Buzz
Pongour Falls, gracefully flowing through 7 rock layers, serves as a tranquil retreat for travelers escaping the summer heat in the highlands.
Pongour Falls, honored by King Bao Dai as the 'Southern Sky Cascade' in Lam Dong
Pongour Falls, also known as the Seven-Tier Falls, is located in Tan Hoi commune, Duc Trong district, approximately 50 km south of downtown Da Lat. The falls cascade through 7 rock tiers. Thanks to its pristine and majestic beauty, it was bestowed the title 'Southern Sky Cascade' by King Bao Dai.
This 40-meter waterfall is situated amidst a primeval forest covering an area of about 2.5 hectares, adorned with a diverse and lush vegetation carpet. Currently, the waterfall has a modest water flow due to hydroelectric activities. However, with a width of about 100 meters, the flowing stream still creates a picturesque scene.
The name Pongour is a French transliteration from the native language of the K'ho people, meaning 'master of the land of white clay.' According to French geological documents, this region is also rich in cao lanh, a type of white clay soil resistant to fire.
According to K’ho legends, this region was once governed by a beautiful female chief named Kanai. Renowned for taming wild beasts, she assisted the villagers in agriculture and survival. Legend has it that four rhinos faithfully followed her commands, preventing streams, cultivating fields, and safeguarding the people.
On a spring full moon day, Kanai took her final breath. In mourning, the four rhinos circled her day and night until their own demise. Soon after, a waterfall formed in this very place, known today as Pongour Falls.
Locals whisper that the falls are the transformed locks of the chief. The cool, blue waters reflect the gentle life of Kanai. The large rock slabs beneath the cascading falls are said to be the horns of the four rhinos. This symbolizes eternal unity and connection between humans and the nature they believe in.
What captivates visitors during their exploration of the falls is the flat, layered arrangement of the rocks. Though not in any particular order, the water is 'torn' into hundreds of small streams, forming white frothy patterns.
Despite being quite distant from Da Lat city, Pongour Falls continues to attract both local and international tourists. Many often camp and take a break in a nearby valley.
To reach this destination, you can travel by car along National Highway 20, towards Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City. After that, take a right turn approximately 8 km from the Trung hamlet (Chai Mountain area). Alternatively, on the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, travelers can stop at km 260, then turn right and go straight for about 8 km to arrive.
The ideal time to visit is during the rainy season, from June to November, when the water is abundant. Exercise caution when traveling in the rainy season due to slippery roads, and refrain from swimming near the falls. Admission prices are 10,000 VND for adults and 5,000 VND for children per visit.
Source: Di Vy/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour
MytourJune 7, 2018
