Krong No

Krong No (Krông Nô) is a former rural district of Đắk Nông province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. As of 2020 the district had a population of 81,821, covering 813 km². The district capital lies at Đắk Mâm township, and the district includes 11 communes: Buôn Choáh, Đắk Đrô, Đắk Năng, Đắk Sôr, Đức Xuyên, Nam Đà, Nam Xuân, Nâm N'Đir, Nâm Nung, Quảng Phú, and Tân Thành.

The name Krông Nô comes from the M'Nong language, meaning "the river of the father." It refers to the Krông Nô River, whose basin covers 3,934 km² with a length of 160 km. According to legend, from the peak of Cư Yang Sin Mountain, two rivers flow — Krông Knô (father river) and Krông Ana (mother river) — which then merge to form the Krông Srêpốk (son river). The district is known for the spectacular Dray Sap waterfall system.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Buôn Ma Thuột Airport (BMV), about 90 km north, and Liên Khương Airport (DLI) near Da Lat, about 140 km southeast.

By Car / Road

Krong No is accessible via National Highway 28, running between Gia Nghia and Buôn Ma Thuột. The district centre at Đắk Mâm is about 30 km northeast of Gia Nghia. Buses from Gia Nghia and Buôn Ma Thuột serve the district.

Motorbike is the most practical option. The main roads are sealed. For reaching waterfalls and remote areas, a sturdy motorbike or 4WD is recommended.

• Dray Sap Waterfall — One of the most powerful waterfalls in the Central Highlands, spanning the Krông Nô River. Water thunders over a wide basalt cliff, creating a perpetual mist.
• Dray Nur Waterfall — A nearby companion waterfall to Dray Sap, equally impressive.
• Krông Nô River — The father river, with scenic banks and the waterfall sites along its course.
• Nam Nung Nature Reserve — A protected area straddling Krong No and Gia Nghia, rich in birdlife and primate species.

Waterfall trekking is the main attraction — Dray Sap and Dray Nur are accessible by motorbike from Đắk Mâm. Boat trips on the Krông Nô River offer a different perspective on the waterfalls. Birdwatching in Nam Nung Nature Reserve is excellent. Visit local M'Nong villages for cultural homestay experiences.

Small eateries in Đắk Mâm township serve phở, bún bò, and cơm tấm for 20,000–50,000 dong. Near the Dray Sap waterfall area, simple restaurants cater to day-trippers with grilled freshwater fish, cơm lam, and gà nướng (grilled chicken). Local M'Nong cuisine features wild forest vegetables, bitter soups, and stream fish — best experienced via a homestay meal in one of the surrounding communes. Coffee stalls dot the highway.

Coffee and fresh sugarcane juice are widely available. At ethnic M'Nong villages, you may be offered ruou can (rice wine from a jar).

• Budget: Guesthouses in Đắk Mâm township offer basic accommodation for 150,000–250,000 dong per night.
• Mid-range: Simple hotels near the Dray Sap waterfall area cater to domestic tourists.

Local coffee and forest products. The market at Đắk Mâm sells fresh produce and daily essentials.

• Gia Nghia (30 km southwest, 40 min) — Provincial capital with full tourist infrastructure.
• Dray Sap Waterfall (within district) — Continue to Dray Nur and the surrounding waterfall complex.
• Buôn Ma Thuột (90 km north, 2 hr) — Regional hub with airport, museums, and dining.
• Dak Song (20 km west) — Neighbouring district with pine forests and resin production.