Nam Ngua Ecotourism – A Hundred-Metre Waterfall and Mountain Village in Thanh Long
Amid the lush mountains of the Thong Nong area, a ribbon of white water plunges more than a hundred metres, fanning out into streams that wind around a village. This is Nam Ngua Waterfall, which Cao Bang Newspaper has likened to “a princess asleep in the forest.” The people of Nam Ngua Hamlet have come together to welcome visitors, creating a still-pristine eco-tourism destination for those seeking a closer connection with nature.
Where Is Nam Ngua?
Nam Ngua was formerly part of Ngoc Dong Commune in the former Ha Quang District. Since July 2025, Ngoc Dong, Yen Son and Thanh Long communes have been merged to form the new Thanh Long Commune.
The destination is about 6 km from the centre of Thong Nong. Visitors can travel by motorbike or car, depending on their preference.
Nam Ngua Waterfall – A White Ribbon More Than 100 Metres High
Nam Ngua’s highlight is a waterfall fed by underground springs within the mountain, plunging from a height of more than 100 metres. At the bottom, the water fans out into several streams that flow around Nam Ngua Hamlet before continuing towards Thong Nong.
Seen from afar, the waterfall looks like a white ribbon draped across the deep-green mountains. Nam Ngua remains one of the area’s wildest and least explored waterfalls, and is gradually becoming a favourite photo spot among young travellers.
A Community-Led Destination
What makes Nam Ngua special is that local residents have built the tourism destination together.
In 2022, the local authorities provided more than VND 346 million to develop the Nam Ngua tourist site, with 16 households taking part. Each household also contributed VND 5 million to improve and spruce up the destination. Since then, Nam Ngua has regularly welcomed visitors during holidays and festive periods. It can accommodate around 100 day visitors at a time, as well as 30 overnight guests staying with the local community.
At the foot of the waterfall, residents have set up shelters where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal during a leisurely outing.
What to Do in Nam Ngua
Swim and Picnic by the Waterfall
On hot summer days, a visit to Nam Ngua for a swim, a little sightseeing or a few photos makes for a wonderful outing. The shelters at the foot of the waterfall are an ideal place for groups to take a break and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
Pick Strawberries
Since 2023, Nam Ngua has had a high-tech strawberry-growing project linked to tourism. Picking strawberries in the highlands of Cao Bang is a fun experience, especially for families with young children. Check in advance when strawberries are in season.
Stay with a Local Family
For those who would like to stay longer, Nam Ngua can accommodate overnight guests in the community. Spend a night in the mountains, listening to the waterfall and streams flow through the darkness, and discover a slower pace of life.
Trek from Nam Ngua to Phieng Muong
For adventurous travellers, the trek from Nam Ngua to Phieng Muong in the Bao Lam area offers a fresh way to experience the wild, open beauty of Cao Bang’s mountains. It is a long route, so it is best to go with a local guide.
Add These Stops to Your Thanh Long Itinerary
The new Thanh Long Commune has several other interesting places to visit near Nam Ngua:
- Bai Tinh: A grassy meadow often described as a “miniature prairie,” about 13 km from the centre of Thong Nong. The site welcomed more than 1,000 visitors within just a few months of opening in 2023. Nearby, a greenhouse project grows cantaloupes, muskmelons and out-of-season watermelons.
- Dao Ancestor Painting: A distinctive cultural tradition of the Dao people in Thanh Long.
- Lung To: Another community-based tourism destination in the area.
A little farther away, you can visit the cloud-watching spot at Lung Ngan, Ban Giang Waterfall, or the temple dedicated to Nung Tri Cao in Truong Ha.
When to Visit
Visit Nam Ngua in spring or summer, when the waterfall is at its fullest, the trees are lush and the weather is ideal for swimming and picnicking. Avoid heavy rain, as the paths and rocks around the falls can become slippery and the stream can rise quickly.
Visitor Tips
- Contact the community in advance if you’d like a meal or somewhere to stay, so local residents have time to prepare.
- Swim only in shallow water and don’t climb the steep waterfall cliffs. Keep an eye on children.
- Wear shoes with good grip because the rocks around the waterfall are slippery.
- Don’t pick mulberries without permission—they are part of the local residents’ livelihood.
- Take your rubbish with you or dispose of it in a designated bin to help keep the waterfall clean.
- Respect local customs and ask before taking photos of residents.
Final Thoughts
Nam Ngua has no luxury resort, but it offers something more precious: a pristine waterfall stretching over 100 metres, crystal-clear streams winding through the village and the hospitality of local residents who have worked together to make this a destination. For a refreshing summer day in the mountains of Cao Bang, make your way to Nam Ngua.
