What it is
Thac Ba Binh Thuan is a tiered waterfall sitting at the border area between what was formerly Binh Thuan province and the highlands of Lam Dong. Following administrative changes, it now falls within the expanded Lam Dong province. The falls drop roughly 30 meters through layered basalt rock, fed by a stream that runs off the tail end of the Central Highlands (중부 고원 / 中部高原 / 中部高原) plateau before the land slopes down toward the coast.
The name "Thac Ba" simply means "waterfall number three" — it's the third in a series of cascades along this particular stream. Unlike the more developed waterfalls closer to Da Lat (Datanla, Elephant Falls), this one sees mostly domestic visitors and the occasional motorbike tourist who stumbles on it while riding between Da Lat and the coast.
Why travelers go
People come here precisely because it isn't a production. There's no alpine coaster, no selfie platform bolted to the cliff face. The waterfall sits in secondary forest with a short trail down to the base pool. The water is cold — genuinely cold, runoff from around 900 meters elevation — and the pool is deep enough to swim in during the wet months.
For riders doing the Da Lat (달랏 / 大叻 / ダラット) to Mui Ne route (or the reverse), Thac Ba Binh Thuan works as a natural rest stop. It breaks up what is otherwise a long, winding descent through coffee plantations and dragon fruit farms.
Best time to visit
The waterfall is best between June and November, when rainfall keeps the flow strong. Peak volume hits around September-October. In the dry season (December through April), the cascade thins out considerably — by March it can be barely a trickle, and the pool shrinks.
Mornings are better than afternoons. Cloud cover rolls in most days by 1-2 PM during rainy season, and the trail down gets slippery. Arrive before 10 AM if you want decent light and dry rocks.
How to get there
From Da Lat, Thac Ba Binh Thuan is approximately 65 km southeast, mostly along QL28B heading toward the former Binh Thuan border area. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours by motorbike depending on your comfort level with mountain roads. The last 8 km is on a smaller provincial road — paved but narrow, with some potholes after heavy rain.
By motorbike: Rent in Da Lat (150,000-200,000 VND/day for a Honda Wave, 350,000-500,000 VND for a newer automatic). Follow QL28B past Di Linh town, then watch for a small brown sign on the left.
By car/taxi: A private car from Da Lat runs around 800,000-1,200,000 VND for a half-day return trip. Grab isn't reliable out here — book through your hotel or a local driver.
By bus: No direct public transport to the falls. You could take a bus toward Phan Thiet and ask to be dropped at the turnoff, but you'd still need a xe om (motorbike taxi) for the final stretch. Not ideal unless you're comfortable improvising.
Photo by Eren Ataselim on Pexels
What to do
Swim the base pool
The pool at the bottom of the main cascade is about 3-4 meters deep at center during wet season. The water temperature hovers around 18-20°C — refreshing after the ride. Rocks around the edge are mossy, so enter carefully.
Hike the upper tier trail
A rough path (maybe 20 minutes, uphill) leads to the second and third tiers above the main falls. The trail isn't marked but is worn enough to follow. Bring decent shoes — flip-flops won't cut it on the wet laterite.
Photograph the basalt columns
The rock face behind the falls shows columnar basalt formations similar to what you'd see at larger sites in the highlands. Late morning light (around 9-10 AM) catches the water spray nicely against the dark rock.
Have a picnic at the clearing
There's a flat clearing about 50 meters before the trail descends to the falls. Local families spread out mats here on weekends. Bring your own food — there's no vendor at the site itself.
Ride the coffee plantation roads
The surrounding area is almost entirely Robusta coffee farms. The small roads between plantations are flat and quiet — good for a slow ride if you have time. Harvest season (November-January) means you'll see beans drying on tarps along the road.
Where to eat nearby
There's nothing at the waterfall itself. Your best bet is to eat in Di Linh town (about 20 km back toward Da Lat) or at one of the roadside "com binh dan" (rice shops) along QL28B.
Look for "com tam" — broken rice with grilled pork — which is common at lunch stops along this route. Expect to pay 35,000-50,000 VND per plate. A few places in Di Linh also serve decent "bun bo Hue" — the spicy beef noodle soup from Hue that has spread everywhere in the highlands thanks to migrant families from the central coast. A bowl runs 40,000-55,000 VND.
Where to stay
Most travelers base themselves in Da Lat and visit the falls as a day trip. If you're heading onward to Mui Ne (무이네 / 美奈 / ムイネー) or Phan Thiet, you'll find guesthouses in Di Linh town (200,000-400,000 VND/night, basic but clean) or push through to the coast.
There's a single homestay about 3 km from the falls — ask locals for "nha nghi" near the turnoff. Don't expect booking platforms to list it. Rates are around 250,000-350,000 VND per room, cash only.
For something more comfortable, Da Lat has everything from 300,000 VND hostels to 2,000,000 VND boutique hotels.
Photo by 1500m Coffee on Pexels
Practical tips locals would tell you
- Bring mosquito repellent. The trail and pool area have plenty of them, especially in the afternoon shade.
- The entrance fee (if anyone is collecting it) is 20,000-30,000 VND. Sometimes there's nobody at the gate.
- Phone signal is patchy at the falls — download offline maps before leaving Da Lat.
- Fill your fuel tank in Di Linh. There's no reliable petrol station on the final stretch.
- Pack a plastic bag for your phone and wallet if you plan to swim.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Coming in March-April expecting a waterfall. You'll find a damp rock face and a puddle.
- Wearing sandals on the trail. The laterite clay gets slick. Sneakers minimum.
- Not bringing water. There's no shop at the site. Carry at least 1.5 liters per person.
- Relying on Google Maps pin accuracy. The pin for this waterfall has been wrong in the past. Ask in Di Linh if unsure — locals know it as "Thac Ba" or sometimes "thac ba tang" (three-tier falls).
- Planning a quick stop and underestimating the access road. Budget 30-40 minutes each way from QL28B to the falls and back, plus time at the site.
Practical notes
Thac Ba Binh Thuan rewards travelers who don't need infrastructure. If you want a waterfall with a cafe and changing rooms, Datanla near Da Lat is your spot. If you want cold water, quiet forest, and nobody trying to sell you anything, this is it. Combine it with the Da Lat-to-coast ride and you have one of the better half-days in the central highlands.
Last updated · May 22, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.
