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Datanla Waterfall cascading through the forest near Dalat
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Datanla Waterfall Dalat: Alpine Coaster, Canyoning & Tickets

Datanla Waterfall (Thác Datanla) is a series of cascades in the pine forest on Prenn Pass, about 6 km south of central Da Lat. It is famous for its alpine coasters, including a 2,400 m track to Fall 3, plus canyoning and a 1,500 m zipline. Entry is 80,000 VND for adults; coaster tickets are extra (from 110,000 VND).

Status (checked October 2026): open daily as normal, 7:15–17:00 (last admission 16:30). Official prices from the operator, Dalattourist: entry 80,000 VND adult / 50,000 VND child; Coaster 1 from 110,000 VND; Coaster 3 return 250,000 VND. In heavy rain the coasters and canyoning can be suspended for safety.

Why Datanla Waterfall is worth seeing:

  • Alpine coasters: self-controlled sledges race down through the pines; the Fall 3 track is about 2,400 m long.
  • Close to town: just off the Prenn Pass road, 15 minutes from the centre.
  • Adventure hub: canyoning down six tiers of falls, a 1,500 m zipline, a treetop course and pine karts.
  • Forest walk: a 1 km path of about 200 steps through pine forest to Fall 1.
  • Easy to combine: near Tuyen Lam Lake, Truc Lam Zen Monastery and the Robin Hill cable car.

Datanla Waterfall at a Glance

Vietnamese name Thác Datanla (Đa Tam N’ha in the local K’Ho language)
Location National Road 20, Prenn Pass, Xuan Huong – Da Lat Ward, Lam Dong province
Distance About 6 km south of Xuan Huong Lake (15 minutes by car); about 25 km from Lien Khuong Airport
Known for Alpine coasters, canyoning, zipline, pine forest cascades
Operator Lam Dong Tourism JSC (Dalattourist)
Opening hours Daily 7:15–17:00; last admission 16:30
Entrance fee 80,000 VND adult, 50,000 VND child; coasters and adventures extra
Time needed 1.5–2 hours; half a day with canyoning
Best time Weekday mornings; dry season December–April
Nearby Tuyen Lam Lake, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Robin Hill cable car, Bao Dai Palace
Find it Google Maps · Tripadvisor

Is Datanla Waterfall Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially for the coasters. The falls themselves are pretty rather than huge, but riding the alpine coaster through the forest is one of the most fun things to do in Da Lat, and the site is very close to town. Adventure lovers can spend half a day canyoning or ziplining. If you only want a dramatic natural waterfall, bigger falls such as Pongour lie further out of the city.

  • Best for: families with children over 3, couples, thrill-seekers, travellers with limited time.
  • Skip if: you dislike crowds and commercial attractions, or want untouched nature.
  • Short on time: buy entry plus Coaster 1 return, see Fall 1 and be back on the road in about 1 hour.

Name and Legend of Datanla Waterfall

The name comes from the K’Ho phrase usually written “Đạ Tam N’ha”, generally translated as “water under the leaves”. A popular local legend tells that fairies came down to bathe in the stream, hidden from view beneath the forest canopy. The stream flows from Tuyen Lam Lake and drops through several tiers in the pine forest before continuing towards the lowlands.

What to See at Datanla Waterfall

1. Fall 1 and the forest walk

Fall 1 is the most visited cascade. You can reach it on Coaster 1 or on foot: the forest path is about 1 km long with roughly 200 steps. Your entry ticket covers the Fall 1 area.

2. Alpine Coaster 1

Coaster 1 runs about 1,200 m from the coaster gate down to Fall 1. One-way riders walk back up the trail; a return ticket brings you back on the coaster. Each sledge takes up to two people and riders control their own speed with a brake lever.

Datanla falls among pine forest, Dalat
An alpine coaster runs down through the forest to the falls. Photo: Damian Vo, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

3. Alpine Coaster 3 to Fall 3

The operator describes Coaster 3, at about 2,400 m, as the longest coaster track in Southeast Asia. It carries you to Fall 3 and back. Riders must be at least 90 cm tall, children 3 or older must ride with an adult, and the maximum weight is 120 kg.

4. Canyoning with Datanla Adventures

Guided canyoning descends six tiers of the falls with abseiling, natural rock slides, jumps and a zipline over the water, combined with stream walking and forest trekking. It is a demanding half-day activity for fit adults.

5. Zipline, treetop course and pine kart

Datanla Adventures also runs a 1,500 m zipline over the forest, a high-ropes course among the pines and a pine kart track, while a net playground suits children.

Datanla Waterfall Tickets and Opening Hours (2026)

Ticket Adult Child
Entry (Fall 1 area) 80,000 VND (about 3 USD) 50,000 VND
Coaster 1, one way 110,000 VND 80,000 VND
Coaster 1, return 130,000 VND 90,000 VND
Coaster 3 (2,400 m), return 250,000 VND (about 9.50 USD) 150,000 VND
Net playground 150,000 VND 150,000 VND
Pine kart 150,000 VND 150,000 VND
Treetop course 360,000 VND Adults only
Zipline 1,500 m 1,000,000 VND Adults only
Canyoning (half day) 1,886,000 VND Adults only
Opening hours Daily 7:15–17:00; last admission 16:30

Prices are set by Lam Dong Tourism JSC (Dalattourist); check the official website for the latest fares and online booking.

How to Visit Datanla Waterfall, Step by Step

  1. Arrive soon after 7:15, especially at weekends, to avoid coaster queues.
  2. Buy the entry ticket and your coaster ticket (Coaster 1 for Fall 1, Coaster 3 for Fall 3).
  3. Listen to the safety briefing: keep a safe distance from the sledge in front and brake on bends.
  4. Explore the falls and photo platforms; allow 20–30 minutes at each fall.
  5. Ride or walk back, then continue to Tuyen Lam Lake or the cable car.

Safety Rules at Datanla Waterfall

  • Coasters: maximum two people per sledge, minimum height 90 cm, maximum weight 120 kg; children must be at least 3 years old and ride with an adult.
  • Do not stop on the track, and keep both hands for the brake rather than filming while riding.
  • Stay behind railings at the falls; rocks are slippery, especially in the rainy season.
  • Book canyoning only with a licensed operator and follow the guides’ instructions.

How to Get to Datanla Waterfall

From How Time
Central Da Lat Taxi or Grab via Prenn Pass (National Road 20) About 15 minutes
Central Da Lat Rented motorbike About 15 minutes
Truc Lam Zen Monastery Taxi About 10 minutes
Lien Khuong Airport Taxi on the way into town About 30 minutes
Nha Trang / Ho Chi Minh City Ask your driver to stop on the way into Da Lat via Prenn Roadside stop on arrival

Read our guide to Dalat transport for taxis and motorbikes.

Best Time to Visit Datanla Waterfall

When What to expect
December–April Dry; best conditions for coasters and canyoning, lower water
May–November Fuller falls and green forest; rides may pause in heavy rain
Weekday mornings Shortest queues and cooler air
Weekends and holidays Long coaster queues, especially late morning
Tet and summer holidays Very busy with domestic visitors; book adventures ahead

Local Expert Tips for Datanla Waterfall

These tips come from years of arranging Da Lat tours for international travellers.

  • Choose Coaster 3 if you have time: it is longer, less crowded and reaches a quieter fall.
  • Wear closed shoes and bring a rain jacket in the wet season.
  • For canyoning, bring a change of clothes and leave valuables at your hotel.
  • Pair Datanla with the cable car and Truc Lam for an efficient morning south of town.
  • Find lunch ideas in our Dalat food guide.

Datanla Waterfall vs Pongour Waterfall

Datanla Waterfall Pongour Waterfall
Distance from Da Lat About 6 km About 45–50 km south
Scenery Forest cascades Wide, stepped natural falls
Activities Coasters, canyoning, zipline Sightseeing and photos
Best season All year Rainy season for full water
Time needed 1.5–2 hours Half day including travel

Our view: Datanla is the easy, fun choice for most trips; add Pongour only if you have a spare half day and want a grand natural waterfall.

Nearby Attractions

Sightseeing in Da Lat for First-Time Visitors: Where Datanla Waterfall Fits

Datanla fits into a “south of the city” morning: cable car from Robin Hill to Truc Lam, a walk to Tuyen Lam Lake, then the coasters at Datanla. Our Da Lat travel tips and where to stay guide help you plan the rest.

Plan your trip with our Da Lat travel guide and Da Lat tour packages. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Datanla Waterfall

1. Where is Datanla Waterfall?

Datanla Waterfall is on Prenn Pass (National Road 20), about 6 km south of central Da Lat, in Xuan Huong – Da Lat Ward, Lam Dong province.

2. How much is the Datanla Waterfall entrance fee?

Entry to Datanla Waterfall costs 80,000 VND for adults and 50,000 VND for children (2026 official prices).

3. How much is the alpine coaster at Datanla Waterfall?

At Datanla Waterfall, Coaster 1 costs 110,000 VND one way or 130,000 VND return for adults; Coaster 3 costs 250,000 VND return.

4. What are the opening hours of Datanla Waterfall?

Datanla Waterfall is open daily from 7:15 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:30.

5. How long is the Datanla Waterfall coaster?

Coaster 1 at Datanla Waterfall is about 1,200 m long; Coaster 3 is about 2,400 m, described by the operator as the longest in Southeast Asia.

6. Is the Datanla Waterfall coaster safe?

The Datanla Waterfall coasters are safe if you follow the rules: brake on bends, keep your distance and never stop on the track.

7. Can children ride the Datanla Waterfall coaster?

Yes, children aged 3 and over, at least 90 cm tall, can ride the Datanla Waterfall coaster with an adult.

8. Can I walk to Datanla Waterfall without the coaster?

Yes, a forest path of about 1 km (around 200 steps) leads from the gate to Fall 1 of Datanla Waterfall.

9. How much is canyoning at Datanla Waterfall?

Canyoning at Datanla Waterfall with Datanla Adventures costs 1,886,000 VND per adult and covers six tiers of falls.

10. Is there a zipline at Datanla Waterfall?

Yes, Datanla Waterfall has a 1,500 m zipline over the pine forest, priced at 1,000,000 VND per adult.

11. How long should I spend at Datanla Waterfall?

Allow 1.5–2 hours at Datanla Waterfall for the coaster and falls, or half a day with canyoning.

12. How do I get to Datanla Waterfall from Da Lat?

Take a taxi, Grab or motorbike along Prenn Pass to Datanla Waterfall, about 15 minutes from the centre.

13. What does Datanla Waterfall mean?

The name Datanla Waterfall comes from the K’Ho “Đạ Tam N’ha”, usually translated as “water under the leaves”.

14. When is the best time to visit Datanla Waterfall?

Visit Datanla Waterfall on a weekday morning; the dry season from December to April is best for coasters and canyoning.

15. Is Datanla Waterfall open in the rainy season?

Yes, Datanla Waterfall stays open in the rainy season, but coasters and canyoning may pause during heavy rain.

16. What is near Datanla Waterfall?

Near Datanla Waterfall are Tuyen Lam Lake, Truc Lam Zen Monastery and the Robin Hill cable car.

17. Datanla Waterfall or Pongour Waterfall: which is better?

Datanla Waterfall is close and action-packed; Pongour is a bigger natural waterfall about 45–50 km away, best in the rainy season.

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