Destinations in Dak Lak
Dray Nur & Dray Sap Waterfalls
Two of the most powerful waterfalls in the Central Highlands, where the Serepok River pours over wide basalt cliffs into a forested gorge.
Distance
25 to 30 km from Buon Ma Thuot
Time needed
Half a day
Best time
July to November for power
Good for
Nature, photography
Overview
The Roar of the Serepok River
South-west of Buon Ma Thuot the Serepok River drops over a series of waterfalls. Dray Nur and Dray Sap are the best known: wide curtains of water that fall over dark basalt cliffs into pools surrounded by forest.
A local legend links the falls to a story of two sisters, and Dray Nur and Dray Sap are often called the wife and husband waterfalls. Paths, viewpoints and stairs make it easy to get close to the water.
Highlights
- Dray Nur waterfall
- Dray Sap, the waterfall of smoke
- Black basalt cliffs
- Forest paths and viewpoints
Things to do
What to See and Do
Dray Nur Waterfall
Walk down to the foot of the fall and feel the spray on your face. Behind the curtain of water there are small caves in the cliff.
Dray Sap Waterfall
Dray Sap, whose name means waterfall of smoke, throws a cloud of mist into the air when the river is high.
Forest Walks
Short paths through the forest connect viewpoints above and below the falls.
Photography
Morning light is softer and there are fewer visitors. In the rainy season the falls are at their most dramatic.
Practical information
Good to Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
The falls are at their most powerful in the rainy season, from about July to November. From December to April there is less water, but the paths are drier and easier to walk. Weekends and Vietnamese holidays are busier.
How to Get There
The waterfalls are about 25 to 30 km south-west of Buon Ma Thuot, around 45 minutes by car. They combine well with a coffee farm visit or a cycling day out of the city.
What to Eat and Drink
- Simple local restaurants near the entrance
- Grilled meat and sticky rice
- Fresh coconut and sugar cane juice
- Bring water and snacks for the walk
Local Tips
- Wear shoes with good grip; rocks near the falls are slippery
- Do not swim at the base of the falls, where currents are strong
- Keep cameras and phones in a waterproof bag in the rainy season
- Expect an entrance fee at each waterfall
Visit with Lak Tours
Ride to the Waterfalls
Buon Ma Thuot
Buon Ma Thuot City, Coffee Garden and Dray Sap Waterfall
One day by bike through the coffee capital, its coffee gardens and the roaring Dray Sap waterfall.
See the Waterfalls of the Serepok
Ride to Dray Sap on our one day cycling tour or visit the falls by private car.