Tourists banned from swimming at Nam Lang waterfall

Duong Thuong commune authorities demand strict handling of tourists swimming and engaging in illegal activities at Nam Lang waterfall due to potential accident risks.

The chairman of Duong Thuong commune People's Committee on 14/4 instructed the commune police to lead and coordinate with relevant departments. Their task is to inspect and strictly handle individuals and units bringing guests to swim and operate tourism services illegally at Nam Lang waterfall. This decisive action follows a complaint from the Nam Lang hydropower plant, which reported unauthorized entry into its managed area for illegal activities, posing significant accident risks.

A view of Nam Lang waterfall, Tuyen Quang. Photo: Bac Nguyen

Nguyen Trong Lich, head of Duong Thuong commune police, confirmed that authorities have developed a plan to monitor the situation closely. They will enforce regulations and take action against all cases of non-compliance.

Nam Lang waterfall, located about 12 km from Du Gia center, is nestled within a gorge of the same name. It forms a main stream branch that flows through the Du Gia - Du Tien area, passing Ban An water cave and Ngoc Long before emptying into the Nhien river. While adventure enthusiasts have known this destination since the 2010s, it has only recently gained widespread popularity, largely due to captivating images shared on social media.

The waterfall cascades about 20 m from an underground rock cave, forming multiple tiers. The lowest tier, accessible by bamboo raft or stand-up paddleboard (SUP), is known for its clear blue water, natural caves, and stalactites. However, this area of the waterfall basin falls within the upstream Nam Lang hydropower project, where water flow frequently changes. This unpredictable environment makes it prone to accidents for tourists, necessitating the ban.

The route from Du Gia to Nam Lang waterfall. Photo: Screenshot from Google Maps

Bamboo rafts used to access the area within the waterfall basin. Photo: Bac Nguyen

A view of Nam Lang waterfall. Photo: Bac Nguyen

According to the plan, the waterfall area has been part of the Nam Lang hydropower project since 2017. This project, with an installed capacity of 12 MW and a total investment exceeding 467 billion VND, is situated in Duong Thuong commune.

The closure has elicited mixed reactions among visitors. On Ha Giang travel groups, many tourists expressed regret over the ban, especially those who had planned visits to the pristine destination during the upcoming holiday season. Conversely, some opinions suggested that stricter management is crucial to ensure public safety.

Bao Lam, a local guide, acknowledged Nam Lang waterfall as an attractive destination for adventure-seeking tourists, enriching experiences in Ha Giang. He emphasized the importance of adherence to regulations: "Once regulations are in place, they must be followed. We should not encourage illegal activities to avoid unfortunate incidents", Bao Lam stated.