Datanla Alpine Coaster, Clay Tunnel and Crazy House Half-Day, Dalat

Datanla Waterfall and the Alpine Coaster

Datanla Waterfall lies about 5 km south of the city centre, just off the Prenn Pass road, in a valley of tall pine trees. The name comes from the language of the local K'Ho people and is usually translated as 'water under the leaves'. The falls drop in several steps over dark rocks, and the upper cascade is about 20 m high. A short path and wooden platforms let you stand close enough to feel the spray, especially after the afternoon rains of the wet season.

For most visitors the real thrill is the Datanla alpine coaster: a track of about 2.4 km that snakes down the forested slope on a rail. Each sledge has its own brake, so you choose whether to race or glide slowly and take in the views. Many people ask how to get to Datanla Waterfall without a car; on this tour we simply drive you there and wait while you ride. The coaster ticket is optional and bought on site.

Clay Tunnel (Duong Ham Dat Set)

The Clay Tunnel sits in the Tuyen Lam Lake area, around 10 km from the city centre, and is one of Dalat's most photographed newer attractions. Everything here, from the walls of the tunnels to the giant figures, is moulded from the red basalt soil of the Central Highlands and left to harden in the sun. The sculptures tell the story of the region: the early settlers, the old railway station, the legend of the Lang Biang mountain and the flower gardens that made Dalat famous.

Allow about an hour to walk through the winding passages and open terraces. The most famous corner is the so-called Infinity Lake, where reflections in the water make the clay figures look endless, and there are many 3D-style scenes perfect for family photos. Paths are mostly gentle with some steps. The entrance ticket is paid on site, and your guide helps you buy it quickly.

The Crazy House (Hang Nga Guesthouse)

The Crazy House is Dalat's most unusual building and the answer to anyone asking 'is the Crazy House worth visiting?' is a firm yes. Construction began in 1990 and it has never really stopped: the house grows like a tree, with trunks, roots, spider-web windows and mushroom shapes poured in concrete. It is in fact a working guesthouse, and each themed room is decorated after an animal, from an eagle to a giraffe, connected by narrow bridges high above the garden.

Visitors climb spiralling outdoor staircases, squeeze through tunnels and cross walkways that offer views over the rooftops of Ward 4. Plan around an hour, wear shoes with good grip and keep a close eye on young children on the higher bridges, which have low railings. Crazy House opening hours run daily from morning until early evening, and on this tour your entrance ticket is already included.

Dalat, the City of Eternal Spring

Dalat sits at about 1,500 m on the Lam Vien Plateau, and its cool climate, pine forests, lakes and French-era villas give it a character unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. Daytime temperatures usually stay between 15 and 24 degrees, so even in summer you will want a light jacket in the early morning. The city is famous for flowers, strawberries, artichoke tea and its vegetable farms, and Xuan Huong Lake lies right in the centre.

The best time to visit Dalat is the dry season from December to March, when skies are clear and the flowers bloom. From May to October afternoon showers are common, which is another reason a morning tour works so well. Dalat's Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is about 30 km south of the city, and we can also arrange private transfers from the airport if you need one.