The short answer
Datanla Waterfall: what visitors should know first
Go if you want an easy nature stop with something for children. The coaster is optional. Expect wet steps in the rainy season, and check opening hours and prices locally.
History and context
The story behind Datanla Waterfall
Vietnamese Wikipedia says the name comes from the K'Ho phrase for water under the leaves, and gives the drop as about 20 metres. The waterfall is around 10 km from the ward centre and about 8 km from Prenn Waterfall.
The page describes the only alpine coaster in Da Lat, a track of about 1,000 metres.
Useful facts
Datanla Waterfall facts at a glance
- Location
- About 10 km south of central Da Lat
- Experience type
- Waterfall walk and alpine coaster
- Known for
- 20 m falls and the coaster
- Drop
- About 20 m (Vietnamese Wikipedia)
- Time or schedule
- Check opening hours locally
Why it matters
Why Datanla Waterfall is worth your time
Datanla gives you a quick, accessible dose of forest and water without a long trek. It is a good fit for families who want fresh air and a small thrill in the same stop.
It is also a place where the rainy season makes a difference. The falls look best when water is flowing, but paths become slippery. If you have older relatives, treat the viewpoint above the falls as enough, and leave the steep descent and the coaster to those who want them.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The falls
A 20 m drop over rock steps in a forest setting.
- 02
Alpine coaster
About 1,000 m of track with hand-braked carts.
- 03
Forest path
A shaded walk that is cooler than the town in warm months.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Park and follow the signposted path into the forest. Paths are partly stepped and can be damp, so go slowly and use handrails. The falls drop about 20 metres over rock steps, according to Vietnamese Wikipedia, and are quieter than many falls.
If you choose the coaster, the track is about 1,000 metres long and rides take roughly two minutes, with hand brakes on two-person carts. It is more fun than it sounds, but not suited to anyone with back or neck problems. You can also walk the same route in around fifteen minutes.
Save energy for the climb back, and bring water. Visit early to avoid group tours.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Wear grip shoes
- Go in the morning
- Check coaster age and weight rules
- Carry water
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- About 10 km from the ward centre, south of Da Lat
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best time
- Morning, dry months
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Paths and steps lead down to the falls, so the return is uphill. The coaster lets you skip some walking but is not a replacement for stairs; ask about alternatives.
- Tickets and access
- Ticketed; the alpine coaster costs extra. Check current prices and opening hours locally. Wear shoes with grip and avoid it after heavy rain.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Datanla Waterfall
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Paths and steps lead down to the falls, so the return is uphill. The coaster lets you skip some walking but is not a replacement for stairs; ask about alternatives.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is the alpine coaster safe?
Vietnamese Wikipedia says carts have hand brakes and sensors slow fast carts. Follow staff instructions and skip it if you have back or neck problems.
Is the walk hard?
The path has steps and is steeper on the way back. Take it slowly and rest.
Is the waterfall worth it in the dry season?
Flow is lower between about December and March, so check recent photographs or ask your hotel.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
