Da Lat: Datanla New Alpine Coaster Experience Entry Ticket

The forest ride is the real draw. I like the 2,400-meter alpine coaster, where you control your own pace through Da Lat’s pine trees, and I like that the route brings you near Datanla Waterfall, a graceful 20-meter cascade in Prenn Pass. It gives you both a thrill ride and a scenic stop in one outing.

I also appreciate the electromagnetic braking system, which gives the ride a reassuring safety feature without taking away the fun. The main catch is ticket wording: entry and the coaster may be separate options, so check exactly what you are buying before reaching the counter.

Key points to know before you go

• The coaster stretches 2,400 meters: You control the speed, from a calmer ride to a faster run through the pine forest.
• Datanla Waterfall is about 5 kilometers from central Da Lat: The site sits on Highway 20 in the Prenn Pass area, making it a practical outing from the city.
• The coaster ticket may not include waterfall access: Read the selected option carefully, since some customers have paid again at the site.
• The ride uses electromagnetic brakes: You can manage your pace, with the braking system adding an extra safety measure.
• Arrive early for a smoother ride: A slow rider ahead can reduce the thrill and make the experience feel less fluid.
• There are strict participation limits: Children 120 centimeters or under, people over 120 kilograms, and anyone with certain medical conditions cannot take part.

A pine-forest ride near Da Lat

Datanla Waterfall sits roughly 5 kilometers south of Da Lat’s city center, along Highway 20 in the Prenn Pass area. That makes it one of the easier outdoor attractions to add to a Da Lat day, especially if you want a break from cafés, markets, and town streets.

The setting is the first part of the appeal. Water runs over several stone shelves, forming a 20-meter cascade surrounded by the highland greenery of Prenn Pass. You are not simply arriving at a mechanical ride in a paved amusement area. The coaster is placed in a natural setting, with pine forest and waterfall views shaping the outing.

The ticket is valid for one day, but that does not mean you are booking a full-day guided tour. It means you can use the attraction on the selected date during its available operating times. No hotel pickup or city transport is included, so you need to arrange your own way to Datanla and go directly to the ticketing counter for redemption.

The ticket choice matters more than it should

This is the most important practical point. The activity information lists Datanla Waterfalls entry and an alpine coaster ride depending on the option booked. In practice, you need to confirm whether your chosen ticket includes the coaster, the waterfall entry, or both.

The distinction has caused real confusion. One customer bought a ticket believing the waterfall and coaster were part of one combined experience, then found out at the counter that seeing the waterfall required another payment. Another spent about 40 minutes moving between ticket windows because the ticket did not clearly match what staff expected.

The simplest advice is to read the option title carefully and look specifically for Alpine Coaster. If the ticket only says entry, assume it may provide access to the park area but not the ride. Buying the wrong option can erase the value of a low online price, since you may end up paying an extra fee at Datanla anyway.

At $4.28 per person, the advertised price looks very reasonable for a waterfall attraction and a 2,400-meter coaster. It is good value if the coaster is included in the option you select. It is less impressive if you are paying only for entry and then have to purchase the ride separately.

What the 2,400-meter coaster feels like

The alpine coaster carries you through Da Lat’s pine forest on a long route of 2,400 meters. That length matters. This is not a tiny amusement-park loop that ends just as you settle into it. You have enough track to enjoy the changing pace and the surrounding trees.

You control the speed yourself, so the ride can suit different moods. You can keep things measured and take in the views, or increase the pace for a more heart-pounding run. The control gives you a useful choice that a fixed-speed ride cannot offer.

You should still pay attention to the person in front of you. A January customer advised arriving early because slow riders can hold up the ride. That is especially useful advice if you want a faster run. The coaster is more enjoyable when you have room to set your own pace rather than repeatedly catching up with someone moving slowly.

The ride also offers views of Datanla Waterfall and other natural features around the site. The waterfall is not just a nearby name used to sell the ticket. It forms part of the attraction’s setting, giving the ride a scenic side as well as its adrenaline.

Why the braking system helps

Each coaster has an electromagnetic braking system. You still control your speed, but the braking technology provides an added safety measure as you move along the track.

That combination is helpful for first-time riders. You do not need to choose between a gentle sightseeing ride and a thrill ride at the ticket counter. You can decide once you are moving, adjusting the pace to match your comfort level.

The system does not remove the need to follow instructions. The activity is intended only for people who can clearly speak and understand English instructions, because only an English-speaking guide is available. If you cannot follow those instructions, this is not the right ride for you.

The supplied information does not give a detailed breakdown of the safety briefing or say how long the coaster ride lasts. You should therefore judge the experience by the route length, forest setting, and control system rather than by expecting a full guided adventure.

Seeing Datanla Waterfall

The waterfall provides the quieter half of the outing. Water flows over multiple stone shelves in a 20-meter cascade, creating a more restful scene than the coaster. I would allow time to see it rather than treating it as a quick backdrop for the ride.

There is a useful contrast here. The coaster gives you speed and noise, while the waterfall gives you a chance to slow down and look at the setting. If you only want an adrenaline activity, the waterfall may feel secondary. If you enjoy a mix of nature and amusement, it makes the ticket more worthwhile.

Do not assume that paying for the coaster automatically settles your waterfall admission. Check the selected package at booking and again at the counter if the wording is unclear. This single detail can determine whether the experience feels like a bargain or an avoidable extra charge.

Other activities in the Datanla area

Datanla is also a base for outdoor activities such as canyoning, zip-lining, and hiking trails. These give you other ways to spend time around the waterfall and pine forest.

They are not listed as included in this ticket. Think of the coaster booking as access to the waterfall attraction and, if selected, the alpine coaster. Any additional activity should be treated as a separate decision and cost unless your chosen option says otherwise.

This matters for planning. You can make Datanla a short stop centered on the coaster, or build a longer outdoor day around the area. The supplied ticket details do not provide schedules, prices, or duration for canyoning, zip-lining, or hiking, so you should not assume they are covered.

Timing, clothing, and what to carry

The experience is valid for one day, with starting times based on availability. Since the exact ride duration is not provided, I would avoid planning another tightly timed activity immediately afterward.

Arriving early is the best practical move. It may help you avoid slower riders ahead, and it gives you time to sort out the ticket issue before getting in line. It also leaves more room to see the waterfall instead of rushing from one counter to another.

Wear closed-toe shoes. Open-toed shoes are not allowed, so sandals are a poor choice even in warm weather. Sunscreen is also sensible for time outdoors, and swimwear is listed among the recommended items to bring. That clothing suggestion may be useful if you plan to take part in water-based activities around Datanla, though the alpine coaster itself is not described as a water activity.

Alcoholic drinks and stimulants are prohibited. This is not a place to arrive impaired and then operate a speed-controlled coaster. Follow the English safety instructions carefully, even if you have ridden similar attractions elsewhere.

Who should skip the coaster

The ride is not suitable for everyone. Children with a height of 120 centimeters or under cannot participate, and people weighing 120 kilograms or more are not allowed to ride.

It is also not recommended for people with impaired physical mobility, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or certain other medical conditions. These limits are not minor footnotes. You control a moving coaster, so you need enough physical ability and clear attention to follow instructions and manage the ride.

If one person in your group cannot ride, Datanla may still offer value through the waterfall and other attractions. However, do not book on the assumption that a non-rider can simply join the coaster line or substitute another activity under the same ticket. The included elements depend on the option purchased.

The experience for families and mixed groups

The 120-centimeter height limit makes this unsuitable for younger or smaller children. Families with children above that height should still consider the English instruction requirement and each child’s comfort with a self-controlled ride.

For adults and older children who enjoy amusement rides, the coaster is likely the main attraction. The ability to choose a slower or faster pace makes it more flexible than a fixed-speed ride, but the ride remains an active experience rather than a passive sightseeing train.

Mixed groups may need a little planning. Some people can enjoy the coaster, while others may prefer the waterfall, hiking, or another activity in the Datanla area. Since the ticket terms can be confusing, confirm who is paying for what before the group reaches the counter.

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 schedule is still moving around.

Those policies add value, but they do not solve the ticket-choice problem. Flexibility is helpful only if you select the correct option. Before confirming, check the date, availability, and exact wording for the alpine coaster.

Is the $4.28 price good value?

The price is attractive for a Da Lat activity, particularly if it includes both waterfall access and the 2,400-meter coaster. The ride length, forest setting, waterfall views, and adjustable speed give you more than a short thrill loop.

The value drops sharply if you buy entry only and discover that the coaster costs extra. Since this has happened to more than one customer, the low headline price should not be your only comparison point. Compare the final cost of the exact package you want.

I would also factor in your time. A ticket that sends you between several counters or leaves you unclear about what is included is poor value, even if the starting price is low. Read the option name, confirm the coaster is included, and keep your booking details ready at the redemption counter.

Should you book Datanla’s Alpine Coaster?

Book it if you want a short, active Da Lat outing with a proper 2,400-meter ride, pine-forest views, and the chance to see Datanla Waterfall. It is especially appealing if you like controlling your own speed instead of sitting on a fixed ride.

I would skip it if you have mobility limits, epilepsy, high blood pressure, cannot follow English instructions, or fall outside the height and weight limits. I would also avoid booking until the ticket clearly says Alpine Coaster if that is the experience you want.

For most eligible visitors, the ride itself is the strong point. Arrive early, wear closed-toe shoes, check the package twice, and treat the waterfall as part of the day rather than an automatic inclusion. Get those details right, and Datanla offers a good mix of forest scenery, rushing water, and controlled thrills at a fair price.

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 Da Lat city center.

What does the ticket include?

The included features depend on the option booked. Datanla Waterfalls entry is listed, and the alpine coaster is included only with the appropriate coaster option.

Is waterfall entry automatically included with the alpine coaster?

You should not assume so. The ticket options can separate waterfall entry and the coaster, so check the exact package before booking and redeeming it.

How long is the alpine coaster track?

The alpine coaster track is 2,400 meters long. The exact time spent riding is not specified.

Can I control the coaster’s speed?

Yes. Riders can control their speed, and each coaster has an electromagnetic braking system.

Can children ride the coaster?

Children must be taller than 120 centimeters to participate. Children who are 120 centimeters or under are not allowed to join.

What should I wear?

Bring closed-toe shoes and sunscreen. Open-toed shoes are not allowed, and swimwear is listed among the recommended items to bring.