Information
Landmark: Datanla WaterfallCity: Dalat
Country: Vietnam
Continent: Asia
Datanla Waterfall, Dalat, Vietnam, Asia
Overview
Datanla Waterfall – A Complete Guide: Tucked in the lush hills of Đà Lạt, Vietnam, Datanla is among the city’s most beloved natural sights, where cool mist drifts up from the rushing water.Just 5 kilometers south of Đà Lạt’s city center, this waterfall draws visitors with its emerald-green hillsides, easy-to-reach trails, and plenty of ways to get your adrenaline pumping.Unlike Đà Lạt’s more hidden falls, Datanla welcomes visitors with paths and railings, yet you can still hear the rush of water over dark, mossy rocks.One.Datanla Waterfall sits along the Prenn Pass, where steep, rocky slopes cut through thick pine woods and the air smells sharp and clean.A clear highland stream spills over rocky cliffs, plunging 20 meters before it settles into a chain of small pools and slow, rippling rapids at the base.Locals say the name “Datanla” comes from an old story passed down for generations, whispered like a secret beside the falls.Legend has it the K’Ho people once lived here, and they were the first to find the waterfall tucked away under a canopy of rustling leaves.In their language, “Đà-Tam-N’La” means “water under the leaves,” a name that later slimmed down to “Datanla,” like a stream slipping quietly beneath green fronds.Datanla Waterfall stands out for its cascading tiers, each one tumbling into the next, so you hear a chain of rushing water instead of one big plunge.Visitors can wander from one tier of the falls to the next, each turn revealing a fresh view of white water tumbling past mossy rocks and the dense green forest beyond.Tall pines, dense undergrowth, and massive rock faces frame the waterfall, making it perfect for snapping nature shots or just listening to the rush of water.Cool mountain air mingles with the mist from the waterfall, carrying a crisp bite that feels worlds away from Vietnam’s usual heat and humidity.Number three sat scribbled in the corner, a small mark that still drew your eye.Datanla Waterfall isn’t just for taking in the view-you can race down a hillside coaster or tackle a ropes course in this lively adventure spot in Đà Lạt.The site has something for everyone, from quiet walks by the river to heart-pounding zipline rides.The Alpine Coaster is Datanla’s star attraction-a self-controlled roller coaster that lets you set your own pace as you race past pine trees and sharp bends deep in the forest.The track runs for 2,400 meters, winding so far you can hear the rush of wind long before the next curve, making it one of the longest alpine coasters in Asia.With a squeeze of the handbrake, riders set their own pace-cruising slowly to take in the view or flying downhill for a burst of adrenaline.The coaster snakes through the trees, twisting past glimpses of sunlight, and opens up to breathtaking views of the waterfall.The car’s safety features include automatic brakes that kick in to stop a collision, like when a child darts into the street.safeFrom above, you can take in the sweeping green of the forest and the white rush of the waterfall, a sight that’s perfect for families and older visitors alike.The cable car station sits by the entrance, and in just a few minutes you’re gliding past pine trees toward the top.c) Canyoning (Waterfall Rappelling) At Datanla Waterfall, canyoning means lowering yourself down roaring sheets of water-a heart-pounding adventure that ranks among Đà Lạt’s most thrilling sports.With a harness snug around your waist, you’ll descend the waterfall on ropes, cool spray hitting your face, while skilled instructors guide every step.You can choose from several rappelling heights, starting at 10 meters and going up to 25-about as tall as a seven‑story building.Some tours even let you leap off cliffs into cool, deep pools, then glide down smooth rock chutes shaped by the river.You’ll need both stamina and a bit of nerve for this, but with the right guidance-even a first-timer can take part.d) White-Water Rafting and Kayaking When the rains swell the river, churning it into frothy waves, you can tackle the lower stretches of the waterfall by raft or kayak.You can rent inflatable rafts or kayaks, and a few tours even take you out with a guide, paddles slicing through the cool river water.The currents can get surprisingly strong, so it’s best suited for people who’ve spent some time in the water before.Number four stood out, bold and simple, like a single black mark on a white page.You’ll find Datanla at Prenn Pass in Ward 3, Đà Lạt, just 5 km from the city center-a quick 10 to 15 minutes by road, with motorbike rentals offering one of the easiest ways to get there.Taxi/Grab: You can easily catch a taxi or book a Grab in Đà Lạt-drivers often wait near the flower market.In Đà Lạt, plenty of tour companies run half-day bus trips to the waterfall, where you can hear the rush of water before you even see it.Entrance fees at Datanla Waterfall run about 50,000 VND (roughly $2 USD) per person for entry, 170,000 VND (around $7 USD) for a round-trip ride on the alpine coaster, and 100,000 VND (about $4 USD) for the cable car, while a canyoning tour-with guides, safety gear, and training-costs between 1,200,000 and 1,500,000 VND ($50–$65 USD) per person; plan your trip for the dry season, November through April, when the air feels cool and the trails stay pleasantly firm underfoot.From May to October, heavy rains swell the waterfall into a roaring cascade, though strong currents can put activities like canyoning and rafting on hold.d) Facilities & Amenities On-Site Restaurant & Café: A few small stalls sell hot dumplings and sweet tea, and the café offers a cozy spot for local snacks and drinks.Souvenir shops offer everything from hand-carved trinkets to bright postcards you can slip into your pocket.Restrooms and parking are easy to find-spotless stalls and a wide lot where you can park without squeezing in.Number five sat there in bold ink, small but impossible to miss.If you’re heading to Datanla Waterfall, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes-the stone paths can turn slick after a rain.Bring a waterproof bag so your things stay dry-whether you’re canyoning through narrow rock walls or bouncing over rapids on a raft.Head out early in the morning, when the air’s still cool and quiet - it’s the best way to dodge the weekend and holiday crowds.Book your adventure early-if canyoning’s on your list, lock in a spot with a trusted Đà Lạt tour operator before the wetsuits fill up.Check the weather first-heavy rain can shut down some activities, like hiking trails slick with mud.Number six.So why make the trip to Datanla Waterfall?Datanla Waterfall offers something for every traveler, from the rush of cascading water to crisp mountain air and the quiet calm of its forested trails.Families can enjoy fun, safe adventures, from the rush of the alpine coaster to the slow climb of the cable car swaying above the trees.For thrill-seekers, dive into canyoning through cool mountain streams, rappel down sheer cliffs, or race the rapids in a rushing river.Casual tourists will find it an easy day trip, with smooth roads leading in and picnic tables waiting under the shade.Datanla Waterfall, just minutes from Đà Lạt’s center, draws visitors with mist curling off the rocks, heart-pounding rides, and endless ways to explore, making it a spot everyone can enjoy.
