English
French
Spanish
ItalianDray Sap Waterfall
A breathtaking natural wonder, Dray Sap Waterfall is tucked away in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Between mountains and forests, the waterfall thunders with its untamed, unadulterated beauty, providing visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime natural experience.
The waterfall is located in the Dray Sap Cultural and Ecological Tourism Complex in Dak Sor Commune, formerly part of Dak Nong Province and now within Lam Dong Province.
It plunges from a height of about 20 meters and stretches nearly 100 meters across. The falls have a magical, almost otherworldly feel to them because of the year-round white mist produced by the water's intense rushes.
Dray Sap Waterfall cascades from a height of approximately 20 meters and spans nearly 100 meters in width
Dray Sap Waterfall is part of a famous trio of waterfalls in the region, which includes Dray Nur, Dray Sap, and Gia Long. It is a must-have location for any Vietnam tour that includes experiencing the Central Highlands' raw natural beauty.
To reach Dray Sap Waterfall, you first need to get to Lam Dong Province. This can be done in a number of ways. Bus travel is inexpensive and provides many available routes, but it can be a long and exhausting ride, particularly if you're traveling a long distance.
You can travel at your own pace when driving a motorbike or personal vehicle, but be aware that the Central Highlands' roads are steep and winding, so your driving skills must be excellent to safely navigate this route.
Suggested for you: Buon Ma Thuot Tour 2 days: Excursion to Vietnam's highland
Alternatively, flying to Buon Ma Thuot Airport is the quickest way to get to this location. From there, it’s just a short journey to Lam Dong. You can grab a taxi or motorbike taxi to reach the waterfall and other tourist spots.
There’s a saying in Vietnam that the Central Highlands is a place of "sacred forests and poisonous waters"
Even though Dray Sap Waterfall is only about 27 kilometers from Buon Ma Thuot city center, the road there is winding and a bit challenging in places. If you're not familiar with the area, it’s best to either catch a local bus or take a taxi.
Bus number 13 runs from the Nga Sau Xe Tang roundabout in Buon Ma Thuot to Krong No. Just let the driver know you’re heading to Cu Jut, and they’ll drop you off right in front of the Dray Sap tourism complex.
In addition to that, if you're doing your Vietnam tour with a group, taking a taxi can be quite affordable, and it also helps that local drivers know the roads well.
Lam Dong Province, like much of the other areas of the Central Highlands, has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to October, while the dry season runs from November to April.
The waterfall is more stunning during the rainy season, but the forest is easier to explore in the dry season
Every season has its own unique form of beauty. Dray Sap Waterfall is at its most spectacular during the rainy season; it is loud, strong, and surrounded by verdant vegetation. Although the scenery is stunning, caution is advised because the trails can be slippery. If you are doing your Vietnam tour during this time, make sure to bring insect repellent, sturdy shoes, and rain gear.
The scenery softens and becomes more tranquil during the dry season. Activities like swimming in the stream, having a picnic in the forest, or even spending the night camping close to the falls are ideal because of the dry and sunny weather.
The name “Dray Sap” comes from the Ede language, where it means “smoke,” a reference to the ever-present mist rising from the falls. Beyond the name, however, this location is associated with an interesting local legend.
The Serepok River used to be merely a tiny stream that separated two villages. A young man and a young woman lived in two different villages. Despite their intense love, they were forbidden from being together by their families and neighbors.
Dray Nur is the "Wife Waterfall", while Dray Sap is the "Husband Waterfall"
Desperate and heartbroken, the couple decided to die by plunging into the river for a love that this world would not accept. The thundering Dray Sap Waterfall, whose strength and fury are said to mirror the anguish of their lost love, was created out of their sacrifice and grief.
Visiting Dray Sap Waterfall is like stepping into another world. With birdsong, the aroma of forest trees, and the crisp mountain air, the landscape is unspoiled and breathtaking. It’s the ideal getaway from the bustling city life during your Vietnam vacation.
You can grill fish or meat by the water, swim in the stream, have a picnic in the forest with friends, or just unwind and watch the sunrise or sunset over the falls.
The highlands region has a unique natural beauty found nowhere else
In addition to that, the suspension bridge that spans the Dray Sap and Dray Nur waterfalls is one of the area's highlights. It's also a well-liked location for photography, providing an exciting yet safe setting for capturing the enchantment of the surrounding landscape.
Spanning between the stunning Dray Nur and Dray Sap waterfalls, this suspension bridge is a must-visit photo spot for anyone exploring the area.
But this isn't just any bridge, as crossing it is an adventure in itself. With its narrow path, swaying motion, and a hint of danger, it offers an unforgettable experience. Making it across is no easy feat and definitely not for the faint of heart
Inside the Dray Sap tourism area, there are several restaurants serving traditional Central Highlands cuisine. This is your chance to try specialties like grilled chicken, sticky rice cooked in bamboo, smoked buffalo meat, wild boiled greens, and the region’s famous fermented rice wine, typically drunk through long straws from a shared jar.
If you're feeling adventurous, don’t miss out on the spicy ant salt (made from real ants) and dried forest pork, both of which are local delicacies.
Most of the area around Dray Sap Waterfall remains untouched and natural
If you're planning a trip to Dray Sap during your Vietnam vacation, it’s a good idea to explore other nearby attractions in the Buon Ma Thuot area to make the most of your time. From coffee plantations and waterfalls to cultural villages, the area has a lot to offer.
Going with a group is preferable to going alone, as the area around Dray Sap remains fairly pristine, with dense vegetation and plenty of insects. Make sure you set up camp a safe distance from the falls to prevent slips and other mishaps, and take extra precautions to avoid snakes or bug bites if you intend to camp overnight.
Lastly, remember to tidy up after yourself. To help preserve the environment and the natural beauty of this amazing place, please take out all of your trash and dispose of it properly.
The untamed nature of Vietnam’s Central Highlands is one of its greatest treasures, and Dray Sap Waterfall is a perfect example of that wild beauty. If you’d like help including this destination in your Vietnam vacation itinerary, our team at Asia King Travel is always ready to assist.
Suggested for you: Central Highlands Tour 4 days: Unveil the Ethnic's traditional beauty
