
Ta Puong waterfall, surrounded by primary forest in Trang Ta Puong Village, Huong Lap Commune, Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
Located in Huong Lap Commune within a primary forest, the site remains largely unspoiled and can be reached after a more than two-hour drive from Dong Hoi via the North–South Expressway and the western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road.
The waterfall consists of three tiers, with the upper fall rising about 30–35 meters, a mid-level cascade, and a lower section of around 10 meters that serves as the main tourist area, according to survey data from the British Cave Research Association.

Ta Puong waterfall, surrounded by primary forest in Trang Ta Puong Village, Huong Lap Commune, Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
The lowest tier widens into a pool suitable for water activities, while its flowing white streams are likened by locals to the hair of Van Kieu women.
A community tourism group formed by local households has managed the site for several years, attracting about 3,000 visitors annually, said group head Ho Van Gioi.

A tray of grilled chicken, forest vegetables, and sticky rice prepared by Van Kieu residents is offered to visitors to Ta Puong waterfall in Trang Ta Puong Village, Huong Lap Commune, Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
Visitors stay in bamboo shelters, enjoy forest views and sample traditional dishes prepared by Van Kieu residents, including grilled chicken, forest vegetables, and sticky rice.
Tourism activity is highly seasonal and typically lasts two to five months a year, with storms such as one in June 2025 disrupting operations and damaging facilities.

A man takes a photo of a woman at Ta Puong waterfall in Trang Ta Puong Village, Huong Lap Commune, Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
Access remains a key constraint as the trail to the site is often damaged by heavy rains, while limited funding and lack of formal training continue to hinder development.
The community group, which includes 16 households, shares profits equally, with average earnings of about VND4 million (US$152) per household per month during the operating season, a level residents say remains insufficient for long-term stability.

A woman sits on a swing near Ta Puong waterfall in Trang Ta Puong Village, Huong Lap Commune, Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

Ta Puong waterfall, surrounded by primary forest in Trang Ta Puong Village, Huong Lap Commune, Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre
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