Authorities in Vietnam have suspended cross-border tours to the iconic Ban Gioc Falls following a fatal accident on the Chinese side of the border. The decision, announced on August 11 by the management board of the Ban Gioc Waterfall Tourism Site, will remain in effect until further notice.
A tragic incident occurred on August 10 at the Detian Waterfall Scenic Area in China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. A malfunctioning “Magic Carpet” ride resulted in the death of one tourist and injuries to 60 others. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Due to the incident, Vietnam has temporarily halted cross-border tour services to the shared waterfall, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beauty. Tourists who have already booked and paid for tours will be offered refunds or alternative arrangements. However, domestic travel services within the Ban Gioc Waterfall Tourism Area will continue as usual.
The cross-border tour pilot program was launched in September 2023 and had seen considerable success, with nearly 12,000 visitors crossing the border in the past 10 months. The initiative was aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening ties between the two countries.
