Thoong Loc Waterfall – where the Bac Vong River fans into a hundred silver streams across a green valley
Some waterfalls amaze with their height. Thoong Loc is different. Here, the Bac Vong River doesn’t thunder down a cliff. Instead, it seems to spread gently across the valley: hundreds of silvery streams weave over low stone steps, curl around clusters of green trees and gather in jade-colored pools. Rice fields wind along both banks, limestone peaks rise in the distance, and a sheer mountain stands like a sentry guarding the valley. It’s beautiful, gentle and peaceful, like an ink-wash painting.
Where is Thoong Loc Waterfall?
The waterfall is in Thong Loc Hamlet, Doai Duong Commune (the former Trung Khanh District), along the Bac Vong River. In July 2025, the new Doai Duong Commune was formed from the former Trung Phuc, Cao Thang and Doai Duong communes.
The waterfall takes its name from the hamlet. “Thoong” means “waterfall” in the Tay and Nung languages, so locals call it Thoong Loc Waterfall, or Thong Loc Waterfall.
The Bac Vong River is a river of waterfalls. Thoong Ma Waterfall (Dog Waterfall) is also on the river, near Thong Hue Town. By the time it reaches Thong Loc, the river flows past fertile alluvial banks and fields, sustaining prosperous hamlets on both sides.
When you set out, search for “Thoong Loc Waterfall” on the map to get directions.
The road to the waterfall is part of the experience
The road to Thoong Loc is easy to travel and very scenic. The narrow lane takes you through peaceful villages, past homes tucked beside rice fields and chickens wandering leisurely by the porch. International visitors who have been there say it’s a rare chance to see the everyday life of people in a rural mountain region, and well worth a detour.
If you have time, try cycling this route. Many visitors say the ride to Thoong Loc is a wonderful experience.
A broad cascade between rice fields and limestone peaks
Unlike waterfalls that plunge straight from a high cliff, Thoong Loc spreads across the riverbed. The Bac Vong branches into many streams, spilling over a series of low limestone steps to form countless small, foaming cascades. The water doesn’t roar; it murmurs steadily, like the valley’s own soundtrack.
Between the streams, lush green shrubs grow on rocky outcrops like little islands in the water. In calmer stretches, the river gathers into jade-colored pools so clear you can see the stones beneath the surface.
Rice fields follow the river’s curves on both banks, gently terracing down to the water’s edge. In the distance, forested limestone mountains rise one after another. One sheer rocky peak stands out, its summit reaching high above the valley and its exposed cliff face tinged reddish brown.
Beyond the cascades, the Bac Vong continues downstream into the Than Giap hydropower reservoir below, where still waters reflect the surrounding mountains.
The best time to visit: sunset
If you can choose just one time to visit Thoong Loc, come in the late afternoon. As the sun sinks, golden light washes over the cascades, and the silvery streams sparkle as if dusted with glitter. The sheer mountain catches the last light of the day, its cliff face glowing vivid orange-red against a sky shifting to pink and purple.
Stand on the high bank then, watching the whole valley sink into the sunset, listening to the water murmur and the soft breeze drift across the fields, and you’ll understand why visitors call this place “unbelievably beautiful.”
A different landscape in every season
- Green rice season (around June–August): Young rice plants turn the fields a vivid green, the waterfall runs full and white, and the whole valley feels fresh and full of life.
- Rice harvest season (around September–October): Golden fields contrast with jade-colored water and silvery cascades, creating the most vibrant scene of the year.
- Dry season: With less water, the stone steps are more exposed and the waterfall flows gently, perfect for those who enjoy a quieter landscape.
What to Do at Thoong Loc Waterfall
Take in the views from above: Find a spot along the bank where you can see the full sweep of the falls, rice fields, and mountain range. It’s the best vantage point and the perfect place to capture Thoong Loc Waterfall at its finest.
Take photos: Frame the rice fields in the foreground, the silver ribbon of the falls in the middle, and the limestone cliffs and steep peaks behind them. Late afternoon is the golden hour. One photo like this will keep the trip in your memory for years to come.
Cool off in the water: Local residents often come here for a swim. The water is clean and cool, but depths vary, so take great care.
Have a picnic: The quiet, spacious setting is perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket with family or friends. Some days, you may feel as if you have the whole waterfall to yourselves.
Explore the countryside by bike: Cycle through the hamlets on the way to the falls, stop to chat with local residents, and take in the riverside fields.
Explore the Bac Vong River Route
A day following the Bac Vong River is a wonderful way to discover eastern Cao Bang:
- Thoong Ma Waterfall (Dog Waterfall): A tiered waterfall near Thong Hue Town, regarded by locals as a “lucky waterfall.”
- Thoong Tac (“Broken Waterfall”): Another waterfall along the Bac Vong River, reached via the intercommunal road from Thong Hue Town.
- Long Vuong Temple (Thong Hue Town): An old riverside temple associated with the lantern festival held in leap years.
- Lonely Rock (Cao Thang 3 Hamlet): A solitary limestone outcrop rising from a sea of rice fields.
Safety Tips
- Water depths vary: Swim only in shallow areas, check carefully before entering the water, and do not swim out toward the reservoir.
- Mossy stone steps are very slippery: The low steps may look easy to cross, but they can be treacherous, especially where water flows over them. Wear shoes with good grip.
- Watch the water level: Water levels can change with the seasons and hydropower operations. Ask local residents before entering the water, and do not swim after heavy rain.
- Keep a close eye on children at all times near the water.
- Stay out of the rice fields when looking for a photo spot; walk only along the field banks.
- Go in a group, as the area is quite quiet and secluded.
- Take your rubbish with you to help keep the waterfall and reservoir pristine.
Final Thoughts
Thoong Loc has no signs, entrance fee, or tourist services. There is only the Bac Vong River dividing into a hundred silvery streams, rice paddies curving along the water’s edge, red limestone peaks glowing in the afternoon sun, and a rare sense of stillness. Yet these simple things create one of the most beautiful scenes in eastern Cao Bang. Visit Thoong Loc on an afternoon and stay until the sun goes down. You’ll take home an unforgettable sunset.
