Nho Que River & Tu San Canyon
Sông Nho Quế / Hẻm Tu Sản
Boats leave from the foot of Ma Pi Leng and sail into the Tu San Canyon, one of the deepest in Southeast Asia, with cliffs hundreds of meters high on both sides and jade-green water.
The Nho Que River (Sông Nho Quế) rises in Yunnan, China. After flowing into Vietnam, it has carved the deep Tu San Canyon (Hẻm Tu Sản) below Ma Pi Leng Pass. The canyon is about 700 to 900 meters deep and is considered one of the deepest canyons in Southeast Asia. The 'emerald ribbon' seen from the pass is this stretch of river. The boat pier lies at the foot of Ma Pi Leng. From the pass, a steep, narrow path descends to it (about 20 to 30 minutes by bike or hired car, or about 1 hour on foot). Small boats then travel upstream into the canyon, with a round trip of about 1 to 1.5 hours. Vertical limestone cliffs rise on both sides, the water is calm and green, and the boatman stops at a small sandbar along the way for photos. A boat ticket costs about 150,000 to 200,000 Vietnamese dong per person (check the posted prices at the pier). Note: a hydroelectric dam downstream means the water level and color change with the seasons. Boats may be suspended during the rainy season or when water is released upstream. The mountain path down to the pier is steep and narrow, so an experienced driver is recommended. Wear life jackets on board.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Ma Pi Leng Pass
- Meo Vac Market
- Dong Van Old Quarter
- Khau Vai Love Market
- Vuong Family Palace
- Lung Cu Flag Tower
- Lo Lo Chai Village
- Lung Cam Cultural Village