Silver Waterfall, or Thac Bac as it’s known among locals, is one of the best-known waterfalls in Sapa. Its beautiful drop and convenient location draw thousands of visitors here every year.
Its name comes from the word “Bac”, which means “silver” in Vietnamese. According to local tradition, the name stems from the fact that on sunny days the waterfall seems to shine and can be seen from several kilometers away — earning it the name Silver Waterfall.
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Visiting Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac)
Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) has an impressive height of nearly 200 meters, making it the largest and most impressive waterfall in Sapa, ahead of others no less interesting such as Love Waterfall.
On arrival you’ll find a small booth where you’ll pay the 30,000 VND (~US$1.15) entrance fee to access the site.
Once inside, a series of stairways has been built up one side, along with a few bridges crossing the waterfall, to make access and the visit easier. From the road it’s only 15-20 minutes.
Bear in mind this is one of Sapa’s more touristy spots, so your best bet is visiting first thing in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
When to visit Thac Bac waterfall
Keep in mind that Sapa sits at just under 1,800 meters above sea level, which makes it one of the coldest places in Vietnam during winter.
Especially in December and January, when snow reaches Fansipan peak — and occasionally Sapa itself — the landscape at this waterfall is cold, but spectacular too.
If you prefer somewhat kinder weather, the best time to visit Thac Bac is definitely spring, especially April and May, with pleasant temperatures and green vegetation dressing the whole landscape.
How to get to Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac)
Thac Bac waterfall lies on the outskirts of town, roughly 15 kilometers from the center of Sapa.
Its roadside location makes visiting fairly straightforward — all you really need to sort out is your transport there.
If you have a rented motorbike, just follow the beautiful road and the waterfall will appear on your right practically out of nowhere — though it’s visible from kilometers away, and even from Sapa town itself: climb Ham Rong mountain, look carefully, and you’ll spot it in the distance as part of the landscape.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, the easiest option is to negotiate the ride to the waterfall with one of the taxi drivers in town.
Here’s a map with its location.
Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac): Road 4D, San Sa Ho commune, Sapa district, Lao Cai province
