Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac)

Many visitors stop at the falls as they explore Tram Ton Pass, one of the highest roads in Vietnam. (The cascade isn’t far from the pass’s highest point.) You can’t miss it: In addition to being visible from the road, there’s a large parking lot, plenty of signage, and a series of small shops set up selling trinkets and snacks.

A small fee is required to access the falls. Two staircases line either side, plus a bridge over the middle that makes for fantastic—if misty—photos, making this an easy-to-navigate loop trek.

• Though the loop trail isn’t wheelchair-accessible, you can get good views right from the road.

• Plan to spend about 30 minutes here if you’re tackling the trail.

• Silver Waterfall is often included in tours of Sapa—no need to get here alone.

• Bring good shoes and a jacket. The stairs can get slippery.

If you’re staying in Sapa, many local outfitters offer excursions to Silver Waterfall and up Tram Ton Pass. If you’d like to get there on your own, rent a motorbike—if you’re a confident driver—and drive up the main road into the mountains (QL4D). You can only miss the waterfall if your eyes are closed.

The rainy season in this area is from May through September. Usually, the advice here is to avoid that window, but in the case of waterfalls, you’ll want to come when it’s wet. The more rain that’s fallen, the more thunderous the cascade. Beyond that, try coming early in the morning to avoid large bus crowds.

The waterfall was created from water coursing down Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam, and got its name from the cascade’s sparkly and often silver-threaded appearance. When you’re here, be sure to hit the peak of Tram Ton Pass to appreciate the falls’ journey.