About thirty kilometers from Bao Loc, in Lam Dong province on the central highlands of south Vietnam, Dambri Falls rank among the country's most impressive waterfalls. At approximately 90 meters high according to local measurements, they cascade through a tropical forest that shelters protected wildlife, including a sanctuary dedicated to gibbons.

Why Visit Dambri Falls

The site combines several assets that make it a worthwhile stop on the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat. The main cascade, fed by the Dambri River, offers a remarkable volume of water, particularly during the rainy season. The word "Dambri" means "to wait" in the K'Ho language, spoken by an ethnic minority of the region: according to local legend, a young woman wept there for her lost fiancé until her tears formed the waterfall.

Beyond the main falls, the park protects a rich forest environment crisscrossed by shaded trails. It is also a gateway to highland culture, where the Ma and K'Ho communities live.

What to See and Do

The Main Cascade

The principal waterfall plunges approximately 90 meters. A panoramic elevator allows you to descend to the base of the cascade to grasp its height, while a paved trail also leads there for those who prefer to walk. The upper viewpoint offers a clear view over the falls and the valley.

Dasara Cascade

Located upstream on the same watercourse, this second, more modest waterfall can be reached by following the forest trail upward. The walk, approximately 1 to 2 kilometers round trip, passes through dense vegetation.

Monkey Island

On the trail that climbs the river upstream from the falls lies Monkey Island, a sanctuary dedicated to gibbons. You can observe these primates in a semi-protected setting, testament to the biodiversity of the plateau forests.

Complementary Activities

• Rail luge (bobsled track) descending through the forest
• Zip-lining over the waterfall basin
• Visit to nearby Ma and K'Ho minority villages, where you can discover textile craftsmanship and gong culture

Practical Information

• Visit Duration: Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the site and enjoy supplementary activities
• Admission: Park entrance fee, with modest additional charges for the elevator and thrill activities
• Attire: Closed-toe non-slip shoes (wet trails), lightweight and waterproof clothing recommended during the rainy season
• On-site: Restaurants, souvenir shops, and bungalow accommodations available near the entrance

When to Visit

Dambri Falls can be visited year-round, but the experience varies significantly by season.

• June to November (rainy season): Maximum water flow, spectacular cascade, but slippery trails and frequent afternoon showers
• December to May (dry season): More pleasant hiking conditions, clearer light for photography, but reduced flow toward the end of the dry season

The months of May-June and October-November offer a good balance between water flow and manageable weather.

How to Get There

The falls are located approximately 18 kilometers north of Bao Loc, a stopover town on Highway 20 connecting Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 200 km south) to Da Lat (approximately 110 km northeast).

• Private Vehicle: The simplest option from Bao Loc (30 minutes) or as a stop on the Saigon-Da Lat route
• By Bus: Many long-distance buses stop at Bao Loc, from where you'll need to take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the site
• By Motorbike: A popular route for travelers heading down from Da Lat toward the coast

What to Combine in the Region

The Lam Dong region and highlands offer several complementary stops:

• Tea and coffee plantations around Bao Loc
• The city of Da Lat, a former French hill station, and its lakes
• Other natural sites in Vietnam such as Buu Long Mountain or Ba Den Mountain, two striking peaks in the south
• To extend toward the Mekong Delta, the Cai Rang Floating Market remains a major cultural stop
• Nature enthusiasts can also reach Cát Bà in the north, a recognized biosphere reserve

Plan Your Trip

Dambri Falls fit naturally into an itinerary connecting Saigon to the highlands and central coast. To build a custom itinerary including this stop and other sites across the country, consult our Vietnam tours designed with our English-speaking local agencies.