Da Lat: 3 Waterfalls Day Tour with Local Crafts & Coffee

Summary

Da Lat’s wild waterfalls, local silk weaving and coffee hills

You’ll walk forest paths to Da Lat’s three famous waterfalls—Datanla, Pongour, and Elephant—guided by locals who know every shortcut and story. Watch silk spun from cocoons by hand, try crunchy cricket snacks if you dare, and sip strong hillside coffee as mist rolls over green valleys. It’s a day full of small surprises that stays with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — water thundering somewhere below as we stepped out near Datanla waterfall, pine needles crunching underfoot. Our guide, Minh, grinned and waved us down a path that twisted through tall grass and wildflowers. I could smell woodsmoke from a distant house. The air felt cooler than in town. We watched people zip past on the alpine coaster (not included, but honestly looked fun if you’re braver than me). Minh pointed out tiny orchids clinging to rocks; he seemed to know every plant by name. I tried to repeat one in Vietnamese and he laughed — I probably butchered it.

Pongour waterfall was further out, maybe an hour’s drive south of Da Lat city, but worth it for how wide and layered it is — they call it the “seven cascades.” There’s this constant roar that makes conversation feel private somehow. At one point I just sat on a rock and let the mist settle on my arms. We ate sticky rice from a roadside stall nearby (not part of the tour, but Minh knew the lady selling it). Then we stopped at Linh An pagoda for a view of Elephant Waterfall — it was closed up close that day, but seeing the falls from beside Vietnam’s tallest Lady Buddha statue was still something. People left little offerings at her feet; incense drifted in slow spirals.

I didn’t expect to get so into the silk factory stop. The smell of hot water and raw cocoon is oddly sweet — you watch these women teasing threads so fine you can barely see them. There’s something hypnotic about it. At the cricket farm (yes, really), we got to hold one — they’re lighter than you’d think — and tried a crunchy cricket snack that Minh swore was “good with beer.” Can’t say I’d crave it again but hey, when in Vietnam…

The last stretch took us through Ta Nung pass to Me Linh Coffee plantation. The hills rolled out green and endless; you could hear birds and distant motorbikes echoing off the slopes. Sipping that thick weasel coffee with my hands wrapped around the cup — sun getting low, everything golden — I just felt really far from home in a good way. Sometimes I still think about that view when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit waterfalls and local culture

• Visit Datanla Waterfall
• See Pongour Waterfall
• View Elephant Waterfall from Linh An pagoda
• Visit Linh An pagoda
• Tour silk weaving factory
• Explore cricket farm
• Visit Me Linh coffee plantation
• See bamboo knitting

Top questions

How long does the Da Lat 3 Waterfalls tour take?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup and drop-off included.

Are entrance fees included for all waterfalls?

Entrance fees are included except for Datanla waterfall; alpine coaster is extra.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included; there are chances to buy food along the way.

Can children join this Da Lat waterfalls tour?

Yes, children are welcome with ticket prices based on height.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English throughout the day trip.

How far is Pongour waterfall from Da Lat city?

Pongour waterfall is about 50km south of Da Lat city center.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What else do we visit besides waterfalls?

You’ll also see Linh An pagoda, a silk weaving factory, cricket farm, bamboo knitting workshop, and Me Linh coffee plantation.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide leading you between Datanla, Pongour, Elephant waterfalls (viewed from Linh An pagoda), plus stops at local silk weaving workshops, cricket farm tastings, bamboo knitting demo and time at Me Linh coffee plantation before returning to Da Lat city center.