Dray Nur – A symphony of majestic Central Highlands
Dray Nur Waterfall, formed by the confluence of two rivers and plunging more than 30 meters with a thunderous roar, is both a geological marvel and a cultural icon that offers a vivid glimpse into the untamed beauty of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
THE HANOI TIMES — Dray Nur Waterfall stands as one of Dak Lak’s natural masterpieces, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Central Highlands and the uninterrupted symphony of cascading water.
Dray Nur Waterfall located in Buon Ma Thuot Ward, Vietnam's Central Highlands Province of Dak Lak. Photos: Phuong Dong/The Hanoi Times
Located about 25 kilometers from downtown Buon Ma Thuot, Dray Nur is easily accessible via National Highway 14 with a turn toward the Buon Kuop Hydropower Plant.
It is one of three famed waterfalls on the legendary Serepok River.
The waterfall produces a thunderous sound amid a striking landscape.
In the Ede language, “Dray Nur” means “the Wife Waterfall,” a name rooted in a tragic love story still told today. Located opposite is Dray Sap, known as “the Husband Waterfall,” in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.
Together, the pair forms a romantic and dramatic natural tableau that enriches the cultural identity of the region.
The poetic scenery of the waterfall.
Visitors standing before Dray Nur are often stunned by its massive “water wall” more than 30 meters high, where thousands of white torrents plunge in a roaring spray.
Mist rises from the impact, and when sunlight breaks through, a shimmering rainbow appears, adding a dreamlike touch to the spectacular scene.
Dray Nur is a picturesque symbol of nature in Central Highlands Vietnam.
Dray Nur’s allure lies in its height and rare geological origin. The waterfall was formed by the confluence of two symbolic rivers: the gentle Krong Ana, or Mother River, and the powerful Krong No, or Father River.
Their convergence creates the rare backward-flowing Serepok River, a powerful and lively current that embodies the natural harmony of the Central Highlands’ mountains and waters.
The pristine scene is captured at Dray Nur.
As the water strikes the massive boulders, it releases a thunderous roar that locals liken to the breath of the great forest, powerful yet calm, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who stops to listen.
With its pristine and untamed beauty, Dray Nur is both a national scenic treasure and a haven for adventure seekers.
Visitors can follow trails through the primeval forest, admire ancient trees, or explore hidden caves behind the liquid curtain. Mountain biking trekking and white-water rafting on the Serepok River offer an extra thrill for the experience.
The waterfall has become a popular destination for visitors to Dak Lak.
Experiencing Dray Nur is a journey that engages all senses. From the sound of rushing water and the cool spray of mist to the spiritual pulse of the forest, the waterfall delivers a living symphony of the Central Highlands.
For local people, its voice is a cultural imprint and a symbol of enduring vitality.
A visit to the “Wife Waterfall” is an invitation to feel the raw energy of the highlands and to leave with a heart renewed by the boundless force of nature .
Dray Nur is surrounded by forests.
