Dalat is not only etched in the hearts of tourists with the picturesque scenery of the City of a Thousand Flowers and the tranquil charm of the dreamy city, but it also possesses numerous majestic waterfalls that showcase the beauty of the mountainous natural landscapes. Pongour Waterfall, a 7-tier waterfall, is an attractive destination in Dalat and one of the largest waterfalls in Lam Dong, Vietnam, leaving a strong impression on domestic and international tourists due to its rugged beauty, imbued with the highland atmosphere of the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
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Introduction to Pongour Waterfall in Dalat
- Address: Tân Nghĩa Hamlet, Ninh Gia Commune, Đức Trọng District, Lâm Đồng Province
- Contact Phone Number: 02633 675 202
With its wilderness and intensity characteristic of a highland waterfall, Pongour Waterfall becomes an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Southwestern Highlands.
Pongour Waterfall is situated along the flow of the Da Nhim River, which has created several beautiful waterfalls and lakes in Dalat. The waterfall has a height of about 40 meters, a width of over 100 meters, and flows gently through 7 natural stone tiers, creating a cascading white frothy water, hence its nickname “Seven-Tier Waterfall.” Surrounding Pongour Waterfall is a pristine forest spanning over 2.5 hectares with diverse vegetation. The downstream area of the waterfall is a vast, open lake with many rocky outcrops in the midst of the flowing water, making it suitable for camping, relaxation, and sightseeing.
Currently, upstream of Pongour Waterfall, the water flow has been harnessed for the Dai Ninh hydroelectric plant, which has resulted in the waterfall’s flow being less vigorous than before. Nevertheless, the beauty of the waterfall remains largely unaffected.
Visiting Pongour Waterfall, you will not only enjoy the majestic and picturesque mountainous scenery but also experience a sense of peace amid the cool water, echoing forest birdsong, and the sound of flowing water, both day and night.
According to some geological research by the French, the area is rich in kaolin, a type of white clay. This led to them giving the waterfall the name “Pongour,” a phonetic interpretation of the K’Ho language “Pon-gou,” which means “master of the land of white clay.”
During that time, the French also voted Pongour Waterfall as the “most majestic waterfall in Indochina,” and it once made Emperor Bao Dai marvel and praise it as the “number one waterfall in the South” when he witnessed the exquisite beauty of this waterfall with his own eyes. In 2000, Pongour Waterfall was recognized as a national scenic spot.
Pongour Waterfall is the only waterfall in Vietnam that holds an annual festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, which is during Tet Nguyen Tieu (Lantern Festival). On these days, many cultural and entertainment activities are organized by the local people, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Opening hours and ticket prices for Pongour Waterfall.
As one of the hottest tourist destinations in Dalat nowadays, the 7-tier waterfall attracts many visitors for sightseeing and photo opportunities. However, before you visit this picturesque waterfall, it’s essential to be aware of the opening hours and ticket prices for Pongour Waterfall below:
- Opening hours: 07:00 AM – 05:30 PM
- Ticket prices (approximate): Children: 10,000 VND per ticket; Adults: 20,000 VND per ticket.
Directions to Pongour Waterfall in Dalat
Located approximately 50km from Dalat, Pongour Waterfall is situated in Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province, and is one of the renowned tourist attractions in the suburban area of the city. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Southern Central Highlands and is beloved by tourists for its majestic yet poetic beauty.
Getting to the waterfall from Ho Chi Minh
If you are starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to the intersection near the Trung hamlet on National Highway 20 heading to Dalat. From there, turn onto the road leading to the waterfall at around kilometer 260, then make a right turn and continue for about 8km, and you will reach your destination.
There are various ways to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat, such as taking a bus, a limousine, renting a car, flying, or even riding a motorcycle. You can choose the most suitable mode of transportation based on your preferences and needs.
If you require a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation, you can opt for a private car rental service with a driver in Ho Chi Minh City from DanangPrivateCar.com’s. They have a team of professional drivers who can communicate in basic English, provide door-to-door service, and offer the opportunity to rest and visit various attractions along the way. This will make your journey to Pongour Waterfall a breeze. Book your private trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat today to arrange the best travel experience.
Getting to the waterfall from the center of Dalat
The road to Pongour Waterfall is quite beautiful and easy to travel if you’re using a car or renting a motorcycle in Dalat. You can follow these directions:
Starting from the city center, head in the direction of the Prenn Pass -> Drive through the pass and past the toll booth, then continue along National Highway 20 toward Duc Trong District -> Drive straight for about 15km until you reach a small roundabout -> You will see a sign directing you to a paved road, follow this road to reach your destination.
During your journey, please be aware that the paved road leading to the waterfall is beautiful but relatively quiet. Local residents often allow livestock to roam freely by the roadside, so it’s a good idea to drive slowly to ensure safety. Following Google Maps directions or asking locals for directions can make your travel easier.
You can also consider using a private car rental service with a driver in Dalat for a quick and safe journey. The private car service in Dalat from DanangPrivateCar.com is suitable for international travelers, groups of friends, and families.
Pongour Waterfall – Which Season is Beautiful?
Pongour Waterfall in Dalat is beautiful and full of water throughout the year, so tourists can visit this waterfall at any time. From around July to September, during the rainy season when the land of a thousand flowers experiences heavy rains, the waterfall flows vigorously into the lake, creating a magnificent and majestic scenery with frothy white water.
Each season, the 7-tier waterfall exhibits a different and unique beauty
On the other hand, during the dry season from around October to July of the following year, the water at Pongour Waterfall in Duc Trong, Lam Dong, is more gentle. The water slowly pours down the rock tiers, resembling a smooth, soft silk ribbon draped over moss-covered green rocks. Visiting the waterfall during this time, you won’t be able to resist being captivated by the mesmerizing and enticing landscape.
The Legend of Pongour Waterfall
Pongour Waterfall is closely associated with the heroic legend of the K’Ho people. The details of the legend are as follows:
In the ancient times, this land was ruled by a highly intelligent and beautiful female chieftain named Kanai.
The female chieftain of this region possessed a unique skill of taming fierce animals, like four giant rhinoceroses that she had under her command and always obeyed her. They helped her control the streams, move mountains, cultivate fields, and defend against those who sought to invade the village.
On a special full-moon day, the female chieftain passed away. Her four loyal rhinoceroses stayed by her side day and night, refusing to eat until they died.
Some time later, the people of the village were astonished to see a magnificent waterfall appear at the very place where she had passed away.
Unique Experiences at Pongour Waterfall’s 7 Tiers
Visiting Pongour Waterfall offers not only the chance to witness its majestic beauty but also the opportunity to engage in a variety of exciting activities.
Awe-Inspiring Beauty of the 7-Tier Waterfall
Arriving at the 7-tier waterfall, you’ll be spellbound by the wild and magnificent natural scenery. Water rushes from above, creating frothy, white cascades. It meanders through the rocky terrain like a soft silk ribbon. Surrounding the waterfall are ancient, towering trees. Pongour Waterfall is an ideal place for those seeking serenity away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, you can simply sit on a rock, enjoy the fresh air, and listen to the harmonious song of nature.
Camping, Outdoor Adventures, and BBQ by the Waterfall
With its picturesque and majestic setting, not organizing camping, outdoor adventures, or a BBQ party at Pongour Waterfall would be a missed opportunity to connect with nature. You can prepare tents, camping gear, and food from home and select an ideal spot near the waterfall to set up your outdoor experience. The feeling of immersing yourself in the vastness of nature is sure to provide exciting experiences.
Participate in the Unique Pongour Waterfall Festival
If you’re wondering what there is to do at Pongour Waterfall, plan your visit during the full moon day of the first and seventh months of the lunar calendar. During these times, the local people organize festivals at the waterfall to commemorate the beautiful chieftain, Kanai. Here, you have the opportunity to partake in various entertaining activities and learn more about the cultural beauty of the people from the Central Highlands.
Photography
Pongour Waterfall is a photographer’s paradise. The interplay of light, water, and the natural environment around it provides endless opportunities to capture magnificent photos. Whether you’re a professional photographer or simply enjoy taking pictures, Pongour offers a myriad of subjects to photograph.
These unique experiences at Pongour Waterfall make it a versatile destination, catering to nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, culture aficionados, and those in pursuit of relaxation and serenity. Remember to respect the natural environment and adhere to any local regulations to preserve the beauty and integrity of this exceptional location.
What to Eat When Visiting Pongour Waterfall
Within the tourist area of the 7-tier waterfall, there are many eateries offering a variety of delicious and tempting dishes for you to enjoy. For added convenience, you can also bring your own food to organize outdoor BBQ parties for a complete and enjoyable experience.
In the Duc Trong district area, there are several notable restaurants and eateries where you’ll have the opportunity to savor local specialties with a strong mountainous flavor. These include grilled meat, roasted chicken, bamboo-tube rice, and rice wine. Here are a few outstanding restaurants in the Duc Trong region:
- Tam Lua Restaurant
- Vodka Quan
- SuSin Restaurant
Furthermore, after your adventures at the Pongour tourist site, you can return to the city and indulge in renowned dishes that are a must-try for food enthusiasts. These include dishes like “banh can” (pancakes), chicken and “lá é” hotpot, “banh mi xiu mai” (meatball sandwiches), avocado ice cream, grilled spring rolls, beef hotpot,…
Some Tips When Traveling to Pongour Waterfall
Before setting foot at the 7-tier waterfall, remember to prepare thoroughly and take note of the following travel tips:
- Plan your trip to Da Lat in general and the exploration of Pongour Waterfall in particular to ensure everything is well-prepared for a seamless and complete journey.
- If you’re traveling by motorbike, make sure to adhere to traffic laws. Avoid speeding and reckless overtaking, especially on the hazardous mountain roads. Exercise caution, particularly on rainy and slippery days.
- Based on the experience of traveling to the 7-tier waterfall, you can feel confident that inside the tourist area, there are snacks available such as grilled skewers, boiled eggs, roasted sweet potatoes, and beverages for you to enjoy and satisfy your appetite.
- Travel responsibly and absolutely do not litter, especially in the waterfall area. Help maintain a clean and beautiful travel environment.
Pongour Waterfall in Da Lat, with its majestic yet profoundly serene beauty, has long been one of the favorite tourist destinations for both domestic and international travelers who wish to explore new lands. While it may be relatively distant when traveling from Da Lat, if you have the opportunity to return to the city of thousands of flowers, why would you miss the chance to behold the splendid waterfall scenery nestled peacefully amidst the vast mountains and hills?
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