Dalat: Canyoning Day Trip with Rappelling & Waterfalls

Summary

Leap into Dalat’s wild canyons with ropes, water slides and laughter

You’ll feel your heart race as you rappel waterfalls near Dalat with expert guides cheering you on. Swim beneath cascades, try ziplining across cool pools, share lunch by the riverbank—and maybe even conquer “The Washing Machine” if you dare. It’s not just about canyoning; it’s about those raw moments when courage surprises you.

What’s the experience like?

Already half-soaked and grinning, I watched our guide Hieu knot the ropes at the edge of the first drop. “Eighteen meters,” he said, like it was nothing. My hands were shaking a little—maybe from excitement or maybe just from staring down at that rocky gap below. The forest smelled green and sharp, and you could hear the river somewhere under all that noise from our group (nervous jokes, someone humming). I’d never tried canyoning in Dalat before but there we were, helmets on crooked, learning to trust these ropes—and ourselves.

The first dry rappel went quicker than I thought. Hieu kept shouting encouragements (“Slow! No hurry!”), which helped until my feet slipped a bit and I got a face full of mossy rock. Not my smoothest move. We cheered each other on anyway—strangers at breakfast, now swapping high-fives in wet sneakers. After that it was swimming under a waterfall so loud you had to yell to be heard, then a zipline over the water (I definitely screamed), and a natural rock slide that left me picking gravel out of my shorts for ages.

Lunch was this spread of baguettes and fruit laid out on a flat stone—simple but honestly perfect after all that effort. There was this older guy from Hanoi who shared his homemade chili sauce with us; I’m still not sure what was in it but wow did it burn (in a good way). Then came the big one: abseiling straight down through pounding water for 25 meters. The spray hit hard enough to sting your face but when you look up you see sunlight breaking through the trees—kind of wild how beautiful it is when you’re clinging to a rope halfway down a cliff.

I’ll admit I hesitated before “The Washing Machine”—the last rappel where the water spins you around before spitting you out below. Hieu winked and said “Just relax!” which is easy for him to say. Somehow I made it down without swallowing too much river water. The trek back up felt longer than twenty minutes (my legs are still complaining), but everyone kept laughing about their least graceful moments. Even now, days later, I keep replaying that feeling of letting go and trusting the line—it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Extreme Dalat Canyoning Adventure

• Pick up at hotel in Dalat
• Drive 20 minutes to canyon site
• Gear up with harness, helmet, carabiner
• Learn abseiling from professional guide
• Do first dry abseil, 18m high
• Relax and swim at 30m waterfall
• Zipline 50m long
• Slide down 5m waterfall
• Enjoy picnic lunch
• Abseil 25m down to waterfall
• Free jump 7m into water
• Do final rappel, 14m "Washing Machine"
• Trek 20 minutes uphill to van
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dalat canyoning day trip take?

The tour lasts most of the day, starting around 8:30 AM with pickup from your Dalat hotel and returning after all activities are finished.

Is lunch included on this canyoning tour?

Yes, a picnic lunch with baguette, cheese, fruits, vegetables, jam, and water is included during the day trip.

Do I need experience for canyoning in Dalat?

No prior experience is needed; professional guides teach safety basics before any rappelling or canyoning starts.

What should I bring for this day trip?

You should bring swimwear, sturdy shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, and maybe an extra change of clothes for after the tour.

Are transfers included in the price?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Dalat city center are included in your booking.

Is travel insurance provided on this tour?

Travel insurance is included as part of your day trip package.

What’s “The Washing Machine” on this tour?

"The Washing Machine" is the final 14-meter rappel where water spins you around—a challenging but memorable part of canyoning in Dalat.

Can people with health issues join this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, heart conditions or during pregnancy; moderate fitness is required.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Dalat, all necessary permits and high-quality rappelling gear (helmet, harnesses, carabiners), wetsuits if needed for cold water sections, travel insurance throughout the adventure plus an energizing picnic lunch along the way—so really just bring yourself (and maybe some bravery).