Phu Cuong Waterfall

Phu Cuong drops about forty-five metres over the edge of an old basalt flow in Chu Se district, south of Pleiku, into a gorge of columnar rock with forest on the sides - the columns are the same formation as the wider Gia Lai basalt plateau that the coffee and pepper of the province grow on. Steps and a path run down beside the fall to the pool. Its flow depends heavily on the season, running strongly in and after the rains from about August and dropping considerably by the end of the dry months, which is the main thing to check before making the trip.

What you actually see

• A forty-five metre fall over basalt - off the lip of an old lava flow.
• Columnar rock in the gorge - the same formation as the plateau.
• Steps down to the pool - beside the water.
• Flow that varies with season - strong after the rains, thin at the end of the dry.

When to go

August to November, after the rains. Half a day.

Honest expectations

In the dry season the fall is much reduced. The steps are wet and slippery. Facilities are minimal. The site is not on the main routes and needs a car or motorbike.

Nearby

Chu Se is north; Pleiku and Bien Ho are further north.