Three waterfalls in one day beats the usual hop. I like how the day stacks Datanla and Pongour for totally different waterfall vibes, then adds rural stops like Linh An Pagoda and silk and cricket farms. One heads-up: Elephant Waterfall can be temporarily closed, so you’ll want to stay flexible if it happens on your date.

The route runs about 7 to 8 hours with an English-speaking guide, air-con van pickup, and a small group size (max 15). If you want a packed day that still gives you time to walk and look, this one makes sense.

Key things I’d zero in on before you book

• Three waterfall stops with distinct styles: Datanla, Pongour (the 7-cascade waterfall), and Elephant when it’s operating
• Guide-driven explanations in plain English: names like Quy, Su, Bao, Andy, Ace, and Tin Tin come up often for humor and clear context
• Hands-on cultural detours: Linh An Pagoda, Cuong Hoan silk processing, Trại dế Thiện An cricket farm
• Coffee and rural crafts: Me Linh coffee garden (weasel coffee is part of the experience) and bamboo knitting in Lâm Hà
• The value is in the inclusions: pickup/drop-off, bottled water, and most entrance fees are covered at a low per-person price
• Budget for the extras you can’t skip: Datanla admission isn’t included, and optional rides or coffee/tastings may cost more

Da Lat 3 Waterfalls: how a full day actually feels

This tour is the “one-day maximum Da Lat” style. You start at 8:30 am and keep moving through the south-of-town sights, with short enough stops that you won’t feel stranded, but long enough to walk paths, grab photos, and cool off.

The small group size (up to 15) is a real quality-of-life factor. Fewer people means less waiting at entrances and fewer bottlenecks when the group regroups. Still, one practical downside popped up in feedback: the ride can feel tight if you’re tall or you hate close seating. If you’re picky about legroom, consider packing light and dressing for sitting comfortably.

Your guide matters here. The best days are when the guide connects the dots: why these waterfalls look the way they do, what these rural farms are doing, and what to notice when you arrive. That’s where names like Su, Bao, and Ace tend to shine.

Thác Datanla (Prenn Pass): your first waterfall and optional rides

Datanla Waterfall sits in the middle of Prenn Pass, about 5 km south of Da Lat center. It’s a good first stop because the area has a nature-feel right away, not just a quick look-and-go.

You’ll get about 40 minutes there, which is enough for a real stroll and to decide whether you want the optional alpine coaster ride. The coaster itself isn’t included, and the Datanla admission ticket also isn’t included—so this is one of the spots where you should plan to pay a bit extra after pickup.

What I like about starting here: you get your “wow” early, then the rest of the day isn’t riding a hype wave. You also learn the rhythms of the tour—meet point, regroup time, and how quickly the van leaves once everyone’s back.

Pongour Falls: the 7-cascade show with a photo-friendly pace

Pongour is often called the 7 cascading waterfalls of the Central Highlands. The stop is around 30 minutes, and admission is free, so it’s easy to jump in without thinking too hard about costs.

This is the kind of waterfall where timing helps. You want a moment to pause, look for the stacked flow, then step aside for angles where the water drops read clearly. With only half an hour, your best move is to pick one “walkable viewpoint” and stay there long enough to notice the different tiers.

A practical tip: shoes matter. The paths can be slick, and you’ll appreciate having grip when you step off and back onto the main trail. If you hate wet footing, wear closed-toe sandals or lightweight sneakers you don’t mind getting damp.

Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi): what to do if it’s closed

Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi) is described as a powerful waterfall, with a windy-cave feel under the waterfall. That “cave under it” detail is exactly why people talk about this stop like it’s special.

But here’s the key issue: the tour notes Elephant Waterfall is temporarily closed due to operational problems. The plan still tries to give you enjoyment in that area, but you should expect your experience to be different than the full access you might have seen in pictures.

So how do you handle it like a pro?

• Don’t count on a specific path to be open.
• Treat this as a flexible moment in the day, not the one thing you can’t lose.
• If your heart is set on Elephant as the main event, I’d still book—but keep a backup mindset for photos and viewpoints rather than a guaranteed full walkthrough.

Linh An Pagoda plus the calm break from waterfalls

After the falls, the day shifts to a more cultural stop: Linh An Pagoda, about 33 km from Da Lat city. It’s known for a huge lady Buddha statue, and you’ll have around 30 minutes to take it in.

This is a useful switch-up. Waterfalls can be wet, noisy, and physically demanding on your feet. A pagoda stop gives your body a rest while you reset your senses. You also get a clearer sense of how people in this region build daily life around spiritual spaces, not just sightseeing.

If you’re the type who likes to look up details—guides often point out what’s worth noticing—you’ll appreciate this part. It’s not a long stop, so wear clothes that are respectful but still comfortable for moving around.

Cuong Hoan Silk Factory: seeing how thread becomes cloth

Cuong Hoan Silk Factory is one of those stops that’s easy to overlook if you only care about waterfalls. Don’t skip it. Even when you don’t buy anything, watching the process helps you understand what you’re seeing in Vietnam’s traditional textiles.

You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, and entrance is included. The focus is on the full process—from cocoon to fabric—using older methods for removing silks from cocoons.

Here’s how to approach it if you’re a little squeamish: ask what’s involved in any tasting or sample part of the experience. Some silk-related demonstrations can include items that come from cocoons, and not everyone likes those details. If you’re sensitive, you don’t need to force yourself into anything. You can still observe the main workflow and leave with a better picture of the craft.

Trại dế Thiện An cricket farm: snack time, or just watch

Trại dế Thiện An is where the tour steps into food culture. The farm is guided by the owner, and you can learn how crickets are raised and cared for, then see how they’re used in dishes.

Entrance is included and the stop is about 30 minutes. In other words: you’ll get the story, not a long lecture.

Can you eat the crickets? Yes. Are you required? No. Some visitors go for stir-fried cricket dishes; others prefer to observe first and decide later. If insects freak you out, treat it as a cultural stop and choose what level of participation feels comfortable.

I like that this isn’t presented as a gimmick—it’s framed as husbandry and a local protein source. That makes the experience feel grounded, not just “try this for fun.”

Me Linh coffee garden and Lâm Hà bamboo knitting

The final stretch adds two rural texture points.

First is Me Linh Coffee Garden, about 23 km from the center and reached by crossing the Ta Nung winding pass. The tour highlights original weasel coffee and a self-sufficient setup. The admission is not included, so this is another place where you may pay extra depending on what you choose to do (tasting, drinks, and so on).

Then you shift to Lâm Hà District for bamboo knitting. This is a free-admission stop with about 30 minutes. Bamboo crafts tend to land well because they’re visual and active—less like a museum and more like a working process. Even if you’re not buying, it’s a good “last piece” before the return to town.

If you plan to buy coffee or small crafts, do it with a quick comparison in mind. One recurring caution: coffee and drinks here can cost more than buying in Da Lat city. I’d rather you budget for one treat than get surprised at the register.

Value math: what you get for $25.30 per person

At $25.30 per person, this tour stands out because several costs are absorbed into the package. You get:

• pickup and drop-off service
• bottled water
• a professional English-speaking guide
• an air-conditioned vehicle
• entrance fees for most stops

The main “not included” items you should plan for are:

• Lunch (you’ll likely have a restaurant break where food is available, but it’s not stated as included)
• Alpine coaster ride (optional)
• Datanla Waterfall admission
• Me Linh Coffee Garden admission

So is it good value? For a full day with three waterfall destinations plus multiple included culture stops, yes—especially if you’d otherwise have to hire transport and pay separate tickets. The value slips a bit if you start adding paid rides and pricey drinks. That’s not a dealbreaker, just a budgeting reality.

Who this Da Lat 3 Waterfalls tour fits best

This is a great match if:

• you want a single-day plan that covers waterfalls and rural culture
• you like having a guide manage timing so you don’t fight with transport
• you’re okay with short stops and regrouping on a schedule

It may be less ideal if:

• you hate structured tours and would rather linger for hours at one site
• you’re very sensitive to seat comfort on vans
• Elephant Waterfall is your top one must-see and you don’t handle disappointment well if access is limited

For families: the tour provides child pricing based on height (under 90 cm free as infant, 90–110 cm discounted, above 110 cm adult fare). That’s useful for planning a group budget.

Should you book it? My practical verdict

If your goal is maximum Da Lat value in one day, I’d book this. The combination of Datanla + Pongour is strong, and the included cultural stops (Linh An Pagoda, silk, crickets, and bamboo) give the day enough variety that it doesn’t feel like a single-note sightseeing trip.

I’d only hesitate if Elephant Waterfall being open is essential for your plans. Since it can be temporarily closed, you’ll want to go in with flexibility and enjoy the rest of the program just as much.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long is the Da Lat 3 Waterfalls tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off service is included.

Are entrance fees included for all the waterfalls?

Entrance fees are included except for Datanla Waterfall.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is the alpine coaster ride included?

No, the alpine coaster ride is optional and not included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What about the Elephant Waterfall stop?

Elephant Waterfall may be temporarily closed due to operational issues, and the tour notes you’ll still enjoy the experience in that area.

What if weather is bad?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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