Buzz
Starting from the city center, take Lý Thái Tổ street to reach Dambri waterfall. However, before heading to the waterfall, make sure to visit the nearby Bát Nhã Monastery for exploration.
Bát Nhã Monastery sits atop a high hill covering an area of 18 hectares in thôn 10, Damb’ri commune. This religious architectural structure, located about 2km from Dam B’ri waterfall, consists of two areas: the Monk Area known as Phương Bối Forest and the Nun Area known as Hong Fire Kitchen.
On the right side of the main temple, the path leading up the hill before the pine forest is adorned with a 350cm tall statue of Quan Thế Âm Bodhisattva standing amidst artificial rocks. It's a beautifully designed garden enhancing the solemnity and serenity of Bát Nhã Monastery. After touring and paying respects to Buddha at Bát Nhã Monastery, it's just an additional 2km drive to the Dambri waterfall tourist area.
You'll need to purchase tickets at the entrance for 150,000 VND per adult. Dambri is the tallest waterfall in Lâm Đồng province. The water cascades from a height of over 60 meters, creating a magnificent scenery. During the rainy season, the sound of water rushing from the upper stream can be heard even several kilometers away.
Surrounding the waterfall is a forest area that has preserved its pristine beauty, relatively unexplored by many, covering an area of nearly 300 hectares and home to various bird species. Many rare and valuable ancient trees such as starfruit, garcinia, and ficus with trunks as wide as a few arm spans are present here. Visiting Dambri, you'll immerse yourself in the wilderness of nature.
Due to limited services at the waterfall, it's advisable to carry some lunch and take breaks. After exploring and capturing stunning photos at the waterfall, around 3 PM, depart for Di Đà Pagoda, another beautiful nearby destination. The road to Di Đà Pagoda is approximately 4km long and becomes more challenging as you go deeper. However, you'll encounter charming small streams and vast tea hills along the way.
Established by a monk from Bát Nhã Monastery who sought to 'distance himself from worldly affairs' after various monastery upheavals, this temple was initially named Đăng Đừng after the nearby Đăng Đừng market. Due to the presence of a large statue of Buddha Amitābha in front of the temple, worshippers often refer to it as Amitābha Temple. Over time, this name has stuck, making it easier for visitors to locate.
Upon entering the temple gate, one is greeted by a refreshing scene of lush greenery, with a pathway lined on both sides by bamboo phong linh. These phong linh, entirely crafted from bamboo tubes by the temple's young residents, adorn the temple grounds, filling the air with the rustling sound of hundreds of bamboo tubes. It's a unique sound that brings an inexplicable sense of tranquility.
Di Đà Temple boasts a unique architectural ensemble, harmoniously blending Buddhist, Cham, and Vietnamese architectural styles. Within the temple grounds are wooden stilt houses of ethnic minorities, their roofs intricately carved with floral motifs, housing solemn Buddha statues. After exploring Di Đà Temple, don't forget to visit Tam Hợp waterfall located behind the temple premises.
The best time to admire Tam Hợp waterfall is during the rainy season, around late July. Tam Hợp, named for its three large water streams cascading from a height of 70 meters, offers a mesmerizing sight. Amidst the vast expanse, one hears only the roar of the waterfall, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and the drifting mist obscuring the view.
From hundreds of meters away, the thunderous roar of the waterfall is audible, growing louder as one approaches, enveloping the entire mountainous area. The majestic scenery, with torrents of water pouring incessantly from the upper source, crashing into the obstructing rocks, creating a flurry of white foam. Concluding a day exploring the scenic spots of Bảo Lộc, return to the city center before nightfall.
Evenings in Bảo Lộc are rather subdued, with locals retiring early. If you fancy experiencing a different atmosphere, head to Cõi Riêng café tucked away in a small alley on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai street.
This place is styled after Hoi An, so you'll feel like you've wandered into a different world rather than being in Bảo Lộc. However, enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere amidst the cool mountain town vibe is truly an experience worth trying.
Make the most of Sunday mornings; after breakfast, if you want to admire beautiful scenery, drive to Tâm Châu tea hill overlooking Dambri dam. Along the way, you'll encounter rolling tea hills stretching endlessly, reminiscent of the far-off Northwest.
Dubbed the 'tea city', Bảo Lộc boasts the largest area of tea cultivation in Lâm Đồng province and across the Central Highlands and Southern regions. The predominant tea variety grown here is Oolong tea, with low bushes.
The B’lao tea brand (formerly known as Bảo Lộc) has long been familiar to tea enthusiasts. B’lao tea lacks the bitterness of northern tea, has a stronger, more bitter taste, sweet aftertaste, and a delightful aroma. Watching dewdrops lingering on the leaves, strolling along the dirt paths around the lake will soothe your soul significantly.
Around 10 AM, take a stroll around the city and visit Bảo Lộc market to purchase specialties like tea, coffee, butter, or seasonal strawberries. While it offers the same specialties as Đà Lạt, the prices here are much cheaper. Check out of your hotel at noon, have a light lunch, and take a bus back to Saigon, concluding your weekend exploration of Bảo Lộc.
By Tiểu Duy
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJune 24, 2016
