Sun Group has presented its proposed master plan for the Ban Gioc Waterfall Tourist Area in Cao Bang province, outlining a large-scale, sustainability-focused tourism development in Vietnam’s northern border region. The proposal was submitted to provincial authorities following a memorandum of understanding signed with the Cao Bang People’s Committee in September 2025.
Covering around 1,000 hectares in Dam Thuy commune, the project is inspired by Tay ethnic legends and is designed to integrate experiential tourism, local culture, and cross-border exchange. Sun Group said the development aims to balance tourism growth with environmental protection, community benefits, and cultural preservation, while strengthening border security and climate resilience.
Located within the core area of the UNESCO-recognised Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark and the Cao Bang Border Economic Zone, the master plan envisions Ban Gioc as an international tourist destination. The plan divides the area into interconnected sub-zones linked to local folklore and natural landmarks such as Ban Gioc Waterfall, the Quay Son River, and Nguom Ngao Cave, combining architectural works, cultural performances, resort facilities, and experiential tourism products.
The project is positioned as a “Green Border Heritage” development and is aligned with Vietnam–China cooperation on the joint protection and tourism use of the Ban Gioc–Detian Waterfall area. Following planned highway upgrades, Sun Group estimates annual visitor numbers could reach 1.5 million initially and rise to around 4 million within five years of implementation.
Cao Bang province is expected to receive more than 2.5 million visitors in 2025, including nearly 96,000 international tourists, generating over VND2.5 trillion (around USD95 million) in tourism revenue. However, Sun Group noted that current performance remains below the province’s long-term potential given the global significance of the Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls and among the world’s largest waterfalls located on an international border.