Gia Long Waterfall in Dak Lak

Gia Long Waterfall is located about 30km from Buon Ma Thuot city center. The name Gia Long of the waterfall is associated with a king of the Nguyen Dynasty, King Bao Dai. King Bao Dai named Gia Long when he came to this waterfall. He fell in love with the pure and unspoiled beauty of this place, so he built a mansion here in 1930. However, during the war against imperial aggression, the palace of King Bao Dai was built. It was also destroyed by the war and was never rebuilt.

Previously, to enter Gia Long Waterfall, locals had to walk more than 10 kilometers from the main road. Kings and rich people ride horses and elephants to enter the waterfall. Now, it's easier to access the waterfall as the roads are paved for vehicles approaching the waterfall. However, because the waterfall is located farther than other waterfalls of the Serepok stream, most visitors only stop at the waterfalls outside, few people come to Gia Long Waterfall. Perhaps because of that, Gia Long waterfall still retains its wild beauty, not dominated by architectural works.

On the journey to discover Gia Long waterfall, visitors will think that they are lost in a "forgotten world" with vast and majestic natural scenery. The water of the waterfall from the majestic Serepok River of the Central Highlands flowing here is blocked by rocks to form steps. Sometimes it gently slips through the rocks to flow downstream, sometimes it flows violently. In the rainy season, the surface of the waterfall is more than 100 meters wide, the water pouring down from above creates a large wave, throwing the water into a mist, covering the surrounding scenery. The sound of waterfalls and birds chirping in the space of the surrounding green primeval forests make visitors feel like they are in a magical wonderland. If you are an adventure travel lover, climb up the cliffs to the source of the Serepok River to have a panoramic view of Gia Long waterfall next to the old bamboo bridges.

Downstream of the waterfall forms large lakes. These are natural lakes but are so complete that people think there is human intervention. The most beautiful is Tien swimming pool. Its unspoiled beauty makes people think of a fairy tale to explain the formation of this mountain lake. It is said that, in the past, in the high sky, fairies saw and often came here to play. The large lake at the foot of the waterfall attracts the fairies to take off their clothes to immerse themselves in the cool water. Therefore, this lake is called Tien bathing lake. When coming here for sightseeing, King Bao Dai was fascinated by this story. Standing in front of the charming natural space, he often bathed in this lake every time he came here.

The ecosystem around Gia Long Waterfall area is very rich with countless old trees, many of which are hundreds of years old. The pine trees, pine conifers, elms, cycads... with large and soaring canopy. The primary forest is strictly conserved. The density of the forest is dense, large and the air is cool, so it still retains a diverse ecosystem, attracting birds and wild animals to live.

Address: Gia Long Waterfall, Dray Sap Commune, Krong Ana District, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam.