Buzz
'Legend has it...'
For the local youngsters, the various versions of the legendary tales of D'ray Sap waterfall are nothing new. However, two versions stand out as the most widely told and plausible stories passed down through generations.
'Legend has it that, in ancient times, on the banks of the Sê-Rê-Pôk river, a couple deeply in love faced familial opposition. Overwhelmed by sorrow, they chose to embrace each other and plunge into the upstream flowing river, destined to be together forever. This act resulted in the river splitting into two branches, Krông Knô (Krông means river, Knô means male) creating the D'ray Sap waterfall, and Krông Ana (Ana means female) forming the D'ray Nur waterfall.
Krông Nô Branch.
Where the male river finds its way back...
Alongside, there is another folklore passed down, narrating the story of a young Ê Đê ethnic couple. One day, the husband fell seriously ill, and the wife, Hmi, had to search for medicinal leaves deep in the forest. Despite her efforts, the husband couldn't recover, and overwhelmed by grief, Hmi wept day and night. Her cries echoed in the azure sky, reaching Giàng. Touched by the love story, Giàng created a waterfall to commemorate Hmi's virtue. Hence, the waterfall is named D’ray Sap, meaning the waterfall of smoke (D’ray is waterfall, Sap is smoke). This legend seems more plausible as the majestic flow of water from above forms a large mist resembling smoke.
Sneaking through, traversing each field and village, seeking the grand waterfall.
The Path to D’ray Sap
D’ray Sap Tourist Area – Gia Long, located in the territory of Dak Sor commune, Krông No district, Dak Nong province, is not frequently featured on tourist routes. Its distant position from the central Buon Ma Thuot, and absence from the national highway, keeps the number of visitors relatively low. Hence, the waterfall retains its pristine and majestic charm.
On the road to the waterfall.
Situated approximately 30 km south of Buon Ma Thuot and 11 km north of the central town of Dak Mam in Krông No district, you can include D’ray Sap in your itinerary to explore the largest volcanic cave system in Southeast Asia - Chư Bluk (20 km south of D’ray Sap waterfall). If starting from Buon Ma Thuot, follow National Highway 14 about 20 km south, reach the Cư Jut intersection, turn left into Krông No district, and travel straight for another 10 km to reach the entrance of D’ray Sap tourist area. The current entrance fee is 40,000 VND per adult.
When to Explore D’ray Sap?
The climate at D’ray Sap waterfall exhibits the characteristic two-season climate of the Central Highlands: the dry season and the rainy season. If you visit during the rainy season, you'll experience the full tropical ecosystem, and the waterfall's water flow will be abundant and vigorous. However, be cautious of heavy afternoon rains that are common during this time.
The rainforest in the rainy season.
The dry season in the Central Highlands is dry and hot, but if you visit around April, you'll encounter swarms of butterflies fluttering everywhere, creating a truly unique and special scene. During the dry season, the water is clearer and cleaner, making it ideal for an outdoor picnic by the cool stream, don't you think?
Silhouettes of bare trees in the dry season.
The Nature of D’ray Sap
D’ray Sap is formed by geological formations that have descended from ancient times, creating a vast valley intersected by a river, forming the waterfall. To reach the waterfall, you have to descend a long three-tiered staircase, a virtual paradise for many young enthusiasts venturing into the pristine forest.
The stepped path leading down the trail to the waterfall.
The bamboo bridge connecting D’ray Sap and D’ray Nur waterfalls.
Navigating through protruding rocks, babbling brooks, occasionally encountering waterfalls cascading down the cliffs heightens the excitement. Deeper in, the sounds of singing birds, rustling leaves, or babbling brooks gradually give way to the powerful rush of flowing water. Just closing your eyes allows you to envision the majestic scene of the waterfall.
The trail cutting through the forest.
The path is not overly long but challenging, making you feel weary. Yet, as the waterfalls gradually reveal themselves, all fatigue seems to dissipate along with the rising white mist. Stepping down to the lake's edge, where large rocks dot the water's surface, gazing at the smoke rising from the lake makes the soul feel more serene.
Giant water streams cascading down creating columns of mist.
Listening to my parents' tales from the past, before the construction of the hydroelectric dam, this waterfall had abundant water, covering the rock walls completely. Nowadays, with the dam in place, the water has decreased significantly. Walking along the path around the lake, following the rock walls to the top of the waterfall, where the stream pours down forming mist, leads to the clear freshwater stream. Here, people can comfortably immerse themselves in the refreshing cool water.
The view from the top of the waterfall.
The clear freshwater stream, where people can immerse themselves under the cool flowing water.
Crystal-clear water visible to the bottom.
Gia Long Waterfall
Although part of the D’ray Sap – Gia Long waterfall tourist area, Gia Long waterfall is quite alluring and devoid of tourist crowds due to its distant location (7 km from D’ray Sap). The road from D’ray Sap to Gia Long has been paved, making it easy to traverse through the lush green forest in the rainy season, but stark and desolate in the dry season. Occasionally, an unfamiliar bird suddenly cries out, soaring into the sky, or squirrels chase each other across the branches high above.
The pathway leading to Gia Long waterfall.
Gia Long Waterfall is intimately connected with the name of this Nguyen dynasty king. In the past, King Gia Long set foot here to marvel at the picturesque scenery. Although Gia Long Waterfall is not grand, the water at Gia Long has a distinctive emerald green color. Paired with the pristine and majestic natural surroundings, it made for a poetic landscape.
The surrounding forest around the waterfall during the rainy season.
A local family grilling fish.
Tips for a complete journey.Author: Dinh Quyen Sinh
* This article is part of the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program showcasing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. It's an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a contributor with Mytour. Details about the program can be found at: https://www.Mytour/vi-vn/golocal
