Discover Quay Son River in the border region

The name Quay Son in Sino-Vietnamese means surrounding mountains. The river originates from streams in Tinh Tay (China), begins to flow into Vietnam at Ngoc Con commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province, then flows through Dinh Phong, Chi Vien, Dam Thuy communes (Trung Khanh district), through Ha Lang district and then flows into China.

The river is nearly 90km long, flowing through Vietnam for about 50km, along with a tributary, Suoi Can, which is 20km long. Sitting on a raft going downstream, visitors will feel like they are traveling in the setting of a period drama.

The emerald green water blends with the mountains and forests, making the phrase “lovely mountains and rivers” more meaningful than ever. Along the river, the Tay and Nung villages can be seen. The bright red wild flowers on the cliffs after the rain, or the white reeds swaying in the river, make visitors feel like they are immersed in a world of romance and fantasy.

Standing on the watchtower of Dam Thuy border post looking down, Quay Son river is like a beautiful color painted by nature on the canvas, so that wherever the river flows, that place becomes a "fairyland".

The river water carries alluvium, transforming both banks. In some places, the emerald green water is calm and thoughtful as it hugs the towering cliffs, while at others it is gentle and soft under the lush green bamboo clumps, and in other parts the river flows like a soft veil through the vast ripe rice fields.

If you like quiet, come to Quay Son river in the late afternoon. When the sun sets, the forest trees silently reflect on the water's bottom. The scene is peaceful and lively when there are a few rafts of people spreading nets to catch fish on the river. Next to small waterfalls, visitors will see wooden rice pounding mortars that make use of water power, or water wheels of the people rhythmically operating day by day.

The feeling of the frontier, of the homeland of the nation in every Vietnamese person will awaken when standing in front of Ban Gioc waterfall - a masterpiece of Quay Son river. The water suddenly falls from a height of more than 30m, creating two waterfalls in the middle of majestic mountains and forests. Ban Gioc is considered by many international organizations as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The water does not pour directly from above but is divided into many different levels, creating white patches interwoven with the colors of leaves and wild flowers. Not far from Ban Gioc waterfall is Nguom Ngao cave - a maze of nature with majestic stalactites and stories of ancient people that attract viewers.

Heritage Magazine