Da Lat Countryside Minivan Shared Tour (Three Waterfalls)

Experience the Charm of Da Lat’s Countryside with the Three Waterfalls Tour

If you’re visiting Da Lat, Vietnam, and craving a full day of natural beauty, this Da Lat Countryside Minivan Shared Tour offers just that. For around $22.75 per person, you’ll spend approximately 8 hours exploring some of the region’s most loved sites — from majestic waterfalls to scenic farms — all with the comfort of air-conditioned transportation and the guidance of knowledgeable local guides.

What we love about this tour is how it combines stunning natural scenery with authentic local experiences. You’ll get to stand beneath the thunderous Pongour Waterfall, explore the adventurous Elephant Waterfall, and enjoy the thrill of Asia’s longest toboggan ride at Datanla. Plus, the visit to Linh An Pagoda and the Bee Farm adds cultural depth and a chance to learn about local traditions and sustainable practices.

One potential consideration is the lunch arrangement—you don’t get to choose where to eat, and some reviews mention unsatisfactory dining spots. Also, this tour involves some walking and moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for those in decent shape.

In short, this tour is perfect for travelers who want an affordable, well-organized day filled with natural wonders and insightful stops. It suits those who appreciate good guides, scenic vistas, and a variety of experiences from waterfalls to farms.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visit six diverse sites, from waterfalls to pagodas and farms.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Chien and Gon are praised for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness.
• Value for Money: For just over $22, you get admission tickets, water, transportation, and a full day of sightseeing.
• Authentic Experiences: Learn about local beekeeping, enjoy premium coffee, and see Vietnam’s biggest Guanyin Bodhisattva.
• Comfortable Transport: The tour uses air-conditioned vans ideal for long rural drives.
• Moderate Exercise: Expect some walking, especially at waterfalls and farms.

A Deep Dive into the Da Lat Waterfalls and Countryside Tour

Da Lat’s reputation as a land of cool air, rolling hills, and enchanting waterfalls is well-deserved. With so many natural attractions, selecting a tour that balances scenic beauty, cultural insight, and value can be tricky. This shared minivan tour hits all those marks, making it a favorite among travelers – evidenced by its high rating of 5.0 from nearly 1,850 reviews.

Starting Point and Duration

The tour departs promptly at 8:00 am from Happy Day Travel’s office at 127 Phan Bì Châu. Expect to spend roughly 8 hours on the road, with a leisurely pace that allows you to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience, and the vehicle is air-conditioned, which is a blessing in Vietnam’s often humid climate.

Why We Love the Itinerary

The first stop at Pongour Falls is a highlight. As Vietnam’s second-largest waterfall, it offers a thunderous display of nature’s power, surrounded by lush greenery. One reviewer noted, “Pongour waterfall and Linh An temple are awesome places to visit.” The 1-hour stop includes admission and free time to walk around or snap photos.

Next, the Elephant Waterfall offers a more rugged, adventurous vibe. Its strong currents and impressive views appeal to those who enjoy more dynamic scenery. The 50-minute visit includes admission and a chance to get close to the roaring water — as one traveler described, “amazing views” and a sense of adventure.

The Datanla Waterfall is unique with its 2400-meter toboggan ride, the longest in Asia. If you’re into thrill rides, this is a fun addition. The 45-minute stop includes the ride, which is a memorable way to experience the waterfall’s surroundings.

The cultural and spiritual element comes with a visit to Linh An Pagoda, home to Vietnam’s largest Guanyin Bodhisattva image. The 30-minute stop offers a peaceful break and a glimpse into local Buddhist practices.

Learning About Local Life

The Nông tri Ong – Da Lat Bee Farm provides a fascinating look at sustainable beekeeping. Travelers have raved about the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to taste honey and bee products. One reviewer said, “We learned about beekeeping and enjoyed tasting products,” emphasizing the farm’s educational value.

Finally, the Me Linh Coffee Garden offers a relaxing end to your day. Here, you’ll see the coffee plants and learn about Vietnam’s famous weasel coffee. The 50-minute visit is free, and many appreciate the breathtaking views along with the chance to sample fresh coffee.

Transport and Comfort

The tour’s transportation is a key perk. The air-conditioned van makes the long rural drives comfortable, while the moderate group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd. Travelers consistently praise the smooth driving and attentive guides.

Guides and Reviews

According to reviews, guides like Nguc, Chien, and Gon are especially praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and humor. Travelers mention that guides provided detailed information, kept the tour engaging, and answered questions patiently. One reviewer noted, “Mr. Chien was very friendly and knowledgeable,” reflecting the high quality of guidance.

Price and Value

While $22.75 sounds modest, reviews suggest it offers excellent value for money. The fee includes admission tickets, water, and transportation – the main expenses if traveling independently. Considering the variety of stops and the professional guidance, this tour provides a cost-effective way to see Da Lat’s highlights.

What Could Be Better?

The main caveat mentioned by some travelers is the lunch situation. You don’t get to choose where you eat, and some found the restaurant less than ideal. If you’re picky about food or have dietary restrictions, you might want to bring snacks or plan ahead.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of natural beauty and cultural insight. It suits those who appreciate well-organized, guided experiences and don’t mind moderate physical activity. It’s also ideal if you value authentic local sites over commercialized attractions.

Travelers who prioritize good guides, scenic waterfalls, and a relaxed schedule will find this tour especially satisfying. It’s also a good choice for those on a budget, as it offers a full day’s worth of memorable sights and experiences at a reasonable price.

Final Thoughts

The Da Lat Countryside Minivan Shared Tour stands out as a thoughtful, well-reviewed way to explore the region’s natural and cultural treasures. With its focus on iconic waterfalls, scenic farms, and spiritual sites, it offers a well-rounded experience that balances adventure, serenity, and education.

The guides’ reputation for being friendly and knowledgeable adds a personal touch, making the day feel less like a typical tour and more like a visit with local friends. The vehicle’s comfort and the small group size ensure you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos.

While the lunch arrangements might not suit everyone, the overall value, diversity of sites, and beautiful scenery make this tour a compelling choice for most travelers. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture seeker, or simply looking for a hassle-free way to see Da Lat’s countryside, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but travelers should have moderate physical fitness. Expect some walking at waterfalls and farms but nothing overly strenuous.

What is included in the price?
Admission tickets to all six stops, water (500ml per person), and transportation in an air-conditioned van are included.

Can I customize the stops or skip some?
This is a shared tour with a set itinerary, so customization isn’t typically available. However, the stops are well-chosen to give a balanced experience.

What about lunch?
Lunch is not included, and the restaurant chosen might not be to everyone’s taste. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat outside the tour.

How long is each stop?
Stops range from 30 minutes at Linh An Pagoda to 1 hour at Pongour Falls, allowing enough time to explore and enjoy each site.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Generally, yes, especially if children enjoy outdoor activities and waterfalls. Just be mindful of physical activity levels.

What language are guides available in?
Based on reviews, guides like Chien speak good English and are able to share detailed information about each site.

In all, this tour provides a solid, authentic way to enjoy Da Lat’s countryside, especially if you value guided insights, scenic splendors, and good value. It’s a memorable, hassle-free way to see some of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural and cultural sites, perfectly suited for those who want the most from their day in this foggy, flower-filled land.