Elephant Waterfall - waterfalls surrounded by trees
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Elephant Waterfall

3.9
·112 reviews·, Vietnam

Experience the raw power of Elephant Waterfall, a majestic cascade with a thunderous roar, accessed via unique mountain-carved stairs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After rainfall

Witness peak water volume

CrowdMedium
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Elephant Waterfall - waterfalls surrounded by trees

Elephant Waterfall

Best Time

After rainfall

Witness peak water volume

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the raw power of Elephant Waterfall, a majestic cascade with a thunderous roar, accessed via unique mountain-carved stairs.

3.9
(112 reviews)

"The roar of the water is thunderous and powerful, something that truly needs to be experienced in person."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The stairs can be steep and slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe descent and ascent.

💰 Entry Fee

Expect an entrance fee of around 60,000 VND, even for distant views. [^review]

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Roaring Cascade

The Roaring Cascade

Main waterfall area

Experience the thunderous roar and immense power of water plunging over the cliff. Feel the wind turbulence on your skin.

Linh An Pagoda Views

Linh An Pagoda Views

Adjacent to the falls

Enjoy impressive views of the waterfall from the Buddha platform, offering a less direct but often cleaner perspective.

Carved Mountain Stairs

Carved Mountain Stairs

Pathways to the falls

Descend a unique path with stairs cut directly into the mountain rock, offering a challenging yet rewarding journey.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Terrain

Be prepared for a trek! Accessing Elephant Waterfall involves descending stairs carved into the mountain rocks. Wear sturdy shoes, as some paths can be risky and may have broken sections. The sheer power of the falls creates significant wind turbulence, so dress accordingly.

Environmental Concerns

While majestic, Elephant Waterfall faces pollution issues. Rubbish can accumulate, impacting the pristine beauty. Some reviews mention direct access being closed due to pollution. Consider viewing from designated viewpoints near the Linh An Pagoda.

Best Times

When
After rainfall
Why
Witness peak water volume
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

📍Phe Phe Falls, Meghalaya. What makes this one unique for others is that you've to cross two mountains to get to the place where I'm standing and then it's all downhill with stairs cut out of mountain rocks.

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The stairs can be steep and slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe descent and ascent. Reddit

💰 Entry Fee

Expect an entrance fee of around 60,000 VND, even for distant views. [^review]

📸 Pagoda Viewpoint

For cleaner views, head to the Linh An Pagoda complex nearby. [^review]

💧 Be Prepared for Mist

The powerful spray can make you damp. Consider a light waterproof layer. [^review]

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The stairs can be steep and slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe descent and ascent. Reddit

💰 Entry Fee

Expect an entrance fee of around 60,000 VND, even for distant views. [^review]

📸 Pagoda Viewpoint

For cleaner views, head to the Linh An Pagoda complex nearby. [^review]

💧 Be Prepared for Mist

The powerful spray can make you damp. Consider a light waterproof layer. [^review]

What Travellers Say

3.9
(112 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Elephant Waterfall is a powerful natural spectacle with a thunderous roar and impressive water volume, offering a unique experience via stairs carved into the mountain. However, visitors often note significant pollution issues at the base, which can detract from the beauty and sometimes lead to access closures. Viewing from the nearby Linh An Pagoda is a popular alternative for a cleaner perspective.

"Elephant Falls is one of those raw, untamed forces of nature that leaves a lasting impression. The sheer volume and power of water cascading over the cliff creates intense wind turbulence you can literally feel it on your skin. Entry is 60,000 VND, and even if you’re just hoping to get a glimpse from a distance, you’ll still need to pay.

When I visited, the water was a rich brown due to silt and soil runoff giving the falls a dramatic, earthy appearance. The roar of the water is thunderous and powerful, something that truly needs to be experienced in person. There’s a pathway that leads you partway down the cliffside, but be cautious some sections have broken away and the path becomes quite risky.

Halfway down, sadly, there’s a fair amount of rubbish that really takes away from the experience and could definitely use a cleanup. Despite that, the falls remain impressive, especially when viewed from the top or from the adjacent Buddha platform near Linh An Pagoda.

If you’re short on time, Pongour Falls offers a more scenic and accessible experience but Thác Voi is still worth a visit for its sheer natural force.i"

John Winter

"This is an absolutely majestic waterfall overlooking the Lin Buddha statue. Unfortunately the waterfall is downriver from town or village so all of the trash collects underneath the main waterfall spoiling this pristine site. Apparently the "owners" of this location clean this site on regular basis, but it's not working."

janna k

"This is an absolutely majestic waterfall right in the heart of the village which I did not expect. The waterfall has the the Lin Buddha statue overlooking which adds to the majesty. The waterfall is slightly downstream from the village so a little rubbish does accumulates underneath the main waterfall which does spoil it a little although it was much less than we thought there would be given its location.

I suggest parking in at Elephant Coffee and accessing from here for a small fee (40,000d from memory), the steps and paths down are in pretty good condition. The falls can also be viewed from the Lin Buddha statue/complex which we did not visit."

Dano's Channel

What People Like

Raw natural power
Carved mountain stairs
Pagoda viewpoints

What People Dislike

Pollution and rubbish
Risky pathways
Limited direct access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi) is located near Da Lat. You can hire a taxi or motorbike, or join a local tour. Many day tours from Da Lat include this as a stop. Some travelers suggest parking at Elephant Coffee for easier access. [^review]

Public transport directly to the falls is limited. Hiring a private car or joining a guided tour is the most convenient option for reaching Elephant Waterfall. [^review]

From Jowai, Meghalaya, you'll need to travel to 'Shkentalang' which is a 2-4 hour road trip. Local transport or a tourist car can be arranged. Reddit

Elephant Waterfall is approximately 25-30 kilometers southwest of Da Lat city, typically a 30-45 minute drive depending on traffic. [^review]

While it's possible to walk or bike from nearby areas, it's a significant distance from Da Lat city. Most visitors opt for vehicle transport. [^review]

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Elephant Waterfall is typically around 60,000 VND per person. This fee applies even if you only plan to view it from a distance. [^review]

Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to check with local tour operators or at the entrance for any potential offers. [^review]

Elephant Waterfall is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience. [^review]

Advance booking is usually not required for Elephant Waterfall. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the entrance. [^review]

Some reviews indicate that direct access to the base of Elephant Waterfall has been closed due to pollution and odor. It's recommended to check current conditions or use designated viewpoints. [^review]

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The best experience involves descending the carved stairs for a closer view, but be mindful of the path's condition and potential pollution. Enjoying the view from the Linh An Pagoda is also highly recommended. [^review]

While the falls are powerful, the main safety concern is the condition of the pathways, which can be risky. Exercise caution, wear appropriate footwear, and be aware of your surroundings. [^review]

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip. Light, quick-drying clothing is advisable due to the mist and spray from the waterfall. [^review]

Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted at Elephant Waterfall due to the strong currents, rocky terrain, and potential pollution. [^review]

The Linh An Pagoda is a Buddhist complex located near Elephant Waterfall, featuring a large white Buddha statue and a 7-story pagoda. It offers excellent viewpoints of the falls. [^review]

📸 📸 Photography

Great photo opportunities exist from the top viewing platform, along the carved stair pathways, and from the Linh An Pagoda complex, especially the Buddha statue area. [^review]

For capturing the water's motion, use a slower shutter speed. A tripod is helpful for stability, especially in lower light conditions. Protect your lens from mist. [^review]

The mist and spray can make photography challenging. Protecting your gear and using a lens cloth is essential. The slippery paths also require careful footing while shooting. [^review]

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area. [^review]

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, leading to better photographic opportunities. Midday sun can be harsh. [^review]

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Elephant Waterfall with children requires careful planning. The carved stairs can be challenging for very young children, and the slippery conditions necessitate close supervision. Consider carrying younger kids or opting for the viewpoint from the Linh An Pagoda, which is more accessible and offers great views without the strenuous descent. [^review]

Be aware of the potential for pollution and the strong mist from the falls. While the sheer power of the water can be exciting for older children, ensure they understand safety precautions. The Linh An Pagoda complex itself can also be an engaging part of the visit, with its large Buddha statue and pagoda to explore. [^review]

🚶‍♀️ Adventure Seekers

For those who love a bit of an adventure, the descent down the carved mountain stairs to Elephant Waterfall is a unique experience. The rugged path and the powerful spray of the falls add to the thrill. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of the terrain's condition. [^review]

While direct access might be limited due to environmental concerns, the journey to the viewpoints and the sheer force of nature on display are rewarding. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for exploration, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking natural wonders with a touch of ruggedness. [^review]

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Natural Spectacle of Elephant Waterfall

Elephant Waterfall, also known as Thác Voi, is a powerful natural wonder characterized by its sheer volume of water cascading over a dramatic cliff face. The experience is amplified by the intense wind turbulence generated by the falling water, which can be felt on your skin. The water's color can vary, sometimes appearing a rich brown due to silt and soil runoff, adding to its raw, earthy appearance. The roar of the falls is often described as thunderous and truly immersive. [^review]

Accessing the falls involves a descent down a series of stairs carved directly into the mountain rocks. This unique pathway offers a sense of adventure but requires caution, as some sections may be worn or risky. Despite its natural grandeur, visitors have noted environmental concerns, with rubbish sometimes accumulating at the base of the falls, detracting from the pristine beauty. [^review]

For those seeking a less direct but often cleaner view, the adjacent Linh An Pagoda complex, with its prominent Buddha statue, provides excellent vantage points. This offers a dual experience, combining the natural spectacle of the waterfall with the cultural and spiritual ambiance of the pagoda. [^review]

Environmental Challenges and Alternative Views

A recurring theme in visitor feedback for Elephant Waterfall is the issue of pollution. Several reviews mention that rubbish collects at the base of the falls, diminishing the natural beauty and sometimes leading to unpleasant odors. This has, in some instances, resulted in the closure of direct access points to the waterfall's base. [^review]

Despite these environmental challenges, the falls remain an impressive sight. The Linh An Pagoda, located nearby, offers a significant alternative for viewing the waterfall. This complex features a large white Buddha statue and a multi-story pagoda, from which visitors can get a good perspective of the falls without being directly exposed to the accumulated debris. Climbing the pagoda offers unique internal frescos and a 'waterfall window' view. [^review]

Travelers seeking a more pristine waterfall experience might consider Pongour Falls as an alternative, which is often described as more scenic and accessible. However, for those who prioritize raw natural power and are willing to navigate the potential environmental drawbacks or utilize the pagoda viewpoints, Elephant Waterfall still holds its allure. [^review]

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