The waterfalls in Dalat are among the most beautiful natural attractions in Vietnam. From impressive cascades to gentle, multi-tiered falls, these waterfalls offer something for every nature lover.
Tips for visiting waterfalls in Dalat
Before we dive into the best waterfalls around Dalat, here are some useful tips to make the most of your visit:
Best season
The rainy season is the best time to visit, as the waterfalls are at their fullest. While some waterfalls are nice year-round, others become little more than a trickle during the dry season, so plan accordingly.
Getting around
- Rent a motorbike: Renting a motorbike is an affordable and convenient way to explore the waterfalls at your own pace.
- Easy Rider: For those who prefer not to drive, an Easy Rider tour provides a local guide who will take you on the back of a motorbike to the waterfalls and other sights.
- Car with driver: Hiring a car with a driver gives you the comfort and flexibility to visit several waterfalls and other attractions in one day.
Combine with other sights
Some waterfalls are quite far from Dalat city center, so it’s worth researching other nearby sights to make the trip more rewarding. A guide or Easy Rider can also help with this.
Bring cash
Many of the waterfalls have small entrance fees, and local vendors sell drinks, snacks, or meals near the falls. Since some waterfalls are remote, it’s best to bring cash with you, as card payments are usually not accepted.
Safety first
Always wear sturdy shoes, as paths to the waterfalls can be slippery and treacherous, especially after rain. Pay attention to any warning signs, especially when climbing or exploring around the waterfalls.
1. Pongour Waterfall
Pongour Waterfall is one of the most famous and picturesque waterfalls near Dalat. It is a multi-tiered waterfall, where water cascades down seven levels of terraced rock, creating a poetic and gentle scene. At 100 meters wide and 40 meters high, the falls offer a stunning backdrop of lush greenery and rocky formations, making it a popular spot for couples and those looking to enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature.
To visit Pongour, you’ll need to travel about 50 kilometers from Dalat, which takes around an hour by car or motorbike. The entrance fee is 10,000 VND, and you’ll find basic amenities such as food stalls and shaded areas for picnics. It’s best to visit in the middle of the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
2. Bao Dai waterfall
Named after Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai Waterfall is a hidden gem located in a remote part of the Central Highlands. This majestic waterfall stands at 70 meters high and over 100 meters wide, surrounded by dense jungle. The powerful cascade of water, crashing down volcanic rock, creates a dramatic and raw atmosphere. The area feels wild and untouched, making it an exciting destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Bao Dai Waterfall is about 50 kilometers south of Dalat, taking around an hour and a half to reach by car or motorbike. There’s no entrance fee, and the waterfall sees few visitors, especially during weekdays. If you’re looking for a peaceful and secluded waterfall, this is the perfect spot to visit, and it pairs well with a motorbike trip through the region.
3. Elephant waterfall
Elephant Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls near Dalat. Standing at over 30 meters high, the waterfall offers a powerful and dramatic display, with water crashing down onto large boulders below. The surrounding jungle and rocky terrain add to the wild atmosphere, making it one of the most thrilling waterfalls to visit in the area. Despite not being the tallest, its sheer force and the view from below make it feel much larger than it is.
Elephant Waterfall is located 30 kilometers from Dalat and is a popular stop for Easy Rider tours. The hike down to the falls can be challenging, as the path is often slippery and treacherous, especially with the spray from the waterfall. Entrance is free, and you’ll find a few local stalls and cafés near the entrance. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take care on the steep descent.
4. Prenn waterfall
Prenn Waterfall is one of the most accessible waterfalls near Dalat, located at the base of the Prenn Pass. It’s a charming waterfall surrounded by tall pine trees, and while not very large, it has a peaceful atmosphere. One of the unique aspects of Prenn is the pathway that allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall, offering a different perspective of the cascading water.
Prenn Waterfall is just 16 kilometers from Dalat, making it an easy stop for a short trip. The entrance fee is 20,000 VND. While the waterfall itself is lovely, the site has become quite commercialized, with canoe rides, cafés, and even a cable car. It’s a popular spot for local tourists, so if you prefer a quieter experience, visiting earlier in the day is recommended.
5. Datanla waterfall
Datanla Waterfall is a popular tourist spot located just 6 kilometers from Dalat’s city center. The waterfall itself is pretty, cascading down several levels, but what makes this site stand out are the activities around it. Visitors can ride a roller coaster down to the falls or participate in activities like abseiling, rafting, and canyoning. It’s a perfect spot for those looking for a mix of natural beauty and adventure.
The entrance fee to Datanla Waterfall is 10,000 VND, but additional fees apply for activities like the roller coaster and canyoning. Due to its proximity to Dalat, Datanla is often crowded, especially on weekends. If you’re seeking a peaceful experience, try visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.
6. Bo Bla waterfall
Bo Bla Waterfall is a hidden gem that has been largely forgotten by tourists. Set in a landscape of coffee plantations and surrounded by the Di Linh Massif, this 50-meter-high waterfall crashes down onto volcanic rocks, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene. While the site has fallen into disrepair with overgrown paths and abandoned picnic areas, this adds to its charm for those who prefer exploring less-developed, quiet spots.
Bo Bla Waterfall is about 80 kilometers southwest of Dalat, and there’s no entrance fee. The lack of visitors makes it an ideal place for a peaceful picnic by the water. While the infrastructure around the waterfall is in decline, the falls themselves are still powerful and worth the visit for those seeking solitude in nature.
7. Tiger waterfall
Tiger Waterfall, located deep in the pine forests just 15 kilometers east of Dalat, offers a peaceful and secluded experience. The waterfall, although not the tallest, has a gentle flow that creates a tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by trees and nature, it’s the perfect spot for those looking to escape the city and enjoy some quiet time in the natural surroundings. The unique diagonal flow of the water and the legend of the tiger cave nearby add an intriguing element to the visit.
To reach Tiger Waterfall, you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee of 10,000 VND. The area is relatively undeveloped, so don’t expect many tourist facilities. The quiet setting and gentle cascade make it one of the more peaceful waterfalls in the region, ideal for a relaxing day trip.
9. Dambri waterfall
Dambri Waterfall, one of the tallest in Lam Dong Province, is an impressive sight with a 70-meter drop into a large pool below. Surrounded by tropical trees, the waterfall has a majestic presence, but the surrounding area has been developed into a tourist attraction with swan boats, a mini roller coaster, and other activities. Despite the commercialization, the natural beauty of the falls remains undeniable, offering dramatic views from both in front and behind the water.
Located about 130 kilometers from Dalat, Dambri Waterfall is best visited as part of a longer trip. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND, making it the most expensive waterfall in the region, but the size and beauty of the falls make it worth the visit. To avoid the crowds, consider going on a weekday, as it can get busy on weekends and holidays.
10. Gougah waterfall
Once a powerful and majestic waterfall, Gougah has lost some of its former glory due to the construction of a nearby dam. Despite the reduced water flow, the waterfall still has a certain charm, with its wide rock formations and serene surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with its slightly abandoned appearance, gives it a unique and somewhat nostalgic feel. The jade-green water at the base adds a touch of beauty to the scene, although it can appear less appealing up close due to algae.
Gougah Waterfall is located about 35 kilometers south of Dalat, and there is no entrance fee. The site is relatively quiet and offers a peaceful setting for a picnic or walk. While the waterfall may not be as grand as others, it’s still worth visiting for those looking for a more secluded spot away from the tourist crowds.
10. Cam Ly waterfall
Cam Ly Waterfall, located just 2 kilometers from Dalat’s city center, was once a popular spot due to its proximity and natural beauty. Unfortunately, the waterfall has suffered from pollution, with sewage entering the water upstream, causing an unpleasant smell and visible foam at the base of the falls. While the surrounding area includes kitschy decorations like concrete animals and small tourist attractions, the condition of the water makes it a less appealing place to visit today.
The entrance fee to Cam Ly Waterfall is 10,000 VND. Given its current state, it’s not highly recommended unless you’re very close by and curious. For a more enjoyable waterfall experience, it’s worth traveling a bit further out to one of the other waterfalls in the region.
