On our Vietnam trip itinerary, while spending a couple of days in Dalat, we visited the Datanla Waterfalls. While the Datanla waterfalls, Dalat, Vietnam themselves are so beautiful and voluminous. But, equally enthralling are the adventure options available at the Datanla waterfalls, including the alpine rollercoaster ride all the way down the hill to the waterfalls!! Here, I take you through a virtual tour of the Datanla Waterfalls as well as the adventurous rides around it.
A short introduction to Dalat, Vietnam
Nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Dalat is a charming hill station known for its cool climate, pine-covered hills, colorful flower gardens, and French colonial architecture. Once a retreat for French officials seeking relief from the tropical heat, Dalat still retains its romantic, European-inspired charm with winding streets, serene lakes, and vibrant markets. Surrounded by waterfalls, tea plantations, and scenic valleys, it offers a refreshing escape for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and couples alike.
We included a couple of days in Dalat on our Vietnam trip itinerary. We traveled from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat via road. However, the road conditions were not great. I recommend taking an overnight train. Or, flying from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang. And then taking a road trip from Nha Trang to Dalat. Wherein not just the road condition is excellent but the scenarie is also breathtaking.
Our two days in Dalat were spent roaming around the beautiful lanes of the cute little hill station, strolling around the central lake. Having meals in lake-side cafes. And exploring some of the famous attractions of Dalat. Including the crazy house (which our kid is still going crazy about), the Dalat Garden, and Datanla Waterfalls to name a few.
About Datanla Waterfalls, Dalat, Vietnam
Hidden in the pine forests near Prenn Pass, just a short drive from Dalat’s centre, Datanla Waterfalls is one of the city’s most popular natural attractions — a compact, scenic cascade set inside a well-managed tourist area that combines easy access to nature with adventure activities for all ages. The falls themselves are pleasant and photogenic, flowing through stepped rock ledges and framed by tall pines; the surrounding site has trails, viewing platforms and a cluster of visitor facilities that make it an easy half-day stop on any Dalat itinerary.
Around the falls you can witness instragrammable picture spots, flower beds, wooden bridges going over the stream formed by rocks, a few small cafes and numerous landscaped sights that add to the charm of the waterfalls.
Adventure activities at Datanla Waterfalls Dalat
Datanla Waterfalls Dalat, Vietnam is as much an adventure park as it is a waterfall. The main activity that draws crowds is the alpine coaster (roller-sled) — a two-seater rail coaster that winds through the forest and past the falls, letting riders control their speed with a magnetic braking system. Beyond the coaster, the site commonly offers canyoning / abseiling, zipline and short jungle treks, plus a cable car / funicular option for those who prefer to avoid the steps. These activities mean you can choose anything from a gentle nature visit to a full adrenaline fix.
The Datanla Alpine Coaster ride at Datanla Waterfalls Dalat
The Datanla Alpine Coaster is a one-of-a-kind ride that blends exhilarating thrills with serene natural beauty. As, it features a 2,400-meter-long rail track. Making it one of the longest of its kind in Asia. You ride in a two-seater cart, straddling only a rail, and control your speed with a hand brake. Thanks to a magnetic braking system that ensures safety and smooth spacing between carts.
You begin at the top of the hill, gliding through the forest canopy, with turns and dips that feel both peaceful and exciting. You pass scenic viewpoints of Datanla Waterfalls below, where many riders pause for photos or simply to soak in the view. The coaster allows flexible pacing—you can go slow to take in the forest or pick up the pace for more thrill. Maximum speeds reach around 40 km/h, but overall pace depends on your own braking choices.
Crafted with Wiegand technology, the coaster is reliable and safe. It includes sensor brakes ensuring carts maintain distance, and operators are quick and organized, even during peak traffic, keeping queues moving smoothly. Overall, The Datanla Alpine Coaster is far more than a simple ride—it’s a unique adventure that entwines the adrenaline of self-controlled speed with the tranquility of forest trails and waterfall views. It’s a must-do for nature lovers, thrill seekers, and families alike.
Refreshment and visitor facilities at Datanla Waterfalls, Dalat, Vietnam
The Datanla area has basic but convenient visitor facilities: a café/restaurant serving simple Vietnamese and Western dishes, snack stalls, restrooms and souvenir shops. Many visitors grab a drink or lunch at the on-site café after a walk or ride. If you want more variety, Dalat city centre (10–20 minutes away) has many cafes and vegetarian options. Bring small cash for snacks and for tipping guides or staff.
General information on visiting Datanla Waterfalls Dalat Vietnam
How to reach Datanla Waterfalls Dalat
Datanla lies on the Prenn Pass (Highway 20), about 5–6 km south of Dalat’s city centre. It’s an easy trip by taxi, Grab, private car or rented motorbike — around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Many tour operators include Datanla as a stop on half-day or full-day Dalat circuits, and hotels can arrange transfers if you prefer not to drive. There is no regular public bus that stops at the exact entrance, so taxis or motorbikes are the usual choices.
What are the timings of Datanla Waterfalls
Most sources and ticketed activity operators list opening hours roughly between 07:15–07:30 and 17:00 (last admission 30–45 minutes before close). Individual attractions inside the complex (like the alpine coaster) may open and close according to weather or maintenance, so arriving earlier in the day is wise. It’s always best to check the operator’s current hours before you go.
When visiting Datanla Waterfalls, it is best to target early morning hours – just after the park opens. Or evening hours post noon. When we arrived here around 4:00pm, there was no crowd at all. And the Alpine Roller Coaster ride was almost empty!
What are the entry tickets to Datanla Waterfalls
There is an entry ticket to the waterfalls park which includes seeing the waterfalls. And then there separate tickets to each of the adventure activities that one decides to take within the complex. So, if you are planning to ride the alpine rollercoaster to the Datanla watefalls, there will be a separate ticket for it that you need to buy.
Entrance fee (waterfall area): 30,000–80,000 VND per adult.
Alpine coaster / roller-sled: ~200,000–250,000 VND per adult.
The prices might be different for locals. And for kids, the prices are generally lower, half the adult prices. However, the roller coaster ride might not be suitable for very small kids.
Should I necessarily take the roller coaster ride to witness the waterfalls?
No. For those who would not like to take the roller coaster ride to witness the waterfalls, there is a pathway that leads from the top all the way to the waterfalls. The pathway is well paved and scenic. You can trek through it at your own pace to reach the waterfalls.
Also, you can take just a one way ticket to the waterfalls. And cover the other way back through the pathway. To experience the best of both the options.
Other general tips on taking the Alpine Rollercoaster at Datanla Waterfalls
- Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk to the waterfalls.
- If you have big bag with you, you can leave it at the locker near the roller coaster ride start point.
- In rainy season, some of the rides might be impacted. So, check the schedule before you start.
- There are good refreshments and food available on the premises at Datanla Waterfalls.
- You can easily get a grab taxi to and from the Datanla Waterfalls and Dalat Town.
- Guided tours can also be booked to Datanla Waterfalls.
- Some stalls and smaller vendors accept only cash. ATMs are easier to find in Dalat town than at the attraction.
- Datanla is often paired with other Prenn Pass attractions (Prenn Waterfall, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, or Robin Hill) for a convenient half-day loop.
- For canyoning/abseiling or the coaster, follow staff instructions, use provided safety equipment and don’t attempt risky shortcuts down the falls.