Datanla Alpine Coaster and Waterfall Da Lat Review

In the lush landscapes of Da Lat’s Central Highlands, Datanla Waterfall stands as one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. For our family, it was the perfect combination of breathtaking natural beauty and adventure. This stunning seven-tiered cascade, surrounded by pine forest and mountain mist, has evolved into Southeast Asia’s premier destination for both nature lovers and thrill seekers.

Of course, our boys (16, 14, and 11) were primarily there for the alpine coaster – not the photo spots at the base of the waterfalls, the gardens, or the short hike up the stairs that led to being eye-to-eye with the impressive falls #3.

Two Alpine Coasters at Datanla Waterfalls, Dalat

Datanla covers three waterfalls, but the park is split into two sections that allow access to falls one and falls three (we’re not sure about falls two… maybe available by hiking or if you’re doing rope repelling in the park)

Alpine Track 1 requires park admission and a coaster ride purchase. This section of the park includes manicured gardens, photo opportunities with statues depicting Vietnam’s folklore (like many theme parks in Vietnam), and the option to purchase a ride on Alpine Coaster 1.

Falls 3 is accessible by taking Alpine Coaster 3 to the bottom after purchasing the roller coaster ticket only – no park ticket is required for Falls 3. Once you’ve visited the bottom, taken some photos, posed on the bridge over the creek at the bottom of the falls, and bought ice cream and coffee, you can ride the coaster back up the hill with the return ticket that is included.

We opted to ride Alpine Coaster 3 only

Our boys weren’t interested in the park access for Alpine Coaster 1, and while they would have happily ridden the coaster, we decided that paying for park access wouldn’t justify the cost. Alpine Coaster 1 is also a shorter track, so we decided that just riding the longer one was sufficient.

Unlike traditional waterfall experiences that focus solely on scenic viewing, visiting Datanla waterfalls offers options, including ropes courses, zip lines, canyoning through the waterfall’s natural pools, and racing down Asia’s longest alpine coaster.

Overview of Datanla Waterfall

Datanla is one of Da Lat’s most spectacular waterfalls, featuring a stunning multi-tiered cascade that descends 20 meters through a series of natural rock terraces. The waterfall’s unique formation creates multiple levels of cascading water.

Known locally as “Dah Tam N’nha”, the name translates to “water under the leaves,” reflecting the waterfall’s historical concealment beneath dense foliage. Indigenous communities have long recognized the site’s importance as a vital water source and spiritual location – traditions that are honored throughout the park’s statues and stories.

What makes Datanla unique compared to other waterfalls in the region is the combination of natural beauty and adventure; pictures for Celine to take and adrenaline for the rest of us.

The park sits within a 300-hectare protected forest area and offers the Datanla alpine coaster, high-rope course challenges, and waterfall canyoning, allowing visitors to experience the falls from new perspectives at every angle.

The waterfall’s gentle slope creates pools and natural stairways of foam, while the surrounding pine forest provides a break from city life, and since we had just spent time in Ho Chi Minh, this was a welcoming break. The sound of waterfalls, leaves rustling in the forrest, and our kids screaming down an alpine coaster was a nice break from honking mopeds.

Location and Getting There

Datanla Waterfall is a 10-minute drive south of Da Lat city center. The journey from downtown Da Lat takes visitors through some of the region’s most beautiful terrain, overlooking valleys and through lush green sections. Part of the enjoyment of our time at Datanla was getting out of the city and seeing what the inland mountain areas surrounding Dalat looked like.

There is no direct public transport to the waterfall. Motorcycle rentals are a popular choice among independent travelers, but we chose to take a Grab taxi for the 20-30 minute journey from Da Lat city center.

Top Adventure Activities at Datanla Waterfalls Da lat

The Datanla Falls Adventure Complex offers a variety of activities depending on the thrill level and the time you’d like to spend at the park. We opted for a short visit to enjoy the alpine coaster (and to avoid the pending rain that day).

Datanla Alpine Coaster Experience

Da Lat’s original alpine coaster, Coaster 1, is a 1000-meters long (0.6 miles) while Coaster 3 features a 2400-meter (1.5-mile) downhill track that winds through the forest. Riders control their own speed using a simple brake system while racing down the mountainside at speeds reaching 40 km/h. The carts aren’t motorized, and speed is purely based on gravity and how you control the brakes.

There does seem to be a system in place that slows you down if you get too close to the person in front of you. This was a challenge since another park guest went before us and was tentatively riding the brake the whole way down, meaning that the first person in our group (I won’t say who, but he’s our oldest and I don’t think he cared about touching the brakes) was automatically slowed down when we got in range.

To avoid that, try to delay leaving the station after the person in front of you if they seem to be going slowly, allowing them some extra time to get ahead, and giving you the best option to pick up speed.

The return ride for Alpine Coaster 3 (also called Datanla New Alpine Coaster)

After getting off at the bottom of the hill, you can explore some photo spots and the cafe, then get back in line for a return ride to the top.

The return ride has two 5-minute automated ascents towards the starting platform. There are still some hills and turns between the two sections of ascent, so it’s not just sitting back while your kart is pulled up the hill.

Ticket prices for the original alpine coaster start at approximately 250,000 VND per person, with online bookings and tour packages often providing modest group discounts. The complete experience, including ascent and descent, takes about 25-30 minutes, making it an ideal activity for visitors who want to enjoy mountain coaster fun in a couple hours round trip from Dalat.

Southeast Asia’s Longest Alpine Coaster – Alpine Coaster 3

The Datanla new alpine coaster represents the pinnacle of alpine coaster technology in the region, featuring an extraordinary 2.4-kilometer track that earned recognition as Alpine Coaster 3 – the longest roller coaster system in Vietnam and all of Southeast Asia. This engineering achievement winds through forested mountains while offering panoramic views of Da Lat’s stunning destinations (but you’re probably not thinking about taking in the scenery as you scream downhill).

Forest Zipline Adventure

Asia’s longest forest-crossing zipline system spans an impressive 1.5 kilometers total distance, divided into multiple segments that provide different angles of the waterfall layers and the forest that surrounds the area. The main zipline features a 1-kilometer stretch from the starting platform to an intermediate station, followed by a 500-meter section that brings riders directly over the waterfall area, down to the same spot as Apline Coaster 3 ends.

Participants zip 130 meters above the forest floor, for views of the Datanla waterfalls and the pine forest that characterizes this region of the central highlands.

High Rope Course Challenge

The multi-level high rope course features progressive difficulty levels designed to challenge visitors’ balance, strength, and courage among the forest trees. Each level introduces new obstacles and challenges, allowing participants to build confidence and skills as they advance through increasingly complex sections.

Pricing for the high rope course starts around 450,000 VND, with combo packages available when booked alongside other activities like the alpine coaster or zipline adventures. These package deals often provide significant savings for visitors planning to experience multiple thrilling activities during their visit to the waterfall complex.

Waterfall Canyoning

Canyoning represents the most intimate way to experience the waterfall itself, as participants navigate through Datanla’s natural rock formations and crystal-clear pools under expert guidance, including rappelling down multiple waterfall tiers, sliding through natural water chutes, and swimming in pools formed by centuries of flowing water.

The activity requires basic kayaking skills and reasonable physical fitness, but instructors adapt the experience to accommodate different skill levels and comfort zones.

The canyoning route provides access to sections of the waterfall that hiking visitors cannot reach, including hidden pools, natural slides, and close-up views of the cascading water.

Exploring the Waterfall Natural Areas

The seven-tiered waterfall system is accessible via a well-maintained 1-kilometer forest trail that descends approximately 200 steps through a pine forest to reach the main waterfall viewing areas. (Unfortunately, this trail was closed during our visit in November 2025.)

Employees suggested this route typically requires 45-60 minutes for a complete round trip, depending on stops for photos and rest breaks.

Visitor Information and Datanla Entrance Fee

Datanla Waterfall is open from 7:15 AM to 5:00 PM daily, but we would suggest confirming ahead of time before making the trip out of town to the park. The last admission typically occurs one hour before closing to ensure visitors have adequate time to explore the site safely before dark. Online booking through the official website or authorized travel platforms often provides a discount compared to gate prices.

Here is the official Datanla Falls website for checking hours, promotions, or special events.

When we visited in November 2025, the ticket cost was 250,000 VND (about $10 USD or 8 Euro) for a round trip with Alpine Coaster 3 (also nicknamed the New Alpine Coaster – the longer of the two). We paid on arrival and there was no entrance fee to ride Coaster 3. We could have saved some money by using this link to the alpine coaster on Klook which is less than the 250k cost at the gate.

Here are some of the most common tour packages that include the Datanla Alpine Coaster Three:

 

Best Time to Visit Datanla Waterfall

The best season is from late November through April, when Da Lat’s highland climate offers minimal rainfall and consistently sunny weather. During these months, visibility remains excellent for photography, and outdoor adventure activities operate under ideal conditions without weather-related cancellations or delays.

However, our Dalat hotel manager said the rainy season from May through October provides the most dramatic waterfall views, as the rain creates more powerful cascades and fuller water volumes throughout the seven-tiered system. During the rainy season, expect occasional afternoon rain showers but in exchange, you’ll get to experience the waterfall at its fullest.

Early morning visits between 8:00-10:00 AM are best for cooler temperatures ideal for hiking and adventure activities, fewer crowds at popular photo spots, and often better lighting conditions for photography. The mountain mist tends to appear stronger during early morning hours.

Da Lat’s year-round cool climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), makes the waterfall accessible and comfortable for visitors in all seasons. Specific activities such as zipline adventures and high rope courses may temporarily close during periods of high winds or severe weather for safety reasons.

What to bring to Datanla Waterfalls:

• Hiking shoes (even if you’re just taking the Alpine coaster 3 down and back, you’ll want good treads since the mist from the falls can make paths slippery)
• A long-sleeve shirt, hoodie, or windbreaker jacket (temperatures can be a few degrees cooler than in Dalat).
• A portable battery pack for your phone. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities, and you’ll need your phone battery to use the Grab app to get a ride back to Dalat at the end of your visit. Carrying a battery pack with us allows us to not have to choose between “One more photo” and “Getting back to our hotel.”

Conclusion on Datanla Waterfall and Alpine Coaster

Datanla Waterfall is the perfect fusion of natural beauty and adventure tourism, offering visitors an unmatched experience in Da Lat’s stunning central highlands. From the waterfall tiers through pine forest to the adrenaline rush of Southeast Asia’s longest alpine coaster, this remarkable destination caters to every type of traveler seeking both tranquility and excitement.

Planning your visit with advance online booking ensures the best ticket prices and guarantees availability for popular activities during peak seasons. The combination of natural wonder, cultural significance, and world-class adventure makes Datanla Waterfall a must-visit destination for families visiting Dalat.

More Things to do in Dalat

While the Datanla waterfall is home to the only alpine coasters in Dalat, there is no shortage of things to do while visiting Dalat.

If you’re looking for other high-energy activities, consider visiting what the locals nickname “Mario Kart Dalat” – downhill kart racetracks that mimic Nintendo’s Mario Kart.

You might also visit Mongoland in Dalat to experience Vietnam’s largest rainbow slide. You’ve probably seen some of Vietnam’s rainbow slides pop up on social media while planning your trip to Vietnam. Mongoland is the same direction as the Mario Kart from Dalat. Plan for a few hours for each activity, making a full day out of visiting both.

For something completely unique, visit Dalat’s Crazy House for photos and an experience you’ll be talking about for years.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from our visit to Datanla Alpine Coaster and Waterfall Park in Dalat: