Elephant Waterfall

Lam Dong Province is a paradise for nature lovers, and among its treasures, the waterfalls possess a special charm. If names like Prenn, Datanla, or Pongour have already found a place in your travel bucket list, let Asia King Travel lead you off the beaten path to Elephant Waterfall, where you might come across raw beauty in the heart of highland forest.
Elephant Waterfall reveals raw beauty deep within the highland forest
Elephant Waterfall, officially known as Lieng Rowoa Falls, is one of the largest waterfalls in Lam Dong Province. This waterfall’s name comes from the massive boulders at its base, as they are smoothed by rushing water over centuries until resembling the curved backs of wild elephants. Rising over 30 meters high and stretching about 40 meters across, Elephant Waterfall flows year-round to offer a refreshing escape from Vietnam’s tropical warmth.
Moving on, we have another highlight related to the cascade’s hue. It is not a crystal clear one, but a reddish tone as a result of the high sediment content in the area. Far from diminishing its beauty, this natural “color change” adds to the waterfall’s character, showing how rich the fertile lands of Central Highlands are.
Elephant Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Lam Dong Province
From the entrance, a turn to the left would lead you onto a short stretch of concrete path, shaded by the canopy of old-growth trees. As you take a deep breath of Elephant Waterfall’s cool air, you might also hear the gushing water roar from afar. With every step, this sound even grows stronger. At the same time, the forest also opens up to reveal the magnificent Elephant Waterfall.
Here, water plunges from the cliffs into the rugged rock faces below. And if you are lucky enough, you might catch glimpses of rainbows dancing beneath the waterfall’s foaming white veil.
Read more: Da Lat Tour 3 days: An Adventure into the City of Mist
Elephant Waterfall is situated within the tourist site of the same name in Nam Ban Lam Ha Commune, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. Its remote location preserves a sense of wilderness, making this destination an ideal retreat to reconnect with nature.
Because Elephant Waterfall sits far from the provincial center, taking a taxi can quickly become expensive. For that reason, traveling by your own means of transportation, such as a motorbike, is often more practical.
In terms of specific direction, as you are riding from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, the most common route follows National Highway 20. Along the way, watch for blue road signs and boundary markers to stay on track.
Elephant Waterfall is located a long way from the provincial center
Once you enter Duc Trong Commune in Lam Dong Province, continue past Lien Nghia Market. Around 4 kilometers later, you will reach a large roundabout with three exits: the two-lane expressway to Da Lat (which does not allow motorbikes), the standard road to Da Lat, and the road toward Dak Lak - Dak Nong.
Choose the Dak Lak - Dak Nong direction and ride for another 10 kilometers until you spot the Nam Ban Lam Ha Commune sign. Keep going for 10 more kilometers, and you might have to cross two bridges along the way. At the third bridge, stop and ask the locals for further guidance since the waterfall is just a short 100-meter ride from there.
Thanks to the cool climate in Central Highland area, Elephant Waterfall is able to become an attraction worth visiting in almost any season.
However, you might want to keep July and August at the bottom of your priority list. These months are peak of rainy season when heavy downpours transform the waterfall into a thundering force. While the sight can be somewhat awe-inspiring, your trails here often become dangerously slippery.
Clear, sunny days are ideal for visiting Elephant Waterfall
Moreover, overcast skies might mute the colors in this landscape and then lower your chances of capturing aesthetic photographs. Unless you are seeking the raw power of the falls, it’s best to plan your trip outside this stormy period.
In contrast, sunny days are best for your journey to Elephant Waterfall. Under clear skies, paths are safer, which allows you to explore this cascade from every angle without worry. The surrounding forest would also burst with lush foliage in order to make sure that Elephant Waterfall is qualified as a perfect escape from the summer heat.
Behind the majestic beauty of Elephant Waterfall is an old legend passed down by the K’Ho people.
Long ago, a chieftain’s daughter was known for her enchanting voice. It was pure enough to awaken the forest and draw animals to listen. Like every girl at her age, she also had romantic experiences with her loved one. He was the son of another chieftain from a nearby village. Soon after that, they vowed to be together for life.
An ancient legend shared by the K’Ho people lies behind the stunning Elephant Waterfall
But when war came, her partner left to defend his people, but unfortunately, he never returned. Day after day, she came to their secret place, singing in hope he might hear her voice and find the way back. After quite a long time, she finally had a chance to hear about him again; still, luck had yet to smile upon her, as her boyfriend had fallen in battle.
Overwhelmed by sorrow, she quietly withdrew from the world. That day, a herd of elephants came to stand beside her body, as if they understood her pain. Then, something incredible happened: one by one, those elephants turned to stone and were frozen forever at the foot of the waterfall. From that moment on, people began calling the place Elephant Waterfall. It eventually became a special reminder of a love so strong that even time couldn’t fade it away.
At the base of Elephant Falls, Hang Doi, also known as Bat Cave in English, is a unique attraction you should visit during your trip here. Living up to its fame as a hidden gem, Doi Cave’s entrance is obscured by a curtain of dense vines and twisted tree roots. Therefore, it blends perfectly with the surrounding rock formations and is only visible to those who are guided by locals.
Doi Cave, located at the foot of Elephant Falls, is a must-see attraction on your visit
Although its entrance is modest, the cave plunges nearly 50 meters deep into the earth. Inside, path opens up to reveal a refreshing atmosphere created by the waterfall’s powerful airflow. You can admire rock formations that sparkle in the dim light or maybe collect some of them as a trophy of your successful exploration.
Trekking to Elephant Waterfall might be a memorable adventure that excites your senses from start to finish. This journey will take you through winding forest trails with the sound of rushing water lingering in the background before you even see it.
At the first viewing point, you should see how fiercely water crashes over rugged rocks. As you continue, you would find yourself standing near the falls, where its spray can soak you. In addition, the power of Elephant Waterfall is so strong that you are going to feel it in every vibration beneath your feet.
Elephant Waterfall stands as a breathtaking highlight in the remote area of Lam Dong Province. We hope our guide can inspire you to experience this waterfall for yourself. Whenever you’re ready, Asia King Travel is here to help you plan a perfect Vietnam tour. Contact us today and let the adventure begin!
Read more: Da Lat Tour 3 days: Tranquility Escape