What it is
Dray Nur and Dray Sap are twin waterfalls on the Serepok River, about 25 km south of Buon Ma Thuot city in Dak Lak province. They sit roughly 100 meters apart as the crow flies but are separated by a forested cliff, so you enter each through a different gate. Dray Sap (sometimes written Dray Sap Thuong) drops around 20 meters wide over basalt columns. Dray Nur is the bigger sister — a curved curtain of water stretching over 250 meters across during peak flow, falling about 30 meters into a misty pool below.
The names come from the Ede language. "Dray" means waterfall. "Sap" is mist or smoke — fitting, since the spray creates a permanent haze at the base. "Nur" means wife, tied to a local legend about a woman who threw herself into the falls. The Ede and M'nong communities have lived around these rivers for centuries, and you'll see traces of their culture in the site's signage and the longhouse-style shelters near the entrance.
Why travelers go
These aren't dainty cascades you photograph from a railing. The volume of water here — especially between August and November — is genuinely impressive. The basalt rock formations give the landscape a raw, volcanic feel unlike most waterfalls in northern Vietnam (베트남 / 越南 / ベトナム). It's also refreshingly uncrowded on weekdays. You might share Dray Nur's viewing platform with five other people total.
For anyone spending time in the Central Highlands (중부 고원 / 中部高原 / 中部高原), this is the single best natural attraction within easy reach of Buon Ma Thuot. It pairs well with coffee plantation visits and Lak Lake, making it a natural stop on a broader Dak Lak itinerary.
Best time to visit
The rainy season (July–November) brings the falls to full power. September and October are peak — the river is swollen, the mist is thick, and the surrounding forest turns deep green. The trade-off: trails can be slippery, and afternoon downpours are almost guaranteed.
Dry season (December–April) means less dramatic flow but easier walking. By March, Dray Sap thins noticeably. Dray Nur holds up better year-round because of its width. If you want photos without rain gear, come in December or January — flow is still decent and the weather is mild.
Avoid weekends and Vietnamese public holidays, particularly around Tet. Domestic tourists flood the site and the parking lot becomes chaotic.
Photo by Serg Alesenko on Pexels
How to get there
From Buon Ma Thuot city center, take Highway 14 south toward Gia Nghia. After about 20 km, turn left at the signed junction for Dray Sap. The road is paved all the way to both ticket gates. Total drive: 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
By motorbike: The easiest and cheapest option. Rentals in Buon Ma Thuot run 120,000–150,000 VND/day for a semi-auto. The road is flat and straightforward.
By car/taxi: A Grab car from central Buon Ma Thuot costs around 200,000–250,000 VND one way. Arrange a return pickup or keep the driver waiting (negotiate a flat rate, typically 500,000–600,000 VND round trip with 2 hours waiting).
By tour: Most Buon Ma Thuot hotels offer day tours combining the waterfalls with coffee farms and sometimes elephant-related sites. Expect 400,000–700,000 VND per person depending on group size.
Note: Dray Sap and Dray Nur have separate entrance gates about 3 km apart by road. Buy a combo ticket (currently 60,000 VND for adults) at either gate — it covers both sites.
What to do
At Dray Sap
The walk from the gate to the falls takes about 15 minutes through shaded forest. At the base, you can scramble over wet basalt rocks to get close to the curtain of water. There's a suspension bridge that gives an elevated view. The whole area takes 45 minutes to explore comfortably.
At Dray Nur
This side has more developed infrastructure — concrete stairs lead down to the base of the falls. The viewpoint at the bottom puts you face-to-face with the full width of the cascade. During high water, standing here feels like being inside a cloud. Allow 30–60 minutes.
Connecting trail
A jungle path links the two sites on foot (about 1.5 km). It's marked but not always maintained — check at the ticket office whether it's open. When accessible, it's a pleasant walk through dipterocarp forest.
Where to eat
There's no real restaurant scene at the falls. A few food stalls near the Dray Sap parking lot sell "com tam" (broken rice plates), grilled corn, and drinks. Quality is basic.
Better option: eat in Buon Ma Thuot before or after. For something local, try "bun do" — a Central Highlands noodle soup with fermented rice noodles and pork broth, found at market stalls along Ly Thuong Kiet Street. Pair it with a strong drip at any of the city's local-roast coffee shops — Buon Ma Thuot is the capital of Vietnamese coffee production, and the beans here are fresh-roasted daily.
Photo by Serg Alesenko on Pexels
Where to stay
There's no accommodation at the waterfalls. Stay in Buon Ma Thuot — it has everything from 200,000 VND guesthouses to proper hotels around 600,000–900,000 VND/night.
For atmosphere, look at homestays in the Ede villages on the city outskirts (Buon Don area or around Lak Lake if you're heading that direction). A longhouse stay with a local family runs 250,000–400,000 VND including dinner.
Practical tips
- Wear shoes with grip. The basalt at the base of both falls is perpetually wet and slick. Flip-flops are asking for a fall.
- Bring a dry bag or ziplock for your phone/camera. The mist at Dray Nur soaks everything within minutes.
- The combo ticket is valid for same-day entry only. Visit both sites in one trip.
- Dray Nur photographs best in morning light (before 10 AM) when the sun hits the water face-on.
- There's no ATM at either site. Bring cash for tickets, parking (5,000–10,000 VND for motorbikes), and snacks.
Common mistakes
Only visiting one waterfall. Some travelers hit Dray Sap and skip Dray Nur because they don't realize it's a separate entrance. Dray Nur is the more impressive of the two — don't miss it.
Coming in April–May. The driest months reduce Dray Sap to a trickle. If you're timing a trip specifically for the falls, aim for September–October.
Not combining with other Dak Lak sights. The waterfalls take half a day at most. Use the rest of your time for a vietnamese coffee (베트남 커피 / 越南咖啡 / ベトナムコーヒー) tasting tour, Lak Lake, or the Dak Lak Museum in town. Two full days in the area lets you cover everything at a comfortable pace.
Last updated · May 21, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.
