Nai Waterfall, also known as Nai Nam Dam Waterfall, is a little-known natural wonder in Ha Giang. Revered for its untouched beauty and peaceful setting, this hidden cascade draws adventurous travelers eager to discover unspoiled nature, connect with authentic highland life. In this guide, Phieu Travel highlights the best time to visit, how to get there, and meaningful local experiences to explore.
1. Introduction to Nai Waterfall
To begin your journey, start by discovering where Nai Waterfall is located and the story behind its name.
1.1 Where is Nai Waterfall located?
Nai Waterfall is nestled in Nam Dam Village, Quan Ba Commune, Ha Giang Province. Surrounded by limestone peaks, this serene waterfall remains one of the province’s lesser-known natural spots. Its quiet, off-the-beaten-path setting makes it ideal for travelers seeking unspoiled landscapes away from the popular routes of the Ha Giang Loop.
1.2 The meaning behind the name “Nai” Waterfall
The name “Nai” Waterfall comes from a local folktale passed down by elders in Nam Dam Village. Long ago, village hunters often gathered to track wild animals like wild boar, mountain goats, deer,… One day, a deer was spotted near the forest where the waterfall now lies. After a long chase, it collapsed from exhaustion at the stream’s edge. Since then, locals have referred to it as “Thac Nai,” meaning “Deer Waterfall” in Vietnamese.
2. How to get to Nai Waterfall
From Ha Giang City, take National Highway 4C toward Dong Van for about 45 kilometers (28 miles) until you reach Tam Son Town in Quan Ba District. Turn off at the signpost for Nam Dam Village and continue to the end of the village. From there, a forest trail leads to Nai Waterfall, with a peaceful 20–25 minute walk through quiet woodlands and limestone terrain.
For travelers coming from the central or southern regions of Vietnam, the best way is to fly to Hanoi, then continue by sleeper bus or limousine to Ha Giang City. Once in Ha Giang, follow the established route to Nam Dam to begin your trek to the falls.
3. Best time to visit Nai Waterfall
The best time to visit Nai Waterfall is from March to May or September to November. These months offer cool weather, low rainfall and ideal conditions for hiking or enjoying the landscape. The trails are dry, the skies are clear and the scenery is at its most photogenic.
If you’re drawn to lush greenery and a stronger water flow, the summer months (June to August) are a great choice. For a quieter atmosphere, December to February brings cool air and gentle mountain mists, creating a peaceful, romantic experience.
4. Interesting activities when visiting Nai Waterfall
Beyond its natural beauty, Nai Waterfall offers immersive experiences that bring you closer to the land and its people. From trekking to cultural encounters, here are some activities that make your visit more memorable:
4.1 Trekking at Nai Waterfall and Nam Dam Village
Trekking through Nam Dam Village is a peaceful way to explore Ha Giang’s landscape. The path to Nai Waterfall winds past traditional rammed-earth houses, terraced rice fields and forested slopes, leading to a hidden cascade that flows into a quiet basin.
You can also visit Nam Dam Lake, catch the sunset from Nam Dam Hill or extend your trip to Lung Khuy Cave (9 km or 5.6 miles) and Lung Tam Weaving Village (15 km or 9.3 miles).
4.2 Explore local culture in Nam Dam Village
Nam Dam Village is home to the Dao ethnic group, who maintain a vibrant cultural identity rooted in traditional ceremonies, crafts, and farming practices. Travelers can witness the “Cap Sac” ceremony, a coming-of-age ritual for Dao men, or join local festivals that celebrate new harvests and spiritual blessings at the start of the year.
Throughout the village, Dao women sew colorful embroidered garments and accessories, often sold alongside silver jewelry at small roadside stalls. From folk games to daily agricultural work, each activity invites you to engage directly with the rhythms of life in this culturally rich highland community.
4.3 Taste highland specialty dishes
Nam Dam Village offers a flavorful introduction to Dao cuisine. Local meals feature thang co, cap nach pork, sour pork, stream fish salad, cassava sticky rice, bamboo tube rice,… All ingredients are homegrown or locally raised, delivering bold, authentic tastes unique to Ha Giang’s highlands.
4.4 Join farming activities with local residents
Depending on the season, travelers can take part in everyday farmwork, from planting vegetables to harvesting rice or picking tea leaves. It’s a hands-on way to understand local life and share moments with the Dao community.
4.5 Relax with traditional herbal baths
After a day of trekking, unwind in a herbal bath prepared from forest leaves. These traditional remedies are believed to improve circulation, reduce fatigue and leave you feeling refreshed. It’s a soothing close to your cultural journey.
5. Where to stay when visiting Nai Waterfall
To make the most of your visit to Nai Waterfall, consider staying overnight in Nam Dam Village. Local homestays offer a warm, authentic experience and easy access to the waterfall and nearby attractions. Here are a few recommended places to stay.
5.1 Mun Homestay
Mun Homestay is a peaceful retreat nestled among stone mountains and rice terraces in Nam Dam Village. Built in the traditional Dao style with rammed-earth walls and wooden accents, the house features cozy rooms from 17 to 25 m². Guests can enjoy modern comforts like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms while waking up to stunning sunrise views right from their window.
5.2 Toong Homestay
Toong Homestay sits by a peaceful lake just 4 km from Quan Ba town center. Its traditional Dao-style stilt houses are built from earth and bamboo, offering lake or mountain views. With 10 rooms and space for up to 15 guests, the homestay features modern amenities like Wi-Fi and heating. Guests can also enjoy a fishing pond, shared spaces and weekly cultural experiences.
5.3 Chook Bungalow Homestay
Chook Bungalow offers a rustic-modern retreat with earthen walls and a bamboo-lined entrance. The rooms are warmly decorated and equipped with essentials like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. On weekends, terrace concerts showcase the Dao community’s musical heritage, making it a lively and unique stay.
6. Things to keep in mind when visiting Nai Waterfall
Before you set off for Nai Waterfall, keep a few key tips in mind to make your experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable. Here are some practical notes to help you prepare:
- Start at the right place: Begin from the last house in Nam Dam Village before entering the forest path.
- Plan for a light hike: The round-trip walk takes about 25 minutes, with both uphill and downhill stretches.
- Wear proper footwear: Hiking shoes with good traction are essential, especially if the trail is damp.
- Avoid motorbikes: The dirt path is narrow and slippery – walking is the safest option.
- Ask locals for help: If unsure about directions, don’t hesitate to ask nearby villagers.
7. Planning to see Nai Waterfall? Here’s a simple way
All Phieu Travel tours in Ha Giang include a stop in Quan Ba, which makes it easy to explore Nai Waterfall and Nam Dam Village along the Ha Giang Loop. We can help arrange a guided motorbike detour with local riders who understand the terrain and provide a safe, scenic experience.
Whether you enjoy trekking, cultural discovery or simply chasing waterfalls, our team is ready to help you make the most of the route. Just let us know your interest and we’ll customize the plan to fit your journey!
With its untouched scenery and dramatic natural setting, Nai Waterfall is a perfect destination for those who love trekking and exploring off-the-beaten-path landscapes. The quiet trails, fresh mountain air, and rugged beauty create a truly memorable journey. Let Phieu Travel help you turn this hidden corner of Ha Giang into one of the most rewarding parts of your adventure!