Dalat: 3 Waterfalls Day Tour — Datanla, Pongour & Elephant

Waterfalls are only half the story. This $22, eight-hour outing links Datanla, Pongour, and Elephant waterfalls with Dalat’s working countryside, including a silk factory, coffee plantation, cricket farm, flower village, and Linh An Pagoda. I like the mix of scenery and everyday local industries, and I like that an English-speaking guide handles the long route while adding context along the way.

The main catch is the pace. You cover a lot of ground, with most stops lasting 30 to 40 minutes, so this is not a slow, sit-and-stare day. You also pay separately for Datanla’s entry or alpine coaster, lunch is extra, and Elephant Waterfall may be closed for operations, with viewing available from Linh An Pagoda instead.

Key points before you book

• Three very different waterfalls: Datanla is the easiest thrill stop, Pongour offers the grandest cascade, and Elephant gives you a dramatic view even when its lower access is closed.
• A working countryside tour: Silk production, coffee growing, cricket farming, and seasonal bamboo knitting give the day more substance than a simple waterfall shuttle.
• The alpine coaster costs extra: Datanla’s ride is optional, with standard entry listed at 80,000 VND or 250,000 VND with the coaster.
• Strong guide service: Guides including Phat, Su, Vinh, Quy, Andy, and Ocean receive repeated praise for clear English, humor, kindness, and good time control.
• Pack for movement: Waterfall paths include stairs and walking, and the schedule keeps you moving for most of the day.
• Check conditions before departure: Pongour was temporarily closed until November 24, 2025 after a storm, and Elephant Waterfall has also had an operational closure.

Why this day works for a first visit to Dalat

Dalat is more than a cool mountain town with flowers and cafés. Its surrounding hills support coffee, silk, flowers, and small farms, and this trip gives you a quick look at how those products are made. You get scenery, but you also see work.

That mix is the tour’s best idea. A day focused only on waterfalls could feel repetitive. Here, the water stops are broken up by visits to a silk workshop, coffee garden, cricket farm, and pagoda. I especially like the way the countryside stops explain what gives the region its character.

The price is also appealing. At $22 per person, transportation, an English-speaking guide, purified drinking water, entrance fees other than Datanla, a small rice wine tasting, and cricket tasting are included. Lunch and the main Datanla attraction are separate, but the base cost remains low for a full day outside Dalat.

You should still expect a full schedule. The route includes many stops, and one recent guide kept the group on time while fitting everything in. That is useful if you have only one day in Dalat, but less suitable if you prefer long walks or quiet time at each waterfall.

Van Thanh Flower Village starts the countryside route

After hotel pickup in Dalat, the drive begins with about 30 minutes in the van before reaching Van Thanh Flower Village. The visit lasts around 30 minutes and includes a guided look at the local flower trade.

This is an introduction rather than a full farm visit. I would treat it as a brief orientation to one of Dalat’s main agricultural products, not the centerpiece of the day. One guide suggested this stop could be skipped, so your interest in flowers will determine how much value you get from it.

The short visit also helps set the rhythm: get out, look around, hear an explanation, take photos, and return to the van. Bring a flexible attitude. The point is to see several sides of the area rather than settle into one place.

Datanla Waterfall adds a dose of speed

Datanla sits on Prenn Pass about 5 kilometers south of central Dalat. The waterfall is surrounded by pine forest and flowers, and the official stop allows about 30 minutes for photos and walking.

The optional alpine coaster is the big draw. It runs through the forest and is described as the longest ride in Asia in the tour material. The ride is not included, and you need to budget either 80,000 VND for waterfall entry or 250,000 VND when using the alpine coaster.

If you enjoy rides, I would seriously consider paying the extra amount. Several people singled out the coaster as one of the day’s most fun moments, with one person calling it exciting without being too frightening. It gives Datanla a playful edge that the other waterfalls do not have.

Datanla can also be busy. A good guide may change the order of stops to avoid the worst queues, as happened during a crowded morning. That flexibility matters here, since waiting at the first stop can make an already packed day feel rushed.

Cuong Hoan Silk shows an old production method

The silk factory is one of the more useful stops because you see the process from cocoon to cloth. Cocoons are placed in hot water, the delicate thread is drawn out and wound onto a machine, then transferred to a reel and woven on a large loom.

The factory maintains an older method of removing silk from cocoons. That detail gives the visit a practical focus. Instead of simply looking at finished scarves or clothing, you can follow the material through several stages of production.

Allow about 30 minutes. That is enough for a guided explanation and a look at the equipment, though you may want to spend more time if you are interested in textiles. Several people rated the silk visit among their favorite parts of the day, and I can see why: it offers a clear connection between local work and the items you see in shops around Vietnam.

As with many craft stops, you may encounter souvenirs for sale. The tour remains worthwhile if you see this as a working demonstration rather than just a shopping opportunity.

Pongour is the day’s big waterfall

Pongour Waterfall lies in Duc Trong District, roughly 50 kilometers south of Dalat on National Highway 20. It is also known as the seven-cascade waterfall, and the stop lasts about 40 minutes.

This is likely to be the visual high point. The falls spread across several rocky levels instead of dropping in one narrow stream, giving you a broader view and a stronger sense of scale. One person described Pongour as the best waterfall they had seen in Southeast Asia, while others made it their favorite stop.

You will have time to walk and take pictures, but not to linger for hours. Wear shoes that are comfortable for uneven paths and stairs. The tour includes walking at several waterfall stops, so this is not a sit-in-the-van sightseeing day.

Weather and storm conditions matter. Pongour was listed as closed until November 24, 2025 because of a storm. That date has passed, but the notice is a reminder to confirm current access before booking or departing. If the falls close again, the route may need to change.

Me Linh Coffee Garden explains Dalat’s coffee culture

The journey then turns toward Me Linh Coffee Plantation, about 23 kilometers southwest of central Dalat across the winding Ta Nung Pass. The visit lasts around 40 minutes.

This is a coffee stop with a strong local angle. You can learn about the plantation and try original weasel coffee at your own expense. The coffee is not included, and one person found the prices much higher than expected, so check the cost before ordering.

Even with that warning, the stop has value. Coffee is one of the products that shapes the surrounding countryside, and seeing the plantation gives you more context than drinking a cup in town. You can decide for yourself if the specialty coffee is worth the extra money.

The Ta Nung route is also part of the appeal. The winding pass adds scenic variety after the waterfalls and farm visits, though anyone prone to motion sickness may want to prepare carefully.

Lunch is simple, local, and extra

Lunch takes about 30 minutes at a local restaurant. The meal is not included, so keep cash available for food and drinks.

The feedback on lunch is mixed but generally favorable. Some people found it tasty and reasonably priced, while another person felt the food did not match the quality of the rest of the day. That is a fair expectation to have: this is a practical group meal, not a carefully planned culinary event.

The short lunch break also reflects the tour’s overall design. You eat, rest briefly, and continue. If you need a long midday pause, this schedule may feel too tight. If you would rather keep sightseeing, the timing helps fit the many stops into one day.

Linh An Pagoda brings culture and a huge Lady Buddha

Linh An Pagoda is about 33 kilometers from Dalat and offers one of the most memorable cultural stops. The site is known for a very large Lady Buddha statue, which gives the visit a striking visual focus.

The pagoda also becomes especially important when Elephant Waterfall is closed. From here, you can still view the waterfall from a nearby point, even when access to the waterfall itself is unavailable.

Plan on about 30 minutes with the guide. This is a good place to slow down mentally, observe the religious setting, and hear about local beliefs. One person also noted seeing monkeys in the area, though wildlife sightings should be treated as luck rather than a promised feature.

Dress and act respectfully at the pagoda. The tour offers a short visit, so use the time for the statue, the setting, and the waterfall viewpoint rather than expecting an extended temple visit.

Elephant Waterfall may be a viewpoint, not a walk

Elephant Waterfall is described as one of Dalat’s most powerful falls. Under normal conditions, the stop lasts about 30 minutes and includes a guided visit.

The important current warning is that the waterfall has been temporarily closed because of an operational issue. The tour can still show you the full view from Linh An Pagoda at close range, but you may not be able to reach the lower part of the falls.

This is the biggest uncertainty in the advertised three-waterfall promise. If you need access to all three waterfalls, confirm the situation shortly before your tour. If a good viewpoint is enough, the stop can still work, especially when combined with the pagoda.

The cricket farm is the day’s most unusual stop

At Thien An Cricket Farm, the owner explains how crickets are raised, cared for, and bred. The visit lasts about 30 minutes and includes cricket tasting.

You can also try dishes made with crickets, along with the included rice wine tasting. Some people embraced the experience and found the crickets surprisingly good. The guide may encourage you, but the tasting is presented as an option, not a test of bravery.

I like this stop because it moves beyond standard sightseeing. You see a small local food business and learn about an ingredient that may be unfamiliar. It is also a natural conversation starter within the group.

If you have dietary concerns, ask the guide what is being served before tasting. The supplied details confirm the cricket tasting, but they do not specify every ingredient or preparation.

Bamboo knitting is seasonal

Bamboo knitting may be added when conditions and production allow. It is listed as seasonal, so you should not count on it appearing in every departure.

That uncertainty is normal for a countryside tour built around working places. Seasonal production can offer a more genuine look at local crafts, but it cannot be promised in the same way as a scheduled waterfall or pagoda stop.

The van, guide, and pace make the difference

Transportation is included, and pickup is available in Dalat. You are asked to wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time, with the guide contacting you before arrival.

The guide quality is a major strength. Phat, Su, Vinh, Quy, Andy, Ocean, and others are praised for friendly attitudes, clear English, humor, cultural explanations, and careful organization. One guide even gave each person a small group photo as a souvenir.

The driver matters too. The route includes Dalat streets, winding passes, and long stretches between waterfalls. Several people praised the driver’s skill and the coordination between driver and guide.

Expect a social group outing rather than a private tour. The provided information does not specify group size, so do not book expecting a small personal vehicle. You should expect shared transport and a day organized around a common schedule.

What to bring and how to prepare

A few simple choices will make the day easier:

• Wear walking shoes: Waterfall paths include stairs and uneven sections.
• Carry extra water: One 500 ml bottle is provided per person, but the day is active.
• Bring money for extras: Lunch, Datanla entry, the alpine coaster, and coffee are not included.
• Pack a light rain layer: Waterfall weather and mountain conditions can change.
• Ask about closures: Confirm Pongour and Elephant Waterfall conditions before departure.
• Choose the child ticket by height: Under 90 cm is free with an infant ticket, 90 to 110 cm receives the child fare, and above 110 cm requires an adult ticket.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms help if your Dalat plans are still shifting.

Is the $22 price good value?

Yes, if you want variety and accept the extra costs. For $22, you receive transport, a guide, water, most entrance fees, rice wine, and cricket tasting across an eight-hour route. Adding a full day of countryside sightseeing at that price is strong value.

The final cost will be higher if you choose the alpine coaster, buy coffee, and pay for lunch. Still, these are choice-based expenses rather than hidden requirements. You can keep the day close to the advertised price by skipping the coaster and paid coffee.

The value is strongest for a first visit or a short stay. You see major waterfalls, a pagoda, and several local industries without arranging separate taxis or negotiating individual entrance fees.

Who should book this Dalat tour?

I would choose this tour if you want to see the outskirts of Dalat in one day, enjoy a lively guide, and prefer a mix of nature, food, culture, and small businesses. Families can also enjoy it, provided children are comfortable with walking and a long day in shared transport.

It is less suitable if your main goal is hiking, photography, or quiet time beside the falls. The schedule is fast, and each stop is carefully timed. You should also reconsider if visiting all three waterfalls at close range is essential, since Elephant Waterfall may remain closed.

For most first-time visitors with limited time, I would book it. The silk factory, coffee plantation, cricket farm, and Lady Buddha turn a basic waterfall outing into a useful introduction to life around Dalat. Confirm the waterfall conditions, budget for Datanla, and accept the busy pace, then this is an easy way to see a lot in one day.

FAQ

How long does the Dalat three waterfalls tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including pickup in Dalat and the return journey.

Which waterfalls are included?

The route includes Datanla Waterfall, Pongour Waterfall, and Elephant Waterfall.

Is the Datanla alpine coaster included?

No. Datanla entry is not included. The listed price is 80,000 VND for entry or 250,000 VND when using the alpine coaster.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant, but you pay for your own meal.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation by van is included, along with hotel pickup in Dalat.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

Is Elephant Waterfall open?

Elephant Waterfall has been temporarily closed because of an operational issue. The tour can still show you the waterfall from Linh An Pagoda nearby.

Was Pongour Waterfall affected by a storm?

Yes. Pongour was listed as closed until November 24, 2025 because of a storm. Check current conditions before departure.

Are entrance fees included?

All entrance fees are included except Datanla Waterfall. The alpine coaster also costs extra.

What are the child ticket rules?

Children under 90 cm use the free infant ticket. Children from 90 to 110 cm receive the child fare, and children above 110 cm require an adult ticket.