Elephant Waterfall | Dalat

Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi) – A Detailed Guide

Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi) is one of the most spectacular and powerful waterfalls near Đà Lạt, Vietnam. Located about 25 km southwest of Đà Lạt, in Nam Ban town, Lâm Đồng province, this 30-meter-tall waterfall is surrounded by lush forests, rugged rock formations, and misty cascades. Unlike more commercialized waterfalls in Đà Lạt, Elephant Waterfall retains its raw, untamed beauty, making it a favorite for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

1. Overview of Elephant Waterfall

• Vietnamese Name: Thác Voi (meaning "Elephant Waterfall")
• Height: ~30 meters
• Width: ~15 meters
• Location: Nam Ban town, Lâm Đồng province (about 40-50 minutes from Đà Lạt)
• Main Features:
  • A powerful waterfall with massive water flow.
  • Surrounded by lush jungles, moss-covered rocks, and caves.
  • Adventure trails leading to different viewpoints.
  • Less touristy than Datanla Waterfall, offering a more authentic experience.

2. The Legend of Elephant Waterfall

Like many places in Vietnam, Elephant Waterfall has a romantic legend tied to its name. According to local folklore:

• A beautiful K’Ho ethnic minority girl fell in love with a young man.
• When he went off to war and never returned, she waited for him near the waterfall and cried endlessly.
• The mountain gods, moved by her sorrow, turned her and a herd of elephants into stone, creating the waterfall.
• The roaring sound of the water is said to be the elephants mourning their lost leader.

This legend gives the waterfall a mystical atmosphere and cultural significance.

3. Natural Beauty & Scenery

Elephant Waterfall is known for its powerful water flow and scenic surroundings. Unlike some smaller waterfalls in Đà Lạt, Thác Voi has a dramatic, thundering cascade, especially during the rainy season (May – October).

a) The Waterfall & Pools

• The waterfall crashes down from a rocky cliff, creating white foamy water and mist.
• The force of the waterfall forms natural pools at the base, though swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
• During the dry season (November – April), the waterfall is calmer, and the rocks are more visible.

b) The Surrounding Jungle

• The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests with vines, ferns, and mossy trees.
• The area is home to various birds and small animals, making it a great spot for nature photography.

c) Hidden Caves & Rock Formations

• Near the base of the waterfall is Hang Gió (Wind Cave), a hidden cave system that visitors can explore.
• The cave offers close-up views of the waterfall, but the path can be slippery and narrow.

4. Adventure Activities at Elephant Waterfall

Elephant Waterfall is not just for sightseeing—it offers adventure experiences for visitors who want to explore further.

a) Trekking to the Base of the Waterfall

• A steep, rocky trail leads down to the base.
• The descent takes 10-15 minutes, but can be challenging due to wet and mossy rocks.
• Handrails and steps have been added, but visitors should wear sturdy shoes.

b) Climbing on Rock Formations

• There are large boulders near the waterfall that adventurous visitors can climb for better photo angles.
• However, the rocks are slippery, so caution is needed.

c) Exploring Hang Gió (Wind Cave)

• The cave entrance is near the bottom of the falls.
• Visitors can feel the strong winds and mist from the waterfall inside.
• The cave is dark and damp, adding to the adventure.

5. Visitor Information

a) Location & How to Get There

• Address: Nam Ban Town, Lâm Hà District, Lâm Đồng Province, Vietnam.
• Distance from Đà Lạt: 25 km (~40-50 minutes by motorbike or car).
• How to Get There:
  • Motorbike: Renting a motorbike (~100,000-150,000 VND per day) is a common way to reach the falls.
  • Taxi/Grab: Costs around 300,000-400,000 VND (~$12-15 USD) for a round trip.
  • Tour Buses: Many Đà Lạt city tours include Elephant Waterfall as a stop.

b) Entrance Fees & Opening Hours

• Entrance Fee: ~ 20,000-30,000 VND (~$1 USD per person).
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

c) Nearby Attractions

Elephant Waterfall is located near other interesting places:

• Linh Ẩn Pagoda (100 meters away) – A Buddhist temple with a giant 54-meter-tall Guan Yin statue.
• Coffee Plantations – The area around Nam Ban is famous for Vietnamese coffee farms. Some farms offer coffee tasting tours.
• Silk Factory – Nearby factories show how silk is made from silkworms to finished fabric.

6. Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (November – April): Best time to visit for easier trekking and clear views.
• Rainy Season (May – October): The waterfall is more powerful, but paths are muddy and slippery.

7. Tips for Visiting Elephant Waterfall

• Wear proper footwear: The trails are steep and slippery, especially near the cave.
• Bring a raincoat or waterproof bag: The waterfall produces a lot of mist, and you can get wet.
• Visit early in the morning: Fewer tourists and better lighting for photography.
• Be careful on the rocks: They can be extremely slippery due to moss and water spray.
• Check the weather forecast: Avoid visiting after heavy rain due to potential landslides.

8. Why Visit Elephant Waterfall?

Elephant Waterfall is perfect for those looking for raw, natural beauty and adventure. Compared to other waterfalls in Đà Lạt, it is less commercialized, offering a more rugged and authentic experience.

It’s ideal for:

• Nature lovers – The untouched beauty of the jungle and waterfall is breathtaking.
• Adventure seekers – The steep trek, rock climbing, and cave exploration make it exciting.
• Photographers – The mist, cascading water, and surrounding greenery create stunning shots.
• Those wanting a unique day trip – Combined with a visit to Linh Ẩn Pagoda and coffee farms, it makes for a perfect half-day or full-day excursion.

With its thundering water, hidden caves, and lush jungle surroundings, Elephant Waterfall is one of the most impressive natural wonders near Đà Lạt.