Elephant Waterfall Da Lat: is the 30 km trip worth it when the falls are closed?

Elephant Waterfall is about 30 km southwest of central Da Lat, in the Nam Ban area of Lam Dong Province. The attraction stopped welcoming visitors in 2021 and was still completely closed in September 2026. There is no announcement of a reopening, so treat it as closed: don't plan a visit to the base of the falls or expect to buy an entrance ticket.

Is Elephant Waterfall in Da Lat still open?

Elephant Waterfall has not been confirmed as reopened to tourists. This is the most important thing to know before booking a driver, renting a motorbike, or choosing a waterfall tour.

Through 2026 the picture barely changed. In January, the former ticket entrance was locked, with a notice stating that operations were suspended until further announcement. In April, the nationally recognized scenic site remained closed following the termination of a previous tourism development project. In July, local authorities ordered a nearby business to stop selling unauthorized waterfall admission tickets.

By September 2026, the main entrance was still locked, visitors could only admire the waterfall from a distance, and there was no official reopening date.

Local authorities were reviewing land records, forest management matters, existing construction, and legal procedures before deciding how the area could be managed and developed in the future.

This is not a temporary closure caused by a few days of heavy rain or routine maintenance. The waterfall attraction has been closed since 2021.

Why has Elephant Waterfall been closed for so long?

Elephant Waterfall was recognized as a national scenic heritage site in 2001.

Over the following years, tourism development projects were introduced to protect the natural landscape while creating facilities for visitors.

A tourism project approved in 2011 was revoked in 2021. The decision followed issues involving investment requirements, land use, construction, forestry regulations, and unauthorized structures within the protected area.

Tourist operations subsequently stopped.

The relevant authorities have since been working through the remaining legal, administrative, and land management issues before establishing a new arrangement for the site.

Provincial officials have discussed selecting a capable operator to manage and develop the attraction while protecting its natural environment.

However, discussions about future investment are not the same as an official reopening announcement.

You should not assume the waterfall is open simply because a driver recommends it or because an older tour itinerary still includes Elephant Waterfall.

Can you reach the waterfall through another entrance?

You should not attempt to enter the closed area using informal trails, neighboring properties, or privately arranged routes.

In July 2026, authorities in Nam Ban Lam Ha Commune ordered a nearby business to stop selling tickets for access to the waterfall. The business had charged visitors VND 60,000 per person to reach the base, despite not being registered to provide that type of tourist admission service.

That VND 60,000 charge was not an official ticket price for Elephant Waterfall.

There are also practical safety concerns.

Seeing other people near the base of the waterfall does not mean the route is officially open.

Where is Elephant Waterfall in Da Lat?

Elephant Waterfall, also known as Lieng Rơwoa, is located in Nam Ban Lam Ha Commune, Lam Dong Province, southwest of Da Lat.

Before Vietnam's administrative restructuring in 2025, the address was commonly given as Nam Ban Town, Lam Ha District, Lam Dong Province.

Many online maps, older travel articles, and tour operators still use that former administrative address.

For navigation, search for “Thac Voi Nam Ban Lam Ha” or look for Linh An Pagoda, which is located close to the waterfall.

There are several places in Vietnam with similar names, including other locations associated with elephants or waterfalls.

This article specifically covers Elephant Waterfall near Da Lat in the Nam Ban area. It is not the same as the Nui Voi Pine Forest tourism area near the Prenn-Lien Khuong route.

How to get to Elephant Waterfall from Da Lat

The usual route takes you through Van Thanh Flower Village before descending toward Nam Ban along Ta Nung Pass.

Starting near Da Lat Market, head toward Hoang Van Thu Street, continue past Van Thanh Flower Village, and follow Provincial Road DT725 toward Ta Nung.

After descending the pass, continue toward Nam Ban and follow the directions to Linh An Pagoda and Elephant Waterfall.

The road is mostly paved, but it has plenty of bends, downhill sections, and corners with limited visibility.

Travel time depends on traffic, rain, and fog, particularly along Ta Nung Pass.

Allow about one hour each way rather than relying on the shortest driving estimate shown on your navigation app.

Also, Elephant Waterfall is not in the same direction as Datanla Waterfall.

If you decide to change destinations after leaving your hotel, check the route again instead of assuming both waterfalls are close together.

Should you travel by motorbike or car?

A motorbike is practical for experienced riders who want to stop at flower farms, coffee shops, or viewpoints along the way.

It gives you more flexibility than a fixed tour and makes short stops easier.

However, Ta Nung Pass is not a good place to learn how to ride.

The winding road, occasional heavy vehicles, and sudden rain can make the journey more demanding than the distance suggests.

If you are unfamiliar with mountain roads, choose a car with a driver or ride with an experienced Easy Rider motorbike driver.

For families with young children or older travelers, a private car is generally the more comfortable option.

Before booking, confirm whether the quoted price includes the return journey, waiting time, and additional stops.

Nam Ban is outside central Da Lat, so don't assume a ride-hailing vehicle will always be available for the return trip.

Elephant Waterfall Da Lat entrance fee in 2026

There is no currently applicable official entrance fee for Elephant Waterfall in 2026 because the attraction has not reopened.

This is one of the most confusing parts of researching the waterfall online.

Some older travel websites still list entrance fees of VND 20,000 or VND 30,000 per person. Others mention opening hours from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.

Those details describe earlier periods when the waterfall operated as a tourist attraction. They should not be treated as proof that its ticket office is currently open.

Even recently updated travel pages can carry outdated admission information.

If someone offers to sell you access to the base of the waterfall, ask who operates the service and whether access has been officially authorized.

Do not pay simply because someone claims to know a private route.

Can you see Elephant Waterfall without paying?

You may be able to see part of the waterfall from permitted public viewpoints or neighboring attractions, depending on the location and available sightlines.

Linh An Pagoda is one of the nearby places where visitors can experience the surrounding landscape.

The pagoda does not charge a general entrance fee, but it is a separate religious site, not an alternative entrance to Elephant Waterfall.

Tam Trinh Coffee Experiences is another attraction with views toward the falls.

However, any charges for drinks, guided experiences, or other services belong to the coffee business. They are not official Elephant Waterfall admission fees.

You might pay for a coffee and enjoy the scenery, but that payment does not give you permission to enter the closed waterfall area.

What is special about Elephant Waterfall?

Even though tourists cannot currently explore the waterfall itself, Elephant Waterfall remains one of Lam Dong's notable natural landmarks.

The waterfall is approximately 30-35 meters high and around 40 meters wide.

Water from the upper Cam Ly catchment flows over a large rocky cliff, forming a powerful white curtain surrounded by vegetation and enormous moss-covered boulders.

Unlike waterfalls that cascade gently down a series of small steps, Elephant Waterfall has a more forceful appearance.

During the rainy season, the water volume generally increases, making the falls particularly dramatic from a distance.

The white water contrasts with dark rocks and the green forest around it.

The giant boulders below the waterfall

One of Elephant Waterfall's most recognizable features is the collection of large boulders beneath the falling water.

Some lie on top of one another, while others are covered in moss and surrounded by smaller rocks.

Their shapes are said to resemble a herd of elephants resting or kneeling beside the stream.

This association gave the waterfall its Vietnamese name, Thac Voi, meaning Elephant Waterfall.

The local name, Lieng Rơwoa, is connected with traditions of the K'Ho community.

Local folklore also tells a story involving love, elephants, and the waterfall's rocky landscape. It is a traditional legend rather than a historically verifiable account.

Before the closure, visitors who reached the base could see the different shapes of the boulders up close.

Today, those particular views are mainly familiar from older photographs or distant vantage points.

The stone staircase to the base

When Elephant Waterfall was open, visitors could descend a stone staircase through the forest toward the bottom of the falls.

The staircase has somewhere between about 145 and more than 150 steps, depending on how you count them.

The difference in the count is less important than the nature of the route.

It was steep, with uneven stone surfaces, sections close to the hillside, and areas made damp by the waterfall's spray.

As visitors descended, the view gradually changed from forest vegetation to the large rocks and powerful water below.

For many travelers, the walk down was an important part of visiting Elephant Waterfall.

However, the former existence of a staircase does not mean it is currently safe or authorized for public use.

Don't attempt to recreate old travel photographs by entering the closed area.

Bat Cave near the waterfall

Another feature is Bat Cave, a natural cave in the rocky area near the base of the waterfall.

It is a dark, damp cave surrounded by roots, climbing plants, and rock formations.

For visitors interested in caves and natural landscapes, this made Elephant Waterfall more than a simple scenic stop.

It offered a combination of forest walking, rocky terrain, and cave exploration.

But Bat Cave is not open as a separate attraction in 2026.

You should not arrange an informal guide, attempt to reach it through unauthorized paths, or assume the cave remains accessible because it appears in an old itinerary.

Is Elephant Waterfall worth visiting right now?

The answer depends on what you want from the trip.

If your main goal is to stand close to a waterfall: Skip Elephant Waterfall for now. You could spend around two hours on the return journey without being able to enjoy the main attraction.

If you want to visit Linh An Pagoda and explore the Nam Ban countryside: The journey can still be worthwhile. Treat Elephant Waterfall as part of the surrounding scenery rather than your main activity.

If you have only two days in Da Lat: Leave Elephant Waterfall out unless you already intend to visit Linh An Pagoda. The time spent traveling to Nam Ban could be used at an operating waterfall closer to town.

If you're traveling with children or older family members: Don't make the journey simply to look at the waterfall from far away. The travel time is considerable for a limited viewing opportunity.

If you've visited Elephant Waterfall before 2021: You can return to the Nam Ban area for the pagoda, coffee experiences, and countryside scenery, but don't expect to repeat your earlier visit to the waterfall base.

A good Da Lat itinerary balances travel distance, available time, and what you can actually experience.

A famous attraction is not necessarily worth keeping on the schedule when its main visitor area is closed.

What can you visit near Elephant Waterfall?

If you've already booked a car to Nam Ban or specifically want to explore the countryside along Ta Nung Pass, there are still worthwhile places to visit.

The two most practical stops are Linh An Pagoda and Tam Trinh Coffee Experiences.

01

Linh An Pagoda: the best first stop

Ba Dinh Street, Nam Ban, free entry

Linh An Pagoda sits on Ba Dinh Street in the Nam Ban area, close to Elephant Waterfall.

Its most distinctive feature is a large Avalokiteshvara, or Guan Yin, statue approximately 71 meters tall.

The statue can be seen from several locations in the surrounding area.

The pagoda complex also includes a main worship hall, a Maitreya Buddha statue, and a garden containing numerous smaller Guan Yin statues.

The pagoda does not charge an entrance fee and receives visitors from approximately 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

To be safe, aim for 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

If you leave central Da Lat at 7:30 AM, you could reach the pagoda around 8:30-8:45 AM.

Allow 60-90 minutes to explore the grounds and enjoy the landscape.

Some areas may offer views toward Elephant Waterfall, although trees, buildings, and the terrain can limit visibility.

You should not expect a complete, unobstructed view from every part of the pagoda.

Also, do not look for a path from the pagoda down to the waterfall.

Although the two attractions are close to each other, the pagoda is not an alternative entrance to the closed scenic site.

Dress appropriately for a religious site, keep your voice down, and avoid obstructing people who are worshipping.

A practical half-day itinerary for Nam Ban

This schedule works if your main interest is the countryside, Linh An Pagoda, and coffee rather than entry to Elephant Waterfall.

1. 7:30 AM

   Set off

   Leave central Da Lat

2. 8:30-10:00 AM

   Linh An Pagoda

   Explore Linh An Pagoda

3. 10:15-11:30 AM

   Tam Trinh

   Visit Tam Trinh Coffee Experiences

4. 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

   Lunch break

   Have lunch or take a break in Nam Ban

5. 12:30-1:45 PM

   Back to Da Lat

   Return to central Da Lat

These are suggested times, not guaranteed travel durations or confirmed service schedules.

Adjust them according to your hotel location, road conditions, and weather.

On a rainy day, you don't need to complete every stop.

You could spend more time at the pagoda, visit just one attraction, or stay closer to central Da Lat instead.

If you have extra time, consider a locally operated coffee farm, silk-related attraction, or another open visitor site along the route.

There is no reason to add an unofficial route into Elephant Waterfall just to make the itinerary feel complete.

Two better waterfalls to visit instead of Elephant Waterfall

If you want to see a waterfall up close rather than simply admire one from a distance, Datanla and Pongour are better alternatives.

Both are in Lam Dong Province, but they offer quite different experiences.

Datanla Waterfall: close to Da Lat, with alpine coasters and marked trails

Datanla Waterfall is located along National Highway 20 near Prenn Pass, about 5-7 km from central Da Lat, depending on your starting point.

It is the more convenient choice if you only have one morning or afternoon.

The tourist area has an organized entrance, walking trails, alpine coaster rides, and several outdoor adventure activities.

Datanla prices in 2026:

The Alpine Coaster 1 ticket requires a separate entrance ticket.

Alpine Coaster 3 tickets include general admission.

For example, an adult choosing general admission and a round trip on Alpine Coaster 1 would pay VND 210,000 in total, before any other optional activities.

You don't need to ride the coaster to see the waterfall.

Visitors can purchase regular admission and walk down the forest path toward the first waterfall.

The walking route is approximately 1 km long, with around 200 steps.

The park is open 7:30 AM-4:30 PM. Some activities may begin accepting guests from 7:15 AM, and individual ticket counters or activities may have different last-entry times.

Families should check the age, height, and other participation requirements before purchasing coaster tickets.

Datanla does not have the same wide, powerful drop as Elephant Waterfall.

Instead, it offers managed visitor routes, several activity choices, and a much shorter journey from the city.

Choose Datanla if: You have 2-3 hours, are traveling with family, want to try an alpine coaster, or prefer not to spend a long time traveling on Ta Nung Pass.

Pongour Waterfall: a larger waterfall for a half-day trip

Pongour Waterfall, also known as the Seven-Tier Waterfall, is located in the former Duc Trong District area, approximately 50 km south of Da Lat.

It is a better match if your main interest is an impressive natural waterfall.

Pongour is roughly 100 meters wide and nearly 40 meters high.

Instead of dropping over a single steep cliff, the water flows across several broad layers of natural rock.

During the rainy season, the water spreads over the tiers and creates wide white cascades.

In the dry season, water volume can decrease, making the layered rock formations more visible.

Pongour prices in 2026:

From central Da Lat, travel south along National Highway 20 toward the former Duc Trong area, then follow the signs to Pongour Waterfall.

Allow approximately 60-90 minutes each way by car, depending on the route and traffic.

If you're riding a motorbike, make sure your navigation app avoids the Lien Khuong-Prenn expressway, where motorbikes are not permitted.

Once you arrive, you still need to travel from the parking area toward the waterfall viewpoints.

There are sloped paths and steps, so don't expect a completely flat walk from the car park.

Shuttle services may help on some sections, but confirm their current boarding and drop-off points, especially if you're traveling with someone who has limited mobility.

Choose Pongour if: You enjoy landscape photography, want to see a wide waterfall with distinctive rock tiers, and can set aside at least half a day.

Pongour is not ideal as a quick addition to an already crowded itinerary around central Da Lat.

If you only have two days, choose one waterfall instead of driving in several directions just to visit more names on a map.

Elephant Waterfall vs. Datanla vs. Pongour

The Datanla and Pongour prices above are 2026 prices.

Prices, opening hours, individual activities, and access conditions can change due to weather or operational decisions, so check again before you go.

For a short Da Lat itinerary, Datanla is the more convenient choice.

For scenery and a larger waterfall, Pongour is worth the longer drive.

When is the best time to visit waterfalls around Da Lat?

Da Lat's rainy and dry seasons make a noticeable difference to waterfall visits.

The rainy season generally runs from May to October and can extend into November.

Waterfall flow is often stronger during this period because of increased rainfall in the surrounding catchments.

This can make the waterfalls look more impressive, but it also means wet stone steps, slippery paths, and stronger currents.

The dry season usually runs from December to April.

Road conditions and outdoor sightseeing are often more comfortable, particularly for people traveling by motorbike.

However, the water flow at some waterfalls may be reduced.

For Elephant Waterfall, the seasonal difference does not change the main advice: it is still closed.

Don't choose a day with stronger water flow and then try to enter a closed area.

If you are visiting Nam Ban for Linh An Pagoda and coffee, aim for the morning between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Daylight makes the mountain road easier to navigate, and you'll have enough time to return before dark.

For Pongour, an early start is preferable.

Leaving central Da Lat before 8:00 AM gives you more time to explore and return without rushing.

Starting around 2:00 or 3:00 PM is less practical because the drive alone takes up a significant part of the remaining afternoon.

Datanla can work in the morning or early afternoon.

However, queues for activities such as the alpine coaster may be longer on weekends and public holidays.

If you want to try multiple activities, arrive early in the day.

At any waterfall, follow the marked visitor routes and local staff instructions.

Avoid climbing onto wet rocks beside strong currents simply to get a photograph.

What to check before booking an Elephant Waterfall tour

Some Da Lat countryside tours still include “Elephant Waterfall” or “Thac Voi” in their advertised itineraries.

That name alone does not mean the operator can legally take visitors down to the base.

Before paying, ask three specific questions.

First, where exactly will the tour stop?

The itinerary may include Linh An Pagoda, a coffee shop overlooking the waterfall, or a roadside viewpoint.

These are not the same as entering the waterfall attraction as visitors did before 2021.

Second, is the operator charging an Elephant Waterfall entrance fee?

While there is no official admission ticket currently available, the operator should explain precisely what any additional charge covers.

Third, what happens if the waterfall cannot be entered?

Ask for the alternative attraction to be included in your booking confirmation.

This is particularly important for international travelers booking English-language tours.

If an itinerary states “Elephant Waterfall entrance included,” confirm whether that means authorized entry into the scenic site or merely a stop somewhere nearby.

Three practical itineraries when Elephant Waterfall is closed

The simplest way to choose an alternative is to look at how much time you have left in Da Lat.

If you have only one morning

Choose Datanla Waterfall.

Leave your hotel around 8:00 AM, make the short trip to the tourist area, and visit the waterfall.

Add an alpine coaster ride if it interests you.

You can usually return toward central Da Lat for lunch around 11:00 AM or noon, depending on queues and your chosen activities.

This is the least demanding option and still gives you a proper waterfall experience.

If you have half a day and prefer natural scenery

Choose Pongour Waterfall.

Leave before 8:00 AM and allow around 75-90 minutes at the waterfall itself.

Including driving, walking, and breaks, plan for roughly four to five hours.

Pongour suits travelers who prefer broad cascades, layered rock formations, and landscape photography over recreational rides.

If you have half a day and want to explore the southwest countryside

Choose the Ta Nung-Nam Ban route.

Make Linh An Pagoda your main stop.

Then visit Tam Trinh Coffee Experiences, followed by an operating craft workshop, farm, or another attraction along the route if time permits.

On this itinerary, Elephant Waterfall is part of the distant scenery, not a paid attraction or a place where you plan to descend to the base.

Don't try to combine Pongour, Datanla, and Nam Ban in one day.

They lie in different directions from central Da Lat.

You would spend much of your day in the vehicle rather than enjoying the places you've traveled to see.

Elephant Waterfall remains an impressive natural landmark in Lam Dong, but it is not worth planning a dedicated visit while its tourist area is closed. Choose Datanla for convenience or Pongour for a larger waterfall, and keep Nam Ban for Linh An Pagoda and coffee country. Checking access, distance, and actual visitor experiences in the same way will help you plan trips to other waterfalls across Vietnam.