There is nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment and awe of seeing a waterfall after a long and tiring hike. It’s like the reward at the end of the journey that could wash away all your fatigue.
We’re all familiar with popular spots like Niagara Falls and Yosemite Falls. However, we’ve got you covered if you’re looking for more.
1. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
As one of the seven wonders of the world, Victoria Falls will envelop you with the sound of thundering water and drown out all your thoughts.
This waterfall, located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is home to the world’s largest sheet of falling water — twice the height of Niagara Falls.
2. Detian Falls, Vietnam & China
For a scene straight out of an ancient Chinese drama, Detian Falls is the perfect spot to fall in love. Detian Falls, also known as “Virtuous Heaven Waterfall,” offers a three-tier waterfall with water cascading gracefully between the borders of Vietnam and China.
Among the Vietnamese, the waterfall is called Ban Gioc Waterfall, so don’t get confused.
3. Dudhsagar Falls, India
Nicknamed “Sea of Milk,” Dudhsagar Falls is one of India’s tallest waterfalls at over 1,000 feet. The nickname comes from the white and milky illusion the water creates by cascading down at high speed and force.
The waterfall is located within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary in Goa, which is open for all to visit.
4. Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia
If you’re searching for stunningly clear blue waters, look no further than Plitvice Waterfalls in Croatia. As one of Croatia’s largest and oldest national parks, this waterfall is a protected UNESCO heritage site.
The waterfall comprises 16 karstic lakes and several mineral-rich waterfalls in varying shapes and sizes. The rushing water has carved out pools and formations in the landscape, making it unique and breathtaking.
5. Khone Phapheng Falls, Laos
Here lies the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and the widest waterfall in the world. The Khone Phapheng Falls, or Chutes de Kones, is populated by thousands of small islands and measures up to 10,782 meters across.
Aside from all these impressive feats, it is home to multiple rare and endangered species.
6. Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil
Speaking of large, this time, we have the largest waterfall in the world — Iguazu Falls split between the borders of Argentina and Brazil.
The waterfall comprises an impressive 275 waterfalls and cataracts with a lush rainforest on either side. It stretches about 2.7 kilometers wide and plunges down for around 70 meters.
7. Tegenungan Waterfall, Bali
Bali is well known for its beautiful scenic beaches. Even so, the Tegenungan Waterfall is a refreshing and enchanting spot that will leave you with great memories. It is an isolated waterfall located in the art village of Ubud, surrounded by lush greenery.
There’s an overlook at the top, and you can take a dip at the bottom.
8. Gullfoss Falls, Iceland
This name translates to Golden Falls, which refers to the glacial sediment in the water that glimmers like gold in the sun. Gullfoss Falls is breathtaking in the wintertime, too, with its snowy banks making the scene look like a winter wonderland.
The waterfall flows down three steps before plunging into the rushing water below. The best part is that it can be viewed from numerous equally stunning angles.
9. Weeping Wall, Kauai, USA
The Weeping Wall in Kauai offers a different kind of waterfall that we don’t commonly see. Here, several narrow waterfalls rush down the lush mountain of Mount Waialeale.
The waterfalls look like tears streaming down the mountain, hence its name. Additionally, this is one of the wettest places on Earth, and the top of the waterfall is usually covered in clouds.
10. Agrio Falls, Argentina
If you’re looking for a feast of contrasting colors, head to Agrio Falls in Argentina. The water is a vibrant green due to all the minerals, while its surrounding volcanic rocks are bright orange and red.
There are three viewing points, and the best time to visit is in the mornings when the sun hits the water just right, and you can spot some rainbow flashes.
11. Sutherland Falls, New Zealand
Another super tall waterfall, Sutherland Falls, looms high above at 580 meters and is the tallest waterfall in New Zealand. It might be challenging to get to, as you’ll have to trek through the jungle for around four days to get to it — or take a flight.
The simplicity of the waterfall is what makes it beautiful, with a clear pool above and a powerful stream flowing through three cascades downwards.
12. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world at 979 meters. That’s almost 15 times taller than Niagara Falls. It’s a UNESCO-protected site located in Canaima National Park.
The water from the Churun River flows in a free-fall drop over the mountain’s edge and into the rapids below. Getting to this location takes a flight or a boat ride, but it is definitely worthwhile.
13. Kawasan Falls, Philippines
Three waterfalls cascade into natural blue lagoons and swimming holes to create the stunning Kawasan Falls. It may take a 3-hour car ride from the Cebu city center, but the gleaming turquoise waters are worth the effort.
If you want a more fulfilling experience, take part in jungle trekking and waterfall activities.
14. Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA
Again, it might be challenging to get to Havasu Falls, but nothing worth having ever comes easy. The falls are located in a remote area of the Havasu Canyon protected by the Havasupai Tribe.
Water rushes into a bright turquoise pool contrasted by the red rock of the mountains surrounding it. To visit the falls, you must make a reservation and stay at least one night at the canyon’s campground. It’s a 10-mile hike to the waterfall, and access is limited to a certain number of people.