20 Best Waterfalls to See in Vietnam: A Road Trip Guide for Nature Lovers
Author : Lonely Traveler | Published On : 07 Oct 2026
Vietnam is usually associated with busy cities, rice terraces, beaches, limestone mountains and street food, but some of the country's most rewarding places are hidden away in forests and mountain valleys. Waterfalls are scattered from the northern mountains to the Central Highlands and the tropical south, and many can be combined with a road trip.
Some are easy to reach from popular destinations such as Da Lat, Sapa and Nha Trang. Others require several hours on mountain roads followed by a walk through forest or farmland. That difference is part of the appeal. A waterfall in Vietnam can be a quick morning stop, a full-day adventure or the reason for taking a particular road in the first place.
Vietnam Tourism itself highlights waterfalls including Ban Gioc, Dai Yem, Hang En, Yang Bay, Pongour and Dray Nur among the country's important natural attractions.
If you are planning to explore Vietnam independently, this guide covers 20 of the best waterfalls to see in Vietnam, along with practical advice about road trips, vehicle rental and the International Driving Permit Vietnam requirements that foreign visitors should understand before driving.
1. Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang
Ban Gioc is the waterfall I would put at the top of any first-time Vietnam waterfall itinerary.
Located in Cao Bang in northeastern Vietnam, the falls sit on the Quay Son River near the Vietnam–China border. The water spreads across several limestone levels before dropping into a broad green valley surrounded by karst mountains.
The scale is difficult to appreciate from photographs. From a distance, the waterfall appears to be part of the landscape rather than a single feature. When the river is carrying more water, the different cascades join into a much more powerful wall of white water.
Vietnam Tourism describes Ban Gioc as one of Southeast Asia's major natural attractions and notes that the waterfall is roughly 340 kilometres from Hanoi. The road journey itself is part of the experience, passing through winding northern mountain roads.
A good way to visit is to stay around Cao Bang or closer to the waterfall and arrive early in the morning. Nearby attractions include Nguom Ngao Cave and Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda, so there is enough in the area to justify staying overnight.
For a foreign tourist who enjoys driving, the Cao Bang trip is one of the more interesting road journeys in northern Vietnam.
2. Pongour Waterfall, Lam Dong
Pongour is one of the most distinctive waterfalls in southern Vietnam.
Instead of falling from a narrow cliff, water spreads across a series of enormous natural rock terraces. The result is a wide, seven-level cascade surrounded by green vegetation.
Vietnam Tourism describes Pongour as a seven-level waterfall with a highest point of around 40 metres. The surrounding area also provides opportunities for picnics and camping.
Pongour works particularly well as part of a Da Lat road trip.
Rather than staying in Da Lat and rushing back after seeing the waterfall, consider spending several days exploring the wider Lam Dong area. The drive takes you through coffee-growing countryside, small settlements and mountain scenery.
If you have your own vehicle or a rental car, leave early and combine Pongour with other attractions around Da Lat and Bao Loc.
3. Dambri Waterfall, Lam Dong
Dambri is another waterfall that fits naturally into a road trip between Bao Loc and Da Lat.
The water plunges through a forested valley, and the surrounding landscape feels noticeably different from the more developed tourist areas of central Da Lat.
Vietnam Tourism describes Dambri as one of the high waterfalls in the region, dropping more than 60 metres into a misty gorge. The site has walking routes and different ways of reaching viewpoints.
One advantage of Dambri is that you do not need to plan a difficult wilderness expedition. It is a relatively straightforward attraction to include when travelling through the Central Highlands.
If you have time, spend a night in Bao Loc rather than treating the area only as a stop between cities.
4. Dray Nur Waterfall, Dak Lak
Dray Nur is one of the waterfalls I would recommend to travelers who want to see a different side of Vietnam.
It is located in Dak Lak, in the Central Highlands, where coffee plantations, ethnic minority communities and volcanic landscapes replace the limestone scenery found in the north.
The waterfall is broad and powerful rather than exceptionally tall. Water crashes over dark volcanic rock, creating a completely different appearance from Ban Gioc or Pongour.
Vietnam Tourism specifically lists Dray Nur among Vietnam's important natural waterfall destinations.
The best base for exploring this area is Buon Ma Thuot.
From the city, you can make a day trip to the waterfall and return in the evening, although staying longer is worthwhile if you are interested in coffee plantations and Central Highlands culture.
5. Datanla Waterfall, Da Lat
Datanla is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit when staying in Da Lat.
That convenience also means it is more developed and busier than some of the remote waterfalls on this list.
The attraction combines the waterfall with forest trails and adventure activities. Vietnam Tourism specifically mentions the alpine coaster running through the waterfall area.
If you are travelling with children or people who don't want a long hike, Datanla makes an easy addition to a Da Lat itinerary.
For a quieter experience, go early in the morning and avoid weekends and public holidays.
6. Elephant Waterfall, Lam Dong
Elephant Waterfall is located near Nam Ban, approximately 30 kilometres from Da Lat.
The waterfall gets its English name from the huge rocks around the cascade, some of which resemble elephants.
Vietnam Tourism describes a rocky trail leading down toward the waterfall and notes the large rock formations and nearby Linh An Pagoda.
This is another place where appropriate footwear matters.
The rocks around waterfalls can become slippery, particularly after rain. I would not recommend treating the trail like an ordinary sightseeing walk.
The surrounding countryside is also worth the drive. You can combine Elephant Falls with coffee farms, small villages and the roads around Nam Ban.
7. Thac Bac — Silver Waterfall, Sapa
Sapa's Silver Waterfall, known locally as Thac Bac, is one of the most accessible mountain waterfalls in northern Vietnam.
It sits on the road from Sapa toward the O Quy Ho mountain pass and is surrounded by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
The waterfall is particularly attractive when the surrounding mountains are covered in mist. On a clear day, however, the drive itself provides some of the best scenery.
If you are staying in Sapa, this is an easy half-day excursion.
Rather than returning directly to town, consider continuing along the mountain road toward O Quy Ho Pass and combining the waterfall with viewpoints and mountain villages.
The waterfall is considerably more accessible than remote northern falls, which makes it suitable for travelers who want mountain scenery without a demanding trek.
8. Tac Tinh Waterfall, Lai Chau
Tac Tinh is a better choice for travelers who want to get away from the more familiar Sapa itinerary.
Located in Lai Chau, the waterfall drops through a green mountain landscape and is surrounded by the kind of scenery that makes northern Vietnam road trips so memorable.
The journey to Tac Tinh is more important than simply reaching the viewpoint. Mountain roads, rice terraces and villages make the route part of the attraction.
For travelers interested in local culture, this region also provides opportunities to see communities away from the main tourist routes.
Stay in Lai Chau or combine Tac Tinh with a longer route through northern Vietnam.
9. Dai Yem Waterfall, Moc Chau
Moc Chau is famous for tea plantations, mountain scenery and agricultural landscapes, and Dai Yem Waterfall gives you another reason to visit.
The waterfall is surrounded by green hills and countryside and is particularly attractive during periods of higher rainfall.
Vietnam Tourism lists Dai Yem among the notable waterfalls of Vietnam's northern highlands.
The easiest approach is to stay in Moc Chau and use it as your base.
This is an excellent stop for travelers making a northern Vietnam road trip rather than flying between Hanoi and Sapa.
10. Chieng Khoa Waterfall, Son La
Chieng Khoa is the sort of waterfall that appeals to travelers who prefer quieter places.
It is located in the Moc Chau area and consists of several cascades surrounded by forest and rocky pools.
The waterfall does not have the international recognition of Ban Gioc, but that is precisely why it can be attractive to independent travelers.
If your idea of a good Vietnam trip involves taking smaller roads, stopping at roadside cafés and spending time in rural areas, Chieng Khoa fits that style of travel much better than a heavily developed attraction.
A vehicle is useful here, particularly if you want to explore several places around Moc Chau.
11. May Waterfall, Thanh Hoa
May Waterfall is another destination for travelers who want to see a less internationally known part of Vietnam.
The waterfall is famous for a series of cascades that have inspired the nickname "Nine Steps of Love."
The surrounding landscape is green and rural, and the waterfall is especially appealing during the wetter months when there is more water flowing over the rocks.
It is not the easiest waterfall to combine with a conventional city itinerary, which is one reason it remains interesting for independent road trippers.
If you are travelling from Hanoi, allow plenty of time rather than attempting to rush there and back in a few hours.
12. Yang Bay Waterfall, Khanh Hoa
Most travelers visiting Khanh Hoa head straight for the beaches of Nha Trang.
Yang Bay provides a completely different day out.
Located in a forested valley inland from Nha Trang, Yang Bay is part of a larger nature and recreation area. Vietnam Tourism lists Yang Bay among Vietnam's notable waterfalls.
The drive from Nha Trang takes you away from the coastal tourist environment and into greener countryside.
This makes Yang Bay a good choice when you want to combine a beach holiday with a day in the mountains.
13. Ba Ho Waterfall, Khanh Hoa
Ba Ho is another good option near Nha Trang, especially for travelers who enjoy swimming and outdoor activities.
The name refers to a series of three natural pools connected by waterfalls.
The attraction is more about the combination of water, rocks, forest and pools than about the height of the waterfall itself.
Be careful around wet rocks and only swim where conditions are considered safe. Water levels and currents can change quickly after heavy rain.
A rental vehicle can make the journey easier, but if you are not comfortable riding a motorbike on Vietnamese roads, hiring a car with a local driver is the more sensible option.
14. Phu Cuong Waterfall, Gia Lai
Phu Cuong Waterfall is located in Gia Lai, another Central Highlands destination that tends to receive fewer international visitors than Da Lat.
The waterfall drops over volcanic rock in a broad natural setting surrounded by vegetation.
This is a good place to include if you are building a longer Central Highlands road trip through Pleiku, Gia Lai, Kon Tum and Dak Lak.
The region is particularly rewarding when you slow down and spend time between destinations rather than treating every stop as a quick photograph.
15. K50 Waterfall, Gia Lai
K50 is for the more adventurous traveler.
Deep inside the forested Kon Chu Rang Conservation Area, reaching the waterfall requires considerably more planning than visiting Datanla or Thac Bac.
The remote setting is exactly what makes K50 special.
Do not approach this as a casual roadside attraction. Weather, trail conditions, local access arrangements and your physical condition all matter.
A local guide is strongly recommended for remote forest routes, particularly if you do not know the area.
For an experienced traveler, K50 can become one of the highlights of a Central Highlands adventure.
16. Krong Kmar Waterfall, Dak Lak
Krong Kmar is another waterfall worth considering if you are travelling through the Central Highlands.
It is associated with the Krong Kmar River and the mountain landscape around Krong Bong.
Compared with the better-known waterfalls near Da Lat, this area feels less polished and more connected to the surrounding countryside.
The best approach is to treat the waterfall as part of a wider Dak Lak trip rather than making a long journey solely to see it.
Combine it with coffee plantations, local villages and Buon Ma Thuot.
17. Prenn Waterfall, Da Lat
Prenn is one of the more established waterfall attractions around Da Lat.
Vietnam Tourism notes that Prenn is around 10 metres high and has been designated a national scenic monument. The area includes facilities and attractions beyond the waterfall itself.
It is not the waterfall I would choose if your priority is solitude.
However, its easy access makes it useful for a first visit to Da Lat, particularly if you are travelling with family or have limited time.
18. Cam Ly Waterfall, Da Lat
Cam Ly is another waterfall close to Da Lat.
It is much easier to reach than the remote waterfalls of northern and Central Vietnam, making it convenient for travelers who have only a short time in the city.
The waterfall is best considered alongside Da Lat's other attractions rather than as a major standalone destination.
If you are already spending several days in Da Lat, it can be included in a wider route covering Datanla, Elephant Falls and Pongour.
Vietnam Tourism includes Cam Ly among Da Lat's group of notable waterfalls.
19. Bao Dai Waterfall, Lam Dong
Bao Dai Waterfall is another less frequently discussed waterfall in the Lam Dong region.
Its location makes it more suitable for travelers who are exploring the Central Highlands by road rather than following the standard Da Lat tourist circuit.
The area around Lam Dong is particularly good for slow travel. You can combine waterfalls with coffee plantations, mountain roads and small towns.
If you have your own transport or a rental vehicle, allow time for unplanned stops.
Some of the most enjoyable parts of a Central Highlands journey happen between the attractions listed on the map.
20. Suoi Tranh Waterfall, Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is better known for beaches and resorts, but the island also has forest and freshwater attractions.
Suoi Tranh is a series of smaller cascades surrounded by tropical vegetation.
It is not comparable to Ban Gioc or Pongour in scale, but it offers a completely different experience.
Vietnam Tourism highlights Phu Quoc's forests, streams and natural environment as part of the island's wider nature attractions.
The waterfall is most worthwhile when combined with a day exploring the island rather than being the sole reason for visiting Phu Quoc.
Best Regions for a Vietnam Waterfall Road Trip
Trying to visit all 20 waterfalls in one trip would be a mistake. Vietnam is long and geographically diverse, and travelling between the northern mountains, Central Highlands and southern islands takes considerable time.
Instead, choose one region.
Northern Vietnam
A strong northern route could be:
Hanoi → Moc Chau → Son La → Lai Chau → Sapa → Cao Bang → Ban Gioc
This route includes:
- Dai Yem
- Chieng Khoa
- May Waterfall
- Tac Tinh
- Thac Bac
- Ban Gioc
The roads can be slow because of mountains and weather, so do not calculate your itinerary purely from the distance shown on a map.
Da Lat and Central Highlands
For waterfall lovers, the Central Highlands may be the easiest region to explore.
A possible route is:
Da Lat → Pongour → Dambri → Buon Ma Thuot → Dray Nur → Gia Lai
You can combine waterfalls with coffee farms, mountain scenery and local communities.
Da Lat is particularly useful as a base because Vietnam Tourism identifies a large concentration of waterfalls around the city and Lam Dong region.
Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Vietnam
There is no single perfect month for every waterfall.
Rainfall varies considerably between northern, central and southern Vietnam.
Generally, waterfalls become more impressive during and after periods of heavier rain, when rivers carry more water. However, heavy rain can also make trails slippery and mountain roads more difficult.
For example, Vietnam Tourism notes that the rainy season can dramatically increase the flow of waterfalls around the Da Lat highlands.
For road trips, I prefer a compromise: visit after enough rain to give the falls good flow but avoid periods when severe weather is expected.
Always check local weather and road conditions before heading into mountainous areas.
Driving to Vietnam's Waterfalls as a Foreign Tourist
A vehicle gives you much more freedom when visiting Vietnam's waterfalls, particularly outside the major cities.
However, there is an important distinction between renting a vehicle with a driver and driving the vehicle yourself.
For many international visitors, hiring a car with a local driver is the easiest option for longer trips. You don't have to deal with unfamiliar traffic, navigation or mountain roads, while still having a private vehicle.
Motorbike rental is common in tourist areas, but simply being able to rent a motorbike does not automatically mean that you are legally licensed to ride it.
That distinction is important.
International Driving Permit for Vietnam
If you intend to drive yourself in Vietnam, check the legal requirements before travelling.
Vietnam's current road-traffic law recognizes an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by a country that is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, together with the corresponding valid national driving licence. The law specifically requires drivers using an IDP to carry both documents.
This means an IDP is not a substitute for your home-country licence.
You should carry:
- Your original national driving licence
- Your International Driving Permit
- Passport
- Vehicle rental agreement
- Insurance documents
- Any other documents required by the rental company
There is another important detail that foreign tourists should not overlook: not every document marketed online as an "international driving licence" is accepted in Vietnam.
Vietnam News Agency reported that permits issued by the International Automobile Association (IAA) were not recognized by Vietnamese authorities, while Vietnam recognizes qualifying IDPs issued by competent authorities of countries participating in the 1968 Vienna Convention.
Therefore, obtain your International Driving Permit from the authorized authority in your home country, not from an unofficial website simply selling an international driving document.
Should You Rent a Car or Motorbike?
For a waterfall-focused trip, your choice should depend on the route.
Rent a car with a driver
This is my preferred option for many first-time visitors.
It is comfortable, practical for luggage and much less stressful on mountain roads.
It also lets you spend the day looking at the scenery instead of concentrating on traffic.
Rent a car and drive yourself
This provides the greatest independence, but you need to confirm that your licence, International Driving Permit, insurance and rental agreement are valid for the vehicle you intend to drive.
Don't assume that your car licence covers motorcycles.
Rent a motorbike
A motorbike can be excellent for experienced riders exploring northern Vietnam or the Central Highlands.
But Vietnam's traffic can be very different from what visitors are accustomed to at home. Mountain roads also present additional risks.
Only ride if you are properly licensed, insured and genuinely comfortable with the conditions.
How to Plan a Vietnam Waterfall Road Trip
A good waterfall trip needs more than a list of locations.
Start by choosing a region.
Then choose a central town where you can spend several nights.
For example:
Cao Bang is an excellent base for Ban Gioc and northern attractions.
Sapa works well for Thac Bac and the surrounding mountains.
Da Lat is one of the best bases for multiple waterfalls in Lam Dong.
Buon Ma Thuot is useful for exploring Dray Nur and the Central Highlands.
Nha Trang works as a base for Yang Bay and Ba Ho.
Once you have chosen your base, look at the actual driving time rather than simply the kilometres.
A 100-kilometre mountain road can take substantially longer than the same distance on a major highway.
How to Avoid Crowds at Vietnam's Waterfalls
The most famous waterfalls are naturally busiest around weekends and holidays.
There are several simple ways to avoid the worst crowds.
Visit early in the morning.
Travel on weekdays.
Stay close to the attraction rather than arriving from a distant city.
Avoid public holidays where possible.
Choose less-known waterfalls when you want solitude.
This is another reason road travel works so well in Vietnam. You are not restricted to the attractions included in a standard tour itinerary.
What to Pack for a Vietnam Waterfall Trip
You don't need expensive equipment, but a few things make a noticeable difference.
Bring proper walking shoes with good grip, particularly if you plan to visit remote waterfalls.
A lightweight rain jacket is useful even when the forecast looks good.
Carry drinking water and some food for remote locations.
A waterproof bag or phone pouch can protect electronics from spray.
If you are driving, keep an offline map available because mobile coverage can disappear in mountain areas.
A small first-aid kit is also worth carrying when travelling away from major towns.
Safety Around Waterfalls
Waterfalls are beautiful but can be dangerous.
Never assume that a natural pool is safe for swimming simply because other people are in it.
Strong currents can exist below waterfalls even when the surface looks calm.
Wet rocks are another common hazard.
Don't climb over barriers to get a better photograph.
If locals or park staff tell you that a section of the river is unsafe, take the warning seriously.
This is particularly important during Vietnam's rainy season when rivers can rise surprisingly quickly.
A 10-Day Vietnam Waterfall Road Trip
If you want to combine several waterfalls without trying to cross the entire country, a northern route is a good starting point.
Days 1–2: Hanoi
Use Hanoi to recover from your flight and prepare for the road.
Day 3: Hanoi to Moc Chau
Travel toward Moc Chau and visit Dai Yem Waterfall.
Day 4: Moc Chau to Son La
Explore Chieng Khoa or another nearby waterfall before continuing toward Son La.
Day 5: Son La to Lai Chau
This is a mountain-driving day. Take your time and stop for viewpoints.
Day 6: Tac Tinh Waterfall
Explore Tac Tinh and the surrounding Lai Chau countryside.
Day 7: Lai Chau to Sapa
Continue toward Sapa through the northern mountains.
Day 8: Thac Bac and O Quy Ho Pass
Visit Silver Waterfall and continue toward the mountain pass.
Day 9: Sapa to Cao Bang
This is a longer travel day, so start early.
Day 10: Ban Gioc Waterfall
Spend the day around Ban Gioc, Nguom Ngao Cave and the surrounding valley.
If your schedule allows, stay another night around Cao Bang rather than immediately returning to Hanoi.
Vietnam's waterfalls are best experienced slowly.
The famous ones deserve their reputation, particularly Ban Gioc, Pongour, Dambri, Dray Nur and Datanla, but some of the most satisfying stops are the ones that require a little more effort.
A road trip through Vietnam gives you the freedom to make those detours.
You can leave Da Lat for a waterfall in the morning, stop at a coffee plantation in the afternoon and spend the evening in a small mountain town. In northern Vietnam, the road itself can become one of the main attractions, with rice terraces, limestone mountains and villages appearing around every bend.
For foreign tourists planning to drive, preparation is important. Make sure your national licence is valid for the vehicle you intend to operate, obtain an appropriate International Driving Permit where required, and carry both documents together. Vietnam's current legislation specifically recognizes qualifying IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention and requires the IDP holder to carry the corresponding national licence.
Most importantly, don't try to turn every waterfall into a checklist.
Choose a region, rent the right vehicle, leave enough time between destinations and allow yourself to stop when the road looks interesting. Some of the best memories from a Vietnam road trip may come from the unplanned viewpoint, village café or small waterfall you find between the major destinations.
