The most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam are mainly spread in the Central Highlands (Dalat, Pleiku and Dak Lak) and in the northern provinces. In some waterfalls you can take a cool dip, while others provide beautiful picnic areas or ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. However, they are all worth a visit.
Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Vietnam
- Like most waterfalls in tropical countries, there is a period of low and high water levels depending on the season. If you want to see the waterfall in all its glory, visit the waterfall halfway or at the end of the rainy season. View the weather and best time to visit Vietnam here.
- Thac or thac nuoc means waterfall in Vietnamese.
1. Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc Waterfall is the most spectacular of all waterfalls in Vietnam. This huge waterfall has three levels and is separated by rocks and trees. Vietnam is on one side of the water and China is on the other. You can find them in the absolute north of the country in the province of Cao Bang. The Ban Gioc waterfall is 300 meters wide and 30 meters high. The water clatters down into the Quay Son River. The deep green colored water completes the picture.
2. K50 waterfall
You probably never heard of the K50 waterfall. Yet it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. However, to get there you have to walk through the jungle, a walk of almost a day, with zigzag paths and steep slopes. Unfortunately, there are no good visible trails to the waterfall and you can’t use Google Maps to find it. Before you go it is wise to arrange a trip with an organized tour. You can even do camping here in the middle of the jungle.
3. Pongour waterfall
Dalat is located in the mountains of Central Vietnam. It is a favorite holiday destination for the locals and besides many tea and coffee plantations, it has much more to offer. You will find several waterfalls. A 40 minute drive from the lovely mountain town of Dalat is the impressive Pongour waterfall. The amount of water is not huge but it is the terraced rock that makes the waterfall so beautiful. The Pongour waterfall is 40 meters high and spreads over 100 meters of 7 rock levels. According to legend, it was created by the fossilization of four rhinoceroses. At the foot of the waterfall you can take a swim. The waterfall is most impressive during the rainy season in the South Vietnamese region.
4. Dray Nur Waterfall
The Dray Nur and Dray Sap waterfalls are worth the trip from Buon Ma Thuot. They are almost next to each other. Dray Nur is the more impressive and beautiful of the two, so if you only have the time for one, opt for this one. It is about 250 meters long and 30 meters high.
5. Bao Dai Waterfall
The Bao Dai Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Vietnam, but because they are very far from the beaten track, they are rarely visited. These huge, thundering waterfalls are not touristy and the area has only recently been more developed. So far, the development has been subtle and tasteful without the kitschy statues you find in many other places. Stone steps and paths through crag lead to the waterfall.
6. Phu Cuong Waterfall
Phu Cuong waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation with water sliding over the red rocks and dropping down 38 meters. The sight is truly breathtaking, and what’s even more impressive is that this waterfall is completely off the tourist radar; it remains natural, without the restaurants and shops that so many other places of interest in Vietnam have.
7. Love Waterfall
There are a number of waterfalls in Sapa that you can visit. The best known is Thac Bac, also called the Silver Waterfall and one of the most famous waterfalls in Vietnam. But the most impressive in the Love Waterfall. Both waterfalls are located along the same road and although the Love Waterfall is more impressive, it is less visited. That’s because before the waterfall you first have to take a walk through the forest. There is a good chance that for that reason you have the waterfall all to yourself. During the warm summer months it is also recommended to go swimming here. You can combine a visit to this attraction with the impressive Tram Ton Pass.
8. Elephant waterfall
One of the most famous waterfalls in Dalat is the Elephant Falls. The cool thing is that you can get very close, you have to do some climbing and clambering. Take into account wet slippery stones, but if you have climbed over the rocks you are very close. You have a beautiful view and feel the water droplets on your skin.
9. Ba Ho Waterfall
Ba Ho Waterfall is a lovely, peaceful place to relax and a fun day out from Nha Trang. The. Yang Bay waterfall consists of several layers that you can climb and ends in a lake where you can swim. A challenging 15-minute trek takes you past the first of three natural waterfalls, converging in a lake and surrounded by densely forested landscape. This place is also popular for rock jumping. There are facilities such as restaurants for a snack and a drink. It is nice to drive there yourself with a scooter. The road passes through densely forested hills, rice fields and sleepy villages.
10. Dambri waterfall
Dambri is 130 km from Dalat, making it possible to visit in a day trip. This impressive waterfall is considered by some to be the highest in the province. Clear, cold water flows from the mountains of the Central Highlands and plunges over a 70-meter rocky slope into a large pool before flowing down the valley via a series of gentler, terraced waterfalls. You don’t have to worry about which season you come here. The water rushes down all year round. The waterfall is extremely popular with local tourists and so it can get very crowded on the weekends. Try to plan a visit during the week.
