What it is
Thac Chin Tang — literally "Nine-Tier Waterfall" — is a cascade system in the western highlands of Gia Lai province, where water drops roughly 50 meters across nine distinct rock shelves carved from basalt. It sits in a stretch of forest near the border area between Gia Lai and Binh Dinh provinces, surrounded by the kind of dense tropical canopy that keeps the air ten degrees cooler than the nearest town. The falls are fed by a tributary of the Ba River system, which means volume varies dramatically between seasons.
Unlike the heavily touristed waterfalls near Da Lat or Sapa, Thac Chin Tang sees mostly domestic weekenders and the occasional motorbike traveler who stumbled on it via a local tip. There's no ticket booth empire here, no elevator to the bottom. It's still rough around the edges — which is exactly the appeal.
Why travelers go
Three reasons. First, the tiered structure means you're not just looking at one curtain of water — you can scramble between levels, find pools at different heights, and get completely different perspectives depending on where you stand. Second, the surrounding forest is genuinely intact, not a manicured park. You'll hear gibbons if you arrive early enough. Third, it's quiet. On a weekday outside of summer, you might have the entire falls to yourself.
For photographers, the layered cascades and mossy boulders are compelling subjects, especially during the wet season when mist hangs between the tiers.
Best time to visit
The Central Highlands (중부 고원 / 中部高原 / 中部高原) wet season runs roughly May through October. For maximum water volume and dramatic flow, visit between August and October — but be prepared for muddy trails and occasional downpours that can make the access path slippery.
For easier hiking conditions and clearer skies, November through January works well. The falls won't be at full force, but the upper tiers still flow and the forest is lush from recent rains. Avoid March and April: the driest months can reduce the lower tiers to a trickle.
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
How to get there
Thac Chin Tang is located in An Khe district area, roughly 90 km east of Pleiku city (Gia Lai's capital) along QL19. If you're coming from the coast, it's about 70 km west of Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh province via the same highway — the An Khe Pass section of QL19 is scenic but winding.
From Pleiku
Ride or drive east on QL19 toward An Khe town, about 1.5 hours by motorbike (90 km). From An Khe, you'll turn off onto a smaller provincial road heading south — ask locals for "Thac Chin Tang" as signage is minimal. The final 10-12 km is on a mix of concrete village road and packed dirt. A motorbike handles it fine in dry season; in wet months, something with decent ground clearance helps.
From Quy Nhon
Head west on QL19, climbing through the An Khe Pass. Total ride is about 70 km, roughly 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic and how many trucks are grinding up the pass. Same turnoff south of An Khe town.
There's no public bus to the waterfall itself. You can catch a bus to An Khe from either Pleiku or Quy Nhon (around 60,000-80,000 VND), then hire a local xe om for the remaining stretch (negotiate 100,000-150,000 VND round trip with waiting time).
What to do
Hike between tiers. The main trail follows the eastern bank and connects viewpoints at several levels. It's not marked with handrails or steps — you're picking your way over rocks and roots. Allow 1-2 hours to explore all accessible tiers.
Swim. The pools at tiers 3 and 5 (counting from the top) are deep enough for swimming when water levels are moderate. The water is cold — highlands cold, not refreshing-tropical cold. Locals swim in the lower pools where currents are gentler.
Picnic. Flat rocks near the base make natural seating. Bring your own food — there's nothing sold at the falls.
Photograph the canopy. Even if you don't care about waterfalls, the surrounding dipterocarp forest with its buttress roots and epiphytes is worth the walk.
Where to eat
There's no restaurant at the waterfall. Your options:
- An Khe town has several "com binh dan" (everyday rice) spots along the main road. A plate of broken rice with grilled pork — similar to com tam in Saigon — runs about 35,000-45,000 VND.
- Look for "bun" shops serving "[bun cha](/posts/bun-cha-hanoi (하노이 / 河内 / ハノイ)-grilled-pork-noodles) ca" (fish cake noodle soup), a Central Highlands variation that's lighter than bun bo Hue but still has kick from turmeric and dill.
- If you're heading back toward Pleiku, the stretch of QL19 near Mang Yang has roadside grilled chicken joints — highland free-range chicken over charcoal, served with salt-pepper-lime and sticky rice. Budget 80,000-120,000 VND per person.
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
Where to stay
Thac Chin Tang is a day trip for most people. Your base options:
- An Khe town: Basic nha nghi (guesthouses) from 200,000-350,000 VND/night. Clean enough, hot water, Wi-Fi. Don't expect atmosphere.
- Pleiku: More hotel options, including some decent mid-range places (400,000-700,000 VND). Pleiku also gives you access to Bien Ho (Sea Lake) and the T'Nung volcanic crater lake.
- Quy Nhon: If you're combining coast and highlands, Quy Nhon has proper beachfront accommodation and better food options — then you day-trip inland.
Practical tips
- Footwear matters. Wear shoes with grip — trail runners or sandals with ankle straps. Flip-flops on wet basalt is how people get hurt.
- Bring water and snacks. Nothing is sold on-site. One liter per person minimum.
- Start early. Arrive by 7-8 AM for the best light and to avoid midday heat on the ride back.
- Cash only. No ATMs near the falls. Load up in An Khe or Pleiku.
- Phone signal is weak to nonexistent at the falls. Download offline maps before you leave town.
- Leeches are present during wet season. Tuck pants into socks or use tobacco water on your ankles — the old local trick.
Common mistakes
Coming in April expecting a waterfall. The dry season can be brutal in Gia Lai. Check recent photos online or ask your guesthouse owner about current conditions before committing to the ride.
Underestimating the access road. It's not far, but the last stretch is unpaved and can be rutted. Don't attempt it on a scooter with bald tires after rain.
Not bringing trash bags. There's no cleanup crew. Pack out everything you bring in. The falls have stayed clean partly because visitor numbers are still low — keep it that way.
Skipping An Khe entirely. The town itself has a few historical sites and a morning market worth wandering through if you have an extra hour.
Last updated · May 19, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.
