Opening the pilot tours of Ban Gioc (Viet Nam) -Detian (China) Waterfall

The operation of pilot sightseeing tours at Ban Gioc (Viet Nam)-Detian (China) affirms the mutual political trust, promotes benefits between the two countries, and fosters friendly exchanges between people of the two provinces/regions in particular and two countries Nam - China in general. This is the premise for this Scenic Area to be put into official operation in the coming time, stimulating cooperation in tourism, and friendly exchanges between the citizens of two frontier localities and Viet Nam – China, significantly contributing to developing and deepening the  Vietnam - China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The pilot duration is 1 year, from 9:00 a.m Hanoi time (10:00a.m Beijing time) on September 15^th, 2023 to 4:00p.m Hanoi time (5:00p.m Beijing time) on September 14^th , 2024. Visitors from both sides will use  the pathway at the area of Border mark 834/1. Visitors will use their passport (visa is not required) or entry and exist permits to get into the Scenic Area.
 

During the pilot period, tourists from China to the scenic area of Vietnam will follow the route: the scenic area checkpoint-foot of Ban Gioc Waterfall-Saigon Ban Gioc Hotel- culinary and service area -back to the checkpoint and exit to the Chinese side’s scenic area. Tourists from Viet Nam to China’s Scenic Area will follow this route: the checkpoint - Detian Waterfall - shopping area - sightseeing along the route in the Scenic are on electric vehicles - riverside pedestrian route - the checkpoint and exit to the Vietnamese side’s scenic area.
During the pilot operation period, tourists from two sides have to register in advance under the form of entry and exit groups, the maximum of each group is upto 20 people. During the first three months of the pilot operation period, the number of each group from each side will not exceed 10 groups per day.

From the fourth month onwards until the end of the pilot period, the number of tourists crossing the border on each side will not exceed 500 people per day. During the pilot operation, tourists from the third country are not allowed to travel to the scenic area.  The opening time for tourists to visit is 9 a.m (Hanoi time) or 10 a.m (Beijing time). The time to stop customs clearance procedures is at 2 p.m (Hanoi time) or 3 p.m (Beijing time). The groups must return to their country's landscape area at 4 p.m (Hanoi time) or 5 p.m (Beijing time). The maximum time for each tourist group to stay in the other side’s area is 5 hours and illegal lodging is strictly banned.
 

The Vietnamese side must purchase insurance for tourists before entering the Chinese scenic area, other services have to be paid by tourists at their actual rates.  Tourists from China entering the Vietnamese side are required to purchase tickets for 70,000 VND (2.9 USD) per person per visit (inclusive of insurance and exclusive of other service fees).
 

Ban Gioc waterfall scenic spot is a typically symbolic site of Cao Bang province, located on the East route of Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark – Experience traditional cultures in a wonderland. The pilot operation of sightseeing tours to Ban Gioc (Viet Nam) – Detian (China) Scenic Area is a good opportunity for the province to introduce and promote its tourism potentital and strength, including the strong attraction of Non nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark.