Silver Waterfall Sapa: Discover The "White Dragon" Of Sapa

In the misty highlands of Northern Vietnam, Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac) stands as a “white dragon” cascading down the rugged cliffs of the Hoang Lien Son range. At Vietnamstory, we recommend this iconic landmark for our Indian travelers who want a high-impact, low-trek adventure. Silver Waterfall remains a premier Sapa highlight, offering dramatic roadside views that seamlessly lead into the legendary O Quy Ho Pass.

Located a short distance away from Sapa, Thac Bac Waterfall is a gift of nature that has been attracting thousands of visitors yearly. Falling from a height of 200 meters, the pure white water stream mixes perfectly with the surrounding forest to create a unique sight.

Your easy access to a mountain marvel

The Silver Waterfall (or Thac Bac, as we call it) is perfectly located, making it an easy and rewarding addition to any Sapa itinerary. Its high-altitude position and convenient access are what make it such a popular and beloved spot. Let’s look at the details.

The waterfall is located in the San Sa Ho Commune, right alongside the main National Highway 4D. It is approximately 12 – 15 km (a beautiful 30-minute drive) to the northwest of Sapa town, on the scenic route that leads towards the province of Lai Chau.

The waterfall is situated at an incredible altitude of 1,800 meters. This often places it high above the clouds, meaning you can be standing in the bright sunshine at the waterfall while the valley below remains shrouded in a beautiful shadow of mist.

Your transport options:

Private Car/Taxi (Best for families): This is the most comfortable and convenient option. For 2026, the rates for a round-trip, including waiting time, are approximately 300,000 – 500,000 VND.
Motorbike (Ideal for couples): For the more adventurous, renting a motorbike for the day (about 100,000 – 150,000 VND) is a fantastic option. The road is paved but it is very winding, so please use extra caution, especially if it is misty.

A visit to the Silver Waterfall is perfectly located to be a Day 2 extension after you have visited Fansipan Mountain in the morning, or as the very first beautiful stop on your way to the legendary O Quy Ho Pass and the Rong May Glass Bridge.

Your entrance fees and the best time to visit

Accessing this beautiful natural wonder is very easy and incredibly affordable. Here is the practical information you need to plan your visit.

The entrance fee:
- Adults: 20,000 VND (which is approximately just ₹70)
- Children (under 1.3m tall): 10,000 VND.
The opening hours: The site is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Duration of your visit: You should expect to spend about 30–60 minutes here, which gives you plenty of time to explore the stairways, take photos from the bridge, and soak in the majestic atmosphere.

Tips for the perfect waterfall photography

The waterfall is a photographer’s dream, but timing and season will dramatically change the kind of photo you can capture. Let’s explore how to get that perfect “silver” shot.

The amazing natural setting at Silver Waterfall Sapa

The “Silver” hour

For the most magical photos, I highly recommend you visit between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. This is the time when the morning mist has usually lifted, and the sun hits the incredible 200-meter vertical drop of the waterfall at the perfect angle, making the water shimmer and sparkle like flowing liquid silver.

The seasonal dynamics

The rainy season (May – September): This is when the waterfall is at its most powerful and majestic. The flow is at its fullest, creating a deafening and impressive roar. On hot, sunny days, you can often see beautiful rainbows forming in the mist.
The autumn season (September – November): During this time, the drive to the waterfall is framed by the beautiful golden rice terraces in the valleys below, and the skies are at their clearest, which is perfect for drone photography.
The winter season (December – February): This is when you have a rare and magical chance to see snow or frozen mist on the waterfall and the surrounding trees. The Silver Waterfall is one of the very few places in all of Vietnam where this incredible natural phenomenon can occur.

Tip: For the best and most comprehensive photo, use a wide-angle lens and stand on the beautiful steel arched bridge that crosses the base of the falls. From here, you can capture the full, impressive 200-meter drop of the water and the beautiful, lush pine forests that surround it.

READ MORE: The Best Time to Visit Sapa in 2026

A Sapa waterfall somparison: Which one is right for you?

Sapa is blessed with several beautiful waterfalls, but they each offer a very different experience. Let’s compare the three most famous waterfalls to help you choose.

Feature	Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac)	Love Waterfall (Thac Tinh Yeu)	Cat Cat Waterfall
The height and style	200 Meters. It is a powerful, vertical, and majestic cascade.	100 Meters. It has a beautiful, gentle, bell-shaped flow.	It is a smaller but beautiful village cascade.
The hiking required	Easy. It is just a 10-15 minute climb up some well-maintained steps.	Moderate. It requires a beautiful, 30-minute jungle trek to reach it.	Easy. It is part of the main village walking path.
The vibe and atmosphere	Powerful & Accessible. It is right by the road and very impressive.	Romantic & Secluded. It is hidden in the forest and very peaceful.	Cultural & Busy. It is surrounded by Hmong cultural shows and craft stalls.
Can you swim?	Strictly Prohibited. The currents are very strong and dangerous.	Yes! The pool at the base is perfect for a relaxing and refreshing swim.	Prohibited.

Vietnamstory signature tips for a perfect visit

At Vietnam Story, we love to enhance your visit with our special, local insights that will make your experience more comfortable, delicious, and culturally rich. Here is how we add our special touch for our Indian guests.

The delicious “salmon” connection: Located just below the falls are some of Sapa’s famous high-altitude salmon and sturgeon farms. After your hike, we highly recommend a delicious lunch at the nearby Song Nhi Restaurant to try the local specialty, “Salmon Sour Soup.” It is a light, fresh, and wonderfully flavourful alternative to some of the heavier meat stews in town.
Our slippery safety briefing: The 200+ stone steps at the waterfall are constantly damp from the spray and can be very slippery. We always provide our guests with a clear briefing on the best way to navigate the “loop” path (taking one path up and a different path down) to avoid any congestion and to ensure your safety.
The “heaven’s gate” loop: Our best advice is: don’t turn back after you have seen the waterfall! Continue just 2km further up the road to the top of the pass, to Heaven’s Gate. This is the highest road in all of Vietnam, and at an altitude of 2,047 meters, it provides the ultimate and most spectacular panoramic sunset backdrop.
A rare chance for authentic crafts: Right at the entrance to the waterfall, you will find some local Hmong ladies selling their beautiful, authentic hand-woven indigo textiles and local herbal teas. Unlike some of the shops in the main town center, these are often direct-from-the-family products.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Local Food in Sapa

Conclusion

What makes the Silver Waterfall such a perfect attraction for every type of traveler is its incredible “effort versus reward” ratio. With just a short, easy drive from Sapa town and a manageable 15-minute climb, you are rewarded with a truly world-class, spectacular natural view that is as powerful and as beautiful as any remote, hard-to-reach waterfall. It is the perfect adventure for families, couples, and anyone who wants to experience the full, majestic power of Sapa’s nature without committing to a full day of strenuous trekking.

Let Vietnamstory help you experience this incredible reward with maximum comfort and convenience. We can arrange your private transport and combine your visit with other nearby attractions, ensuring you get the most beauty and excitement out of your day. Get in touch with us to plan your trip, and discover the easy, accessible, and breathtaking adventure of the Silver Waterfall.