Sun Group proposes master plan for northern Vietnam's Ban Gioc waterfall tourist area

Vietnam’s leading real estate developer Sun Group on Thursday presented its master plan for the Ban Gioc Waterfall Tourist Area project in the northern mountainous border province of Cao Bang to local authorities for the first time.

The move came following an MoU signed with the Cao Bang People's Committee on cooperation for the project in September this year.

Covering about 1,000 hectares in Dam Thuy commune and inspired by the “Ancient Vietnamese Legend” of the Tay King, the project is designed to pursue sustainable development by combining experiential tourism, community culture, and cross-border exchange, according to the company.

With its unique geographical position at the intersection of the core area of the UNESCO-recognized Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark and the Cao Bang Border Economic Zone, the project aims to develop Ban Gioc into an international tourist destination.

It also seeks to promote local value chains, protect the environment, avoid the commercialization of culture, ensure community benefits and border security, and respond to climate change.

The master plan orients the development of seamlessly connected sub-areas, leveraging the region’s majestic natural landscapes, rich ethnic cultural identity, and strategic border location with China.

Each sub-area will be linked to legends and folk tales, showcasing iconic landmarks such as Ban Gioc Waterfall, the Quay Son River, and Nguom Ngao Cave. These elements will honor the wet-rice civilization and spiritual culture through architectural works, art performances, experiential tourism products, and world-class resort services.

Positioned as a Green Border Heritage site, the project is expected to transform the region into an international tourist destination that harmoniously balances nature conservation with the promotion of local cultural values.

Its implementation is also aligned with the roadmap for realizing the bilateral cooperation agreement on the protection and exploitation of tourism resources at Ban Gioc Waterfall (Vietnam)-Detian Waterfall (China).

After the highway expansion, the project aims to attract approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, with the figure expected to reach 4 million within five years of implementation. This is anticipated to create a major breakthrough in local socio-economic development.

Cao Bang is projected to welcome more than 2.5 million visitors in 2025, including nearly 96,000 international tourists, with total tourism revenue estimated at over VND2.5 trillion ($95.1 million).

However, these figures are considered not yet commensurate with the potential of the “Non Nuoc Cao Bang” brand on both the domestic and international tourism maps, said Sun Group.

Not only one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam, Ban Gioc is also among the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the world's four largest waterfalls lying on a border between countries.

The waterfall has been a popular tourist attraction in Cao Bang. A trip to the waterfall allows visitors to admire the majestic artistry of nature, enjoy the fresh air, discover the unique culture of the local ethnic community, and taste local cuisine.

The Ban Gioc Waterfall is located about 335 km from Hanoi, which would take around seven hours to travel by car. Tourists from the central and southern regions can fly to Hanoi and then take a coach to travel onward to Cao Bang province. Adventurous tourists can also drive to the place themselves.

Situated at the northernmost part of Vietnam, combined with the terrain that is exposed to the winds, the climate around the Ban Gioc Waterfall is distinctly divided into two seasons – the rainy season and the dry season.

From June to September, the locality receives heavy downpours, which cause the water flow to become even more turbulent and forceful, crashing down and generating an abundance of white foaming water. Many people believe this is the ideal time for a visit to admire the beauty and feel the majestic power of nature.

Tourists who do not enjoy the rains should visit from September through December, when the Ban Gioc Waterfall enters its driest and most autumnal season. During this time, the sky is clear and blue, and the climate is wonderfully cool and refreshing. The most spectacular scenes come when the water of the Quay Son River below reflects a stunning emerald green colour.

Visiting Ban Gioc and taking a boat to observe the powerful waterfall cascading down dozens of meters is a great experience. The massive amount of water pouring into the calm river below will make you feel the fierce and wild vitality of nature, amidst the tranquil earth and sky and the lush green surroundings.

Going on a picnic during the day or camping overnight next to the waterfall is also a popular activity for tourists.