Ban Khieng Waterfall – A new tourist attraction

(LSO) – Recently, Ban Khieng waterfall (Loc Binh district) is an emerging attraction for those who love exploring nature and for family gatherings to enjoy a green space at the weekend.

Located in Na Mo hamlet, Mau Son commune and Ban Khieng hamlet, Huu Khanh commune, Loc Binh district, Ban Khieng Waterfall is 6 kilometres far from the center of Loc Binh town. Originating from the Mau Son mountain range at over 1,000 metres, Ban Khieng is one of the biggest streams scattered in the mountain range.

Ban Khieng waterfall  is 1,320 metres in lenght being divided into 3 parts which are separated by 3 different waterfall  of 2 – 8 metres, each 200 – 300 meters away from each other. At the foot of the waterfalls, there are lakes with the depth between 1m and 2 metres.  The stream bed is rocky, covered with pebbles. In the upstream area, there are large waterfalls higher than 3 metres whereas the rest are small waterfalls. The narrow and sloping waterfalls with clear streams combine with the primeval forest ecosystem on both sides of the stream forming a scenic landscape. Ban Khieng Waterfall was considered as a Provincial Heritage in 2017.

Tourists taking photos at Ban Khieng waterfall

Recognizing the potentials and advantages of Ban Khieng waterfall, local government at all levels have given priority to attract investment aiming to make it a provincial eco-tourism area. Accordingly, the project named “Ban Khieng Waterfall Ecotourism Area” has been approved by the Provincial Lang Son People’s Committee at Decision No. 1015 /QD-UBND dated on May 31, 2018 with regard the approval to adjust the investment policies of Ban Khieng, ban Khoai, Loc Binh district, Lang Son province. The project includes 2 phases (phase 1: from April 2019 to the end of August 2021; phase 2: from August 8-2021 to May 2022) funded by Architecture and Tourism Development  Joint Stock Company. The total construction area of ​​Ban Khieng waterfall Tourism Area is 8.69 hectares being divided into 2 main zones: Zone A (in Ban Khieng hamlet, Huu Khanh commune) and Zone B (Na Mo village, Mau Son commune). Zone A includes parking lots, reception offices, meeting halls, canteens, private villas along the streams and public service sections while Zone B includes small car parks, road systems connecting with the village, scenic walking lanes along the banks of the stream, accommodation and service areas.

Mr. Pham Dinh Phong, Director of Architecture and Tourism Development  Joint Stock Company, the investor of the project said: “We started to carry out the construction of Zone B in early 2019. Zone A will be carried out later. By this time, the volume of works in zone B has been completed 30%, some construction sites have been basically completed as namely as opening new roads to the tourist area, building stairs going up to the falls and some other auxiliary sites. We invest in building towards the direction of embellishing the natural beauty of the waterfall. Hence, the authenticity of landscape and environment hasbeen always given the first priorrity. Everthing is carefully considered before making construction decisions in order to allow tourists to enjoy the fullest of the beautiful landscape.  

Although the construction has not been completed, this tourist destination has been known, visited and experienced by many people. The busiest times are on on weekends or public holidays welcoming from 200 to 600 arrivals. On the last public days (April 30 – May 3, 2020), over 1,000 tourists visited this place.Ms. Ha Thu Hong, a tourist from Lang Son city said “My friends and I have been here three times. I really enjoy the fresh and cool air here, and it seems that all of my tiredness and stress are eliminated. Moreover, services are good including food, acommodation, photography and clothing rental”. There should be mentioned that the tourist site is providing employment for 20 local people with an average income of VND 300,000 / person / day.

Mrs. Pham Minh Hue, Head of the Cultural and Information Division of Loc Binh District said  “Ban Khieng is one of many tourist destinations in Loc Binh  attracting a large number of tourists.  Although the touris site has not been completed, it has shown the potentials of tourism development making contribution to the economic development of the district. We are working to connect different tourist destinations to design interesting tours, for example, Lang Son city – Mau Son tourist area – Ban Khieng waterfall – Chi Ma border gate. We are also interested in investing and building tourism infrastructure as well as preserving and protecting cultural and natural heritages in order to attract tourists to Loc Binh.