Three falls, one long day in Da Lat. It’s a smart way to cover the top waterfalls plus real countryside stops without renting a motorbike. You ride an air-conditioned vehicle, hit several viewpoints in a tight loop, and finish the day with culture stops that feel linked to how locals actually live.

I love how the route gives you three very different waterfall moods in one sitting: Datanla’s alpine-pass vibe, Pongour’s strong cascading run, and Elephant’s dramatic power (with a cave-style element). I also like the mix of hands-on local add-ons—Cuong Hoan silk processing, a cricket farm experience, and a coffee garden that includes weasel coffee.

One thing to consider: this is a packed 7–8 hour day. You’ll get great snapshots and short explorations, but there isn’t much time to linger far from the group.

Quick hits before you go

• Three waterfall styles in one route: Datanla, Pongour, and Elephant
• Small group size (up to 15 people) with English-speaking guidance
• Culture stops that match the countryside: Linh An Pagoda, silk, crickets, coffee
• Pongour and Elephant entries are free, while Datanla’s ticket is extra
• Optional rides cost extra, so plan for a few add-on temptations
• Vehicle comfort can be tight, because the day runs nonstop between sites

Price and logistics: what you actually get for about $25

At $25.30 per person, this tour is mainly a transportation and coordination deal. You’re paying for a guide, pickup/drop-off, an English-speaking host, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle—so you’re not spending your vacation time figuring out buses, directions, or ticket windows.

The “value math” gets better because part of the day’s admissions are included. Pongour and Elephant entries are listed as free, and Linh An Pagoda, Cuong Hoan silk factory, and the cricket farm are included. The one clear extra you should budget for is Datanla waterfall admission, plus whatever you choose at the coffee garden (Me Linh) where admission isn’t included.

Also, this is timed for a full day: it starts at 8:30am and typically runs 7–8 hours. That matters because Da Lat can be slow by road. The route is built to keep you moving, which is great if you want coverage, less great if you want a slow, artsy afternoon.

Datanla waterfall near Prenn Pass: short time, pretty alpine feel

Your first major stop is Khu du lịch Thác Datanla, located in the middle of Prenn Pass, about 5 km south of Da Lat city center. This opening stop sets the tone: nature first, then the countryside rhythm.

Why I like this part: Datanla sits in a mountain-pass area, so the air feels cooler and the waterfall experience feels closer to the broader highlands setting. It’s also your chance to get wet shoes on early, because you’ll likely be stepping on uneven surfaces and near mist.

What to watch: the visit window is about 40 minutes, and Datanla admission is not included. If you want more time here (or you want to do the alpine coaster ride), you’ll need to plan for extra cost and time. One review detail that matches this reality: some people felt they wanted longer at Datanla, which is a fair instinct since the first stop often sets expectations.

Practical tip: bring shoes you don’t mind getting slick. Even when the waterfall isn’t raging, splash zones can turn paths into mini skate rinks.

Pongour waterfall: the strongest “cascade” moment

Pongour is the tour’s main waterfall payoff. It’s listed as 7 cascading waterfalls, and it’s known as one of the prettiest falls in the Central Highlands. You’ll go to Pongour in the Duc Trong district, about 50 km south of Da Lat.

What makes it work on this specific tour: you get about 30 minutes here, and that’s a sweet spot for waterfall viewing. You can find your angle, take photos, and still have energy left for the next stops. Plus, the entry is free, which keeps the day’s costs under control.

Why Pongour often lands as the favorite: the description and typical viewing experience emphasize cascading power rather than just one vertical drop. In plain terms, it looks like water making multiple layered moves down the hillside, so your eyes always have something new to track.

Possible drawback: this stop can also be the most photogenic, so it’s easier to feel like you’re competing for space. If you’d rather walk a bit and settle into a calmer viewing spot, go a little slower than the first photo rush.

Elephant waterfall (Thác Voi): powerful water, cave-style vibe, and a key caveat

Next is Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi), presented as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Da Lat, with a note about a windy cave experience under the waterfall. That “under-the-waterfall” detail is exactly why people remember this stop—there’s a sense of being close to the force rather than just looking from a distance.

Here’s the important consideration: the tour description says Elephant waterfall is temporarily closed due to operational issues. The good news is that the tour still aims to let you enjoy a related nearby experience, so don’t assume you’ll get zero waterfall time. Still, it’s wise to arrive with flexible expectations.

Entry is listed as free, and you’ll have about 30 minutes. If you do get access to the cave-style area, it’s a sensory experience—wind, mist, and sound all at once. If not, you’ll still get the power of the area, just possibly from a different angle or with less time at the core spot.

Linh An Pagoda + the Lady Buddha: a calm pause from wet air

After the waterfalls, the schedule shifts from water noise to stillness. You’ll visit Linh An Pagoda, about 33 km from Dalat city, where the highlight is a huge Lady Buddha figure.

This stop is a breather built into the day. It’s short—about 30 minutes—but it’s useful because your body needs a dry minute after the waterfalls. It also gives you a sense of how Da Lat visitors connect to spirituality and scenic viewpoints, without needing a full day detour.

What to expect: the pagoda stop is included in admission. So you’re not constantly calculating costs while you’re trying to relax.

What to watch: this is not the kind of stop where you’ll “win” by rushing. If you want a good experience, take your time at the main viewpoint and let the noise of the day fade a little.

Cuong Hoan silk factory: from cocoon to fabric

The tour then goes hands-on with Cuong Hoan Silk Factory. You’ll spend around 30 minutes here, and admission is included.

What makes this stop interesting is the emphasis on the process: it’s described as taking you from cocoon to fabric. The listing also claims it’s the only silk factory in the country that keeps an older method of removing silk from the cocoon. Even if you don’t speak Vietnamese, you can still follow along with the sequence and the equipment you’re shown.

For me, this kind of stop makes the waterfall day feel more grounded. It reminds you that Da Lat’s beauty isn’t just about photos—it’s also the local craft industries that keep going in the hills.

A practical note: if you’re not sure you’ll enjoy demonstrations, you can still treat it as a quick, educational break between longer outdoor stops. The time is limited, so it doesn’t drag.

Cricket farm: what you might taste (and what you can skip)

Then comes Trại dế Thiện An, a cricket farm where the owner guides you through raising crickets and breeding. You’ll have about 30 minutes, and admission is included.

The tour also offers an obvious attraction: dishes made from crickets. This is one of those stops where you decide your own comfort level. You can learn the process and watch how food is prepared, and you only choose to taste if you genuinely want to.

I like this stop because it gives you something you can’t DIY easily in Da Lat without local connections. The vibe is less museum and more “this is food and farming that’s actually practiced.”

Me Linh Coffee Garden: coffee stories plus weasel coffee (extra cost)

Next is the Me Linh Coffee Garden, reached after crossing the Ta Nung winding pass—one of the more scenic drives in the area. This stop is about 30 minutes, and admission isn’t included.

The big item here is the coffee tasting story, including weasel coffee. The description frames it as an original product and self-sufficient approach, and the tasting component is where costs can add up.

One real-world caution: some people found that coffee prices at the plantation can be much higher than what you’d pay back in the city. Translation for your planning: go, enjoy the experience, but don’t assume it’s a cheap coffee break.

If you’re careful with spending, you can still get value by tasting one item, skipping extras, and using the rest of your money for dinner back in town.

Lâm Hà District and bamboo knitting: the quiet craft stop

The final segment includes Lâm Hà District and bamboo knitting, listed as included with free admission. You’ll have about 30 minutes here.

This stop matters because it changes the pace again. After waterfall power and food/farm interest, you get something slower: craft work and a look at how bamboo is turned into usable goods. Even if the demonstration is brief, it’s a nice reminder that the hills are full of small production skills, not just scenery.

Optional add-ons: the alpine coaster temptation

One optional item that can pop up during the day is the alpine coaster ride, listed as optional and not included. Some people choose it as part of the Datanla experience, which makes sense because coaster-style rides fit the “adventure near the falls” mood.

My advice: decide early whether you want thrill rides or just time to look around. If you’re hoping to keep costs low, skip it. If you want a little fun on top of the scenery, it can be worth the extra.

Guide factor: the day often depends on who you get

This tour is guided, and guide skill shows up in how smooth the stops feel. Names that come up often for this route include Quy, Su, Bao, Andy, Joan, Tin Tin, and Ace. The common theme in their style is clear English, easy humor, and extra context that helps you connect the dots between each stop.

If you’re choosing between tour dates, look for the option where you’re paired with one of these top-rated guides. And if you have a specific interest—coffee, plants, local food, or waterfall geology—ask questions early. A good guide will adjust on the fly.

When to book and who this tour fits best

This tour fits best if you want maximum Da Lat coverage in one day: three waterfalls plus pagoda and countryside crafts, all in a single loop with pickup. It’s ideal for:

• First-timers who don’t want to rent a scooter
• People who like structured days with short, well-timed stops
• Anyone excited by food and craft experiences (silk, crickets, coffee)

It may not be ideal if you:

• Want long, slow stays at each attraction
• Hate crowded photo moments at scenic sites
• Are sensitive to tight vehicle spacing on a long day

Should you book the Da Lat 3 Waterfalls Tour?

I think you should book this tour if your goal is simple: see Da Lat’s best waterfall variety without logistics stress. The pricing makes sense because several admissions are built in, and the itinerary is designed to keep you moving efficiently between highland areas.

I’d hold back if you’re the type who needs long stops, or if you’re budgeting tightly for extras like Datanla admission, coffee at Me Linh, and optional coaster rides. Also, keep the Elephant waterfall closure in mind. You can still end up with a great waterfall day, but you should arrive flexible.

If you want a practical strategy: bring good footwear, plan on one paid admission you can’t skip (Datanla), and treat the rest as bonus experiences rather than guaranteed bargains.

FAQ

What time does this Da Lat tour start?

It starts at 8:30am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 to 8 hours.

Do I get pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are included except for Datanla waterfall and Me Linh coffee garden. Pongour and Elephant are free, and Linh An Pagoda, Cuong Hoan silk factory, and the cricket farm are included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is the alpine coaster ride included?

No. The alpine coaster ride is optional and not included.

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