Bản Giốc – Detian waterfalls. — VNA/VNS Photo

CAO BẰNG — The management board of the Bản Giốc Waterfall Tourism Site under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the northern border province of Cao Bằng has announced the temporary suspension of tour services for visitors at Bản Giốc – Detian waterfalls on the Việt Nam - China border from August 11 until further notice.

It cited an incident in the scenic area on China's side as the reason for the decision. Tourists who have registered and paid fees will be considered for a refund or an amicable resolution.

The board advises tourists to temporarily avoid registering for the cross-border tour. Domestic travel services at the Bản Giốc Waterfall Tourism Area are still available as usual.

The pilot of the tours was started on September 15, 2023. After the last 10 months, nearly 950 groups with around 12,000 visitors have crossed the border for sightseeing. Customs procedures were handled flexibly in accordance with regulations by forces of border control, customs, and quarantine services, facilitating smooth travel for the two side’s tourists.

This is part of the efforts to concretise the common perceptions reached by leaders of the two nations during the visit to China by then Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng in 2022. It also manifests the goodwill and determination of both sides to build a border line of peace, friendship, and development.

It is expected to become an eco-friendly cross-border tourism model, helping Cao Bang province capitalise on its tourism strengths to develop its socio-economy, while promoting friendship exchanges and mutual understanding of border localities of Việt Nam and China. — VNS