Elephant Waterfall – A Wild Cascade Near Da Lat, Vietnam
Discover Elephant Waterfall Vietnam near Da Lat — a wild, powerful cascade tucked in the highlands, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Tucked into the lush highlands of central Vietnam, Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi in Vietnamese) is a thunderous natural wonder just 30 kilometers southwest of Da Lat in Nam Ban village, Lam Dong Province. At 40 meters high and 20 meters wide, it’s one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the region — and yet, it still feels like a secret waiting to be discovered.
🐘 Why Is It Called Elephant Waterfall?
Local legend says a herd of elephants once mourned here, their cries echoing through the valley after their master went off to war and never returned. Over time, their spirits became part of the roaring water. Others say the name comes from elephant-shaped rocks nestled at the base of the falls. Either way, there’s something deeply powerful — and haunting — in the air.
🌊 What Makes Elephant Waterfall Special?
Unlike the manicured parks of Da Lat, this waterfall is wild and untamed. The path down is steep and slippery, carved between giant boulders and root-tangled steps. There’s no safety rail — just the earthy scent of wet moss, the thunder of falling water, and mist that clings to your skin.
You don’t just view Elephant Waterfall — you feel it. The roar, the spray, the raw energy tumbling from the jungle above.
🧗 How to Get to Elephant Waterfall
From Da Lat, it’s a scenic 45-minute drive through pine forests, flower farms, and coffee plantations. You can get there by:
- Motorbike (rent one in Da Lat for the day)
- Private taxi or Grab
- On a day tour that also visits nearby attractions like Linh An Pagoda and local coffee farms
Once you arrive, there’s a small entrance fee (about 20,000 VND), and a short hike down to the base — but wear good shoes, it gets slippery!
🕍 Don’t Miss: Linh An Pagoda
Right next to the waterfall is the Linh An Pagoda, home to a massive 30-meter tall Happy Buddha statue and a stunning viewpoint overlooking the falls. The peaceful vibe of the temple makes a perfect contrast to the wild energy of the water.
☕ What to Do Nearby
- Sip local coffee: The area is full of family-run cafes serving silky Vietnamese coffee with views of misty hills.
- Visit a weasel coffee farm: Learn about the production of cà phê chồn (civet coffee).
- Explore the countryside: Combine the trip with nearby sights like the Pongour Waterfall or Elephant Valley Trek.
- Visit Pongour Waterfall
🌞 Best Time to Visit
Dry season (November–April) gives you easier access and safer trails, while the rainy season (May–October) offers dramatic water flow, but also slippery conditions. Go in the morning for the best light — and fewer tourists.
📸 Photography Tips
- Bring a waterproof cover — the spray is real!
- Wide-angle shots work best to capture the full height.
- For a moody jungle vibe, shoot from the trail down through the foliage.
- Don’t miss the view from under the rocks, where the water roars just above your head.
💡 Travel Tips for Elephant Waterfall
- Wear sturdy shoes — the rocks are wet and mossy.
- Bring a poncho or quick-dry clothes if you want to get close.
- Don’t climb beyond the marked paths — accidents have happened here.
- Combine with a trip to Cam Ly or Pongour Falls for a full waterfall-hopping day.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Elephant Waterfall isn’t polished. It’s raw, untamed, and absolutely magnificent — a place where nature roars and legends linger in the mist. If you’re staying in Da Lat and want to experience a bit of Vietnam’s wild soul, this waterfall is a must.
