Da Lat: Datanla New Alpine Coaster Experience Entry Ticket

Datanla’s main attraction is a 2,400-meter alpine coaster that twists through Da Lat’s pine forest toward one of the area’s best-known waterfalls. You control your own speed, so the ride can be a calm scenic run or a faster burst of fun. I like the long track and the views of Datanla’s 20-meter cascade.

I also like the coaster’s electromagnetic braking system, which gives you more confidence when the track picks up speed. The location is handy, too, just about 5 kilometers south of central Da Lat on Highway 20. The main catch is ticket confusion: some bookings cover park entry only, while the coaster may cost extra.

Key points to know before you go

• The coaster runs for 2,400 meters, making this more than a quick amusement-park spin.
• You control your speed with the coaster brake, from gentle sightseeing to a faster ride.
• Datanla Waterfall drops about 20 meters over several stone shelves in Prenn Pass.
• The coaster uses electromagnetic braking, an important safety feature for first-time riders.
• The $4.28 price needs checking, since the entry ticket and alpine coaster may be sold as different options.
• You need closed-toe shoes, and riders must be at least 120 centimeters tall and under 120 kilograms.

Why the Datanla coaster is worth your time

Da Lat is known for cool highland air, pine trees, and outdoor attractions. Datanla brings those elements together in a compact outing. You get a natural sight, a proper thrill ride, and the chance to add other activities such as canyoning, zip-lining, and hiking if you want a fuller half-day or day at the site.

The coaster is the star. At 2,400 meters, it gives you enough track to settle into the controls rather than finishing just as you get comfortable. You sit in a small car and manage your pace yourself. That makes the ride less rigid than a standard roller coaster. You can slow down to take in the trees and views, or let the car move faster when the track allows it.

I like that the ride works for different moods. Someone looking for a scenic outing can keep the pace easy. Someone chasing a little more adrenaline can use the brake less often. You still need to follow the English instructions clearly, but the basic idea is simple: control your speed and stay aware of the ride around you.

Reaching Datanla from central Da Lat

Datanla Waterfall sits on Highway 20 in the Prenn Pass area, Ward 3, Da Lat City, in Lam Dong province. It is around 5 kilometers south of the city center, so this is one of the easier outdoor stops to add to a Da Lat day.

You do not report to a hotel or a city meeting point. Go directly to the ticketing counter at Datanla for redemption. That sounds simple, but allow time to find the correct counter and confirm what your ticket covers before joining a queue.

The site is valid for one day, with starting times depending on availability. The booking information does not set out a fixed ride duration, so treat the stated one-day period as the time you have to use the attraction, not as the length of the coaster ride itself.

The 20-meter waterfall in Prenn Pass

Datanla Waterfall is more than a backdrop for the coaster. Water flows over several stone shelves in a cascade of roughly 20 meters, creating the main scenic stop within the area. The sound of moving water and the surrounding pine forest give the place a calmer feel than the coaster queue might suggest.

I would plan to see the waterfall rather than rushing straight to the ride. It gives you a reason to visit even if one person in your group is not keen on speed. It also makes the ticket distinction important. Paying for the alpine coaster does not automatically mean every version of the booking includes waterfall access, and an entry ticket may not include the coaster.

That is the key practical issue here. A booking priced at about $4.28 per person can look like a bargain for both attractions, but you need to read the selected option carefully. At the counter, you may be told that another payment is needed for the waterfall or coaster, depending on what you booked.

What the 2,400-meter ride feels like

The coaster takes you through Da Lat’s pine forest rather than enclosing you in a conventional amusement-park setting. The natural setting is the point. You get trees, slopes, and glimpses of the waterfall and surrounding scenery while the track carries you through the site.

The ride has a useful split personality. Use the brake and it becomes a pleasant forest outing. Release more speed and it becomes a heart-pounding run. You are not locked into one pace for the entire route, which helps couples or families with different ideas of fun.

The coaster cars have an electromagnetic braking system. That does not remove the need to ride carefully, but it is reassuring when you are controlling your own speed. Follow the English instructions before setting off, especially if you have never used an alpine coaster.

The available information does not give a specific guide name, group size, or exact operating schedule. What it does make clear is that an English-speaking guide is available, and you must be able to understand the instructions clearly. If that could be difficult for you, this may not be the right activity.

The ticket issue you should take seriously

This is the part I would check twice before paying. The experience can involve a Datanla Waterfalls entry ticket and an alpine coaster ticket, but the selected booking option determines what you actually receive.

Some ticket choices appear to be entry only. That can get you into the site without covering the coaster. Other choices include the ride. The wording can be confusing enough that you might arrive expecting one combined experience, then find that an extra payment is needed at the ticket office.

My advice is plain: look for the words Alpine Coaster in the option you choose. If the title says entry ticket only, do not assume the ride is included. Keep your booking confirmation ready at the counter and ask exactly what it covers before you pay again.

This matters because the low headline price is attractive, but the value changes if you need to buy separate tickets. The coaster itself is the reason most people choose this outing. If it is not included, the cheaper option may not be the better deal.

When to arrive and how to manage the day

An early start is sensible if you want to make the most of the site. The coaster is more enjoyable when you are not pressed for time, and arriving early can help you get through the ticket process before the attraction becomes crowded.

You may also find the ride runs more smoothly when you are not caught behind slower riders. The coaster is self-controlled, so pace differences are part of the experience. Give yourself room to enjoy the scenery, but expect that other riders may move more slowly than you would.

Since the ticket is valid for one day, you have flexibility in how you use the stop. You could focus on the waterfall and coaster, or combine them with canyoning, zip-lining, and hiking in the same area. The supplied details do not confirm that those additional activities are included, so treat them as separate options rather than part of this ticket.

What to wear and bring

Closed-toe shoes are required. This is not a small suggestion, since open-toed shoes are specifically not allowed. Wear footwear that stays secure while you sit, brake, and move around the attraction.

Bring sunscreen, even though the route passes through pine forest. You may also want swimwear if you plan to take part in water-based activities at Datanla, though the coaster ticket itself is not described as a swimming activity.

Alcoholic drinks and stimulants are prohibited. That rule makes sense on a self-controlled ride where you need to listen to instructions and manage your speed. Arrive ready to follow the safety guidance, not expecting a casual drink before the coaster.

Who should skip this activity

The coaster is not suitable for children who are 120 centimeters tall or shorter. Riders who weigh 120 kilograms or more are also not allowed to join. Check these limits before you book, especially if you are arranging a family outing.

The activity is not recommended for people with impaired mobility, epilepsy, or high blood pressure. The information also warns against participation for people with certain medical conditions. If you have a health concern, do not rely on the excitement of the ride to make the decision for you.

You also need to understand spoken English instructions clearly, since only an English-speaking guide is available. That requirement could matter more than the ride itself. If communication may be difficult, choose an activity with instructions you can fully follow.

Value at about $4.28 per person

At around $4.28 per person, the advertised price is appealing for a Da Lat outing that combines nature and a ride. The value is strongest when your chosen option includes the alpine coaster and the waterfall entry you want.

It is weaker when the price covers only park entry and you discover the coaster requires another payment. That is not necessarily a problem if the total remains reasonable, but it makes comparison harder. Check the final inclusions instead of judging the experience by the first price you see.

The ride itself earns the cost for people who want an active stop rather than a simple waterfall photo. The 2,400-meter route is substantial, the speed control gives you choice, and the forest setting makes it feel tied to Da Lat rather than like a ride that could be anywhere.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Da Lat plans are still shifting.

Availability and starting times can vary, so check the date before you commit. The ticket is valid for one day, but that does not mean every time slot is open throughout the day.

Should you book the Datanla alpine coaster?

I would book it if you want a straightforward mix of scenery and controlled thrills, especially if you are already planning to visit Datanla Waterfall. The long track, pine forest setting, and adjustable speed make it more flexible than a fixed-speed ride.

I would not book without checking the ticket option line by line. If the coaster is not clearly included, expect to pay extra at the site. This is the one issue most likely to turn a cheap outing into a frustrating one.

Choose Datanla if you meet the height, weight, mobility, and health requirements, and if you can follow English instructions. For those who do, it offers a good-value Da Lat stop, provided you buy the correct ticket.

FAQ

Where is Datanla Waterfall?

Datanla Waterfall is on Highway 20 in the Prenn Pass area, Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong province, Vietnam. It is about 5 kilometers south of central Da Lat.

How long is the alpine coaster track?

The Datanla alpine coaster track is 2,400 meters long.

Do I control the coaster speed?

Yes. You can control your speed during the ride, allowing you to travel at a gentler pace or ride faster where appropriate.

Is the waterfall included with every ticket?

No. Ticket inclusions depend on the option booked. Check carefully to see if you have selected entry only or an option that includes the alpine coaster.

Does the coaster have a braking system?

Yes. Each coaster has an electromagnetic braking system designed to support safe speed control.

What shoes can I wear?

You must wear closed-toe shoes. Open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Can children join the alpine coaster?

Children who are 120 centimeters tall or shorter cannot join this activity.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. People weighing 120 kilograms or more cannot join the activity.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.