The Ban Gioc waterfalls are 1/2 in Vietnam and 1/2 in China. They are the highlight of most peoples visit to Cao Bang. The center of Ban Gioc forms the border with China. There are tourists from both countries taking trips on the river to see the falls. The Chinese side is quite a bit more developed with many viewing stations and lights on the falls at night. The view from China is elevated so it is quite a bit nicer than the river level view of Vietnam. Just past the falls entrance on the Vietnam side is a nice temple on a hilltop. There are some great, though a bit distant views from here.
A note of caution for flycam photographers. Ban Gioc is a no fly zone. They have recently strengthen the laws and punishment for flying in resstricted areas. Local Vietnamese photographers can no longer get permits as they could in the past. Army border guards patrol the area as well as local police. Sunrise is not a safer time and in fact more heavily patrolled.
