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

Dalat’s best day out may be the one that keeps moving. This $22, eight-hour tour links three waterfalls with silk, coffee, flowers, rice wine, a giant Lady Buddha, and even fried crickets. You get a broad look at the countryside instead of seeing only one scenic stop.

I especially like the mix of big natural sights and working local businesses. The old-style silk process at Cuong Hoan and the Me Linh coffee stop show how people earn a living here, while guides such as Phat, Su, Vinh, Quy, and Andy add humor and useful context. The main drawback is the pace: this is a packed day, and some stops are commercial visits rather than quiet sightseeing.

Key points to know before booking

• Three different waterfalls: Datanla is the easiest to combine with an alpine coaster, Pongour has seven cascades, and Elephant is viewed from nearby Linh An Pagoda while its own site is closed.
• A strong local-industry focus: See silk unwound from cocoons, coffee production, cricket farming, and seasonal bamboo knitting.
• The guide makes a real difference: English-speaking guides including Su, Phat, Vinh, Quy, and Andy are praised for humor, clear explanations, and keeping the day on time.
• The alpine coaster costs extra: Datanla entrance is 80,000 VND, or 250,000 VND when using the alpine coaster.
• Lunch is not included: Plan to pay separately at the local restaurant, though the meal is described as tasty and reasonably priced by several people.
• Check waterfall conditions: Pongour was listed as closed until November 24, 2025, after a storm, and Elephant Waterfall is temporarily closed for operational reasons.

A full day through Dalat’s working countryside

This is not a slow waterfall outing. You leave Dalat by van, usually spend about 30 minutes getting out of town, and then move between viewpoints, farms, workshops, and religious sites.

That variety is the tour’s main strength. I would choose it if I had only one day in Dalat and wanted to see more than the city center. You get scenery, local production, food, and a little adventure without arranging several separate rides.

The tradeoff is that nearly every stop lasts around 30 to 40 minutes. That is enough for a guided visit and photos, but not enough for a long walk or quiet time beside the water. You should expect a busy schedule and some time in the van on winding roads.

The transport and guide are included, along with 500 milliliters of purified drinking water per person, a cup of rice wine, and cricket tasting. Pickup is included in Dalat, and you are asked to wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before departure. The guide contacts you before pickup.

Van Thanh Flower Village starts the day

Van Thanh Flower Village is the first listed sightseeing stop, with about 30 minutes for a guided visit. It gives you an early look at the agricultural side of Dalat, a city famous for flowers and cool highland conditions.

I see this as a gentle introduction rather than the day’s main event. You will likely enjoy it most if you are curious about local farming and want photos of cultivated flowers. If flowers are not a priority, this may feel less essential than the waterfalls and craft workshops.

One useful point is that the schedule can change. When Datanla was crowded, guide Andy shifted the order to avoid a long wait. That sort of adjustment matters on a tightly timed group day.

Datanla Waterfall and the optional alpine coaster

Datanla Waterfall sits about 5 kilometers south of central Dalat, in the pine-covered Prenn Pass area. It is the most activity-focused stop of the day.

The waterfall itself takes about 30 minutes, including a short walk and time for photos. The main extra is the alpine coaster, which runs through the forest and is described as the longest ride in Asia. The coaster is optional, and you pay separately.

The listed prices are 80,000 VND for Datanla entry or 250,000 VND for entry with the alpine coaster. That makes this the largest obvious extra cost, but it is also the tour’s most playful moment. If you enjoy rides, I would budget for it. Several people found it exciting without being too frightening, and one practical tip is to buy the coaster option rather than deciding at the last second.

Datanla can be busy, especially in the morning. The short visit works better when your guide times it well. You should also expect stairs and some walking at the waterfalls, so wear shoes with a good grip and carry more water than the supplied bottle if you need it.

Cuong Hoan Silk shows the old method

The silk factory is one of the most worthwhile stops because it explains a process you would otherwise miss. At Cuong Hoan, cocoons are soaked in hot water, the fine thread is pulled out, wound onto a machine, and then prepared for weaving on a large loom.

The factory is said to be the only one in the country still maintaining this old method of removing silk from cocoons. That detail gives the stop more substance than a quick souvenir shop visit. You can see how a raw cocoon becomes patterned fabric, and the guide can explain the stages as you move through the facility.

You have about 30 minutes here. That is short, but enough to understand the work involved and browse the finished products. If you want to buy something, compare prices and remember that the stop is part of the sightseeing program. You do not need to purchase anything to benefit from the demonstration.

Pongour has the grandest waterfall setting

Pongour Waterfall is roughly 50 kilometers south of Dalat in Duc Trong District, along National Highway 20. It is also called the Seven Cascading Waterfalls, and for many people it is the visual highlight of the day.

The water spreads across broad rock shelves rather than dropping in one narrow plunge. You have about 40 minutes for the guided visit, which gives you time to walk, take photos, and see the cascades from different points.

Conditions matter here. The supplied information records a storm-related closure through November 24, 2025. Since waterfall access can change after storms or operational problems, check the current status before you book, especially if Pongour is the stop you most want to see.

This is also where the tour’s schedule can feel tight. You get the major view, but not a long hike or an unhurried picnic. I would still rank Pongour above the shorter waterfall stops if you care most about natural scenery.

Me Linh Coffee Garden explains Dalat’s famous cup

Me Linh Coffee Garden lies about 23 kilometers southwest of central Dalat, reached by the winding Ta Nung Pass. The drive itself is part of the countryside experience, with hills, farms, and bends that make the journey slower than the distance suggests.

The visit focuses on coffee production and the region’s weasel coffee. Tasting or buying coffee is self-funded, so keep your wallet closed until you know the price. One person found the coffee expensive, while others found the farm highly interesting. That is a fair way to approach it: come for the explanation and setting first, and treat any purchase as optional.

The guide can help explain how coffee fits into local life. This is one of the stops where the tour moves beyond pretty views and shows a real regional industry. You spend about 40 minutes here.

Lunch is simple, separate, and useful

Lunch takes place at a local restaurant for about 30 minutes. The cost is not included, so you pay for your own meal.

A short lunch break keeps the tour moving, but it is not designed as a long food experience. Several comments describe the food as good and reasonably priced, while one person found the meal disappointing. That mixed picture is worth keeping in mind.

I like having lunch at a local stop rather than returning to Dalat for a standard tourist meal. Still, if you have dietary needs or strong food preferences, ask the guide what is available and carry a small snack. The schedule leaves little room for a second meal stop.

Linh An Pagoda and the giant Lady Buddha

Linh An Pagoda is about 33 kilometers from Dalat and is one of the day’s most memorable cultural stops. The main draw is the huge Lady Buddha statue, described as the largest of its kind in Vietnam.

The pagoda gives the day a change of mood after the waterfalls and farms. You can look over the Elephant Waterfall area from a nearby viewpoint and take in the religious setting. One person also spotted monkeys here, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Allow about 30 minutes. Dress and behave respectfully at the pagoda, and follow the guide’s instructions about where to walk and take photos. This stop is especially useful if you want the tour to include more than scenery and commercial workshops.

Elephant Waterfall is seen from above for now

Elephant Waterfall is described as one of the most powerful waterfalls around Dalat, but its own site is temporarily closed because of an operational issue. The tour still takes you to Linh An Pagoda, a close viewpoint where you can see the waterfall.

That is an important distinction. You are not getting the normal full access experience at Elephant Waterfall, so do not book this day expecting to walk around the base. You will get the broader view instead.

The location remains worthwhile because the waterfall and pagoda are closely linked in the schedule. Just confirm the latest operating situation if direct access matters to you.

Cricket farming is more interesting than it sounds

Thien An Cricket Farm is a 30-minute guided visit. The owner explains how crickets are raised, cared for, and bred. You can also try cricket dishes, with tasting included in the tour.

This is a good example of the tour’s willingness to show ordinary local businesses that do not appear on every Dalat checklist. You may find the idea strange at first, but the farm makes the food less mysterious by showing how the insects are produced.

Cricket tasting is optional in spirit, even though it is included. You do not need to force yourself to eat anything. If you are curious, this is a safe chance to try a small portion alongside the included rice wine.

Bamboo knitting adds a seasonal extra

Bamboo knitting is listed as seasonal, so it may not operate on every departure. If it is available, it adds another small look at local craft work.

Treat it as a bonus rather than a reason to book. The reliable core of the day is the waterfalls, pagoda, silk, coffee, and cricket farm. Seasonal availability can depend on conditions that are not specified.

What the $22 price really covers

At $22 per person, the tour offers strong value if you want transport and an English-speaking guide for a full day outside Dalat. You also receive water, rice wine, cricket tasting, and entrance fees for the listed attractions except Datanla.

The price does not cover lunch or Datanla. Budget 80,000 VND for ordinary Datanla entry, or 250,000 VND for the alpine coaster option, plus your meal and any coffee, silk, or other purchases.

The value comes from the number of separate places you can reach in one day. Hiring individual transport to Pongour, Elephant, Me Linh, and the craft stops would take more planning and likely more money. The lower price also means you should accept a group schedule rather than expecting a private, flexible trip.

Guides, pace, and who will enjoy this most

The guide is a major part of the experience. Phat is repeatedly praised for warmth, clear English, and humor. Su is described as energetic, funny, and good at explaining Vietnamese culture. Vinh, Quy, Andy, and other guides are also named for keeping people involved, answering questions, taking photos, and managing the timetable.

The exact guide is not guaranteed, so book for the route and format rather than one individual. Still, the repeated pattern is encouraging: the guides are expected to explain the stops, help with tickets, and keep the group together.

I would recommend this tour to:

• First-time visitors with only one day in Dalat
• People who want waterfalls plus local culture and farming
• Families who can manage stairs, walking, and a full schedule
• Anyone who enjoys trying unusual food, such as crickets
• Visitors who prefer a guide and transport rather than arranging rural taxis

I would choose something slower if you want long walks, quiet time at one waterfall, or total control over each stop. The day is physically active in places, with stairs and uneven paths, and the van rides between sites can add to your fatigue.

Children are priced by height. Under 90 centimeters, choose the infant ticket for free travel. From 90 to 110 centimeters, choose the child ticket for half price. Children above 110 centimeters use the adult ticket.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if weather or waterfall access is uncertain, but you should still check conditions close to your travel date.

Should you book the Dalat three-waterfall tour?

I would book it if you want a busy, good-value day that explains Dalat as well as showing it. The waterfalls are the headline, but the silk factory, coffee garden, cricket farm, and Linh An Pagoda give the day its character.

Before paying, confirm the current status of Pongour and Elephant Waterfalls. If you are comfortable with the extra Datanla fee, separate lunch cost, and fast pace, this is one of the easiest ways to see Dalat’s outer districts in a single day. If your ideal outing means sitting beside one waterfall for hours, skip it and choose a slower private trip.

FAQ

How long does the Dalat three-waterfall tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, with pickup and return in Dalat.

Which waterfalls are included?

The route includes Datanla Waterfall, Pongour Waterfall, and Elephant Waterfall. Elephant Waterfall is currently viewed from near Linh An Pagoda because its own site is temporarily closed.

Is the alpine coaster included?

No. Datanla entry costs 80,000 VND, or 250,000 VND when you choose the alpine coaster.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant and must be paid for separately.

What is included besides transport and the guide?

You receive transportation, an English-speaking guide, 500 milliliters of purified drinking water per person, a cup of rice wine, cricket tasting, and entrance fees except for Datanla.

Are children charged adult prices?

Children under 90 centimeters use the free infant ticket. Children from 90 to 110 centimeters receive the child price at 50 percent off. Children above 110 centimeters use the adult ticket.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.