Dray Nur Waterfall - Vietnam’s Hidden Gem in the Central Highlands

When you’re on a Vietnam road trip from south to north, there’s a stop you can’t skip - Dray Nur Waterfall. Located in the Central Highlands near Buon Ma Thuot, this powerhouse of nature is often overshadowed by touristy spots like Dalat or Ha Long Bay. But trust me, Dray Nur is where the magic happens.

Think Jurassic Park vibes, mist-soaked jungles, and legends that’ll give you goosebumps. Let’s go!

Why Dray Nur Waterfall?

First off, Dray Nur isn’t just a waterfall-it’s part of a trio (Dray Nur, Dray Sap, and Gia Long) that locals call the “hidden dragons” of the Serepok River. While its siblings are stunning, Dray Nur steals the show with its 40-meter curtain of water crashing into an emerald pool. Plus, it’s less crowded than Ban Gioc or Pongour, giving you that “I discovered this” feeling rather than just being another tourist, you know what I mean!

Pro Tip: Pair Dray Nur with Dray Sap (just 1km away) for a full day of waterfall-hopping. The combo ticket is cheaper, and you’ll see why they’re nicknamed “Husband and Wife Falls” in local mythology.

Getting to Dray Nur: Directions

Location: 25km south of Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province.

• From Buon Ma Thuot: Rent a motorbike (150k VND/day) or grab a taxi (300k VND one-way). The 45-minute ride winds through coffee plantations-perfect for spontaneous photo ops.

• From HCMC/Hanoi: Fly to Buon Ma Thuot (1.5hrs, ~1.5M VND). VietJet and Bamboo Airways have daily flights.

Entrance Fee: 40k VND (2025 price). Opens 7 AM–5 PM.

When to Visit: Dry vs. Rainy Season

• Rainy Season (June–October): The falls are thundering. Expect mist, rainbows, and epic photos. But trails get slippery-pack waterproof shoes!

• Dry Season (November–May): Calmer waters, easier swimming. Ideal for sunbathing on the rocks.

Golden Hour: Arrive by 7 AM to beat crowds and snap fog-draped jungle shots.

What to Do: Beyond the Obvious

1. Swim Under the Falls
   Yes, you can! The base pool is deep enough for a dip. Locals swear the mineral-rich water “recharges your soul.”

2. Find the Secret Cave
   Reddit’s best-kept secret: Behind the main falls, a narrow trail (look left of the viewing platform!) leads to a hidden cave. Duck under the cascades for a surreal behind-the-water view. Bring a waterproof phone case!

3. Cross the Suspension Bridge
   This wobbly bridge offers Insta-worthy panoramas of the gorge. Hold your hat-the wind here means business.

4. Picnic Like a Local
   Grab sticky rice or banh mi from Buon Ma Thuot’s markets. Eat at the bamboo huts near the falls-monkeys might photobomb you.

Hidden Gems Nearby

• Dray Sap’s Fairy Pool: A 10-minute walk from Dray Nur, this turquoise pool under Dray Sap feels like a secret spa. Look for the unmarked trail past the main viewpoint.

• Gia Long Waterfall: 5km upstream. Named after a Nguyen emperor, it’s quieter with tiered cascades perfect for meditation.

• Ede Ethnic Village: Visit nearby villages like Ako Dhong to learn weaving or sip can wine (fermented in bamboo tubes).

Local Legends: Why “Female Waterfall”?

Dray Nur means “Female Waterfall” in the Ede language. Legend says a heartbroken woman (Dray Nur) and her lover (Dray Sap) turned into waterfalls to stay together eternally. The mist? Their tears. Cue the violins.

Practical Tips (No One Tells You This)

• Shoes Matter: Rocks are slick. Tevas or hiking sandals > flip-flops.

• Guides Aren’t Needed: Trails are well-marked, but hire a local (200k VND) for folklore deep dives.

• Avoid Weekends: Domestic tourists flock here Saturdays.

• Stay Nearby: Sleep in Buon Ma Thuot at Eco Green Hotel (budget) or Mai House (luxe). Prefer nature? Camp at Gia Long’s eco-site (permits required).

Fuel Your Adventure: Coffee & Food

Buon Ma Thuot is Vietnam’s coffee capital. Post-waterfall, hit Trung Nguyen Coffee Village for weasel coffee or K’Ho Coffee Farm for organic brews. Craving street food? Try bún đỏ (red noodle soup) or grilled wild boar at A25 Quán-a hole-in-the wall loved by regulars.

Final Thoughts: Keep Dray Nur Wild

Dray Nur isn’t just a checklist item-it’s a reminder of Vietnam’s raw, untamed beauty. Respect the trails, pack out trash, and tip vendors (who are friendly and don’t haggle you!). And hey, if you find that secret cave, keep it between us ;).