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Located in Son Tay Ha commune, formerly Son Tinh commune, Lua Waterfall has been recognized as a provincial-level heritage site. The waterfall originates from Mount Adin, which rises 1,406 meters above sea level. From a height of around 300 meters on a steep cliff, water flows year-round, making it the tallest waterfall in Quang Ngai.
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The falls descend through several levels. At the upper section, water bursts from inside the mountain and plunges down the cliff face. In the middle section, the current strikes large rock slabs with greater force. At the base, the water spreads across stone terraces, divides into two branches, and forms small natural pools before continuing as Xa Ruong Stream.
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According to heritage records, the site contains diverse geological formations dating back more than 200 million years.
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Local resident Dinh Thi Nu said Lua Waterfall has long been part of the cultural life of the Cadong ethnic community in Son Tay. People have traditionally cultivated upland rice nearby and held spiritual ceremonies beside the falls.

Cao Quoc Tien, Party Secretary of Son Tay Ha commune, said the site’s unique geology, landscape, and well-preserved ecosystem make it suitable for sightseeing, camping, leisure travel, and homestay tourism. The Quang Ngai Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center is currently seeking investors to develop tourism there.
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To the west of the main cascade is a secondary waterfall about 100 meters high. Both waterfalls flow into the surrounding protection forest. Local authorities hope tourism will also help promote Cadong specialties such as ruou can (traditional jar wine), nieng fish, orchids, and herbs.
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The route to the waterfall passes through primeval  forest rich in valuable timber species, medicinal plants, and forest products such as honey and agarwood. The Son Tay Forest Protection Management Station oversees the 240,000-square-meter conservation area around the site and has also planted additional tree species.
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The forest is home to many Arenga pinnata trees, whose sap is collected by local people to make traditional palm wine without cutting down the trees. The fresh sap can be consumed immediately or lightly fermented.
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About one kilometer from the waterfall’s base, Xa Ruong Stream flows into a natural pool of around 100 square meters, creating a safe swimming area for visitors.

Visitors can travel from Central Quang Ngai via National Highway 24B and Provincial Road 623D to Son Tay Ha commune, then continue to Xa Ruong Stream before trekking through the forest to the falls. However, with three kilometers of steep dirt road leading into the area, Lua Waterfall currently attracts mostly local and nearby visitors. Authorities have proposed transport infrastructure upgrades to support future tourism development.

Translated by Chung Anh