Best Waterfalls on the Ha Giang Loop (2025): 10 Spots to Cool Off in the August Heat
- Faye Hilling
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Think the Ha Giang Loop is just mountain roads and motorbike mayhem? Think again—because behind those hairpin bends and sky-high passes lie some of the best waterfalls in all of North Vietnam.
These aren’t the fenced-off falls with ticket counters and long queues. Nope. The waterfalls in Ha Giang are raw, remote, and ridiculously beautiful.
We’re talking jungle-fringed cascades, secret plunge pools, and cliffside streams you’ll stumble on just when you thought the landscape couldn’t get any wilder.
So if you’re looking to cool off mid-loop, this guide is for you. From must-see stops to hidden gems, safety tips to best times to visit—here’s everything you need to know about Ha Giang’s waterfalls.
Why Waterfalls on the Ha Giang Loop Are Worth the Detour
The Ha Giang Loop isn’t just about winding roads, sky-high mountain passes, and bowls of steaming pho in remote villages.
Waterfalls here are often overlooked, slightly off the beaten path, and yet 100% worth every detour. They’re nature’s way of saying, “You’ve earned a break (and a dip).”
If you're planning your adventure around other Northern gems such as Ninh Binh or Sapa, consider extending it with a Ha Giang detour.
Top tip: August is the perfect time when waterfalls are flowing strong, temperatures are balmy, and the whole landscape is lush with postcard vibes.
Related article: Rainy Season on the Ha Giang Loop: Tips, Safety, & What to Expect.
Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Ha Giang
Ha Giang’s waterfalls are at their best from May to October, when water levels are strong and the pools are crystal clear.
August and September are peak months for swimming and photography—the landscapes are lush, waterfalls are pumping, and the rice paddies are electric green.
For the most comfortable weather and accessible trails, the dry season (November to April) is ideal for trekking and exploring, though some smaller waterfalls may have reduced flow.
Pro Tip: Always check local weather before heading out. Flash rains can swell rivers and make trails slippery.
Top 10 Waterfalls on the Ha Giang Loop
1. Du Gia Waterfall, Du Gia
Arguably the most famous waterfall along the Ha Giang Loop, Du Gia Waterfall is a backpacker favorite—for good reason.
It's got the holy trifecta: a wide swimming hole, cliffs for jumping (if you dare), and friendly locals selling drinks and snacks at nearby stalls.
Surrounded by rice paddies and Tay ethnic minority villages, it’s like splashing around inside a National Geographic spread.
Word to the wise: The road to Du Gia is bumpy but beautiful—take it slow and enjoy the views.
Location: Du Gia Commune, Yen Minh District
Best for: Swimming, cliff-jumping, and post-dip beers or late morning coffees.
Swim? Yes, but avoid cliff-jumping in the dry season as it becomes very shallow.
Psst! It features on the 4-day Ha Giang Loop tour with Bong Hostel!
2. Thi Waterfall, Na Chi
Thi Waterfall feels like something out of a fairytale—if Cinderella swapped glass slippers for hiking boots, of course.
The name "Thi" means "four tiers," each pouring over jungle-covered cliffs, and yep, you’re climbing them all.
Set deep in a primeval forest, this cascading beauty is what you imagine when someone says “untouched nature.”
It looks like white silk streaming through ancient green jungles. Add in the misty air and the distant call of birds, and you’ve got yourself a dream.
Location: Na Chi, Xin Man District.
Best for: Jungle vibes and waterfall-hopping.
Swim? Some small pools, but mainly a visual stop.
Harder to reach, but worth the adventure.
3. Nai Nam Dam Waterfall, Quan Ba
Off the main QL4C Loop, this waterfall is a true local spot and feels like a secret handshake for Ha Giang veterans.
From Nam Dam Village, it’s a short hike or a gutsy motorbike ride to a tall, thin waterfall pouring over jagged rocks.
But Nai Nam Dam isn’t just a pretty face. Surrounded by forested hills and hidden lakes, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to throw your phone in a dry bag and be present.
Don’t forget to stop in Nam Dam for a meal or homestay with the Dao ethnic group—locals here are legends.
Location: Near Nam Dam Village, Quan Ba.
Best for: A cheeky detour and motorbike bragging rights.
Swim? Yes, in calm pools.
4. Tiên Waterfall (Táng Tinh), Nam Dan Commune
Also known as Fairy Falls, this twin cascade tumbles down from the clouds like Rapunzel’s hair—seriously.
According to legend, fairies bathed here. Honestly? We believe it.
Surrounding the waterfall is a forest teeming with wild orchids, medicinal herbs, and trees older than your Easy Rider’s great-grandma’s pho recipe.
The trek up is easy enough for beginners but rich in natural eye-candy.
If you’re a sucker for lore, greenery, and the kind of mist that makes your skin feel like a skincare commercial—don’t miss it.
Location: Nam Dan Commune, Xin Man District.
Best for: Mythical vibes and magical views.
Swim? Yes, in designated areas near the base.
5. Number 6 Waterfall, Ha Giang City
This little guy gets its name from being just a hop, skip, and a motorbike vroom from Km 0, Ha Giang City’s official starting point.
While it’s a modest waterfall, Number 6 glows up during the rainy season, turning into a lush hideaway with a natural plunge pool that’s perfect for a splash.
Nearby is a small grove where you can enjoy a picnic or hunker down and relax with a good book.
It’s a great intro to Ha Giang’s wild side—the perfect warm-up waterfall if you’re staying at Bong Ha Giang Hostel and want to test your bike or stretch your legs before the big loop.
Location: 6km from Ha Giang City’s Km 0 Marker.
Best for: Quick cool-downs and last-minute nature therapy.
Swim? Yes, small pools near the base.
Related article: Exploring Ha Giang: Top Attractions You Can't Miss in Ha Giang City.
6. A Boong Waterfall, Lung Ho
Tucked away in a leafy canyon, A Boong is a bite-sized waterfall with big chill energy.
There are no crowds, no signs, and no rules—just a cool pool, shady cliffs, and the sound of
falling water.
Perfect for a hot day or an impromptu photoshoot, A Boong is easy to miss—but once you find it, you won’t want to leave.
Bring snacks, bring a towel, and maybe bring a fold-up hammock—you’re gonna stay a while.
Location: Near Lung Ho (on the way to Du Gia).
Best for: Solo chilling and secret swims.
Swim? Yes, great for a private dip.
7. Nặm Tạu Waterfall, Bac Quang
Nặm Tạu is Ha Giang’s answer to a triple espresso. This three-tiered monster drops from 25 meters high and smashes through rocks with thunderous energy.
Surrounded by jagged rocks and ancient forest, it's ideal for those who love a bit of a scramble—go here for the adrenaline. Stay for Instagram.
Psst! Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Na Can Cave. It has colorful rock formations that look like they were painted into the scenery.
Location: Duc Xuan Commune, Bac Quang District.
Best for: Waterfall tiers and Indiana Jones energy.
Swim? Not recommended—too rough.
8. Luồng Waterfall, Na Chi Commune
Winding through 11(!) tiers, Luồng Waterfall slithers down like a dragon across the mountains.
With natural pools in every tier and rare fish like Boong and Anh Vu swimming below, it’s a scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie.
The waterfall is nearly 1km long and best viewed from tier three, where the 20-meter drop creates an echo that bounces through the jungle.
Pro tip: bring snacks and spend the day waterfall-hopping—this one’s got layers.
Location: Ban Bo Village, Na Chi Commune.
Best for: Epic scenery and fish-spotting.
Swim? Yes, especially at the 3rd and 4th tiers.
Related article: Most Scenic Locations on the Ha Giang Loop.
9. Trăn Waterfall, Khuon Lung
A wide, gentle cascade spread across three levels, Trăn Waterfall is the community sweetheart. Not only is it photogenic, but it also supplies clean water to nearby villages.
There’s a peaceful reservoir at the top where you can sit and watch the water bubble into the first tier.
The locals use it for agriculture, but it's also a great spot for watching clouds roll in while you sip your roadtrip coffee.
Location: Thuong Village, Khuon Lung Commune.
Best for: Family vibes and quiet reflection.
10. Ban Gioc Waterfall (The Bong Hostel Secret Tour Bonus)
Ban Gioc is Vietnam’s largest waterfall and, let's be honest, one of the most breathtaking in Southeast Asia.
Best visited in September or October, this beast borders China and can be experienced up close on a bamboo raft for the price of a couple banh mi’s in Hanoi.
Trust us—it’s worth the detour. And keep an eye out for that text from your phone provider saying “Welcome to China!” as you step through the ticket barrier!
Top tip: Check dam timings because sometimes China likes to ruin your photo ops and dam the waterfall 40 km upstream.
Location: Cao Bang Province, on the China border.
Best for: “Holy moly” moments and bamboo raft rides.
Swim? No swimming here—but the views are unmatched.
Alright, this one's not on the Ha Giang Loop, but if you’re joining us on the Bong Hostel Secret Tour then it may (or may not, wink wink) be on the itinerary.
Waterfall Safety Tips: Swimming a Trekking
Swimming Tips
Most waterfalls on the Ha Giang Loop come with a natural pool attached, perfect for cooling off on those long hot summer days.
Just make sure to follow these safety precautions:
Check the depth before you dive. What looks deep might be deceivingly shallow (or filled with rocks). No one wants to explain a sprained ankle to their travel insurance.
Look out for slippery rocks. That mossy boulder might look like the perfect selfie spot, but it’s built like a banana peel. Tread carefully.
No soap, no shampoo, no problem. Even the “eco” stuff disrupts delicate ecosystems. Think of the fishies.
Ask a local before jumping in. Some pools have strong undercurrents, submerged hazards, or cultural significance—always good to double check.
Use a dry bag or waterproof pouch. Because your phone probably can’t swim (and you’ll want those waterfall pics).
Don’t swim alone. Even the calmest-looking spots can be unpredictable. Bring a buddy—or at least tell someone where you're headed.
Beware of flash floods. If you're visiting during or after heavy rain, currents can suddenly swell. Keep an eye on the weather, and listen for rising water.
Related article: 20+ Tips to Help You Ride in the Rain on the Ha Giang Loop.
Trekking Tips
Some waterfalls are just off the roadside; others require a bit of jungle-bashing, rice-paddy-hopping, or rock-hopping to reach.
It’s half the fun—but there are a few things to keep in mind:
Wear proper footwear. Flip-flops are great… for the beach. But for waterfalls? You’ll want something with grip and ankle support—preferably waterproof.
Start early. Many treks get steamy by midday. Start in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and catch that soft, misty light.
Bring plenty of water (and drink it). Yes, you’re surrounded by water. No, you shouldn’t drink it unless you brought purification tablets or a filter.
Stay on marked paths if possible. It’s easy to lose your way in dense forest or tall grass. If the trail’s not clear, consider hiring a local guide.
Leeches are a thing. Especially in the rainy season. Long socks or leech-proof gaiters can save you some itchy encounters.
Respect private property. If you’re passing through farms or villages, a smile and a polite greeting go a long way.
Bonus: If you're hiking near Ma Pi Leng Pass or Lung Cu Flag Tower, you’ll get insane mountain views along the way—even if there’s no waterfall.
Tips for Photographing Waterfalls on the Ha Giang Loop
Want that silky waterfall look? Here's how to get it:
Use a slow shutter speed (1/4 to 2 seconds) to blur the water
Bring a mini tripod—many waterfalls are shaded, so low light is common
Shoot at sunrise or late afternoon for soft, golden light
Frame your shot with local plants, rocks, or people to show scale
Use polarizing filters to reduce glare on water
Ha Giang Waterfall FAQs
Q. Can I swim in all waterfalls?
A. No—only some are safe or permitted for swimming. Ask locals or guides first.
Q. Are there entrance fees?
A. Most are free, but some may charge a small maintenance fee (10,000–20,000 VND).
Note: that all entrance fees are covered in your Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop tour.
Q. Are they accessible by motorbike?
A. Some yes, some no. Du Gia and Number 6 are easy. Others like Luồng or Táng Tinh may require hiking.
Q. Can I visit Ban Gioc from Ha Giang?
A. Yes—join Bong Hostel’s Secret Tour to explore it as part of a hidden backroad loop. It’s epic.
Related article: Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop Tour: Frequently Asked Questions in 2024.
Final Word: Come for the Loop, Stay for the Falls
The Ha Giang Loop is more than just mountain passes, winding roads, and Happy Water. It’s waterfalls thundering in the jungle, quiet pools under the trees, and spontaneous swims with strangers who become friends.
And if you're looking for the perfect home base to plan your splashy adventures—Bong Hostel has you covered.
Contact us online and ask about:
The Secret Tour.
Custom waterfall routes.
Local guides and Loop prices.
See you under the falls.