What is Elephant Springs (Suoi Voi)?
Elephant Springs, known locally as Suoi Voi, is a series of small waterfalls and clear rock pools set in the jungle foothills of Bach Ma National Park. Cool mountain water flows over smooth boulders, creating natural swimming spots shaded by trees. The site takes its name from a large rock shaped like an elephant, which you can spot near the main pool.
While the area feels natural, it has been lightly developed with rustic bamboo huts, simple food stalls, and shaded seating areas where you can relax between swims. It’s not a water park — just a laid-back spot where you can enjoy the forest, fresh water, and a slower pace. Elephant Springs is a popular stop on Easy Rider tours between Hoi An and Hue, and on weekends it draws groups of local youth escaping the city for a few hours of swimming and picnicking.
Entrance & Parking
There’s an official entrance fee of 15,000 VND per person, but several travelers report being charged around 50,000 VND if visiting independently as a foreign tourist. If you go with a local guide or as part of a tour, you’ll usually pay the local rate. Parking for motorbikes is about 5,000 VND.
Swimming and Relaxing
Elephant Springs stretches for around 500 meters, with several natural pools linked by small cascades and surrounded by flat rocks perfect for sunbathing. The highlight is Elephant Pool, the deepest section at about 3 meters, set between two waterfalls. From here, you can climb onto large boulders and jump into the clear water below.
If you explore upstream or downstream, you’ll find shallower pools that are quieter and often more private. Weekdays tend to be peaceful, while weekends can be lively with music, laughter, and picnics from local groups. Facilities are basic but useful — small changing booths are available for a fee, and nearby stalls sell simple meals like grilled chicken with rice along with cold drinks.
How to get to Elephant Springs
Elephant Springs is rarely a standalone destination — most travelers visit as part of a scenic journey between Hue and Hoi An or Da Nang, often combined with the Hai Van Pass and other coastal or mountain stops.
By motorbike
From Hue, head south on Highway 1 (QL1A) for about 60 km; from Da Nang, it’s around 50 km heading north. Watch for the roadside kilometer markers — the turn-off is near the Da Nang 52 km marker (or P.Bai 44 km if coming from the other direction). A small, easy-to-miss road leads about 4 km into the forest to reach the springs.
Easy Rider tours
A popular choice for those riding pillion, Easy Rider tours between Hue and Hoi An usually include Elephant Springs along with other scenic and cultural stops. It’s a convenient way to visit without worrying about navigation.
Hoi An – Hue Easy Rider Tour
- Highlight Ride the Hai Van Pass with stops at Lang Co Beach and Lap An Lagoon.
- Includes English-speaking Easy Rider, Marble Mountain visit, and lunch provided.
Jeep tours
For a more open-air experience, jeep tours drive the Hai Van Pass and make a detour to Elephant Springs. This option offers both comfort and unobstructed views of the coastal scenery.
Military Jeep Hai Van Pass Tour
- Highlight Drive a vintage U.S. Army jeep across Hai Van Pass with scenic stops.
- Includes Private itinerary with village visit, Lang Co lunch, and Marble Mountain exploration.
Car sightseeing transfer
Private car transfers can be arranged with flexible itineraries, allowing you to visit Elephant Springs alongside other highlights between Hue and Hoi An or Da Nang. It’s the most comfortable option if you prefer air-conditioning and door-to-door service.
Sightseeing transfer by private car
- Highlight Scenic drive over Hai Van Pass with stops at Marble Mountains and Lang Co Beach.
- Includes Private car transfer with flexible pick-up and drop-off options.
Other sights near Elephant Springs
If you’re traveling independently, Elephant Springs can easily be combined with other scenic stops between Hue and Hoi An/Da Nang. Many tours and sightseeing transfers already include these highlights:
- Lang Co Beach – A long stretch of white sand backed by palm trees and fishing boats, ideal for a quick swim or seafood lunch.
- Lap An Lagoon – A tranquil lagoon framed by mountains, best visited at low tide for photogenic sandbars and mirror-like reflections.
- Hai Van Pass – One of Vietnam’s most famous roads, winding over a mountain ridge with sweeping ocean and bay views.
Tips for visiting Elephant Springs
What to Bring
Pack swimwear, a towel, and some snacks or drinks, as facilities are basic and food stalls may not always be open on quiet days. If you’re on a sightseeing tour without access to your luggage, make sure to keep these items in a separate day bag.
Atmosphere & Noise
On weekends and public holidays, expect a lively atmosphere with groups of local youth swimming, picnicking, and playing loud music. If you’re visiting as part of a fixed-route transfer, it’s hard to plan around this — but it’s part of the local experience.
Is Elephant Springs worth visiting?
Elephant Springs isn’t Vietnam’s most spectacular waterfall, but it’s a refreshing and fun stop if you enjoy swimming in a natural setting. On a hot day, the cool forest pools are a welcome break from the road, especially when combined with other sights along the route. If the weather is cooler or rainy, you might skip the swim — but the forest location and short detour off the highway still make it a pleasant stop on the journey between Hue and Hoi An or Da Nang.
