Pongour Falls is a natural masterpiece (Photo Collections)

Introduction to Pongour Waterfall in Da Lat

Possessing the wild and intense characteristics of a highland waterfall, Pongour Waterfall, acclaimed as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the South Central Highlands, has become an intriguing destination for nature enthusiasts.

Located along the flow of the Da Nhim River, which has created numerous beautiful waterfalls and lakes in Da Lat, Pongour Waterfall stands approximately 40m tall and spans over 100m in width. It gracefully flows through seven natural rock tiers, forming cascades of foamy white water, earning it the nickname “Seven-Tier Waterfall.” Surrounding Pongour Waterfall is a vast 2.5-hectare pristine forest with diverse vegetation. The downstream area of the waterfall features a spacious lake with many rocky outcrops amidst the water, suitable for camping and relaxation while enjoying the scenery.

Currently, the upstream flow of Pongour Waterfall is regulated by the Dai Ninh hydroelectric dam, which has diminished the once powerful flow of the waterfall. Nevertheless, the beauty of the waterfall remains largely unaffected.

Visiting Pongour Waterfall, you’ll not only marvel at the majestic landscape and poetic ambiance of the mountains and forests but also experience a sense of tranquility amidst the cool water, the echoing songs of birds, and the sound of flowing water day and night.

According to French geological studies, this area is rich in kaolin, a type of white clay. Therefore, the French named the waterfall Pongour, a phonetic rendering of the K’Ho language meaning “the master of the white clay land.”

At one point, the French voted Pongour Waterfall as the “most majestic waterfall in Indochina,” it even left Emperor Bao Dai in awe, who praised it as the “number one waterfall in the southern sky” after witnessing its breathtaking beauty. In 2000, Pongour Waterfall was recognized as a national-level scenic spot.

Pongour Waterfall is the only waterfall in Vietnam that organizes an annual festival on the full moon day of the first lunar month, during Tet Nguyen Tieu (Lantern Festival). During these days, many cultural and entertainment activities are organized by the local people, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Pongour Waterfall releases white water foam (Photo Collections)

Pongour Waterfall – Where Is It?

Pongour Waterfall is located in Tan Nghia hamlet, Ninh Gia commune, Duc Trong district, Lam Dong province, approximately 50km from the city center of Da Lat.

Directions to Pongour Waterfall

There are several ways to get to Pongour Waterfall by private means. If you’re traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, take National Highway 20 to Km260 in Duc Trong district, then turn left and drive about 6km to reach the Pongour Eco-tourism Area.

On the contrary, if you’re starting from the center of Da Lat, the quickest route is to take the Liang Biang – Prenn expressway. After exiting the expressway, continue on National Highway 20 to Km260 in Duc Trong district, then turn right and drive about 6km to reach the Pongour Eco-tourism Area.

Here’s a tip for #teamKlook: During late October and early November, if you’re traveling along National Highway 20, specifically the section passing through the Dai Ninh Dam, you’ll witness hills covered in wild sunflowers, with a fragrant breeze in the air, distant fields, and low hills in the background – creating an incredibly charming and romantic scene.

Once you arrive at the Pongour Eco-tourism Area, you can park your vehicle and walk approximately 15 minutes to the waterfall. If you prefer not to walk, you can use the shuttle service with a one-way ticket costing 15,000 VND per person.

Many young travelers opt for motorbike trips to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the road. However, if you’re traveling with family or small children, the ideal choice is to use a car service to ensure safety, save time on navigation, and reduce costs.

Pongour Waterfall seen from the front (Photo collection)

The Fascinating Legend of Pongour Waterfall

Pongour Waterfall is closely associated with the legend of the beautiful Kanai, a female tribal chief who governed the Phu Hoi – Tan Hoi – Tan Thanh region known today. She could uniquely tame wild animals and command them to serve human interests. Among these wild animals were four giant rhinoceroses that obediently followed her orders, moving hills, diverting streams, cultivating fields, and standing ready to defend against any invading enemies.

Thanks to her, the communal life of the K’Ho ethnic group was always peaceful and prosperous. On the full moon day of January, the female chief passed away. The four rhinoceroses stopped eating and stood guard beside her day and night until their deaths. Sometime later, the villagers were astonished to witness a magnificent waterfall named Thac Thien Thai (Thien Thai Waterfall) appearing at the place where she had passed away.

As it turned out, Kanai’s hair had transformed into clear water, and the moss-covered green stone layers formed the main tiers, resembling the fossilized horns of the rhinoceroses. From this legend, the K’Ho people explained that Pongour means “four rhinoceros horns.”

To commemorate Kanai, every year on the full moon day of January, the villagers organize a festival at Pongour Waterfall. The festival features traditional folk games and activities infused with the rich cultural essence of the K’Ho ethnic group, attracting visitors from various places to participate and learn about the K’Ho ethnic culture.

Fresh morning at Pongour waterfall (Photo collection)

Ticket Prices for Pongour Waterfall for Your Reference

The current ticket prices for visiting Pongour Waterfall are 20,000 VND for adults and 10,000 VND for children.

Pongour Waterfall opens its doors to welcome tourists from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the week.

According to the experience of #teamKlook, your sightseeing itinerary will be much more diverse and appealing if you book the most majestic tour in Lam Dong, which also includes a visit to the Lumiere Dalat Light Garden. Hurry up and secure a spot for yourself and your close friends!

What to Do at Pongour Waterfall?

Although there might not be as many exciting activities as at other places like Datanla Waterfall or Prenn Waterfall, it doesn’t mean Pongour Waterfall is boring. Let’s explore the exciting and unique activities at the Pongour Waterfall Eco-tourism Area with Klook.

Admire the unique waterfall in Vietnam.

With its wild and majestic beauty, Pongour Waterfall is considered an icon connecting humans and nature. The cascading water flows down like soft ribbons, gliding over layers of moss-covered rocks, surrounded by the sounds of birds and water. This is truly a fairy-tale scene! When visiting Pongour Waterfall, #teamKlook suggests preparing some outfits that suit the scenery so you can comfortably enjoy the most magical and lively snapshots.

Organize a picnic by the lake.

The downstream area of Pongour Waterfall is a large natural freshwater lake. After taking endless picturesque photos, many tourists often sit by the lake to relax, soak their feet in the cool water, or head to the Sa Fairy Rock area, where there’s a gentle stream and large rocks perfect for a picnic. This area is quite spacious, and since there’s no extra fee for picnicking, you can freely set up tents and tarps and enjoy singing and eating by the picturesque waterfall.

A barbecue party with the aroma of grilled skewers by the lake, surrounded by entertaining stories, will make your trip even more memorable.

Join the Pongour festival.

If you travel to Da Lat on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, visit Pongour Waterfall and immerse yourself in the spring festival honoring the beautiful Kanai. These days, Pongour Waterfall hosts traditional art performances and the K’Ho ethnic group’s traditional folk games. This is primarily an occasion for young men and women in the village to meet, get to know each other, and express their feelings. The annual Pongour festival attracts a lot of attention from tourists and locals.

Immerse yourself in the dance at the Spring Festival at Pongour Waterfall (Collected photos)

Travel Tips for Pongour Waterfall

You can visit Pongour Waterfall at any time of the year, but the most beautiful time is during the rainy season, from July to November each year. The water flow will be abundant, strong, and more intense during this period than in the dry season. You can climb 3-to four levels of the waterfall for sightseeing and photography, but climbing too high is unnecessary as it can be slippery and dangerous.

Pongour Waterfall Eco-tourism Area doesn’t have restaurants or eateries; they only sell and rent grilling equipment. Therefore, if you plan to have a picnic here, it’s advisable to prepare your food and some necessary equipment. The road from Da Lat to Pongour Waterfall is quite beautiful and flat, but some uphill and sharp turns remain. Drivers should pay attention to the speed to ensure traffic safety.

A trip to Da Lat, especially at the beautiful Pongour Waterfall, is never redundant. When immersed in majestic nature or participating in pure green entertainment activities, you will feel the inner energy renewed, dispelling negative emotions to become a better version of yourself.