Exploring Asia's Stunning Detian Waterfall

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, anchored by the administrative city of Nanning, has become a major destination for Thai and international visitors eager to experience the culture, customs, and heritage of China's largest ethnic group, the Zhuang people. The Chinese Consulate General in Thailand, located in Khon Kaen Province, organized a China-Thailand media partnership initiative as part of the 2025 China-Thailand media exchange and cooperation program, bringing representatives from Northeast Thailand's media outlets to visit Detian Waterfall, one of China's most important and increasingly popular tourist attractions. Managed as a border tourism zone between China and Vietnam, the site generates sustainable employment and income for local communities.

Detian Waterfall, called Ban Gioc Falls on the Vietnamese side, ranks as the world's fourth largest and most beautiful waterfall and is Asia's largest transnational waterfall. Standing approximately 70 meters high and stretching over 200 meters wide, its pristine emerald waters are perfect for boating while admiring the stunning landscape framed by dense forests and towering karst peaks. Wooden platforms below the falls allow visitors to capture spectacular photographs.

Huang Yuan, a spokesperson for Guangxi Radio and Television's Foreign Communications Center, explained that Detian Waterfall is located in Detian Village, Xiulong Township, Daxin County, Chongzuo City on the Chinese side, and in Dam Thuy District, Trung Khanh Township, Cao Bang Province on the Vietnamese side, separated by the Quay Son River, which marks the China-Vietnam border. The site holds a 5A rating in China's tourism classification system.

Travel to the waterfall is convenient, with most visitors flying into Nanning and using public transportation. Options include a 3.5-hour bus ride from Nanning's Liang Tong Station, a high-speed train from Nanning Dong Station to Chongzuo Nan Station (1 hour) followed by a 2-hour shuttle, or a 35-minute high-speed train from Wuzhou Nanning International Airport to Chongzuo Nan Station, also followed by shuttle service.

According to Huang Yuan, Detian Waterfall now features integrated tourism offerings from both countries, including scenic viewpoints, cross-border shopping, and cultural experiences. China's management charges 80 yuan for adults and 40 yuan for children, with discounts for seniors. The site offers comprehensive facilities including tour boats for close-up waterfall views, scenic train rides, ethnic minority performances, guided cultural and border friendship routes in traditional costumes, entertainment activities, and renowned local cuisine and souvenirs available daily.