Datanla Waterfall

Datanla Waterfall is one of Da Lat’s most exciting attractions, combining natural beauty with adrenaline-pumping activities. Set within a lush pine forest, the waterfall features seven cascading tiers, each with its own pool and walking path. The star attraction is the alpine coaster — the longest in Vietnam — that winds dynamically through the trees, giving visitors a self-controlled thrill ride with stunning views of the falls.

About

Datanla sits about 7 kilometers from Da Lat city center, nestled in a valley surrounded by dense pine forest. The name “Datanla” comes from the local ethnic minority language, roughly translating to “water under the leaves” — a reference to how the falls are hidden beneath the forest canopy until you’re right upon them.

The waterfall itself drops 20 meters into a crystal-clear pool, but the real spectacle is the seven-tier system. Each tier has its own basin, connected by walking paths and stairways that wind through the forest. The entire complex covers a large area, and visitors typically spend 2-3 hours exploring.

What sets Datanla apart from other Da Lat waterfalls is the tourism infrastructure. The alpine coaster, zip-lines, cable car, and kayaking make this a full-day activity destination rather than a quick photo stop. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms, organized ticketing, and helpful staff throughout.

The Alpine Coaster

The alpine coaster is the main draw for many visitors. At over 1 kilometer long, it’s the longest coaster ride in Vietnam. You sit in a self-controlled car that runs on a track through the forest, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. You control your own speed with a brake lever, making it suitable for both thrill-seekers and those who prefer a gentler ride.

The track winds through pine trees, over streams, and past viewpoints of the waterfall. The ride takes about 5-7 minutes and is included in the entrance ticket. Most visitors ride it multiple times — the experience feels different depending on your speed and the weather conditions.

Activities

Beyond the coaster, Datanla offers several other activities:

• Zip-lining — Cross above the waterfall on a zip-line for an aerial perspective of the tiers
• Cable car — Ride to the top of the falls and walk down through the tiers at your own pace
• Kayaking — Paddle in the main pool at the base of the waterfall
• Forest hiking — Follow the trails connecting all seven tiers through the pine forest

Getting There

• Distance: ~7 km from Da Lat city center (about 15-20 minutes by car)
• Transport: Taxi, Grab, or motorbike. The road is paved and well-signed
• Cable car: Available from the entrance to the top of the falls

Schedule & Hours

Day	Hours
Daily	7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Location & Contact

• Address: Highway 20, Ta Hine Ward, Da Lat, Lam Dong, Vietnam
• Phone: +84 981 166 088
• Website: dalattourist.com.vn

What Reviewers Say

Rated 4.4/5 stars. Visitors consistently praise the alpine coaster and the natural setting:

• “Alpine coaster is a must” — The most frequently mentioned highlight. Visitors love the self-controlled speed and forest scenery.
• “Clean and well-organized” — The facilities, ticketing process, and staff receive positive marks.
• “Beautiful forest setting” — The pine forest environment is praised as scenic and well-preserved.
• “Good for families” — The range of activities (mild to thrilling) makes it suitable for all ages.
• “Worth the price” — Most visitors feel the entrance fee provides good value given the number of activities included.

Sample reviews:

• “The coaster was so much fun! We rode it three times. The views of the waterfall from the track are amazing.”
• “Beautiful waterfall with lots to do. We spent half a day here and could have stayed longer.”
• “Great for kids — not too intense, but still exciting.”

Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early — The coaster queue gets long after 10 AM, especially on weekends and holidays. Aim to arrive at opening (7:30 AM) for the shortest waits.
• Wear sturdy shoes — You’ll be walking down (or up) multiple tiers on stone steps. Good grip is essential, especially if it’s been raining.
• Bring rain gear — The mist from the falls and the forest environment mean you’ll get damp even if it’s not raining. A light rain jacket is useful.
• Ride the coaster first — Head straight to the coaster when you arrive, then explore the waterfall tiers at your leisure afterward.
• Budget 2-3 hours — Enough time for the coaster, a walk through the tiers, and some photos without rushing.
• Food options — On-site restaurant and kiosks near the entrance serve hot Vietnamese meals, snacks, and drinks. Prices are reasonable for a tourist site.