vac to the Ban Gioc Waterfall takes two days and combined with doing part of the Ha Giang Loop, it will add up another two days and bringing it to minimum of 4 days. However, if you have the time, it is best to do it longer.
Consider exploring our Ha Giang & Ban Gioc Waterfall combination tour for more details and convenience.
