Datanla Falls

Thác Datanla

A scenic two-tiered waterfall just 5km from Da Lat featuring a 30-meter drop surrounded by lush forest and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy the alpine environment and combine the visit with a cable car ride through the canopy.

Things to do

• Hike to the Lower Tier — Trek down stone steps and forest paths to reach the 30-meter main waterfall and cool pools ideal for wading.
• Cable Car Canopy Ride — Take the cable car through the pine and evergreen forest canopy for aerial views of the surrounding highlands and distant valley.
• Explore the Upper Cascade — Follow the trail upstream to discover the upper waterfall tier and smaller cascades hidden in the dense forest.
• Forest Nature Walk — Stroll through marked trails lined with alpine vegetation, moss-covered rocks, and endemic highland flora unique to Da Lat's cool climate.
• Photo at Rainbow Viewpoint — Position yourself near the main falls during morning or afternoon light to capture mist-created rainbows over the cascade.
• Swimming in the Pool — Swim or bathe in the clear, cool pool at the base of the waterfall during warmer afternoon hours.

Food to try

• Da Lat Avocado Smoothie — A creamy cold smoothie made with locally-grown avocados and condensed milk, reflecting Da Lat's reputation as Vietnam's fruit basket.
• Grilled Mountain Fish (Cá Nướng) — Fresh-caught river or stream fish grilled over charcoal with herbs, often served at small stalls near the falls entrance.
• Da Lat Chicken (Gà Nướng Da Lat) — Free-range highland chicken marinated in lemongrass and grilled, a specialty reflecting the region's cooler farming practices.
• Boiled Corn and Root Vegetables — Simple highland vegetables including corn, taro, and sweet potato boiled and served with salt, sourced from Da Lat's extensive gardens.
• Wild Mushroom Soup (Canh Nấm) — Aromatic soup featuring forest mushrooms foraged from the highland region, often found at nearby restaurants and food stalls.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Forest Rules — Stay on marked trails, do not litter, and avoid disturbing the delicate alpine ecosystem and the local Kinh and Tày communities who have stewarded these highlands for generations.
• Dress in Layers — Da Lat's highlands are cool year-round (12–20°C), so bring a light jacket even in summer, reflecting local awareness of the region's unique subtropical highland climate.
• Visit Early Morning — Arrive at dawn to see mist rising from the forest, fewer crowds, and optimal light for photography—a preference shared by both locals and experienced highland trekkers.
• Support Local Guides — Hiring a local guide from Da Lat enriches your experience with knowledge of forest ecology, Tày customs, and lesser-known trails while supporting the community economy.