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When many people think of Da Lat in Vietnam, they think of flowers, French architecture and cool weather in the mountain town. It's true that Da Lat is great for walking and lazing around, but if you think it's all about romance and relaxation, you're underestimating it. For those who are looking for some outdoor excitement and don't want to run around too much, we recommend Datanla Waterfall, which is not far from the center of Dalat, about 15 minutes by car, very convenient, and the facilities around it are very well done, so you don't have to climb the mountain and wade through the water, but also can enjoy the coolness of nature and the thrill of adventure. What's more, this place not only has natural beauty, but also legends, history, and most importantly, skateboards, cable cars, and zip lines - fun as hell!
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Datanla waterfall is not just a stream of water flowing down the ravine, there are stories behind it. It is said that a long time ago, the local highland minorities fought here, and later people called this place “Đà Tam Nha”, which means “Land of the Tibetan Army”. The name became Datanla over time, and although this is just folklore, it gives the waterfall a bit more of a mysterious feel.
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During the French colonial period, Dalat was developed as a summer resort and Datanla became a weekend destination for the French. Nowadays, although it is already a popular tourist attraction, compared to other waterfalls, it still retains a lot of the original natural features, surrounded by virgin forests, bamboo forests, vines, and a variety of birds and insects, which is quite a “primitive” flavor.
Datanla is a highland area with a cool climate all year round, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, which is completely different from other hot places in Vietnam, and it's located in a mountainous area with a forest filter, where temperatures are one or two degrees cooler than those in the city, so you won't feel sunburned even if you go there in the middle of the day.
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Generally speaking, November to March is the best time to visit, this time is relatively dry, the waterfall water volume is just right, walking will not be slippery. April to October is the rainy season, but as long as it is not a big storm, morning or afternoon is still safe to go, after the rain of the forest air is particularly fresh, instead of a different flavor. If you like to take photos, it is especially recommended to go there before 9:00 am or around 4:00 pm for the best light and less crowded.
There are two ways to go to Datanla waterfall: one is to take a slow pace, walk and look while taking pictures; the other is to play a “fast and furious”. Unlike traditional waterfalls that can only be viewed from afar, you are encouraged to “walk in” and even “slide over”.
If you prefer a more relaxed route, you can choose to take the cable car first down to the depths of the forest, and then take the trestle slowly stroll, on the way will see several layers of small waterfalls, and finally reached the main waterfall. Along the way there are small pavilions can rest, there are many angles can take panoramic photos, shoot out really have that “people in the painting” feeling.
But if you pursue a sense of excitement, then you must try one of the most famous projects here: Alpine Coaster. simply put is a person sitting on a skidding car, from the top of the mountain all the way down the track to slide down, pull the brake to master the speed, the speed of the fastest time there will be the wind whistling from the ears blowing through, a kind of “flying into the valley” feeling. The feeling of “flying into the valley”. This kind of play is rarely seen in other parts of Vietnam, so you really can't miss it in Dalat.
There is also a popular program called High Rope Course, which takes you through the woods, across suspension bridges, and even zip lines across streams, somewhat like a smaller version of the “Jungle Leap,” which is especially exciting for those who like challenges.
Although Datanla is a relatively mature scenic spot, there are still some small things you should pay attention to. For example, the steps in the forest are a bit slippery, especially after the rain, it is not recommended to wear slippers, it is better to wear non-slip sneakers or hiking shoes. If you go in the rainy season, you can bring a disposable raincoat or a small umbrella, the weather can change.
When you play the slide, remember not to use your cell phone to take video, one is easy to fall, the second is actually sliding faster than you think, or concentrate on the road is safer. And the slide car is single or double can be, if you go with a friend, you can try to see two people sit together, will be more fun, but remember to weight do not exceed the limit (each car is probably limited to 120 kg).
Tickets are also quite reasonable, admission is about 50,000 VND, the scooter is extra, and the price for a one-way or round-trip is about 70,000-150,000 VND (that's just a few dollars). Overall it's a great value for money. Tickets can be purchased on site or booked in advance on the app, and it is recommended to arrive early in the peak season, otherwise the queue is quite large.
There are also food stalls and cafes in the scenic area, not much stuff, but enough for emergencies. If you are more particular about eating, you can go back to the center of Dalat to eat again, there are more choices.
To be honest, Dalat is not that big, so running around a few attractions in a day is not that tiring. But if you just want to pick a place to relax and have fun at the same time, then Datanla Waterfall is really suitable. It's not like other places that just let you take pictures and look at the water, but let you go in and feel the coolness of the forest, the speed of the slide under your feet, and the sense of freedom of being in the arms of nature. And its fun is not only “exciting” two words, more powerful is that it can take into account the rhythm of different travelers. You can walk slowly through the woods, you can ride a scooter and break a sweat, you can spend the whole day with your camera, or you can just sit in front of the waterfalls and stare at nothing at all, Datanla is such a wonderful place, quiet and lively, natural and modern. There are many beautiful places in Dalat, but Datanla is one of the few that can make you “move”. Traveling is all about living in a different way, so come here and let the sound of water and wind help you clear your mind and add a different spice to your journey.