Visites, gastronomie, folklore
As one of the symbols and prides of the people of Dak Lak, Dray Nur Waterfall embodies the majestic yet dreamy beauty of the mountains and forests of the Central Highlands. Anyone who visits once will never forget it.
Located 25 km from Buon Ma Thuot City along National Highway 14, the road to Dray Nur takes you through winding mountain paths. Following the mountainside and stopping at Buon Kuop Hydroelectric Power Station, you will arrive at the foot of the waterfall. The journey offers breathtaking scenery — on one side, mountains; on the other, an endless “fancy” green forest carpet that makes every traveler want to visit at least once.
Dray Nur is one of the rare “couple” waterfalls in Vietnam, accompanied by timeless love stories passed down through generations in the Central Highlands.
It is the pride of the region — for those who leave, it remains in their memory; for those who return, it deepens their affection. The constant roar of the waterfall, day and night, echoes the strength of the great forest, filled with pride and raw power.
From a height of over 30 meters, Dray Nur cascades into the deep river below, creating a magical natural scene that captivates photographers.
Unlike other waterfalls on this plateau, Dray Nur is linked to two distinct legends, each offering a completely different interpretation of its name. One explanation — Dray Nur meaning “female waterfall” or “wife waterfall” — connects it to a “Romeo and Juliet”-style love story of the mountains.
The story goes that, once upon a time, there was a young couple from two different villages who loved each other deeply. But because the villages were in conflict, their love was met with every possible obstacle. Without the villagers’ sympathy and unable to mend the feud between their people, the couple, on a moonlit night, leapt into the river to spend eternity together. Angered by the villagers’ selfishness, which had driven the young lovers to such a tragic choice, the sky erupted in a fierce storm. The river swelled and raged, splitting into two branches — forever dividing the paths of the two clans.
Silver waterfall with white water is like the tears of separation...
Another tale begins in the cave hidden behind Dray Nur, believed to be the home of the Dragon King (King Thuy Te). The king had a handsome son named Nur, who loved to wander, travel, and see the beauty of the world.
One day, during his journey, he met two princesses — daughters of the king of the land he was passing through. They were beautiful but lived in hardship, for their father had died young, leaving them in poverty. Moved by their struggles, Prince Nur followed them home, blessed their household with prosperity, and lived happily as their husband.
After a time, longing for his father grew too strong to ignore. He wished to return to the underwater kingdom to visit him. But his wives feared that if he left, he might never return. They pleaded with him, clinging to him at every step.
At last, with no other choice, he transformed into a golden mole and slipped through the shimmering curtain of water to reach his father. The two wives waited outside the falls… and waited… but he never came back.
From that time on, locals also called this place Dray Nur — the “Golden Mole Waterfall” Though the two legends differ, both tell of flowing waters cascading from the cliffs like endless tears.
The beauty of Dray Nur waterfall in the sunset's momments.
Dray Nur is a midstream waterfall in a trio with Gia Long and Dray Sap waterfalls, all part of the Serepok River system, formed by the merging of the Krong No (male) and Krong Ana (female) rivers.
Around the falls, small streams weave through rocky outcrops and purple water hyacinths dance in the wind. Visitors can explore the area, enjoy lunch on the large rocks beside the waterfall, or rest in small huts scattered along the trail.
Facing the powerful curtain of water rushing down from above is like feeling the free-spirited soul of the Central Highlands people.
The first impression of Dray Nur is its grandeur: white foam, cool mist, and poetic surroundings. The waterfall stretches over 250 meters in length, stands more than 30 meters high, and spans about 150 meters across, connecting Dak Lak and Dak Nong (now Lam Dong province).
Yet, the most thrilling experience is not just admiring the waterfall but exploring the nearly 3,000 m² cave behind it.
The cave inside the Dray Nur waterfall
Behind the torrent lies a vast cavern, allowing visitors to walk from one side to the other without getting wet. From inside, looking out through the shimmering curtain of water, the dim light plays on strangely shaped rocks — a unique view that only Dray Nur can offer to those exploring the wild beauty of the Central Highlands.
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