Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Waterfall), Sapa

The Silver Waterfall Sapa, or as the locals call it ‘Thac Bac’ is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Head north along the Sapa loop road and discover the raging Thac Bac waterfall in the San Sai Ho mountainside.

Silver Waterfall is far about 15 kilometers from Sapa toward Lai Chau; tourists take approximately 30 minutes by motorbike or bus to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. The scenery along the way, the pine forest, and the 'su su' spread over the hills. With more than 100 meters high, white water poured down the stream. 

You can see the waterfall beside the road already as you can see from the picture above. It was really an amazing view. The entrance fee is just 10,000vnd only.

Climbing from the foot of the waterfall to the altitude of about 30 meters, tourists seem to feel that the waterfall is flowing toward them. The small water flows rumble down in order to catch up with the streams below. At the foot of the slope leading to Silver Falls is the salmon seed production center, which has ambitions to become the Vietnam's largest research station on coldwater fisheries. 

With the height of 200m high and playing the role of the upstream of Muong Hoa Stream, the white water flowing of Silver Falls Sapa falls down the stream all year round. On the sunny day, standing on Ham Rong Mountain, tourists can contemplate the white water flowing as silver are rushing to flow down from afar. It is also the reason why the locals here call the falls the romantic name - Silver Falls. When approached, the eye-catching waterfall appears right at the front of tourists. Above is droplets flying out like clouds obscuring somewhat falls; meanwhile, the foot of the waterfall is water bubbles splashing. Even from afar, tourists can also hear the springs chasing each other down Silver Waterfall. It is the enchanting beauty that has promoted numerous tourists to go to one of the unique Sapa attractions.

This place is also very busy with highland markets selling souvenirs of ethnic minorities such as rings, hats, purses, embroidered towels, alcohol, valuable medicinal plants derived from Hoang Lien Son Range, and herbal tea. Especially, brocade products are really various and extremely impressive colors. In addition, there is a food zone serving mountainous specialties available for visitors. Coming to these markets, visitors can enjoy chicken, pigs, jute vegetable soup, “thang co” and more. They are very unique. Many travelers also like to sit under the trees or teahouses to enjoy baked sweet potatoes, grilled corn, grilled chicken eggs and more. The Hmong girls in bright costumes always invite to enjoy apricot wine.

The most attractive dish is “com lam” (bamboo rice) served with grilled sparrows, grilled frogs or barbecue. If you want to go to Sapa, you should take the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. From Lao Cai to Sapa, moving by car takes about 40 minutes. Coming here, we only need a camera, a bottle of water, a tourist map and ask a motorcycle taxi driver as "guide" who is able to lead you to Silver Waterfall or anywhere in Sapa. Also, guests can ask ethnic villagers to visit and enjoy "home-stay" services at their houses. Currently, the majority of ethnic minority women specialize in guiding tourists in Sapa and can speak some languages such as Vietnamese, English, and French. In Sapa, those who enjoy one of the local delicacies, it is hard to forget their characteristic tastes because every dish in the land of fog has the secret of taste and the different way of processing.

Overall, if you are planning to go to Fansipan, this is at the same area. You can take a detour to this waterfall which is only less than 10 minutes bike ride. For your information, you can't swim at this waterfall.

Total Damage: 10,000vnd
Ambiance: 4/5
Service: 2/5
Price: 4/5
Recommended?: Yes only if you are travelling around this area.