Is Datanla Alpine Coaster in Da Lat Worth Visiting?
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One of Da Lat’s most exciting attractions, Datanla New Alpine Coaster is not just for kids! Oh, not at all – it’s suitable for any and all and is a whole lot of (safe) fun too!
It’s a bit pricey at 250.000 VND (~10 USD) but is a very memorable experience. And don’t get me started about the feeling of going downhill at 40 km/h (unless you get stuck behind a ‘granny’, then it can be kind of boring).
As you can probably feel, my opinion about Datanla is mixed. So, allow me to tell you all about it and you can decide for yourself whether to visit or not!
Check out why I love Da Lat and why I think it’s such a cool city!
Datanla Alpine Coaster Tickets
You can buy tickets at the entrance when you arrive. Tickets cost 250.000 VND (~10 USD).
You can also buy tickets online which sometimes end up being (just a little bit) cheaper than the official prices! After you buy online, redeem the voucher at the counter near the entrance to the Alpine Coaster.
The Experience
It’s pretty cool at times, to be honest. My top tip: On the queue, try to get behind someone adventurous, who doesn’t look like they will press the brakes way too often.
Failing that, make some space between you and them so you can enjoy the downhill the way it’s meant to be enjoyed – at 40 km/h!
Going Down
The bobsled-like cart holds 2 people, but really, it’s best to go solo. Strap yourself well, sit comfortably, and just go!
You only have 1 clutch – the brakes. The cart goes on its own and slows down when it approaches the cart in front. Or when you get too scared and pull the braking lever.
It’s a lot of fun! You’re officially not allowed to take videos out of safety concerns but come on, everybody does and it’s totally fine. Just be careful not to drop your phone/camera as retrieving it may be quite difficult.
The ride down takes approximately 10 minutes.
The Waterfall
The ride terminates at the bottom where a short path leads you to Datanla Waterfall.
Small and unexciting, especially if you’ve been to other waterfalls in Southeast Asia, say in Bali or Lombok.
Also there you will see some peculiar statues like what I call the “Frog Jazz Musician” and the “Dinosaur with Testicles”. Vietnam is quite weird at times.
Going Up
I got down thinking “Oh crap, do I have to walk back up now?“
Relax – the ticket includes the ride back.
While not as exhilarating as breezing down, the return journey is entirely automated and follows a different route which allows you to savor the beautiful nature and take some more pics.
The ride back up takes approximately 15 minutes.
How to get to Datanla from Da Lat
There is no public transport from Da Lat to Datanla, unfortunately.
The easiest way to get there is to rent a motorcycle for a day. This way you will be able to visit more places in the area too.
Alternatively, use Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber) to get a cheap motorcycle taxi (car if 2 or more people) to take you there. And then back.
Other things to do in the area
High Rope Course
The High Rope Course (HRC) is right next to Datanla and goes hand-in-hand as an experience. Got monkey instincts? Prove it here.
The HRC has 6 levels of difficulty and a variety of obstacles to overcome. It costs around 450.000 VND but you can book it together with the Datanla coaster for a discount.
Book through this link by selecting “Combo High Rope Course + Datanla New Alpine Coaster“
Canyoning
One of the most exhilarating things you can do in the area is to go canyoning.
Due to the naturally rugged terrain and numerous gorges around Da Lat, canyoning is exciting and affordable there. You are tied to a rope and let down multiple waterfalls and dry gorges.
Book this canyoning experience which also includes the Datanla Alpine Coaster for the best value for money.
Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc, aka Clay Tunnels
Have you ever wished that the sand on the beach was a bit more sturdy so you could sculpt something beautiful?
Well, the Clay Tunnels ain’t no beach and you won’t be sculpting anything, but if you enjoy looking at massive statues made of earth-ey materials, then you will have fun here.
Statues include everything from trains, churches, houses, dragons, people, angels, etc. However, the entrance fee of 120.000 VND is a tad expensive for what is basically a giant playground, if you ask me.
