Datanla, Pongour, Elephant: 3 stunning and majestic falls

If you’re planning a trip to Dalat in Central Vietnam and want a day full of natural beauty, cultural insights, and exciting activities, this guided tour offers a fantastic overview. With an affordable price of just $22 per person, it packs in visits to three breathtaking waterfalls and plenty of authentic experiences that highlight the area’s lush landscapes and local traditions.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the combination of spectacular waterfalls—each with its own character—offers plenty of photo opportunities. Second, the chance to interact with local culture through visits to silk weaving, spice gardens, and traditional rice wine production adds depth beyond just sightseeing. Third, the variety of outdoor activities, like riding the Alpine coaster and exploring mountain passes, keeps the energy up and the day engaging.

A potential consideration is the physical nature of the tour—you’ll be walking, hiking, and riding motorcycles, so comfortable clothes and shoes are a must. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and cultural discovery, especially those eager to see Vietnam’s natural and artisanal side.

Good To Know

• Affordable value for a full day of scenic and cultural experiences.
• Expert guides provide rich insights and personalized attention.
• Diverse activities—from waterfalls and mountain passes to silk weaving and coffee tasting.
• Authentic local encounters with rice wine, spices, and traditional crafts.
• Flexibility with options for motorcycle or vehicle transportation.
• Ideal for active travelers and those seeking a well-rounded day trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Da Lat Waterfalls and Beyond

Starting at Truc Lam Monastery Pagoda

The day begins at the Truc Lam Monastery Pagoda, a peaceful spot where you can enjoy calm gardens and stunning views. This is a great chance to soak in some tranquility while admiring the architecture and lush surroundings. Visitors noted the serenity of this place, making it a perfect peaceful start before heading into more energetic adventures.

Datanla Waterfall and Alpine Coaster

Next, you’ll visit Datanla Waterfall, famous for its lush, cascading waters and the longest Alpine coaster in the area. Riding the coaster is a highlight—zipping through the forest with views of the falls and the surrounding greenery. Reviewers like Guido mention that this part of the day is “great, fun, and really interesting,” especially with the coaster adding an adrenaline rush.

The coaster’s tracks wind through the landscape, giving you a different perspective of the waterfall and the jungle canopy. The ride is accessible for most, and the scenery provides ample photo ops. If you’re into outdoor thrills, this is definitely a high point of the tour.

Winding Through Sam Pass and the Gold Course

After the excitement at Datanla, the journey continues along the winding Sam Pass Mountain. This scenic drive offers panoramic views that are worth stopping for photos—think rolling hills, verdant valleys, and the Sam Gold Course, a lush 18-hole course set in the mountains. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to capture the picturesque hillside and the chance to see the mountain landscapes that define Dalat’s charm.

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Black Pepper Garden Visit

A visit to a black pepper garden introduces you to Vietnam’s spicy staple. Here, you’ll learn firsthand about cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Reviewers, such as Jenni, enjoyed seeing the pepper growing and processing, which adds an educational touch to the day. Sampling fresh pepper or seeing the drying process offers a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s culinary richness.

Pongour Waterfall – The Seven-Step Marvel

The Pongour Waterfall, also called the Seven Step Waterfall, is often highlighted as a true natural masterpiece. The multi-tiered falls cascade over terraced stone, creating a stunning visual spectacle. According to visitors, this is one of the most impressive stops, with many describing it as “captivating” and “beautiful.” It’s a perfect spot to relax, take photos, or simply marvel at nature’s power.

Elephant Waterfall – Nature’s Elephant Art

Following lunch, the tour takes you to the Elephant Waterfall, also known as Lieng Rowoa Waterfall. Its wild, rugged beauty is complemented by rocks naturally shaped like elephants—an easy point for awe and conversation. Guests have described it as “charming,” with the large rocks making the place feel almost mystical. It’s a less crowded but equally impressive site that gives you the feeling of discovering something truly special.

Silk Weaving Experience

Next, you’ll visit a silk weaving workshop, where the traditional craft is demonstrated in detail. Seeing the process—from mulberry cultivation, silkworm raising, cocoon spinning, to weaving—connects you with Vietnam’s artisanal roots. Reviewers like Jenni found it “amazing” to witness the silkworms and the craftsmanship involved. The silk products are often vibrant, soft, and full of cultural meaning, making this a memorable highlight.

Tasting Rice Wine and Local Cuisine

No tour of Dalat would be complete without sampling local delicacies. You’ll visit a place where rice wine is crafted using traditional manual methods, offering an authentic taste of Vietnam’s ethnic spirits. Guests, including Maykacha, have enjoyed trying the distinct flavors of rice wine and experiencing the manual process firsthand.

Coffee Plantation Visit

As you ascend the Ta Nung Pass Mountain, the scenery shifts to lush coffee plantations. Here, you’ll learn about cultivation and harvesting—a vital part of Vietnam’s economy—and see beans being roasted at the showroom. The chance to sample Robusta, Moca, and Liberica coffees is a treat, especially for caffeine lovers. Reviewers like Mariana enjoyed the variety of flavors—from strong and bitter to light and sour—making this stop a sensory delight.

Scenic Views from Ta Nung Pass

Your day wraps up with a visit to a breathtaking viewpoint of Ta Nung Pass, offering sweeping views of green plantations below. It’s the perfect place to reflect on the day’s adventure, take photos, and appreciate the mountain landscapes that make Dalat so unique.

The Transport and Group Experience

Transportation is flexible—either motorcycles or a car/4×4 vehicle—which adds to the fun and adventure. The option for self-ride is particularly popular among those who want to control their pace and enjoy the scenery more intimately. The tour includes entrance fees, fuel, helmets, and safety gear, ensuring a seamless experience, while hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics straightforward.

Typically, the tour lasts a full day, and guides like Henry, Tom, and Wayne are praised for being knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, often tailoring the experience based on group interests. Reviews frequently mention the enthusiasm and flexibility of guides, which makes the day feel personalized.

What’s Included & What’s Not

For a price of $22, the tour offers excellent value, covering transportation, guide services, entrance fees, and safety gear. However, lunch and soft drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or planning for a meal is advisable. Travelers should also be prepared for some walking and hiking, making comfortable shoes and clothes a must.

Review Highlights and Authentic Insights

Guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides and the variety of experiences as standout features. Jenni appreciated the helpfulness of Alex and Han, especially the silkworm and coffee visits, describing the day as a well-planned and immersive experience. Guido highlighted Tom’s expertise and storytelling, which enriched the sightseeing.

Many reviewers like Amber and Mariana enjoyed the well-organized schedule and diverse activities, with Amber noting how “we managed to do so much within a day,” showcasing the tour’s efficiency. The scenic coaster rides and visits to waterfalls and mountain passes are often described as “beautiful” or “breathtaking,” while the silk weaving and rice wine tasting add cultural depth.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. It’s perfect if you want a full, active day exploring Dalat’s natural wonders and artisan traditions without breaking the bank. The mix of outdoor activities, scenic drives, and cultural visits makes it suitable for young travelers, families with older children, or anyone eager to see Vietnam’s countryside from multiple angles.

While it involves some walking and physical activity, it’s not overly strenuous, so those with moderate mobility should be comfortable. The inclusion of optional motorcycle riding adds a thrill for confident riders but isn’t mandatory for participation.

If you’re craving a balanced, engaging, and value-packed experience that showcases Dalat’s most captivating sights and local life, this tour hits the spot.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 5 are free if they travel with their parents, and the activities are generally suitable for older kids. However, the walking and outdoor riding may be less comfortable for very young children.

Do I need to bring my own safety gear?
No, helmets and safety gear are provided as part of the tour, whether you choose motorcycle or vehicle transport.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is designed to be a full-day experience with a set itinerary, but guides are often flexible, especially for private groups or special requests.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and outdoor activities. Weather can vary, so layers and a raincoat can be helpful.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and soft drinks are not included, so plan accordingly or bring snacks to keep energized.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Vegetarians should inform the tour provider in advance to accommodate dietary needs, especially during meal stops.

Final Thoughts

This Da Lat day tour offers an authentic, varied experience for anyone eager to see Vietnam’s natural splendor and cultural craftsmanship. For just $22, you gain access to stunning waterfalls, mountain passes, traditional crafts, and local flavors, all guided by friendly experts who know the area well.

The combination of scenic landscapes, adventurous rides, and educational stops makes this a well-rounded day trip that balances excitement and insight. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to explore Dalat’s highlights and enjoy some memorable outdoor moments, this tour is a top choice.

While it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with some walking and outdoor riding, its flexible transportation options and engaging guides make it accessible for most. Expect a day full of beautiful sights, cultural discovery, and plenty of photo opportunities—not to mention a good dose of fun along the way.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable adventure in Vietnam’s highlands, this tour delivers on all fronts.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby