Love Waterfall

Love Waterfall, known locally as Thac Tinh Yeu, drops through forest in the Hoang Lien mountains a short drive from Sa Pa town. Its name comes from a local legend about a love story between a mountain fairy and a young man, and the setting suits the tale, with water falling in thin veils down a steep rock face into a pool surrounded by trees. A stepped path leads from the road down through the forest to the base, with a few places to pause and look. The full-day tour on this page pairs Love Waterfall with Silver Waterfall, the more famous cascade beside the O Quy Ho pass, so you see both in one outing, travelling pillion on a motorbike with a private rider. It is a scenic, easy-going day, though the paths can be wet and the steps steep.

Understand how waterfalls work here. The flow depends on the season and on recent rain. In and after the wetter months, the falls are full and loud, and in the dry months they thin out to a ribbon. Autumn usually falls between the two, with decent water and clear skies, which makes it a good time for the combined outing, but ask the operator how the falls are running before you commit.

Walk with care. The path down to the base has many steps, which can be slippery with moss and spray, and the return is uphill, so wear shoes with real grip and take your time. Bring a light waterproof, since the spray and the weather in the forest can be damp, and carry water. Children can manage the walk if they are used to steps, but it is not suited to anyone with serious mobility problems. Keep to the path and the viewing areas, and do not swim or scramble on wet rocks.

Make it a full day. A private tour lets you set the pace and stop at viewpoints on the road, and the motorbike format puts you in the open air, so dress for wind and cool air and check that helmets and cover are provided, and combining Love and Silver Waterfalls with the O Quy Ho pass is a classic circuit. Ask about the pickup time, the order of the stops, whether entrance fees are included and where lunch will be.

If you would rather add a village walk, Sin Chai and Cat Cat are both close enough to combine with a morning at the falls on another day. If you want something more adventurous, the area is known for canyoning on guided tours, which are specialist outings and should only be done with a properly certified operator.

Finally, keep the weather in mind. Rain can make the road and the steps slippery, and in heavy rain the operator may adjust the route or reschedule the day, so ask about the policy when you book. Photography is best in soft, overcast light, which makes the water look silky, and a small waterproof bag will protect your phone from spray.

Respect the forest by taking your rubbish with you, and be considerate of other visitors who also want a quiet moment by the water. The combination of two waterfalls, a forest walk and a mountain road makes a rich day, so pace yourself and enjoy it.