VIP Dalat 3 waterfalls – Datanla, Elephant Pongour & Coffee Tour

REVIEW · DA LAT

VIP Dalat 3 waterfalls – Datanla, Elephant Pongour & Coffee Tour

  • 5.08 reviews
  • From $65.00
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Operated by Vietnam Backpackers Travel · Bookable on Viator

Da Lat waterfalls in one tidy VIP route. This VIP route mixes Datanla, Pongour, and Elephant with coffee and Crazy House, all guided by an English-speaking guide and picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle. It’s a strong choice if you want real countryside time outside the city, not just sitting on a bus watching clouds drift by.

I like two things most. First, the pacing gives you actual time at each stop, including a proper Datanla visit and that wide-open power of Pongour. Second, the guides (I’ve seen names like Tim, Dee, Nhan, and Long pop up) help you get better photos with smart stopping points and explanations, not random wandering.

One catch: lunch is not included, and the Alpine Coaster (4km) costs extra if you add it. You’ll also do some walking on wet, uneven paths at the falls, so comfy shoes matter.

Key highlights worth your day

VIP Dalat 3 waterfalls - Datanla, Elephant Pongour & Coffee Tour - Key highlights worth your day

  • Three waterfall stops that actually get time: Datanla, Pongour, and Elephant (Thac Voi)
  • Pongour scale: about 40 m tall and over 100 m wide
  • Datanla’s pine-forest vibe: time to go down and take in the misty views
  • Ta Nung coffee at Me Linh Coffee Garden: a quick, free stop to stretch your legs
  • Crazy House (Hang Nga Villa): weird, wonderful architecture for photos
  • Optional 4km Alpine Coaster: extra fun if you want more thrills

VIP 3 waterfalls in Da Lat: who it’s best for

VIP Dalat 3 waterfalls - Datanla, Elephant Pongour & Coffee Tour - VIP 3 waterfalls in Da Lat: who it’s best for
This is the kind of Da Lat day trip that works for lots of travelers: couples, solo visitors, and families who want a full day without constantly figuring out transport. You’ll start with the famous waterfall trio and keep moving, with a couple of smart add-ons (coffee and Crazy House) so the day feels more like a curated route and less like a long wait at ticket lines.

If you’re the type who likes taking photos, this plan gives you multiple scenic backdrops. If you’re more into nature and atmosphere than Instagram, you’ll still like it because the stops are spread out across different waterfall styles: Datanla feels more jungle-cool and misty, Pongour is big-and-wide, and Elephant focuses on the spray and rocky texture.

Best match: travelers who want value (admissions included for key stops) and who don’t want to negotiate rides all day. If you love lingering for hours at one place, you might find the rhythm fast. But for many people, 6 to 8 hours is exactly right.

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Price and what you really get for $65

VIP Dalat 3 waterfalls - Datanla, Elephant Pongour & Coffee Tour - Price and what you really get for $65
At $65 per person, the big value is what’s bundled in. Your day includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water (500 ml), all fees and taxes, and a speaking English guide who handles the flow of the day and helps with photos.

You also get admission tickets included for the main waterfall stops (Datanla, Pongour, Elephant) and for Crazy House. Ta Nung at Me Linh Coffee Garden is listed as free for this itinerary. That matters, because in Da Lat, one or two paid attractions can add up fast when you book separately.

What’s not included is the lunch (the tour recommends local options like com tam, chicken rice, and pho) and the Alpine Coaster ticket if you choose it. So think of $65 as covering a big chunk of the “must-see” day, with food and optional thrills as the flexible part.

For solo travelers, there’s also a motorbike component in the inclusions: the description notes an Easyrider-style ride where if you’re alone, you ride behind the motorbike. That can be fun, but it also means you should wear clothes you’re comfortable getting a little windy in.

Pickup and getting around without wasting daylight

This tour offers pickup, and that single detail can save you real time in Da Lat. Without pickup, you’d be juggling meeting points, taxis, and timing between waterfalls that sit across different parts of town and the countryside.

Once you’re moving, the day is built for flow: water first, then coffee and a quirky architectural stop later. With a private format (your group only), it tends to feel less chaotic than fixed group tours. You won’t be stuck waiting while someone slowly figures out what payment method they have.

The English-speaking guide is a practical bonus. Even when you don’t care about deep history, you still benefit from explanations like what kind of view to look for and how the falls differ. In the feedback I’ve seen, guides such as Tim, Phouc, Dee, Nhan, and Long are repeatedly praised for going out of their way and making extra stops on the road—exactly what you want on a day that’s meant to feel special, not rushed.

Stop 1: Datanla Waterfall and that pine-forest feel

VIP Dalat 3 waterfalls - Datanla, Elephant Pongour & Coffee Tour - Stop 1: Datanla Waterfall and that pine-forest feel
Datanla is the first waterfall on your route, and it sets the tone. This one is described as sitting under canopies of prime jungle, with soft white water sliding over rocks. That combo gives it a cooler mood than the biggest “wow” falls—more mist, more texture, and more green around you.

A key part of Datanla here is time to experience the descent and the surrounding area. The plan specifically calls out going down through a pine-forest setting and passing waterfalls along the way. Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, that “movement” is what makes Datanla memorable rather than just a viewpoint.

How to enjoy it best:

  • Wear shoes with grip. Wet stone gets slick.
  • Bring a light layer. Waterfall areas can feel cooler than the road outside.
  • Take your photos early, then slow down for the sound and mist when the crowds thin.

The downside is simple: waterfall paths often mean uneven footing. If you’re traveling with mobility limitations, you’ll want to take it slow and plan extra time to move carefully.

Stop 2: Pongour Falls with 40m height and 100m width

Pongour is the scale stop. It’s described as about 40 meters tall and over 100 meters wide, and that’s the kind of measurement you can’t fully “get” from a photo. Up close, the width matters because the water doesn’t feel like a narrow curtain—it spreads.

This is also one of the “majestic” moments of the day, and for photographers, the spray and the broad flow create more variety in angles. If Datanla is misty and intimate, Pongour is bold and open. You’ll feel that shift as soon as you arrive.

You’ll have about an hour here, so don’t waste it. I’d use that time in two passes: first, walk to a main viewing spot and get your broad shots; second, reposition for closer framing where spray textures show up.

One practical note: wide falls can mean louder sound. It’s great for atmosphere, but it also makes it harder to hear instructions. Just watch the guide’s cues for meeting back times.

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Stop 3: Elephant Waterfall (Thac Voi) and the granite-spray look

Elephant Waterfall, also called Thac Voi, is an afternoon stop, and it has a different visual signature. The water is described as transparent as it flows through granite mountain sides, creating a spectacle with a very white spray.

That phrase about transparency versus spray is the reason this stop works so well. You can catch the contrast: darker rock texture and lighter mist. Even in cloudy conditions, the fall can still look dramatic because the spray catches light differently than calm water.

Expect your hour to be a mix of viewing and gentle walking. These waterfall areas aren’t usually a “stand still forever” situation, because the best angles come from moving a bit along safe paths. Just keep it cautious on wet surfaces.

If you’re the type who loves details—how the water hits stone, how the spray clouds your lens—this is likely your favorite. If you prefer minimal walking, you can still enjoy Elephant by sticking close to the main viewing area and taking breaks whenever the paths feel too slippery.

Ta Nung (Me Linh Coffee Garden): a quick, free stretch break

Ta Nung is listed as a 30-minute stop at Me Linh Coffee Garden. It’s free in this itinerary, which makes it a nice “between-worlds” break when you’ve already done two intense waterfall visits.

This stop is basically about coffee: the plan says it’s popular for taste and also a unique vision in Da Lat. Even if you’re not a coffee geek, it’s a chance to reset with something local and not only scenery.

The most useful way to treat this stop is as a legs-stretch moment. You’ll likely have just enough time to walk around and learn the basics, then get back into the vehicle before your energy dips.

If coffee is a must for you, keep an eye on how you feel here. If you’re planning to buy coffee as a souvenir, do it sooner rather than later, because your day gets busier after Crazy House.

Crazy House (Hang Nga Villa): weird architecture that takes photos seriously

Crazy House—originally called Hang Nga Villa—is the late-day switch in the itinerary. After water and countryside roads, you get something totally different: a building that plays by its own rules.

This stop is about an hour with admission included. That hour is usually enough to wander, look up, and find photo angles from inside and around the structure. It’s also a nice balance to the natural stops: instead of mist and motion, you’re getting shapes, lines, and textures.

Practical advice: plan on taking photos from a few different heights. Architecture like this often looks better when you include both close details and wider shots. Wear something comfortable, because you may end up walking a lot within the property area.

If you’re traveling with people who don’t care about buildings, Crazy House can still work because it’s fun and strange in a way that breaks up the day. If your group only wants “nature, nature, nature,” you might treat it as a colorful break rather than a must-stay.

Lunch and timing: how to keep the day from feeling rushed

Lunch isn’t included, but the tour does recommend local options such as com tam (rice with grilled pork, egg, and vegetables), chicken rice, and pho (beef noodle or other noodle dishes). That’s helpful because it tells you they’re aiming for easy, local comfort food rather than a random tourist menu.

Here’s the real strategy: keep lunch simple and quick. A waterfall day already has adrenaline and walking. If you turn lunch into a long sit-down, the afternoon can start to feel late and tired.

Also, consider snacks. The itinerary is 6 to 8 hours, and you’ll drink bottled water (included), but you might want something small like fruit or a light snack if your stomach runs on a tight schedule.

And if you add the optional Alpine Coaster later, you’ll want to protect your energy. That activity is explicitly not included, and it costs extra.

Alpine Coaster (4km): when to add it and when to skip

The Alpine Coaster is optional, and the ticket for the 4km ride isn’t included. The tour description flags it as something to add if you desire, which is a good sign: it’s the thrill upgrade, not a requirement.

Add it if:

  • you want one extra action stop after the quieter coffee and architecture
  • your feet are tired, but your thrill level is still high

Skip it if:

  • you want the day to stay calm
  • your group doesn’t handle heights or fast rides well

Because the information only says the 4km ticket isn’t included, not how long it takes, you should treat it like a time-flex decision. If you’re sensitive to delays, ask the guide how it fits with the rest of the schedule once you’re already on the day.

What to pack for three waterfalls in one day

You’ll be moving from waterfall to waterfall, and then into coffee and a building with lots of angles. Keep your packing practical.

Must-haves:

  • Good grip shoes for wet stone
  • A light rain layer or poncho. Spray is part of the experience, especially at Elephant
  • A small towel or wipes, because mist finds everything
  • A camera strap you can trust, since you’ll likely walk and reposition
  • Cash or card for lunch, and for the Alpine Coaster if you choose it

Comfort helps. Da Lat can feel cooler than lowland Vietnam, and waterfall spray adds chill. Wear layers you can adjust without turning the day into a clothing-change workout.

Who should book this VIP day trip, and who should pass?

I’d book this if you want:

  • Value: admissions for the key stops are included
  • a full route that covers Datanla, Pongour, Elephant, coffee, and Crazy House in one day
  • private-style comfort with a speaking English guide who helps with the best photo moments
  • a day that gets you out of the city and into the countryside roads

You might pass if:

  • you hate walking on uneven, wet surfaces
  • you want a slower itinerary with longer stays at fewer places
  • you’re only interested in one waterfall and nothing else

If you’re trying to squeeze Da Lat into a limited schedule, this is one of the more efficient ways to hit the big-name sights without building a route from scratch.

FAQ

How much does the VIP Da Lat 3 waterfalls trip cost?

It costs $65.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 to 8 hours.

Does the tour include pickup and an English guide?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the tour includes a speaking English guide.

What’s included in the price besides transportation?

The inclusions list includes air-conditioned vehicle, all fees and taxes, motorbike (Easyrider style if you’re alone), bottled water (500ml), and admission tickets for Datanla, Pongour, Elephant, and Crazy House. Ta Nung at Me Linh Coffee Garden is free.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. The tour recommends local food options like com tam, chicken rice, and pho.

Is the Alpine Coaster included?

No. The ticket for the 4km Alpine Coaster is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be refunded.

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