Dalat Waterfalls: Where to See the Top Ten Falls

Dalat waterfalls are a prominent reason many travellers add this Central Highlands town to their Vietnam itinerary. This guide outlines the ten main falls around Dalat, summarises what to expect at each site, and provides practical advice on getting there and staying safe.

What Dalat waterfalls are and background

The area around Dalat in Lam Dong province contains a concentration of waterfalls fed by upland rivers and forest streams. Some lie within a few kilometres of the city while others are located a long drive into mountain forest; the falls differ markedly in height, setting and levels of tourist infrastructure.

Local names and histories are part of the appeal: a few falls carry traditional or royal associations, and others have small legends attached to their origins. Visitors report that the character of each site ranges from heavily developed picnic areas and rides to largely undeveloped forest clearings where access requires a rough track.

Key features and highlights of the top falls

Below are concise notes on the ten waterfalls most often mentioned in Dalat guides. Where available, reported entrance fees, opening hours, heights and distances from Dalat are included so you can compare options before you travel.

• Prenn Waterfall – Reported entrance fee: 40,000 VND (adult) / 20,000 VND (child). Opening hours are typically listed from 07:30 to 17:00. The fall sits by Prenn Pass and is among the most accessible and developed sites; a concrete walkway behind the drop is a distinctive feature.
• Pongour (Seven Cascades) – Reported entrance fee: 20,000 VND (adult) / 10,000 VND (child). Opening hours usually 07:30–17:00. Pongour is frequently described as large: roughly 40 m high and 100 m across, with multiple tiers formed where the river descends.
• Cam Ly Waterfall – Reported entrance fee: 10,000 VND per person; reported opening hours 06:30–17:30. Located only about 2 km from Dalat’s centre, this is a low (≈10 m) cascade within easy reach of the city.
• Elephant Waterfall – Height and width are reported at about 30 m and 40 m respectively. Situated near Nam Ban village, roughly 30 km from Dalat, this fall remains relatively natural and can be viewed from both upper and lower vantage points.
• Datanla Waterfalls – Reported entrance fee: 50,000 VND (adult) / 25,000 VND (child); typical opening hours 07:00–17:00. About 6 km from the city, Datanla is known for a range of on-site activities (such as an alpine coaster) that are priced separately from the entry fee.
• Dambri Waterfall – Reported entrance fee: 200,000 VND (adult) / 100,000 VND (child); opening hours commonly 06:00–17:00. At approximately 70 m high and set within a large forest reserve, Dambri lies about 130 km from Dalat and is a major domestic tourism attraction.
• Tiger Cave Waterfall (Thác Hang Cọp) – Reported as free to access. The drop is reported around 25 m high and 10 m wide. Located inside a pine forest area, the site was previously developed for tourism but is now described by visitors as quieter.
• Jraiblian / Bao Dai Waterfall – Reported as free to access. Often described at roughly 70 m high and 100 m wide, this fall sits about 50 km from Dalat within Ta In forest and is linked in guides with historical visits by the Bao Dai era royalty.
• Pang Tieng Waterfall – Reported as free to access. Located some 25 km north of Dalat, Pang Tieng is described as a seven-tier fall reached after several kilometres on a red dirt road and steep slopes.
• Bo Bla Waterfall – Reported as free to access. Positioned about 80 km southwest on Highway 20, Bo Bla was once a popular stop but is now described as less maintained and quieter than other falls.

These characteristics mean the falls suit very different visitor expectations: some are family-friendly with amenities and extra activities, while others are best for visitors prepared for basic parking areas and short hikes.

Practical tips for visiting Dalat waterfalls

Getting to several of these falls is straightforward from Dalat: Datanla and Cam Ly are within a short drive of the city, while other sites require a longer transfer by car or motorbike. Many travellers choose to rent a bike or scooter for regional travel; for guidance on legal and safety considerations when using two wheels in Vietnam, see our renting a motorbike resource.

Prepare for changing ground conditions: trails and viewing platforms can be slippery when wet and some sites (for example Pang Tieng) involve unpaved roads. Reported opening hours and entrance fees vary between sites, so it is wise to confirm current conditions locally before travelling. At activity-oriented locations such as Datanla and Dambri, note that some rides and services are charged separately from the gate fee.

• Wear sturdy shoes with grip for wet rocks and steps.
• Carry water, insect repellent and a rain layer—mountain weather can change quickly.
• Visit Dambri on weekdays to avoid local weekend crowds, according to reports.
• If planning multiple stops, factor in transfer times: some falls are 30–130 km away from the city.

Cultural context and local stories

Several falls have local legends or historical associations that contribute to their identity. For instance, one account links Dambri’s formation to a folktale about a woman’s long grief, while Jraiblian is sometimes referred to as Bao Dai Waterfall because of recorded royal visits in the past.

Smaller falls close to town are often woven into village life and day-to-day recreation, whereas remote falls retain stronger ties to ethnic minority areas and forest traditions. Visitors report respectful behaviour—keeping noise low and taking rubbish with you—helps maintain these sites for local communities and for other visitors.

Who Dalat waterfalls suit

There are options for a broad range of travellers. Families and visitors seeking convenience tend to choose Prenn, Cam Ly or the developed areas at Datanla and Dambri. Hikers, photographers and people who appreciate quieter natural scenes usually prefer the more remote falls such as Pang Tieng, Bo Bla and Elephant Waterfall.

If you prefer structured arrangements, guided or private transfers can simplify logistics, especially for distant or multiple stops. For planning tips and typical inclusions of organised trips, see our page on private tours.

• Families: choose developed sites with facilities and shorter walks.
• Active travellers: select falls with trails and multi-tier climbs.
• Budget-conscious visitors: free-access falls and local buses can reduce costs—see our article on budget travel for broader tips.

Comparisons and alternatives

Choosing among Dalat’s waterfalls often comes down to distance, degree of development and whether you want activities on site. The table below highlights a few practical points to help decide which falls match your time and mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Dalat waterfalls?

Visitors report that the rainy season increases water flow and can make falls more impressive, but wet conditions also make paths slippery and some rural roads muddy. If you need climate-specific advice for a particular month, see regional weather guides for Dalat.

Are swimming and getting close to the falls allowed?

Policies vary by site. Some falls have shallow pools where visitors bathe, while developed attractions may restrict access for safety. Always follow on-site signs and staff instructions and be cautious of strong currents near larger drops.

Can I reach the falls by public transport?

Some sites are reachable by local bus or taxi; others require private transport or a motorbike. Remote falls often involve unpaved roads where a private vehicle or organised transfer is more practical.

Do entrance fees cover activities at the site?

At several locations, entry charges cover only access. Activities such as coasters, boat rides or elevators are typically priced separately. Check local information at each site for exact inclusions.

Are the waterfalls suitable for children?

Many of the closer, developed falls are family friendly, but parents should supervise children around steps, wet rocks and pools. Remote sites with steep trails are less suitable for very young children.