The world’s most Instagrammable border crossings, the only zip line that crosses a frontier, and the countries divided by waterfalls

From Niagara Falls to the jagged peaks of Zakopane, Poland, to Patagonia, many international borders are in areas of outstanding natural beauty

There’s only one frontier you can traverse by zip line – that between Spain and Portugal – don’t worry, you won’t need to show a passport as you whizz across

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The Ban Gioc waterfall sits on the border between Vietnam and China. It’s one of several frontier waterfalls in the world. Photo: Shutterstock

Tim Pile

Published: 7:15pm, 10 Feb 2023

International borders are often in areas of outstanding beauty, which is hardly surprising when you consider how many are defined by natural features.

Rivers make up 23 per cent of all frontiers and snow-capped mountain ranges are another effective way of separating nation states. Deserts also play a demarcating role, as do lakes and forests.

A handful of countries are divided by waterfalls (rivers again, admittedly), others by man-made structures such as airport runways and walls, although, the Great Wall of China aside, border fortifications aren’t always known for their aesthetic appeal.

Here are some of the most scenic international borders. Bear in mind that photography is usually forbidden but, after completing passport formalities, allow some time to explore the area before rushing off to your next destination.

Sunset over the Mekong River at Nong Khai in northeastern Thailand. Photo: Getty Images

Rivers

Wouldn’t it be great to skip immigration lines entirely and hurtle between two countries in less than 60 seconds? Adrenaline junkies reach speeds of up to 70km/h as they whizz along the world’s only cross-border zip line, enjoying bird’s-eye views of the Guadiana River, which forms the boundary between Spain and Portugal.