January
10.7°C ~ 51°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Sapa
Silver Waterfall
A tall waterfall of about 200 m beside the road to Tram Ton Pass, a short walk from the car park.
- Time needed
- From 30 minutes
- Entry fee
- 20,000 VND
- Best months
- Sep – Nov
- Best time
- June – October, when the water is strong
Overview
Silver Waterfall, or Thac Bac, drops about 200 m down a rocky cliff beside the main road to the Tram Ton Pass. A short stone stairway leads from the car park to a viewing area, and the water is strongest after the rainy season.
It is easy to combine with a drive over O Quy Ho Pass. The walk to the viewing point takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the area is cool and misty, so it is a good first stop on a day trip north of Sapa.
Highlights
- Walk up the stone steps to the viewing area
- See the 200 m drop and misty spray
- Stop on the way to Tram Ton Pass
- Photograph the stream and forest at the base
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 9:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 20,000 VND per adult Children: 10,000 VND |
| Time needed | 30 – 45 minutes |
| Best time of day | June – October, when the water is strong |
| Good for | Families, photographers, day trippers |
| Accessibility | Stone steps; not suitable for limited mobility |
| Facilities | Car park, toilets, food stalls |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Sapa by month.
February
12.2°C ~ 54°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
16°C ~ 61°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
18.5°C ~ 65°F
17 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
20.1°C ~ 68°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
20.7°C ~ 69°F
28 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
20.8°C ~ 69°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
20.5°C ~ 69°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
19.6°C ~ 67°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
October
17.2°C ~ 63°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
November
14.8°C ~ 59°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
11.2°C ~ 52°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
How to get there
From Sapa centre
The waterfall is about 30 minutes by taxi or motorbike from Sapa town on the road to Lai Chau. Buses and tours to Tram Ton Pass usually stop here.
Tips before you go
- Bring a rain jacket; the spray can be strong
- Wear shoes with grip; the steps are slippery
- Combine with O Quy Ho Pass in the same half day
- Go early to avoid tour groups
Location
Silver Waterfall, Sapa, Lao Cai
About 12 km from Sapa town
More attractions in Sapa
FAQs
How far is Silver Waterfall from Sapa?
About 12 km, around 30 minutes by car or motorbike.
How long do I need there?
About 30 to 45 minutes, including the walk up and some time for photos.
Is it worth visiting in the dry season?
It is less strong in winter, so combine it with O Quy Ho Pass and the views rather than going only for the water.