Waterfall Ban Hieu, Waterfall in Xã Cổ Lũng, Vietnam
Waterfall Ban Hieu is a natural waterfall in the commune of Xã Cổ Lũng in northern Vietnam, within the Pù Luông Nature Reserve. It runs for about 800 meters (2,600 ft), splits into two streams that rejoin at the base, and ends in a shallow natural pool with a sandy floor.
The area around the waterfall has long been home to local mountain communities who relied on its forests and streams. In 2016, the site was officially recognized as a provincial heritage site, marking a turning point in how the local government treats and protects it.
Locals often call the waterfall Thác Hiêu, a name that recalls the deer and wild animals that once roamed freely in this part of the forest. In the nearby village of Ban Hieu, evenings bring people together around a fire for traditional songs and the Xòe Thai dance, which visitors are welcome to join.
Access to the waterfall involves a roughly 4-mile (6 km) walk through the forest from the village of Cổ Lũng, along a trail that can be steep and slippery after rain. Sturdy shoes and enough water are important to bring, and setting out early in the morning makes the walk more comfortable.
The water feeding the waterfall comes from a hidden cave inside the limestone mountain and flows without stopping throughout the year. During the rainy season, the water changes color from clear turquoise to a milky white as it carries tiny limestone particles along with it.
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