Elephant Waterfall, or Lieng Rơwoa Waterfall as it’s called by the locals, is one of the most majestic waterfalls in the Lam Ha – Da Lat region. It attracts visitors with its pristine beauty, the powerful sound of the waterfall, and the characteristic mountain and forest landscape of the Central Highlands.
Introduction to Elephant Waterfall
Acting as a rather distant suburb of Da Lat city, with a distance of approximately 25km, the Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi) is an especially majestic natural sight. The falling water with a height of nearly 30 meters creates a grand waterfall with a mist veil covering all surroundings, making everything mysterious. In contrast to the romantic Da Lat, the Elephant Waterfall shows an especially wild side of the highlands.
Trekking to the bottom of the waterfall definitely makes Elephant Waterfall a memorable one. It is not simply a visit to a waterfall but a whole experience in itself, with tourists getting to walk along stone steps, over mossy cliffs, and through trails with lush vegetation, culminating in a secret cave behind the waterfall. A visit to Elephant Waterfall is an unmissable experience for someone seeking a connection with nature, which can be impossible in a busy tourist resort such as Da Lat.
History and a Sad Legend of the Elephant Waterfall
Elephant Waterfall was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity in the Central Highlands. The K’Ho (Co Ho) ethnic people, who have lived around this area for generations, consider the waterfall a sacred place.
According to the K’Ho legend, there was a beautiful girl named Prenn waiting for her lover, who went to war and never returned. Out of compassion, the heavens sent a herd of Jơ Lăng elephants to sing and comfort her. When she died, the elephants turned to stone beside the waterfall to forever guard her soul. Therefore, the locals call this place Elephant Waterfall and still hold an annual ceremony to worship the water god.
Top 3 Iconic Attractions in Elephant Waterfall
Elephant Waterfall is famous not only for its tall and powerful waterfall amidst the mountains and forests of Lam Ha, but also for the unique ecosystem of attractions surrounding it. Each stop has a different character, making a trip here always full of experiences and unlike anywhere else in Da Lat.
Panoramic Viewpoint of Elephant Waterfall
This is the first stop and also the best place to admire the beauty of the Elephant Waterfall. From this vantage point, the waterfall appears vast, with its white water cascading powerfully down into the valley below. The powerful sound, combined with the cool, refreshing mist, creates a feeling of being surrounded by vibrant nature. On sunny days, you might even spot a gentle rainbow appearing right in front of you.
The Mysterious Bat Cave (Hang Doi)
Bat Cave is located near the base of the waterfall, a short distance from the main entrance. The interior is relatively dark and damp, with a natural, rocky forest scent that truly befits a pristine cave. The name “Bat Cave” is from the fact that it was once home to many small bat species, although their numbers have declined.
The appeal of Bat Cave lies not in its size, but in the sense of discovery: a narrow passage leads deep into the rock, and the echoing sound of the waterfall creates a mysterious atmosphere. Looking out from inside, the waterfall appears through the crevices in the rocks like a moving white curtain, both strange and beautiful.
Linh An Pagoda & Giant Guan Yin Statue
Located just a few minutes walk from the waterfall, Linh An Pagoda is a prominent spiritual destination in the Nam Ban region. The pagoda grounds are spacious and tranquil, most notably featuring a 71-meter-tall statue of Quan Am (Guan Yin), which is considered one of the largest statues in the Central Highlands. More than just a place of worship, the pagoda also offers an ideal resting place after exploring the waterfall, providing a balance between nature and culture.
7 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss at Elephant Waterfall
Despite Elephant Waterfall’s lack of development, tourists can enjoy a variety of interesting activities. Here are some of the unforgettable things you should do while you’re there.
Climbing to the Top of the Waterfall and Check in
The area above the waterfall is the ideal starting point. From here, you can see the entire cascading white water flowing down into the valley and clearly feel the power of nature. Morning is the most beautiful time, when sunlight pierces through the mist, creating a soft and very photogenic light. Taking photos from the top of the Elephant Waterfall is considered one of the best things to do when visiting Da Lat.
Climbing the Natural Stone Steps Down to the Waterfall
The path down to the waterfall is made up of moss-covered stone steps. The path is a bit slippery, but if you walk slowly and steadily, you’ll easily reach the bottom. At the foot of the waterfall, the strong wind and mist create a vibrant atmosphere, allowing you to fully appreciate the area’s lively energy.
Exploring the Mysterious Bat Cave
The Bat Cave (Hang Doi) is an interesting and unusual place at the base of the waterfall. It is dark and wet inside, but as you travel further into the cave, you can hear the sounds of the water cascading off the rocks and get a cool mist from it. When you emerge back out into the sunlight, you will see the waterfall as a massive moving curtain, which makes for a truly stunning view.
Exploring the Mysterious Wind Cave
The Wind Cave (Hang Gio) is found next to the waterfall, where it receives continuous wind and water vapour through rock crevices to produce its trademark murmur. The inside of the cave is small, yet it remains cold, making it a wonderful location for nature lovers who want to enjoy nature up close. Once you spend a few moments inside, you can feel the force and energy of the nearby waterfall within arm’s reach.
Camping Next to the Elephant Waterfall
Take a break from sightseeing and photography! Sitting by the stream is relaxing due to the beautiful scenery, the sound of the waterfall, and the shady trees, creating a good environment for relaxation or having a light meal. This is a great way to have some time out as a group of friends, or as a family who wants to have some time alone on their travels.
Visiting Linh An Pagoda and the Giant Buddha Statue.
Linh An Pagoda is located by the entrance to the waterfall and is one of the most visited pagodas in the Nam Ban area. The pagoda’s grounds are expansive; thus, the atmosphere is tranquil. Moreover, from a distance, you can see the 71-meter-tall statue of Quan Am (Guan Yin). Visiting the pagoda after you have finished exploring the waterfall will aid you in regaining peace and balance.
Enjoying Nam Ban Specialties
The final and most enjoyable experience following your exploration of the Elephant Waterfall is to savour local delicacies from the Nam Ban region; primarily rich, dark-roasted robusta coffee; local-style bun rieu or pho ga served in small cafes and rustic grilled foods.
Visitors who prefer a slower pace can enjoy visiting roadside stalls for hot soy-milk drinks or banh can (a type of pancake) or banh uot long ga (rice noodles with chicken inside), all traditional dishes for the local people of this region. While not very elaborate, they convey the sense of being in a warm, intimate surrounding similar to that in the ‘outskirts’ of Da Lat.
Entrance Ticket
The entrance ticket to Elephant Waterfall is 20,000 VND (68 INR) per adult visitor and free for children (lower than 1.2m). Prices can shift occasionally, so it’s a good idea to check the latest rate before you go.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
The Elephant Waterfall Tourist Area is open from 7:30 AM to approximately 5:00 PM daily.
The Elephant Waterfall has its own unique beauty throughout the year; however, the best time to visit Dalat and the Elephant Waterfall is from December to the end of April when Nam Ban is in its dry season. The weather is typically sunny and pleasant, the stream waters are very clear, and at this time of year, the pathway leading down to the base of the waterfall is not too slippery. You will feel very comfortable climbing the natural rock steps leading to the Wind Cave and following a small trail around the entire waterfall.
So, what is the best time of day to visit Elephant Waterfall? If you want to avoid crowds and have better space for taking photos, you should arrive before 9:00 AM. At this hour, the light is still very soft, the mountain’s mist hasn’t lifted yet, and both the waterfall and the pine forest will be nestled below a picturesque setting. If you enjoy cooler weather, another ideal time to visit would be the afternoon after 3:00 PM, when the sun is setting. However, be very careful about how late it gets because the trail leading down to the waterfall will start to get dark quickly as the sun disappears below the hills.
How To Get to Elephant Waterfall in Dalat
To ensure a smooth trip to Elephant Waterfall, you should research the route beforehand. Getting to the waterfall from Da Lat is quite convenient and doesn’t take much time. Whether you travel by private vehicle or rented car, the route is easy to navigate and suitable for many types of tourists.
- First, You Need to Get to Da Lat City.
Depending on where you start from, tourists can either fly, take a bus, or ride a motorbike to travel directly to Da Lat City. The fastest way to travel to Da Lat is to fly. After that, you can also catch a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a motorbike when you arrive at Lien Khuong Airport, which is located around 30 km from the centre of Da Lat.
- Second, from Da Lat to Elephant Waterfall
In Da Lat City, you would follow Hoang Van Thu road, and then take the provincial road DT725, which leads to Nam Ban. The distance from Da Lat to Elephant Waterfall will be approximately 20-25 kilometres, and it doesn’t take too long to drive there. To access Elephant Waterfall’s base, visitors will walk down narrow, winding stone steps, then cross the small wooden bridge, before reaching the base of the falls. There, you will feel the greatness and beauty of Elephant Waterfall.
Essential Tips for Travelling to the Elephant Waterfall
Before visiting Elephant Waterfall, tourists should prepare well to ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip. Here are some tips that may be helpful for you:
- Due to the slippery and rocky terrain around the waterfall, you should wear athletic shoes or shoes with good grip for easier movement.
- The air near the waterfall is usually cool and humid, especially in the early morning or after rain, so a light jacket will help keep you warm and comfortable.
- When visiting the Elephant Waterfall, maintain a safe distance and avoid standing too close to the edge of the waterfall to prevent accidents.
- There are only a few small stalls around Elephant Waterfall, so you should bring your own water.
- If you are with children, avoid going down to the cave behind the waterfall as the path is quite steep and slippery.
- Also, morning is the ideal time to visit because there are fewer visitors, making it convenient for sightseeing and taking photos.
FAQs About Elephant Waterfall in Da Lat
Before visiting Elephant Waterfall, many people will undoubtedly have questions, such as the best time to visit or whether or not to go down to the base of the waterfall. The section below summarises and answers the most frequently asked questions, helping you to visualise the trip more clearly and prepare for it more easily.
When is the best time to visit Elephant Waterfall?
Visiting between the months of December and April is best because it is dry and safe to walk on the paths, along with clearly visible streams. During the rainy season, the falls have great flow and an impressive waterfall view; however, the trails can be slick and require caution when trekking down.
Is it safe to go down to the base of the waterfall?
If you wear shoes with a good grip and walk slowly, you can walk down to the base of the waterfall. The base offers a scenic vantage point close to nature and has a cooling breeze; however, this area is not recommended for frail or young individuals.
Are Bat Cave and Wind Cave safe to visit?
The caves are not wide and have limited lighting. You will be able to visit them if you move slowly, use a phone flashlight, and do not go when it is raining heavily. Do not visit the caves with children or if you are not feeling well.
Are There Any Other Waterfalls in Da Lat Worth Visiting?
Yes, besides the Elephant Waterfall, you can visit Datanla Waterfall, another famous waterfall in Da Lat.
Are food and drink allowed in the Elephant Waterfalls area?
If you want to bring food and drink to the Elephant Waterfall location, you should pack your own because the area does not allow you to consume food you may have brought with you.
Are there any vegetarian restaurants near the Elephant Waterfalls?
Located just over 200 meters from Elephant Waterfall is An Lac Vegetarian Restaurant. It offers a variety of affordable vegetarian dishes starting from only 20,000 VND ~ 68 INR. It’s highly praised for its delicious and light flavours.
Is Elephant Waterfall suitable for families with young children?
The area above the waterfall and Linh An Pagoda is quite suitable for families with children. However, the path down to the base of the waterfall and the caves is not recommended for young children because the trail is steep, slippery, and has many rocky steps.
Conclusion: Is Elephant Waterfall Worth Visiting?
Overall, Elephant Waterfall is a suitable destination for nature lovers who want to experience a relatively unspoiled corner of Da Lat. If you want to explore Elephant Waterfall in a relaxed and convenient way, Vietnamtour.in will help you create a suitable itinerary with support from experienced local travel experts.