The Datanla Alpine Coaster turns a visit to a waterfall into a forest ride. You control your speed with a brake lever, and the 2,400-meter track runs down through the trees to Datanla Waterfall before bringing you back up. It is an unusual way to see the site, with a little more thrill than a standard walk.
I like two things in particular: you set your own pace, so you can ease off for the scenery or pick up speed when the track is clear; and the round trip includes time at the waterfall, not just a quick ride past it. The magnetic braking system helps keep space between coaster cars.
The catch is that this is a popular attraction, and a long line can take some of the fun out of a ride that lasts less than 20 minutes on the track. Rain also stops operations, so check the forecast and aim for an early visit.
- At a glance
- The ride begins in the trees
- A waterfall stop in the middle
- How the controls shape the experience
- Timing your visit to avoid the slow lane
- What the ticket costs, and what it buys
- Who will get the most from it
- Practical details before you go
- Should you book the Datanla Alpine Coaster?
- FAQ
- How long is the Datanla Alpine Coaster track?
- Can I control the coaster’s speed?
- Does the ticket include a round trip?
- What is the minimum height to ride?
- Does the coaster operate when it rains?
- Can I enter with the mobile voucher?
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At a glance
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5 / 5- A 2,400-meter forest track leads to Datanla Waterfall and is described as Asia’s longest alpine coaster track.
- You control your speed with a brake lever, while magnetic brakes and sensors help maintain safe spacing between cars.
- The round-trip ticket includes a waterfall stop, where you can walk around, take photos, or rest before riding back.
- Queues can approach an hour at busy times. Arriving around 8 a.m. is a useful way to beat the tour groups.
- Rain closes the coaster. Da Lat’s wet weather can change plans, so check conditions before you go.
- Admission starts at about US$9.10, with the listed package price also shown at US$9.29. Check the price for your date before booking.
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The ride begins in the trees
Datanla is more than a quick downhill thrill. The coaster carries you through forest on a long track, with the waterfall as the main pause along the way. The ride is a two-seater, so you can share it with a companion, and the brake lever puts the pace in your hands.
That control matters. You are not locked into one speed, and you can slow down when you want to look around or take a picture. If the track ahead is clear, you can let the car run faster. The system is designed to prevent cars from closing the gap too much, using magnetic brakes and sensors.
The track is advertised as 2,400 meters, the longest in Asia. That gives the attraction more substance than a short amusement-park lap, though the ride itself is not a long outing. One account put time on the track at just under 20 minutes, with the full visit taking about an hour once the waterfall stop was included. Waiting time can add much more.
You do not need to be an adrenaline devotee to enjoy it. The coaster can be taken at a relaxed pace, and the combination of forest, waterfall, and ride makes it appealing to families and couples as well as friends looking for a livelier outing. The speed is yours to manage, within the limits of the system and the traffic ahead.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Da Lat.
A waterfall stop in the middle
The ride is arranged as a round trip, with a break at Datanla Waterfall. The stop gives the outing a natural center: instead of simply speeding down and turning around, you can get out, walk around the falls, and take a breather before the return ride.
The waterfall is especially impressive after rain, when the water is fuller. But heavy rain has a downside: the coaster stops operating when it rains, for safety. If the forecast looks unsettled, plan for the possibility of a delay or a changed visit rather than assuming the ride will run on schedule.
The stop also gives you a chance to take photos without trying to manage a camera on the moving car. You may see photo-taking opportunities along the route, but do not count on paid souvenir pictures being a must-have. Bring your own phone or camera for the waterfall stop, and keep it secure during the ride.
Some visitors use the pause to relax and enjoy the forest rather than treating the waterfall as a quick photo stop. That is a sensible approach. The coaster is the main attraction, but the scenery is what makes this particular ride more than a mechanical thrill.
How the controls shape the experience
Each car has a brake lever that lets you regulate speed. The point is not to race every other car. It is to give you a say in how quickly you move through the forest, while the magnetic braking system helps maintain distance between vehicles.
There is a practical trade-off: your speed depends in part on the people ahead. If someone in front brakes often, you may have to slow down too. At busy times, cars can bunch up and the pace can feel less exciting. This is one reason an early start helps: fewer people on the track can mean a smoother ride and more room to enjoy the descent.
The safety equipment and staff checks are part of the routine. The ride is designed with brakes and sensors, and staff check that seat belts are in place. That can be reassuring if you are riding with a child or feel wary of a coaster, though the exact intensity still depends on how fast you choose to go.
Staff experiences can vary. Some visitors describe helpful service, while others found staff less warm. I would treat this as a busy attraction where clear safety instructions matter more than a personal welcome. Listen carefully before setting off, and follow the staff’s directions at the loading area.
Timing your visit to avoid the slow lane
The coaster is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. An early arrival, around 8 a.m., is a good bet if you want fewer tour groups and less waiting. Several early visitors had a quieter experience, while weekend and peak-season visits can involve a queue close to an hour.
The wait is the main thing that can change the value of the outing. When the line moves quickly, the ride and waterfall make a satisfying visit. When you spend nearly as long waiting as you do on the track, the coaster can feel less like a quick activity and more like a half-day plan, especially if you are visiting with a group.
Online booking can make ticket purchase easier, but it does not guarantee that you skip every line. You still need to show your mobile voucher at the ticket counter and collect a physical ticket. Some people find this exchange quick; others have encountered a queue or extra confirmation step. If the ticket office is busy, allow time for redemption rather than arriving at the last minute.
What the ticket costs, and what it buys
The listed price starts at about US$9.10, while the package option is shown from US$9.29. Prices may vary by date, so check the current amount before booking. For that fare, the stated inclusions are attraction admission and a round-trip coaster ride.
The value comes from the combination: a long forest track, control over your speed, and a stop at the waterfall. It is not just a ride that drops you at the bottom and sends you back immediately. You get time to see the falls before returning uphill on the coaster.
Buying online can be convenient, especially if the ticket counter line is long. But do not assume a mobile voucher means direct entry or a guaranteed shorter wait. You must exchange it for a physical ticket at the counter, and the price may be close to what you would pay on site. Compare the current rates and decide whether advance payment is worth the convenience for your visit.
Who will get the most from it
This suits you if you like a bit of speed but want control over it. The brake lever lets cautious riders take it gently, while people who want more excitement can move faster when the track allows. It also works well for a mixed group, since the scenery and waterfall stop add interest for people who are not chasing a high-speed ride.
Height rules are clear: participants must be at least 90 centimeters tall. Children from 90 to 130 centimeters are charged the child rate, while children 131 centimeters and taller pay the adult rate. The coaster is a two-seater, but check the ticket details and on-site instructions if you are planning to ride with a child.
This may be less appealing if you dislike queues, need a fixed schedule, or expect a completely uninterrupted thrill ride. The waterfall stop is part of the appeal, but traffic on the track and the pace of the person ahead can affect the ride. Rain is another genuine risk, not a small inconvenience, since operations stop when it rains.
Practical details before you go
The meeting point is Datanla New Alpine Coaster, at QL 20, Prenn Pass, Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province. Opening hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and the last admission is 4:30 p.m.
Have your mobile voucher ready at the ticket counter, where you exchange it for a physical ticket. The voucher is valid only on the date and, where applicable, the time you selected. Confirmation is usually issued within minutes; if it does not arrive, contact the booking service.
Weather deserves a place in your plans. The coaster closes in rain, so check conditions before setting out, especially in the rainy season. If you arrive during a downpour, do not count on the attraction operating just because you already have a ticket.
Should you book the Datanla Alpine Coaster?
I would book it if you want an active way to visit Datanla Waterfall and can arrive early. The long track, self-controlled speed, and waterfall break make this more rewarding than a ride with no scenery or time to stop. At roughly US$9, it can be good value for a round trip.
I would think twice if you have a tight schedule, are visiting at peak time, or cannot be flexible about rain. Book for the experience, not as a way to avoid every queue, and leave enough time for the ticket exchange and waterfall stop. If the weather is clear and you get there early, this is one of Da Lat’s more distinctive ways to spend an hour.
Datanla New Alpine Coaster Experience in Da Lat
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FAQ
How long is the Datanla Alpine Coaster track?
The track is 2,400 meters long. Time on the track can be just under 20 minutes, while a visit that includes the waterfall stop may take about an hour, not counting a long queue.
Can I control the coaster’s speed?
Yes. A brake lever lets you slow down or speed up. Magnetic brakes and sensors are also used to help maintain safe distances between cars.
Does the ticket include a round trip?
Yes. The package includes a round-trip Datanla New Alpine Coaster ride and attraction admission, with a stop at the waterfall.
What is the minimum height to ride?
Participants must be at least 90 centimeters tall. Children from 90 to 130 centimeters are charged the child rate, and children 131 centimeters or taller are charged the adult rate.
Does the coaster operate when it rains?
No. The coaster stops operating when it rains, for safety.
Can I enter with the mobile voucher?
You must show your mobile voucher at the ticket counter and collect a physical ticket before entering.
