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One of the most alluring tourist destinations in Dalat that surely every traveler desires to explore is Ponguor Waterfall – the cascade renowned as the “Foremost Heavenly Cascade” of the Central Highlands. It stands as one of the masterpieces bestowed upon the land of thousand flowers by nature.
Located approximately 50km from Dalat city, Pongour waterfall is situated in Duc Trong district, Lam Dong province. If traveling from Saigon, upon reaching the junction (at Trung Hamlet on Highway 20 towards Dalat – Saigon), turn towards Pongour waterfall. After about 8km, visitors will arrive at Pongour waterfall, also known as Heavenly Paradise – an impressive Dalat tourist attraction.
Legends and the Name of Pongour Waterfall
The origin of the name Pongour traces back to French (Pon – gou: meaning the landlord of the white clay land). When visiting this tourist destination in Dalat, you will hear an incredibly touching legend. In ancient times, a beautiful K’Ho female prison chief named Kanai ruled over the land of Phu Hoi – Tan Hoi – Tan Thanh.
With the prowess to tame wild beasts, she managed to tame 4 unusually large rhinoceroses. Kanai and the 4 rhinoceroses cleared land and helped villagers cultivate crops, protecting the territory against external threats. As a result, the people enjoyed a warm, happy, and peaceful life. One year, when Kanai grew old and breathed her last, the 4 rhinoceroses remained by her side, refusing to eat or drink until death...
Suddenly one morning as the dawn broke, everyone was utterly surprised to see where Kanai lay at peace, a magnificent waterfall stood tall. According to legend, Kanai's hair turned into clear, cool water, splashing white foam. The rhinoceros horns turned into stone slabs covered in moss, arranged from high to low, forming the backdrop for the waterfall at the Dalat tourist destination.
Explore the masterpiece of Pongour waterfall
Pongour Waterfall originates from the majestic Da Nhim River. To reach and explore this marvelous Dalat tourist spot, you have two paths to descend to the base of the waterfall. One longer, gently sloping main path is easy to traverse and doesn't require much effort. The second path, shorter but steeper, is for adventurous travelers seeking to add excitement to their journey.
Upon reaching the base of the waterfall, visitors will be mesmerized by the grandeur of Pongour Falls, towering at approximately 30 meters high and stretching 120 meters wide. The rushing water cascades down from above, creating a spectacular display of frothy white foam echoing throughout the surrounding mountains and forests.
During the rainy season, the waterfall becomes more intense, with powerful torrents of water crashing down from above. The layers of limestone rock create billowing white foam that fills the air, while the roaring sound of the waterfall reverberates across the sky. Even from a distance, travelers can feel the refreshing coolness of the water droplets splashing against their skin.
In the dry season, the water flows more gently, cascading down the rock tiers like soft, silky ribbons draped over moss-covered green cliffs, forming a stunningly beautiful and captivating scene. Moreover, visitors can step onto the stone platforms to get a closer look and feel of the cool, clear water, the moss-covered stone ledges, and capture unique and memorable photos at this Dalat tourist spot.
Visitors will be enchanted by the breathtaking and poetic scenery at sunrise. As the sun rises above the waterfall's peak, the gentle morning light illuminates the sparkling silver water, accompanied by the melodious chirping of forest birds and the soothing sound of flowing water, creating a feeling of elation and tranquility.
With its dreamy and majestic beauty, Pongour waterfall at Dalat tourist destination is chosen as the venue for an annual spring festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, featuring various folk games and traditional cultural rituals of indigenous ethnic groups. This festival attracts many domestic and international tourists, especially young men and women seeking to find their soulmates.
In this program, you will admire the graceful and captivating folk dances of the local ethnic groups living here. Additionally, visitors can participate in fun games and enjoy the resounding melodies of the gongs while sipping fragrant rice wine and indulging in local grilled meat.
When visiting Dalat, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Pongour waterfall, undoubtedly leaving an indelible impression on your journey of exploring nature at this Dalat tourist destination.
