Detian Waterfall: A natural wonder on the China-Vietnam border

Detian Transnational Falls is located at the junction of Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China and Chongqing County, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam. It is the largest transnational waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest in the world (after Niagara, Victoria and Iguazu). Here are some detailed travel tips to help you enjoy this natural wonder: --- 1. Basic Information - Geographical location: On the China-Vietnam border, on the upper reaches of the Quy Xuan River, connected to the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Vietnam. - Best season: May to November (the waterfall is most spectacular in the rainy season when the water volume is abundant; the water volume is smaller in winter). - Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (may be extended during peak season). - Ticket prices: - Adult ticket: about 110 yuan (including sightseeing bus). - Bamboo rafting experience: 30-50 yuan (required for close-up waterfall viewing). - Others: Additional charges apply for the Glass Plank Road. --- 2. Transportation 1. Self-driving: - From Nanning: G7211 Nanyou Expressway → S60 Hena Expressway → Detian Exit, about 3 hours. - From Guilin: approximately 5.5 hours by car. 2. Public Transportation: - Nanning Langdong Bus Station → Daxin County → transfer to the tourist bus to Detian (the whole journey is about 4 hours). - Group tour: One-day tour from Nanning/Guilin (hassle-free but tight schedule). 3. Border tips: You must bring your mainland China ID card (border inspection) and do not cross the border without permission. --- 3. Must-Play Experience 1. Bamboo raft to see the waterfall up close (highly recommended): - Take a bamboo raft to the bottom of the waterfall, feel the mist on your face, and have a panoramic view of the waterfalls on both sides of China and Vietnam. 2. Climb high and see beyond: - Hike or ride the magic carpet up the mountain to get a panoramic view of the waterfall and Vietnamese village. 3. China-Vietnam cross-border market: - Purchase Vietnamese coffee, slippers, perfume, etc. near Boundary Marker No. 53 (please pay attention to the authenticity of the goods). 4. Detian Temple: A small temple next to the waterfall, suitable for praying. 5. Night Tour of Detian (open in peak season): - The combination of light show and waterfall is unique. --- 4. Itinerary suggestions - Day trips: - Morning: depart from Nanning/Daxin → arrive at noon → bamboo raft + hiking to view waterfalls → climb to see the scenery → return. - Afternoon: After 16:00 the light is suitable for taking photos. - Two-day tour: - Day 1: Detian Waterfall + Mingshi Farmland (stay in Mingshi or Shuolong Town). - Day 2: Tongling Grand Canyon or Blackwater River Rafting. --- 5. Surrounding attractions 1. Mingshi Farm (about 1 hour from Detian): - Karst landscape and pastoral scenery, you can ride a bicycle or take a bamboo raft. 2. Tongling Grand Canyon (Jingxi City, about 1.5 hours): - Pristine forests, underground rivers and canyon waterfalls. 3. Dragon Palace Wonderland (Daxin County): - Cave landscape, a summer resort. --- 6. Practical Tips 1. Accommodation: - Near the waterfall: Shuolong Town (many budget hotels, such as Detian Lao Kapok Hotel). - High-end option: Mingshi Tianyuan Resort. 2. Food and Beverage: - Try Vietnamese rice rolls, rice dumplings, five-color glutinous rice and other border flavors. 3. Notes: - Prepare raincoats/waterproof shoes during the rainy season; sunscreen and mosquito repellent. - Drones must be reported in advance (border no-fly zones). - Vietnamese vendors may use RMB for transactions, so bargaining is required. 4. Documents: If you want to visit Vietnam, you need to apply for a visa in advance (Detian cannot leave the country directly). --- The magnificence of Detian Waterfall is intertwined with the Chinese and Vietnamese customs. Whether you are a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, you can find surprises here. Plan your trip in advance to avoid the peak holiday crowds and have a better experience!