Pongour Waterfall, Dalat, Vietnam - The Best Vietnam Travel Guide to Pongour Waterfall

When tourists think about Dalat, Lam Dong, Vietnam, the first thing coming up to their minds might be a highland with big colorful flower gardens, cool weather, and charming sceneries. Besides them, Dalat is also well-known for spectacular and stunning waterfalls such as Cam Ly waterfall, Dambri waterfall or Prenn waterfall. However, it would be a big mistake if we forget to mention Pongour waterfall considered as one of the most magnificent masterpieces of nature in Vietnam. Having a trip to this beautiful waterfall will give you an interesting and exciting experience.
To help you enjoy the memorable moment in Pongour waterfall, this article will give you some information you need to know when visiting this wonderful waterfall. So let’s read it and discover with us!

I. OVERVIEW ABOUT PONGOUR WATERFALL, DALAT, VIETNAM

1. Highlights of Pongour Waterfall, Dalat, Vietnam

Pongour waterfall seems to be the most famous one in Lam Dong Province. Every year, this ecosystem-tourism attracts millions of people of all ages. It fascinates tourists not only with its own beauty but also with a wide range of activities which reflect the features of ethnic minorities customs and tradition. Pongour waterfall is located in Ninh Gia village, Duc Trong district, Lam Dong province, about 20 kilometers from the center of Duc Trong District and 50 kilometers from southeast of Dalat town center. The path leading to this poetic waterfall is gravel, around lush and landscaped gardens.

2.  Legend of Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

There are two main legends explaining for the existence of Pongour waterfall: Firstly, Pongour is the name of a French and transcribed by native language ( K’ho: Pon- gou). According to some French documents, this place contains much Kaolin. Therefore, Pongour means the boss or king of white clay area.

Read more: 5 amazing places you must visit in Dalat, Vietnam

Secondly, Pongour comes from K’ho language, which means 4 rhino horns (Pon: 4, Gour: horn). This theory is based on a K’ho’s magnanimous legend. Once upon a time, this land was managed by a beautiful, bravery and talented heroine named Kaina, who was the head of the K’ho tribe. She was good at conquering dangerous animals to bring peace to the tribe. Among those, she had 4 big rhinos, which were always obedient to her commands and companies with her to cultivate, fight against enemies and save the resident’s life. On a full moon day in spring, she was gone forever, which made 4 rhinos very sad. They did not eat anything and stayed with her until they were dead. People told that rhinoceros horns turned into fossil stones that fit with the flow of fresh water considered Kaina’s hair turned into. It seems to be an alive evidence about the attachment of nature and human.

3. Natural features of Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Pongour waterfall is known as a huge one with amazing dimension. The height of cascades is nearly 40 meters and stretches more 100m through terraced stones. This fall is surrounded by 25,000 square of meters – primeval forest with the diversity of vegetational cover. If you are planning a trip to escape from the hustle and bustle of busy life, this will be an ideal destination where you can admire not only poetic and mysterious but also spectacular and magnificent beauty and connect your souls to nature as well.

Moreover, Pongour waterfall is the only one having a festival. On 15th January according to  Lunar calendar every year, the young from everywhere without ethnic discrimination arrive to welcome Spring festival. It is the occasion for people to live openly, sincerely, freely and understand each other more.

Read more: 6 amazing types of food you must try in Dalat, Vietnam

II. How To Get To Pongour Waterfall From Dalat Centre, Lam Dong, Vietnam

If you do not choose a tour from Dalat center town to Pongour waterfall to save your expenses, there are 2 available solutions for you.

1. Going to Pongour Waterfall by bus from Dalat center

You can get to Khu Hoa Binh terminal station and catch a bus to Bao Loc district. The average price for a bus trip is about VND 20,000 and it takes you about 1 hour and a half to get to the destination. You can see some specific information about Dalat – Bao Loc bus route department below:

Phuong Trang Bus company
Tel: (+84) 263 358 5858
Length (km): 120
Route: Mai Anh Dao Street – Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street – Dinh Tien Hoang Street – Nguyen Thai Hoc Street – Le Dai Hanh Street – 3/2 Street – Tran Phu Street – 3/4 QL 20 – Thong Nhat Street (Duc Trong district) – Phu Hoi T-junction – QL20 – Le Hong Phong Street – Nguyen Cong Tru Street – 28/3 Street – 458, Tran Phu Street, Bao Loc Province.
Depart hour: 5:30 – 19:00
Time duration: 15 – 30 minutes/route
Make sure you tell the bus driver to drop you off at the intersection leading to Pongour Fall. As soon as you get off here, just follow the signs. The distance from here to Pongour Fall entrance is about 6 kilometers km. Now you have 2 choices to decide:

a.  Walking to Pongour Waterfall

If you own a strong physical health and want to challenge yourself by walking for a long distance, you can think about this solution. You can enjoy fantastic natural sceneries around, but be careful with stray dogs along the way! Besides, consider the weather condition carefully before making a decision.

b.  Taking a motor-taxi-bike taxi (xe om) to Pongour Waterfall

Some staff in the roadside café or shops will ask you if you want to take a motorbike taxi or not.  Personally, I recommend you get motor-taxi to the entrance to save your time as well as your energy. The price is about VND 100,000 for one way. However, do not bother to have a friendly bargain with the driver to get it less. And the entrance fee is only VND 20,000/person.

2. Going to Pongour Waterfall by motorbike from Dalat center

Traveling by motorbike might be a better idea for you because the distance between Dalat center and Pongour Waterfall is only about 50 kilometers. Take Highway 20, turn at the km-post No. 260, keep going ahead 6km more, you will reach the entrance of Pongour waterfall. It is a good chance for you to explore and admire the beauty of nature because you can stop, observe and even take some photos to add to your traveling memory. To have a perfect journey, you should check the condition of a motorbike. Prepare some necessary objects such as a raincoat, water, mechanic tools, food, and medicine.

Recommended motorbike rental stores:

Happy Day Travel
Address: No.No. 127 Phan Boi Chau Street, 1 Precinct, Dalat
Tel: (+84) 02633 575 575

Minh Khang
Address: No. 54 Thu Khoa Huan Street, 1 Precinct, Dalat
Phone: (+84) 0938 205 070

Anh Tien
Address: No. 28 Bui Thi Xuan Street, 2 Precinct, Dalat
Phone: (+84) 0962 581 878

Thang Loi
Address: No. 363 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Dalat
Tel: (+84) 0913 540 654 or (+84) 0263 3536468

Khanh Doan
Address: No. 15 Tran Binh Trong Street, 5 Precinct, Dalat
Tel: (+84) 0909 363 463

Anh Cuong
Address: No. 79 Nguyen Thi Nghia Street, Dalat
Tel: (+84) 0942 018 207

III.  The Weather And Best Time To Visit Pongou Waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

1.  The weather in Pongour Waterfall, Lam Dong, Viet Nam

The climate of Dalat has the same features of monsoon and plateau climate. In general, it has a low temperature due to the influence of terrain height. The average temperature is about 18oC. Nevertheless, there is a big gap in temperature between day and night, about 9oC on average. Weather in Dalat is divided into two separate seasons: the rainy season and dry season.

a.  Rainy season in Pongour Waterfall, Lam Dong, Viet Nam

Rainy season often begins the middle of April and ends in September every year. The southwest wind going with tropical low pressure is the factors causing longly and heavily rainy days. The average rainfall in rainy season is about 1600mm.

b.  The dry season in Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Viet Nam

The dry season starts in December and ends in March next year. As the northwest wind comes, the weather gets better and drier. The sky is bright and blue with the fresh cool atmosphere. In this season, the average humidity is about 82%.

2. The best time to visit the Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Viet Nam

You can make a trip to Pongour waterfall at any times in a year because, in each season, Pongour waterfall stands out with its own beauty.
In rainy season: This waterfall becomes fierce with strong cascades. The foams splashes around and the water flows faster and faster. Unlike the charming and elegant beauty in the dry season, this fall appears to impress tourists with the spectacular image.
In dry season: The flow of water cascades slowly and sluggishly through layers of mossed-stone, which is like a huge silk fillet with soft curves. Tourists can enjoy picturesque and sceneries at the dawn since the sun rises at the top of fall. The sunshine makes water sparkling with slight silver color.
To guarantee you have a safe trip, pay attention to notices:

•      Should not approach too close to the flow of water or cascades. Just stand on big stones having safe height.
•      Wear sandals or shoes with high friction
•      Avoid teasing, pushing each other and swimming in lakes at the base of waterfall even you know how to swim and wear life-preserver.
•      Avoid going to some places put danger signs

VI. Things To Do in Pongour Waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

1. Go fishing on Dai Ninh Lake, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Besides admiring the beauty of Dai Ninh Lake, tourists should not miss an interesting activity: go fishing. Dai Ninh Lake has much fish, so the only thing you need to do is choosing a suitable place and dropping your line. After catching some fish, you can collect dry branches of trees, burn them and enjoy yourself with great grilled fish on lake bank.

2. Joining in 15th January festival (Lunar calendar) in Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

This is the annual festival of the ethnic minority in Pongour waterfall,  Trong Duc district. It is held on 15th January (according to Lunar calendar) to memorieíeate the great contribution of heroine Kaina. If it happens to you to visit there on this occasion, do not miss t If it happens to you to visit there on….you choose to visit here on this to arrive here on this occasion, you will have the chance to take part in many traditional and cultural activities such as dancing, throwing cotton ball game, bamboo dancing,…

3.  Canyoning at waterfalls around Pongour waterfall,  Lam Dong, Vietnam

One of the best ways to conquer Dalat’s beauty is canyoning. This kind of sport is the combination of sightseeing and outdoor activities, which gives tourists exciting experience in first hand. You have not experienced before haven’t ever experienced… do not previous experience, the thing you need is just a bit of courage. You can buy a canyoning trip sold by agency and tour operator in town. We highly recommend you Phat Tire Ventures – a canyoning service which is the only outfitter legally licensed to do canyoning in Dalat. They will serve you a 5 – hour trip including an orientation. They can be charged as twice as much as others do, but you will receive experienced and well – trained guides and quality equipment.

Trip price: VND 1,725,000US 75/person

Departure time: 8:00 – 13:00; 9:00 – 14:00; 10:00 – 15:00

However, you also need to follow the guides carefully to make sure that you have an amazing trip inDalat. If you have free time, let’s spend a couple of days discovering more attractions in Dalat and experience our list of things to do in Dalat.

IV. Where To Go Around Pongour Waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Besides visiting the Pongour waterfall, tourists also have great chances to admire other popular tourist attractions in Duc Trong district.

1. Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam – The most popular destination in Lam Dong

Pongour waterfall is known as a huge one with amazing dimension. The height of cascades is nearly 40 meters and stretches more 100m through terraced stones. This fall is surrounded by 2,500 square of meters,5 ha – primeval forest with the diversity of vegetational cover. If you are planning a trip to escape from the hustle and bustle of busy life, this will be an ideal destination where you can admire not only poetic and mysterious but also spectacular and magnificent beauty and connect your souls to nature as well.
Moreover, Pongour waterfall is the only one having a festival. On 15th January according to  Lunar calendar every year, the young from everywhere without ethnic discrimination arrive to welcome Spring festival. It is the occasion for people to live openly, sincerely, freely and understand each other more.

2.  Jraiblian waterfall –  The mysterious waterfall near Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam 

Jraiblian waterfall is hidden in a large forest range in Ta Hine village, Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province. The fall pours from 70m in height. The flow of water is divided into 3 branches directly pouring into deep streams. In contrast to fierce cascades, surroundings are very poetic. On the right, there is an old Si tree with dangling roots on the cliff. Sometimes, you can see clusters of white orchid bloom and dangle, which creates distinct beauty for this area. On the left, going along with a small path, you can see a rock cave like a communication trench that urges people to discover. This waterfall remains pristine, wild and mysterious with many legends.

3. Tran Le Gia Trang – The artistic and cultural tourist attraction near Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam.

•      Location: K’long Hamlet, Hiep An Village, Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province
•      Tel: (+84) (063) 3.504 779 or (+84) (063) 3. 504 027
•       Fax : (063) 3.684 334
•      Website: www.tranlegiatrang.com
•       Entrance fee: VND 30,000

Tran Le Trang tourist attraction was built in 2006, which turned a neglected area into a wonderful destination with many unique and traditional architecture such as Thanh Luong and Dan Sinh stream, Tam Bao waterfall, Dinh An lake, Thuy Ta house, Nghinh Phong Cat,…
From Voi mountain, underground water branches creating Thanh Luong stream pours into Pongour waterfall. It is like a constant piece of music that charms tourists visiting here. Along with this, you can enjoy unique culture on Truc Lam Vien highland such as admiring works of handcrafts or sipping a cup of tea in Japanese stone garden. Blending with artistic architectures, it also has Bonsai, Hon non bo, artificial falls,…

4.    Dai Ninh Lake –  The peaceful place near Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam 

Located in Ninh Gia village, Duc Trong district, Dai Ninh lake is a branch of Dong Nai river providing water for Binh Thuan. Coming here, tourists will be surprised with its peaceful and dreamlike beauty. Dai Ninh lake is the best at dawn when the blur dew covers all space. Dry trees at the lake bed appear to be lonely and solitary under the slight moonlight, which creates mysterious and strange feelings. When the sunshine nips every corner of the lake, the dew also disappears. At this moment, Dai Ninh appears to be clear and poetic.

5. Masara bare hill, – The Strange Land near Pongour waterfall,  Lam Dong, Vietnam 

Located in Masara helmet, Ta Nang village, Duc Trong district, this place is known as Strange Land. Tourists can be impressed by bare hills with pristine but charming and poetic beauty. The highlight of this place is a mixture of changing colors among sceneries around over time. You can see from warm orange of the sky to mysterious black of night, from hot red of dry glass to fresh green of trees. Let’s close your eyes and imagine you are an artist holding a palette of colors on hands and draw a colorful mosaic picture named “Strange Land”.

6.  K’long village –  The hospitable village near Pongour waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Coming here, you will be welcomed by friendly and hospitable local residents. They are willing to guide you around the village if you do not know. Especially, children no longer cheat or force tourists to buy souvenirs or ask for money. Thanks to this, the tourism value of K’long village is highly appreciated. The highlight of this place is a cock monument. It weighs 8 tons and was designed by architect Lu Truc Phuong from  1978 to-1979. It is also a symbol of culture and custom which the K’ho are proud to introduce to tourists from all over the world.

VI. Where To Stay In Pongour Waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

1. Homestays near visiting in Pongour waterfall, Dalat, Lam Dong

a.  Mint Home – The homestay with a cozy atmosphere

This homestay provides Free Wifi. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom with free toiletries, and a bidet. Some rooms have a balcony and a dining area. It is available for a car rental service at this property
Address: No. 364 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Dalat, Vietnam
Price: VND 366,127/night/room/2 adults

b.  Pretty Backpackers House – The homestay with high rate point

The Pretty Backpackers House is centrally located but in a very quiet and warm place.  This is a kind of homestay for backpacker traveler in Dalat City. As other homestays, it also This homestay serves with Free Wifi. Each room has basic amenities such as is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Some rooms also offer a garden view. This place will be an ideal accommodation for couples is more suitable for couples.
Address: No. 3/14 Hai Ba Trung Street, Dalat, Vietnam
Price: VND 228,829/night/room/2 adults

c.  LemonGrass Homestay – The homestay with modern style

This homestay serves Free Wifi and bathroom. It also has a bar at home. Some rooms have balconies and a rental bike service.
Address: No. 83/2 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Ward 1,  Dalat, Vietnam
Price: VND 2,288,293/ 2 nights/ family

2. Hotels for visiting in Pongour waterfall, Dalat, Lam Dong

a.  Maxim Hotel – The hotel with good price

Maxim Hotel features free Wifi and a 24-hour front desk. This property also provides guests with a terrace. This hotel is close to popular tourist attractions such as Ho Xuan Huong lake, Dalat Flower Gardens, and Lam Vien Square. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a kitchen and offer city views.
Address: No. 39 Nguyen Thi Nghia Street, Ward 2, Dalat, Vietnam
Price: VND 640,722/ 2 nights/2 adults

b.  Golden Bee Hotel – The hotel with beautiful views

Each room at Golden Bee Hotel has a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and fridge. Some rooms offer a mountain view. Receptionists will be willing to support tourists all the time.
Address: No. 17 Le Hong Phong Street, Dalat, Vietnam
Price: VND 1,09,381/ 2 nights/ 2 adults

c.  HanaDalat Hotel – The hotel with good service

This hotel offers free Wifi. Every room has a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries and also offer a city view. The hotel serves a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Staff speaking English, Korean and Vietnamese are available here. Therefore, do not worry that you will find it difficult when booking room if you do not know Vietnamese. You can speak English, Korean and Vietnamese at the 24-hour front desk, staff will be willing to provide guests with practical guidance on the area.
Address: No. 53 Ba Thang Hai Street, Dalat, Vietnam
Price: VND 2,517,123/ 2 nights/2 adults

VII. What To Eat In Pongour Waterfall, Lam Dong, Vietnam

1. Banh Can – The first must-try dish in Dalat

Banh Can is a popular rice cake in Dalat. Inside it, there are chicken eggs or quail eggs, but it is more delicious with quail eggs, which creates fatty taste. Banh Can goes with fish sauce, chopped spring onion spring onion leaves, and meatball. This rice cake is usually small, so they serve pairs of cake. Each dish has\ 5 pairs costs VND 20,000 – VND 25,000.
Where to eat Banh Can near Pongour Waterfall?

•     Banh Can Da lat: No. 36 Tang Bat Ho Street, 1 Precinct, Dalat, Lam Dong
•     Banh Can Da lat: No. 22 Tang Bat Ho Street, 1 Precinct, Dalat, Lam Dong
•     Banh Can Binh Dan: Opposite to No, 62 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Dalat, Lam Dong
•     Banh Can Xuan An: No. 1 Nha Chung Street, 3 Precinct, Dalat, Lam Dong

2. Banh Uot Long Ga (Steamed Rice Pancake with chicken’s tripes)Banh Uot Long Ga – One of top 100 typical dishes of Vietnam

The next popular dish in Dalat is Banh Uot Long Ga (Steamed Rice Pancake with chicken’s tripes), which is difficult to find in Sai Gon or Ha Noi. Instead of Banh Uot eaten with Cha Lua, Nem (Fried meat roll) as usual, Dalat has Banh Uot going with chicken’s tripes, torn chicken, onion and dipped into the fish sauce. You can also eat Banh Uot with Goi Ga ( a dish is made of raw chicken and herbs). This dish brings perfect taste so that tourists enjoying it will never forget. In 2016, this dish with Atiso soup was ranked as top 100 typical dishes of Vietnam. There are the 2 most famous stores:

•     Trang Store – No. 15F Truong Cong Dinh Street, Dalat, Dalat
•     Long Store – No. 202 alley, A16 KQH, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Dalat

3. Lau Bo (Beef Hot Pot) – The great dish for cool weather in Dalat

With cool weather in Dalat, it is the great time to eat hot pot. One of the most famous hot pot here is Oxtail Hot Pot Lau Duoi Bo. What makes this hot pot special and different is due to hot pot broth. The broth is transparent, not fatty, combined with soft scented beef. This dish also goes with Centella and other fresh vegetables. You can offer noodles or pho ( rice noodles) as you like. There are some favorite stores:

•     Lau Bo Ba Toa: No. 1/29 Hoang Dieu Street, Dalat
•     Lau Bo Hanh: No. 95 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Dalat
•     Lau Bo Phan Rang: No. 15B Quang Trung Street, Dalat
•     Lau Bo 33: Hai Ba Trung Street, Dalat

4. Banh Trang Nuong – The crispy Pizza in Dalat

Banh Trang Nuong is often called Pizza Dalat by foreign tourists. Simply, Banh Trang Nuong is a kind of rice cake which is very popular with people in Central and South area of Vietnam. Banh Trang Nuong in Dalat usually has chicken eggs, quail eggs, fried chicken, dried beef, hot dog, cheese and even seafood. This cake is very crisp and when you dip it into the chilly sauce and eat with tamarind, you will feel a great harmonious combination among ingredients. There are some addresses to enjoy delicious Banh Trang Nuong:

•     No. 61 Nguyen Van Troi Street, 1 Precinct, Dalat, Lam Dong
•     No. 112 Nguyen Van Troi Street, 1 Precinct, Dalat, Lam Dong
•     No. 53 Nguyen Van Troi Street, 1 Precinct, Dalat, Lam Dong
•     Co Hoan, No. 56 Thong Thien Boc Street, Dalat, Lam Dong

5. Nem Nuong (Grilled Meat Roll) – The popular dish in Dalat

Nem Nuong is one of the must-try dishes when coming to Dalat. This dish is made of ground pork chosen carefully and added with garlic and spices according to formula handed down from generation to generation. When meeting the standard, Nem is formed around bamboo chopsticks and grilled. As Nem is cooked, it sends out a good smell that makes people hungry and wants to eat immediately.

•     Nem Nuong Ut Hue: No. 1 Chi Lang Street, Dalat, Lam Dong
•     Nem Nuong Ba Nghia: No. 4 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Dalat, Lam Dong
•     Nem Nuong Ba Hung: No. 328 Phan Dinh Phung Street, 2 precincts, Dalat, Lam Dong

6. Buffet Rau Dalat (Vegetables Buffet in Dalat) – The interesting food in Dalat

Buffet Rau Dalat has been known as a new cuisine in Dalat for 3 years. It is a new kind of cuisine of Leguda restaurant located in Robin Hill in Dalat. Coming here, you will be satisfied with a variety of vegetables meeting the high standard to choose and eat with 2 kinds of hot pot broth: Satay hot pot broth goes with seafood, pork, beef or chicken. You will feel charming taste penetrated into each slice of meat. The other hot pot broth is made with the special recipe to remain flavor of fresh vegetables. The main ingredients include pig’s liver, pork, chicken,…
Leguda Restaurant:
Address: No. 8 Dong Da Street, 3 Precinct, Dalat
Tel: (+84) 0263 3965 965

VIII. Some Tips For Traveling Pingour Waterfall, Lam DOng, Vietnam

•     To have a safe and memorable trip, you need to make the schedule carefully.
•     Find down information on the Internet and ask people going to this waterfall before to have further information.
•     Ask local people for help or some information if you need.
•     Prepare personal items, clothes, medicine, food, water, raincoat, flashlight, footwear,…
•      Should not approach too close to the flow of water or cascades. Just stand on big stones having safe height.
•      Wear sandals or shoes with high friction
•      Avoid teasing, pushing each other and swimming in lakes at the base of waterfall even you know how to swim and wear life-preserver.
•      Avoid going to some places put danger signs

The above is the full Pongour Waterfall travel guidebook we want to share with you. Pongour Waterfall is an unbelievable gift which nature gives to Lam Dong and Vietnam as well. So do not hesitate to grab your backpack and hit the road to discover this incredible destination.