People usually think of Dray Sap Waterfall when they think of Central Highlands’ waterfalls, but Dak Nong Province locals recommend Dieu Thanh, a little-known but equally splendid cascade.
Arriving at the falls, any visitor is sure to be charmed by the wild flowers splashing out in all different colors. Song birds welcome the new day in full chorus. The crystal clear water shimmers under a vast blue sky.
Dieu Thanh falls, also known as Lieng Nung in the local M’nong language, consists of three waterfalls, the largest of which is 15 meters high, feeding into the Dieu Thanh Brook.
It’s a great place for swimming in the cool current or lying on the green carpet of grass beside the river bank. Or relax under the shade of the giant old trees and take in the untouched scenery. A hike to explore the dense forests on either side of the brook is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
In the still of the night, the sound of the crashing water can be heard from more than two kilometers away as it reverberates through the surrounding mountains and forests.
At the foot of the waterfalls, M’nong and Ma villages welcome visitors who want to stay for a night. By the campfire, tourists and villagers can sing and dance with the villagers to the song of gongs and the roaring water. And no one should refuse the locally made ruou can (wine in a jar), drunk through a communal straw. A dinner of local specialties is a great way to converse with residents about the local culture and history.
During the wet season from May to September, visitors can easily net fish from the brook to cook with wild bamboo shoots.
Located in Dak R’Lap District’s Nhan Co Commune, the waterfall serves as a natural border between Nhan Co and the neighboring Quang Tan communes, about seven kilometers down the Dakrtit River from Gia Nghia, the provincial capital of Dak Nong.
Tourists have to explore Dieu Thanh Waterfall by themselves as no travel company offers tours to the place. From Ho Chi Minh City, travel about 230 kilometers on the National Highway No. 14 to Gia Nghia Town then take a xe om (motorbike taxi) to Dieu Thanh. You should also hire a local as a tour guide to ensure a safe trip.
