On the morning of October 14, 2025, what began as a routine stop at a coffee shop near the famed Thac Voi waterfall in Lam Dong province, Vietnam, ended in tragedy. P.T.N.N., a 40-year-old resident of Dinh Van Lam Ha commune, had paused her journey to Da Lat, choosing a quiet seat near the stream at the top of the waterfall, perhaps to enjoy a moment of peace. But within hours, her disappearance would set off a desperate, days-long search that gripped the local community and drew in rescue teams from across the province.
According to multiple reports from Vietnamese news outlets, including PLO, SGGP, and VietnamPlus, the chain of events began when coffee shop staff noticed that P.T.N.N. was no longer at her table. She had ordered a drink and selected a spot away from other customers, close to the rushing water. When the staff brought her order, she was nowhere to be found. Alarmed, they searched the immediate area and quickly discovered some of her personal belongings—items left behind on the bank of the stream. It was a chilling sign that something was amiss.
As the search intensified, authorities reviewed security camera footage from the coffee shop. The video, timestamped around 10:30 AM on October 14, captured a figure resembling P.T.N.N. being swept away by the strong current of the stream, which feeds directly into Thac Voi waterfall. The footage left little doubt: the woman had been caught by the water and carried over the falls.
Local officials, police, and fire rescue teams from Lam Dong province responded immediately. Teams fanned out along the riverbanks, searching downstream from the waterfall. The community, too, was mobilized, with residents joining in the effort to locate the missing woman. For three days, the search continued, with hope dwindling as each hour passed and the powerful currents of the Cam Ly river complicated rescue operations.
On the afternoon of October 17, 2025, the search came to a somber conclusion. Representatives from Nam Ban Lam Ha commune announced that the body of P.T.N.N. had been found approximately two kilometers downstream from Thac Voi waterfall. The discovery was confirmed by several local leaders, who noted that the recovery had taken place after extensive efforts by both professional rescue teams and local volunteers. Authorities quickly moved to retrieve the body and began the process of forensic examination to determine the exact cause of death. The commune’s People’s Committee coordinated with other agencies to ensure that the remains could be returned to P.T.N.N.’s family for funeral arrangements.
As reported by VietnamPlus, initial investigations suggest that P.T.N.N. had moved from her seat to an area closer to the waterfall before being swept away by the fast-moving water. The security footage, which captured the moment she was pulled by the current, was a crucial piece of evidence in reconstructing the sequence of events. The authorities are continuing their investigation, but there is little doubt that the force of nature played a decisive role in this tragic accident.
The incident has cast a spotlight on Thac Voi waterfall, also known as Thac Liêng Rwoa, a site renowned for its natural beauty and dramatic cascades. Located about 25 kilometers from the center of Da Lat, the waterfall is a popular destination for both local and international tourists. Its name, which translates to "Elephant Waterfall," comes from the massive boulders at its base, said to resemble a herd of elephants lying in repose. In 2001, Thac Voi was officially recognized as a national scenic relic, a testament to its significance in the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Despite its status, Thac Voi has not been immune to the challenges of maintaining safety and infrastructure at natural tourist sites. According to VietnamPlus, the waterfall has suffered from neglect in recent years, with little maintenance or restoration work carried out to preserve its facilities or ensure visitor safety. The area remains largely wild and unregulated, which, while preserving its rugged charm, also presents risks to those who venture too close to the water’s edge—especially during the rainy season, when currents can become deceptively strong.
The events of October 14 have prompted renewed calls for improved safety measures at Thac Voi and similar attractions across Vietnam. Local officials have acknowledged the need for better signage, barriers, and public awareness campaigns to warn visitors of the potential dangers. The tragic loss of P.T.N.N. serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the responsibility of both authorities and individuals to exercise caution in such environments.
For the family of P.T.N.N., the pain is immeasurable. As authorities completed the necessary procedures to hand over her remains, the community rallied around them, offering condolences and support. The story has resonated with many in Lam Dong and beyond, not only for its personal tragedy but also for the broader questions it raises about balancing tourism, preservation, and public safety in Vietnam’s treasured natural sites.
In the aftermath, local leaders have expressed their condolences and pledged to review existing protocols at Thac Voi. "We are working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that such incidents do not happen again," one official told PLO. "Visitor safety must be a priority, especially at places where nature’s beauty and danger go hand in hand."
As the sun sets over the Cam Ly river and the waters of Thac Voi continue their endless descent, the memory of October’s tragedy lingers. For those who visit, the waterfall will remain a place of awe and reflection—a reminder of both the allure and the hazards of Vietnam’s wild landscapes.
With the recovery of P.T.N.N.’s body and the conclusion of the search, the community of Lam Dong turns to mourning and remembrance, even as it looks ahead to the changes that may follow in the wake of this devastating event.
