Dray Nur Waterfall: The Central Highlands’ Fierce Beauty
Thác Đray Nur (Dray Nur Waterfall) stands as a magnificent natural masterpiece on the Serepok River, widely regarded as the most spectacular of the three major waterfalls (alongside Dray Sap and Gia Long). It distinguishes itself with its sheer length and height, cascading over 30 meters high and stretching over 250 meters wide. The vast sheet of white water creates a thunderous roar and a constant, cool mist, solidifying its reputation as a symbol of the Central Highlands’ wild vitality.
A Symbolic Location: Where Provinces Meet
Dray Nur Waterfall technically sits in Krông A Na District, Đắk Lắk Province, but it remains an inseparable part of the Dray Sap-Gia Long Waterfall Complex, a crucial ecotourism site shared with Dak Nong Province. The two iconic waterfalls, Dray Nur and Dray Sap, face each other across the Serepok River, united by a sturdy suspension bridge that allows visitors to easily travel between the two provinces and experience both the “Wife” and the “Husband” waterfalls in one journey.
Adventure and Exploration: The Hidden Cave
Unlike many other waterfalls, Dray Nur boasts a unique geological feature: a mysterious, large cave directly behind the curtain of falling water.
Cave Exploration: Visitors can bravely pass through the water curtain—often with safety gear and local guidance—to enter a hidden cave system that extends nearly 3,000 square meters. Standing inside, you look out at the world through a shimmering wall of water, experiencing an ethereal, isolated environment. The cool air and echoing sounds enhance the sense of adventure.
Geological Marvels: The river’s powerful flow reveals ancient basalt columns and geological rock formations beneath the water, showcasing the region’s volcanic past. These impressive structures provide significant scientific and aesthetic value.
Culture, Legend, and Local Life
The area is rich in the culture of the indigenous Ede and M’Nông ethnic groups, who have inhabited this land for centuries.
The Legend of Separation: The local people pass down a moving legend to explain the proximity of Dray Nur (Wife) and Dray Sap (Husband). According to the Ede people, a God split the river into the Krông Ana (Female) and Krông Nô (Male) branches, separating two desperate lovers who chose to die together in the original stream rather than live apart. This heartbreaking tale imbues the waterfalls with a romantic, melancholy spirit.
Engaging with the Locals: Many local communities organize activities like cycling tours through surrounding coffee fields or cultural visits to nearby villages. This allows tourists to see the traditional life, brocade weaving, and taste local specialties like cần wine (rice wine fermented in a jar).
Practical Visitor Information
Dray Nur Waterfall is located approximately 25 kilometers south of Buôn Ma Thuột City center.
Address: Đường đi thác Dray Nur, Dray Sáp, Krông A Na, Đắk Lắk, Vietnam. Accessing the waterfall is straightforward via National Highway 14.
Entrance Fee (Check Locally): Expect to pay an entrance fee, typically around 30,000 to 50,000 VND per person.
Opening Hours: The site generally welcomes visitors daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit: Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the safest conditions, especially for cave exploration. However, the rainy season (May to October) offers the most dramatic water flow.
