With its pristine natural beauty, the mountainous district of Binh Lieu in Quang Ninh Province is renowned as a captivating destination for adventurous travelers. One of its best-kept secrets is Khe Van Waterfall in Huc Dong Commune. Visitors will be mesmerized by this majestic three-tiered cascade, especially during the rainy season from May to August, when the roaring white waters create a truly picturesque masterpiece. 

See more: Binh Lieu Travel Guide

An Introduction to Khe Van Waterfall

Blessed with steep, mountainous terrain, the ravines of Binh Lieu district have sculpted spectacular, poetic waterfalls that serve as refreshing sanctuaries for locals and travelers alike during the sultry summer days. The most celebrated of these is Khe Van Waterfall—an extraordinarily unique natural marvel located in Huc Dong Commune, just 12 kilometers southeast of Binh Lieu town center.

The unique three-tiered cascade of Khe Van Waterfall

The name “Khe Van” originates from the stream flowing down from Khe Van village. According to local lore, the waterfall was originally named “Khe Van” (where “Khe” means stream and “Van” means cloud, hence “the stream of clouds”), which eventually evolved into the name we know today.

Soaring to an impressive height of over 100 meters, the majestic three-tiered Khe Van Waterfall boasts powerful, rushing waters—especially during the monsoon season—creating a resonant symphony that echoes through the mountain forests day and night. Each tier reveals its own distinct and captivating beauty:

The first tier is the most expansive of the three cascades. It is also the most striking and immediately captures the attention of visitors. The water pours over a massive rock formation in the center of the stream, which resembles the trunk of a giant, docile elephant. At the base lies a wide, natural pool fed by the powerful currents. The crystal-clear, emerald water, contrasted against the pristine white spray and the lush vegetation clinging to the cliffs, creates an incredibly poetic scene. Thousands of multi-sized boulders flank the waterfall, stacked majestically to form an awe-inspiring natural sculpture.

At the second tier, the flow divides into two distinct channels—one robust and powerful, the other gentle and slender. Cascading down from above, the water crashes against the rocks, generating layers of shimmering white foam. At its foot sits a large, pristine pool of cool water. Here, visitors can marvel at the fascinating rock formations sculpted over millennia by the sheer force of the currents.

This second level creates a dynamic visual as the stream splits into twin flows. The water cascades down in multi-layered, frothy white sheets. Over time, the relentless torrent has hollowed out a deep, refreshing natural pool. Surrounding the pool are smooth, flat, uniquely shaped boulders where travelers can lounge and relax amidst the soothing sounds of nature.

The large natural pool at the third tier of the waterfall

The highest tier leaves visitors utterly spellbound by the sheer majesty of nature. It resembles a landscape painting suspended in the sky, featuring a vast pool that mirrors a natural swimming pool. In the distance, Binh Lieu’s loftiest peaks, rolling terraced rice fields, and peaceful ethnic villages paint an idyllic and breathtaking panorama.

Khe Van Waterfall shifts its temperament with the seasons. During the wet season, the rushing waters surge dramatically, composing a powerful anthem that echoes through the wilderness. In contrast, the dry season brings a gentle, single-stream flow, transforming the waterfall into a serene and romantic ballad. The pristine water from the falls feeds into Pac Hooc Stream before merging into the Tien Yen River, making Khe Van the sacred source of this historic riverway.

How to Get to Khe Van Waterfall

Located 12 kilometers southeast of Binh Lieu town, the route to Khe Van Waterfall winds through Huc Dong Commune like delicate silk ribbons draped over the mountains and the picturesque rice paddies of the Tay ethnic community. While the distance is modest, the journey takes about 30 minutes as the concrete road is quite narrow and challenging. A semi-automatic or manual motorcycle is highly recommended for navigating this terrain. Drivers must maintain absolute focus—honking and flashing lights when approaching oncoming traffic, and carefully finding a spot to pull over. From the parking area, a scenic 3-kilometer trek through the lush forest leads you to the waterfall. Along the way, you can catch glimpses of the San Chi and Dao ethnic minorities going about their daily lives.

Camping at Khe Van Waterfall

To truly immerse yourself in the mountain wilderness, you can camp overnight near the waterfall, drift off to the soothing sound of rushing water, and breathe in the crisp, clean mountain air. It is advisable to bring your own high-quality camping gear and tents. As this is a remote area, packing your own provisions is essential, though you can purchase some local buffalo meat from the village on your way in. For a unique adventure, try catching stone-sucking fish (cá mút đá)—a local delicacy native to these cool stream waters—and grilling them over an open fire.

For those seeking a deep connection with nature, camping overnight by the falls is an unforgettable experience. Sleep under the stars to the powerful lullaby of cascading water. Ensure you thoroughly inspect your tents and find a flat, safe spot before nightfall. Since this pristine area offers no commercial services, packing your own food is mandatory. If you wish to try local delicacies, you can purchase “thịt trâu gác bếp” (smoked kitchen-corner buffalo meat) in the nearby village. The natural pools are teeming with fish, particularly the unique stone-sucking fish, which makes for a delicious, fresh-caught grilled dinner.

Rainy weather brings dense clouds and fog, which can hinder climbing the waterfall.

It is highly recommended to check the weather forecast before embarking on this journey, as sudden downpours are common, particularly in the evening. Persistent overnight rain can shroud the entire area in dense morning fog, making climbing the waterfall virtually impossible due to slippery conditions.

Looking up from the base, the trail leading to the summit of the waterfall can seem quite daunting. Although stone steps have been carved to facilitate the climb, the steep elevation and moss-slicked surfaces require extreme caution to avoid slipping.

The path leading to the second tier of the waterfall

The paths to the second and third tiers from the base differ, yet both are equipped with steps. While a shortcut exists directly from the second to the third tier, it is considerably hazardous. Unless you are an experienced mountaineer, sticking to the main designated path is highly recommended.

The Rich Cultural Heritage of the Khe Van Region

Ethnic minority groups celebrating at the festival by Khe Van Waterfall