Location: Prenn Pass, approximately 5 km from central Da Lat
Main waterfall height: Approximately 20 m
Other names: Datina, Datania
Highlights: Multi-tiered waterfall, pine forests, Tien Stream, Death Gorge and adventure activities
Located along Prenn Pass, about 5 km from central Da Lat, Datanla Waterfall is one of the city’s best-known destinations for travelers who want to combine nature with adventure. Unlike waterfalls that plunge violently from great heights, Datanla flows through a series of natural rock terraces, creating clear, relatively gentle water that remains fairly steady throughout the year.
From National Highway 20, a descent of approximately 300 m leads into a small valley where the waterfall is hidden among forest, cliffs and winding streams. The deeper visitors venture into the area, the more the landscape reveals its natural character.
The Story Behind the Name Datanla
The name Datanla is believed to originate from the K’Ho language. Its original form is said to be “Da Tam Nnha,” meaning “water beneath the leaves.”
According to this interpretation, the waterfall lies deep within a gorge covered by layers of forest canopy, making the water difficult to see from above. Over time, the name was gradually pronounced as Datina and eventually Datanla.
The waterfall is also associated with local legends and historical stories.
One traditional story connects Datanla with K’Lang and H’Biang. When H’Biang was threatened by wild animals, K’Lang is said to have fought them with a short sword and bow and arrows. The battle involved two giant serpent spirits, seven wolves and two foxes. According to the legend, the violent struggle caused trees to fall and the earth to collapse, forming a deep gorge that later became known as Death Gorge.
Another local account connects Datanla with conflicts between the Lach people and the Cham from the 15th to the 17th centuries. According to the story, Lach warriors took shelter in the deep gorge and discovered a fresh water source hidden “beneath the leaves”, allowing them to survive and defend their settlements.
A Multi-Tiered Waterfall in the Pine Forest
The main waterfall drops approximately 20 m, flowing over successive rock terraces before continuing through narrow channels and forested terrain.
Datanla is associated with a system of seven waterfall tiers. Most visitors explore the more accessible sections, while the deeper tiers are located farther inside the forest and are more difficult to reach.
At the foot of the main waterfall is a relatively calm stretch of water known as Tien Stream. Smooth rocks and clear water create a peaceful setting that contrasts with the more dramatic scenery of the surrounding cliffs.
Local legend says that fairies once descended from the heavens to play and bathe here, giving the area its name, Tien Stream. Above the waterfall is also a flat rock known as Fairy Chessboard, traditionally associated with a story of celestial beings coming down to drink wine and play chess.
Farther downstream, the terrain narrows between steep rock walls, forming a deep gorge known as Death Gorge. This is a hazardous natural area and should not be explored independently.
Datanla, a Destination for Adventure
One of the features that distinguishes Datanla from many other waterfalls around Da Lat is its extensive range of outdoor and adventure activities.
Forest Alpine Coaster
One of the most popular experiences is the winding alpine coaster system built along the mountain slopes. The New Alpine Coaster covers approximately 2,400 m through the forest.
Riders can control their speed using a manual lever. The coaster is also equipped with magnetic braking and distance sensors designed to automatically slow a cart when it approaches another cart too closely.
Fixed cameras are positioned at selected points along the route, allowing visitors to capture photographs as they pass through some of the more dramatic curves. Photos can be reviewed and collected after the ride.
Canyoning
Canyoning is one of Datanla’s most demanding adventure experiences. Depending on the program, participants may descend waterfalls by rope, move through natural rock formations, slide along natural rock channels and cross challenging sections of the gorge.
This is a technical activity requiring appropriate safety equipment and professional instruction. Visitors should never attempt to organize canyoning independently or enter hazardous sections of the waterfall without qualified supervision.
High Rope Course and Zipline
The High Rope Course takes participants through elevated challenges among the trees, with obstacles such as suspension bridges, nets and rope sections.
The forest Zipline provides another way to experience the landscape, offering views of the pine forest and waterfall gorge from above.
Scenic Cable Car
For visitors looking for a more relaxed experience, the cable car offers an opportunity to observe the surrounding forest and gorge from above without taking part in more physically demanding activities.
Walking Down to the Waterfall
Visitors do not necessarily need to use the recreational facilities to explore Datanla. A stone stairway and forest trail of approximately 1 km leads down toward the waterfall.
The descent includes a number of steep sections, making the return journey physically demanding, particularly for older visitors.
Another interesting feature of Datanla is that most visitors only reach the areas developed for conventional sightseeing. According to the source material, deeper sections from approximately the fourth to the seventh waterfall tiers are hidden within the forest and are generally accessible only through specialized trekking or canyoning programs.
Death Gorge is also not an area for casual exploration. Its narrow terrain, depth and steep rock walls require professional safety arrangements.
Visitor Information and Service Prices
Opening hours: 07:00 – 17:00 daily.
According to the supplied information, some adventure activities and rope-based experiences may stop accepting registrations between approximately 14:00 and 15:30, depending on the program.
Entrance Fees
- Adults: VND 50,000/person
- Children under 1.2 m: VND 25,000/person
- Children under 90 cm: Free
Selected Activities
- Alpine Coaster No. 1, round trip: VND 130,000/adult, VND 90,000/child
- New Alpine Coaster, 2,400 m, round trip: VND 250,000/adult, VND 150,000/child
- Forest Zipline, 1,500 m: approximately VND 1,000,000/ticket, depending on the package
- High Rope Course: approximately VND 460,000/adult
- Canyoning: approximately VND 1,650,000 – 1,880,000/person, depending on the half-day package
Note: Ticket prices and activity schedules may change depending on operating conditions, programs and seasonal arrangements. Visitors should check the latest information before their trip.
Important Safety Notes
Although Datanla is an established tourist destination, some natural areas around the waterfall remain potentially dangerous.
Visitors should:
- Never enter Death Gorge independently or leave designated routes.
- Avoid deeper waterfall tiers unless accompanied by a qualified guide and appropriate safety arrangements.
- Follow professional instructions during canyoning, rope activities and other adventure programs.
- Wear shoes with good traction when using the walking trail.
- Consider the steep terrain if traveling with elderly visitors or people with limited mobility.
- Never enter areas with strong currents or restricted access.
- Follow all warning signs, barriers and staff instructions.
- Do not approach hazardous sections of the waterfall simply for photographs.
Datanla, Where Nature Meets Adventure
Datanla may not overwhelm visitors with an enormous waterfall, but its appeal lies in the way water moves through successive rock terraces, disappears into the forest and opens the door to a wide range of outdoor experiences.
From Tien Stream, Fairy Chessboard and Death Gorge to alpine coasters, ziplines, High Rope Course and canyoning, Datanla brings together natural scenery and adventure in one distinctive destination.
For Travelin, Datanla Waterfall is one of Da Lat’s signature destinations for travelers who want to move beyond conventional sightseeing and experience the pine forests, waterfalls and adventurous spirit of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
