What is the best waterfall near Buon Ma Thuot?

Dray Nur is the crown jewel of Buon Ma Thuot area waterfalls. At 30 meters high and 150 meters wide, it’s among the widest waterfalls in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

The waterfall

Dray Nur sits on the Serepok River, where water plunges over a basalt cliff into a wide pool below. The name “Dray Nur” means “smoke waterfall” in Ede language — referring to the mist that rises from the base.

Getting there

Distance: 26km south of Buon Ma Thuot. Time: 40 minutes by motorbike, 30 minutes by car. Route: Follow QL14 south, turn at H’Drung, follow signs 3km to falls. Transport:

• Motorbike: 120,000-180,000 VND/day rental
• Grab: 200,000-300,000 VND each way
• Tour: 300,000-500,000 VND half-day through guesthouse

Entrance fees (verify 2026)

• Dray Nur only: 30,000-50,000 VND
• Combined Dray Nur + Dray Sap: 50,000-80,000 VND (same ticket, 1km apart)
• Parking: 10,000-20,000 VND for motorbikes

When to visit

September-October (peak flow):

• Maximum water volume after rainy season
• Spectacular, powerful falls
• Paths can be slippery
• Strong currents — swimming restricted in some areas

November-April (dry season):

• Less water but still impressive
• Clearer pools for swimming
• Safer trails
• Better for photography (less mist)

Facilities

• Paved path from entrance to viewpoint (10 minutes walk)
• Stairs down to pool level (steep, 15 minutes)
• Changing rooms available (basic, 10,000 VND)
• Food stalls at entrance area (com lam, grilled corn, drinks)
• No restaurants at the falls themselves

Combining with Dray Sap

Dray Sap waterfall is 1km upstream from Dray Nur. It’s narrower but has a cave behind the falls that you can walk through. Combined tickets are available — ask at Dray Nur entrance.

Photography tips

• Best light: 10am-2pm (sun illuminates the falls)
• Bring waterproof bag for camera (mist is heavy)
• Tripod useful for long exposures (if allowed)
• Viewpoint at top gives full panorama; pool level gives scale