Elephant Falls and Linh Phuoc

Elephant Falls, known in Vietnamese as Thac Voi, is a wide curtain of water that drops over dark rocks in the countryside west of Da Lat, and it is the second stop on most waterfall itineraries after Datanla. The falls are reached by a short walk and a set of steps down to viewing points, with a rocky path leading closer to the water for those willing to scramble. The region around the falls is known for its farming villages, and countryside tours usually combine the waterfall with a visit to Linh Phuoc Pagoda, famed for its elaborate decoration made from pieces of ceramic and glass, and with a silk workshop or village where visitors see how silk is produced. The product linked here is a day tour built around these three themes, a common way to see the western side of the plateau.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda, sometimes called the Dragon Pagoda, is the most visually striking part of the day. The temple complex is covered in mosaics of shattered porcelain and glass, with a tall bell tower, a long dragon sculpture and a large Buddha statue in the grounds. It is a working Buddhist temple, so dress modestly, keep your voice low and follow any posted rules about photography inside the halls.

The colours are strongest in sun, and the contrast between the sparkling surfaces and the green hills around makes this one of the more photogenic religious sites in the highlands.

The falls themselves vary with the seasons. During the wet season from roughly May to October the flow is strong and the spray reaches the viewing platform, while in the dry months the curtain is thinner but easier to approach. The rocks near the water are slippery, so wear shoes with grip and take care with children. A small area at the top has stalls selling snacks and souvenirs, and local guides sometimes offer to lead visitors down to the lower pools.

Silk is a traditional craft in the Lam Dong region, and many countryside tours include a stop at a workshop where cocoons are unwound and fabric is woven. These stops are commercial, with shops attached, but they give a useful view of a process that is hard to imagine from a finished scarf. If you do not want to buy anything, there is no obligation, and you can simply watch the demonstrations and move on.

Day trips like this usually run six to eight hours with a lunch stop, and they tend to travel by minivan or on motorbikes with local drivers known as easy riders. Choose the format that suits your comfort: a van is easier for older travellers and families, a motorbike gives a closer feel for the countryside. The roads include some winding sections, so anyone prone to car sickness should sit near the front. Combine this trip with Pongour Falls if you want a longer day with a bigger waterfall.

Because countryside itineraries differ, read the product description for the exact order of stops, the time you will have at each, and whether an entrance ticket is included. Some visitors prefer to separate the pagoda from the falls and spend longer at each, which is possible if you hire a private driver for a day and set your own pace across the western roads of the plateau.