Da Lat: Canyoning at Datanla Waterfall with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Canyoning da lat adventure with local guides & riverside lunch

You’ll start your day canyoning at Datanla Waterfall near Da Lat with local guides showing you every rope trick and safety move. Abseil down roaring falls, zip across rivers, slide through cold spray, then share a picnic lunch right by the water. Expect laughter, nerves (the good kind), and a few stories you’ll want to retell.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — not just water, but all of it: helmets clinking, someone’s nervous laugh (maybe mine), and the guides chatting in Vietnamese as we pulled up to Datanla waterfall. Our guide, Minh, handed out harnesses with a quick grin and made sure everyone’s helmet was snug. I’d read about canyoning in Da Lat before but standing at the edge of that first 18-meter drop, ropes in hand, my legs felt wobbly. Minh showed us how to lean back (“trust your feet!” he kept saying) and then just… go. The rock was slick and cool, water misting my face before I even realized I’d started moving.

After that first abseil, it got easier — or maybe just funnier. There was this Tyrolean traverse where you’re basically dangling over the river; I tried not to look down but ended up staring straight at a butterfly stuck on my shoe. The next bit was a natural water slide down another part of the falls. Cold water shot up my nose (I laughed so hard I almost forgot to hold my breath), and Minh shouted something encouraging from below. The main event though? That 25-meter waterfall abseil. It’s loud — like trying to talk next to a jet engine — and you have to feel for every foothold because you can’t see much through the spray.

The last waterfall is called “The Washing Machine,” which sounded like a joke until it wasn’t. It’s only 13 meters but somehow feels longer when you’re spinning around in the water at the bottom. Everyone cheered when we all made it through — even Li from our group who swore she’d never do it again (she probably will). Lunch after that tasted better than any picnic should: bread, cheese, fruit, hot tea poured into plastic cups while we sat on rocks with wet socks steaming in the sun. Funny how simple food hits different when you’ve been half-scared and soaked all morning.

I still think about that moment sitting above the river eating cake with strangers who felt like old friends by then. Canyoning in Da Lat isn’t just about adrenaline; it’s those weird little moments — someone’s muddy smile, or Minh telling us stories about growing up near these waterfalls — that stick around long after your shoes finally dry out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day canyoning adventure in Da Lat

• 8:00AM hotel pickup
• Drive 25 minutes to Datanla waterfall
• Check-in and learn equipment use
• Dry abseiling from 18-meter height
• Tyrolean Traverse over waterfall and river
• Natural water sliding down waterfall
• Abseil down 25-meter waterfall
• Abseil down 13-meter "Washing Machine" waterfall
• Picnic lunch with assorted foods
• End trip between 2:00PM and 4:00PM

Top questions

How long does the Da Lat canyoning tour take?

The tour usually runs from 8:00AM until between 2:00PM and 4:00PM depending on group size and pace.

Is lunch included during the canyoning activity?

Yes, a picnic lunch with bread, cheese, fruits, jam, pork or tofu options, hot tea or chocolate, cake and water is included.

Do they pick up from hotels in Da Lat?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for this canyoning day trip from Da Lat.

What is “The Washing Machine” on this tour?

It’s the nickname for the final 13-meter waterfall abseil where you spin around in strong water currents at the bottom.

Is previous experience needed for canyoning in Da Lat?

No prior experience is required; guides teach all safety techniques before starting.

What should I bring for canyoning at Datanla waterfall?

You should bring swimwear under your clothes, sturdy shoes that can get wet, sunscreen and a change of clothes for after.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Da Lat, all necessary canyoning equipment provided by experienced local guides at Datanla waterfall, plus a riverside picnic lunch featuring bread, cheese, fruit, jam, pork or tofu options along with hot tea or chocolate and cake before heading back to town in the afternoon.