Da Lat is not only famous for its cool year-round climate, vast pine forests, perfectly different landscapes, and stunning waterfalls and blooming flowers at every corner. This could leaves a great impression on every traveler. Here at Vietnamese Motorbike Tours we are listing 5 of the most beautiful waterfalls in Da Lat, suitable for motorcycle ride, so, if you’re riding around the central highlands, this is an opportunity to choose one and or a few of them to visit and swim.
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1. Pongour Waterfall
Pongour Waterfall is located 45 km south of Da Lat city, along National Highway 20 on the route to Saigon. Although the waterfall does not have a large volume of water, its beauty lies in the unique rock terraces that shape its cascading flow. The waterfall is 40 meters high and stretches more than 100 meters across seven rock tiers.
According to my research on local articles, the waterfall was formed from the fossilization of four rhinoceroses. At the foot of the falls, visitors can swim and enjoy the pristine natural surroundings and cool, clear water.
Pongour is one of the most famous waterfalls in Lam Dong Province. It is loved and frequently visited by locals. As a result, the site has been developed to accommodate large numbers of visitors. However, unlike many other popular waterfalls, Pongour has been developed in an elegant way. Wide gravel paths and stairways lead through lush ornamental gardens, creating a pleasant and natural atmosphere.
There are two ways to reach the waterfall
A gently sloping dirt path with a few steps, or a long and steep staircase. At the entrance, dozens of souvenir stalls and food vendors are selling some items. After the walk from the ticket counter, many people appreciate the opportunity to relax with a refreshing drink available on site.
The vast basin beneath the waterfall was once filled by the waters of the Da Nhim River. Today, however, its flow is regulated by the Da Nhim Dam, which can be seen from National Highway 20, about 10 km east of Pongour Waterfall. Unfortunately, this has also affected the waterfall’s grandeur. The water flows over a rock wall measuring 100 meters wide and 40 meters high, cascading down seven distinct stone terraces before reaching the large pool below.
The waterfall remains beautiful, although the reduced water flow has diminished some of its power and majesty. Rather than describing Pongour as “impressive,” many would call it “poetic.” Its gentle flow resembles the soft strands of a young woman’s hair drifting gracefully in a light breeze.
2. Damb’ri Waterfall
Dambri Waterfall is located about 130 km from Da Lat, making it possible to visit and return in a single day (Or for a weekend ride out of Dalat). This impressive waterfall is considered by some to be the tallest in Vietnam. Crystal-clear, icy water flows from the mountains and forests of the Central Highlands, plunging down a 70-meter rock face into a large pool before continuing into the valley through a series of smaller terraced cascades below. No matter what time of year you visit, the waterfall maintains a powerful flow throughout the year. Dambri is extremely popular with domestic tourists, which means it can become quite crowded on weekends. For a more enjoyable experience, it is best to plan your visit on a weekday.
Although it has been developed into a well-known tourist park, Dambri Waterfall still offers a magnificent display of natural beauty. To reach the waterfall from the Dambri Tourist Area, visitors must walk a considerable distance from the entrance gate.
There are three ways to access the waterfall. The first is by climbing 138 steps, the second is by taking the elevator, and the third offers the most excitement by using the alpine coaster. One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Dambri is relaxing in the peaceful natural surroundings, listening to the roar of the falling water, and watching it cascade over the cliff into a large pool before descending through a series of lower terraces into the valley below.
Dambri Waterfall is at its most beautiful on sunny days. During these times, visitors can clearly see the mist created by the water as it crashes down from above. If you are lucky, you may even catch sight of a rainbow. The lush green forest, white water spray, and colorful rainbow combine to create a truly picturesque scene. In addition, the area is blessed with a primeval forest filled with towering tropical trees and ancient cypress species, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Beneath the third tier of the waterfall, visitors can also find a fossilized plant cave. When exploring the area, take care on the moss-covered rocks, which can be slippery.
The name “Dambri” is associated with a legendary love story from long ago. A beautiful young woman named Bri fell in love with Kdam, a brave young man. However, they were unable to marry because of the differences and conflicts between the two tribes in which they lived. Heartbroken by the situation, Kdam left his village and disappeared into the forest. Soon afterward, Bri left her home and began searching for him. Despite spending months traveling through forests and streams, she was unable to find the man she loved. She eventually returned to the forest near her village, hoping that Kdam would come back to see her. However, there was no news of him, and he never returned. Bri continued to wait and weep until the day she died. According to the legend, her body turned to stone, while her tears continued to flow endlessly over the rocks. These tears eventually formed a waterfall, which was named Dambri, combining the names of the two lovers in remembrance of their story.
In the K’Ho language, Dambri also means “waiting.” Deeply moved by the sincere love of Kdam and Bri, the people of the two tribes eventually regretted their division and reconciled with one another. From that time onward, they allowed their children to marry whomever they chose.
3. Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi)
Elephant Waterfall, locally known as the Thác Voi, is one of the most famous waterfalls in Da Lat. One of its most remarkable features is how close visitors can get to the falls. By climbing down the rocky steps, you can experience the power, thunderous sound, and grandeur of the waterfall up close. Be careful, as the rocks are slippery and covered with moss. However, once you make your way across them, you will be rewarded with the waterfall’s raw beauty, dramatic scenery, and the refreshing spray of cool water against your skin.
The waterfall is known as Elephant Waterfall because, when viewed from its base, the large moss-covered rocks beside the cascading water resemble elephants gathering to drink.
Elephant Waterfall is located about 22 km southwest of Da Lat, in Nam Ban Town. It can be reached by motorbike or car. If you would like to discover Da Lat’s hidden beauty and some of its lesser-known attractions, consider to visit this falls if you’re riding the Ho Chi Minh trail motorbike tours passing by Bao Lac and Danang area. This experience offers an opportunity to explore the unique landscapes and fascinating sights of Da Lat and its surrounding areas.
4. Datanla Waterfall
Datanla Waterfall is located on Prenn Pass, surrounded by vast pine forests, approximately 8 km from Da Lat city center. More than just a waterfall, Datanla is a nature-based adventure park that offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities. The waterfall consists of three tiers, which visitors can access either by walking along the trails or by taking the alpine coaster between levels.
In addition, the area serves as a hub for adventure activities such as canyoning, kayaking, and high-rope courses. Datanla may not be the largest or most spectacular waterfall in Vietnam, but it possesses a unique character that sets it apart. The name “Datanla” means “water beneath the leaves” in an ancient dialect of the Chill people of Da Lat. Even today, Datanla retains its charm as a small natural gem, quietly hidden within the depths of the forest.
5. Prenn waterfall
Prenn Waterfall is also not that far from the center of Dalat, it’s just 15km. From a distance, the waterfall resembles a curtain of water cascading from a height of 10 meters into a small valley surrounded by flowers and pine-covered hills.
The waterfall itself drops approximately 8 meters from an elevated rock formation. As a result, visitors standing at its base often feel as though the water is descending directly from the sky. During a visit to Prenn Waterfall, guests can walk along the bridge beneath the falls to admire their beauty and grandeur from a unique perspective. In addition, the site offers opportunities to observe wildlife, including bears, crocodiles, and other rare animal species.
Visitors can also ride ostriches or elephants to explore the surrounding tropical forests and traditional Rong houses, which are characteristic of the ethnic communities of the Da Lat Highlands.
Conclusion: 5 waterfalls to see around Dalat, Vietnam
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into Da Lat and useful information for your journey through this not to be missed destination. When visiting the City of a thousand flowers, be sure to take the opportunity to ride around the highlands and visit these stunning waterfalls on a motorcycle, whether a weekend ride or a ride to continue your motorbike adventure in Vietnam.
