da lat travel guide

14 INCREDIBLE Things to do in Dalat, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 23, 2024

The best things to do in Dalat, Vietnam, written by an expert!

Sandwiched between the rugged, forested landscape of Southern Vietnam lies the small, yet charming city of Dalat (Also commonly spelled Da Lat).

Da Lat is the capital of the Lâm Đồng Province in Vietnam’s Highlands.   

Dalat means different things to different people. The city has made a name for itself as Vietnam’s premier couples destination. 

But there’s much more to Dalat than that.

Adventure addicts know the city for its gut-dropping cliff jumps, canyoning, water rafting, and mountain biking. 

Some people don’t care about romance or adventures. Rather they retreat to Dalat for a little luxury and as a safe haven from the brutal heat. 

While others immerse themselves in the local culture, which boots some of the most welcoming locals anywhere in the world.

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Vietnam using our Vietnam Travel Guide .

(Seriously, I was greeted with welcoming hugs from my hostel owner, but also from a shop owner.)   

Oh, did I forget to mention that Da Lat treats intrepid travellers to dramatic views of the indelibly wild and untamed landscape?

And speckled throughout the surrounding nearby forest are gushing streams, turbulent waterfalls, and hiking trails.

All this makes Dalat a perfect stop for anyone and everyone travelling Vietnam.

Table of Contents

1) Try Canyoning Down A Waterfall

2) hike lang biang mountain, 3) be mesmerized at the crazy house, 4) visit linh phuoc pagoda, 5) wander around the lake of sighs (ho than tho lake), 6) be inspired at bao dai, 7) enjoy the views at 100 roofs cafe, 8) let your artsy side be inspired hiking the clay tunnel, 9) enjoy the truc lam pagoda, 10) stand in awe of the elephant waterfalls , 11) get the adrenaline pumping while white water rafting,  12) enjoy dantanla waterfalls , 13) hike anywhere and everywhere, 14) spend the afternoon at a lake, wrapping up what to do in dalat, the best things to do in dalat.

 Let’s take a look at some of the 14 best things to do in Dalat. 

Those seeking a hit of adrenaline will want to make canyoning a priority. 

Canyoning through the forest in Dalat is unlike anywhere else in the world. 

You’ll spend an unforgettable day abseiling down a massive cliff. As well as two waterfalls – including a 25-meter high waterfall, the biggest in the area.

You’ll also slide down nature-made waterslides, do a cliff jump, and sit down for a meal with a local family.

Luckily there’s no shortage of options when it comes to canyoning tours in Dalat.

Those who don’t want to spend their day jumping off cliffs, or rappelling off of waterfalls should head to Land Biang Mountain.

This scenic viewpoint treats you to a front-row seat of the unparalleled beauty of the Vietnamese highlands. 

At the top, over 7,000 feet above sea level, the scenery unfolds out, past fields of wildflowers.

The expansive view takes in the brooding summits of far off mountains, resting on the horizon.

In the valley below are endless miles of grassy balds, large fields, and still lakes. It’s a remarkable sight. 

If Antoni Gaudi lived in a fairytale world, he’d have built something like Crazy House .

This massive complex is full of strange rooms, otherworldly architecture, and elaborate – albeit sometimes creepy – interiors. 

Walking through the Crazy House, you’ll feel like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole.

There are eerie rooms where visitors are watched by a red-eyed kangaroo and seemingly endless mazes of narrow passageways and stairs.

The whole place is bizarre.

The Crazy House was the brainchild of architect Dang Viet Nga.

No words can truly express the Crazy House, but it’s worth visiting and has become of the top thing to do in Dalat. 

READ MORE: 8 Must-Do Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City .

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is not only the most famous temple in Da Lat, but it’s one of the most well-known temples in Vietnam.

Every inch of this shrine is covered in ineffable mosaics featuring the history of the Shakyamuni and the Lotus Sutras.

Cascading down the ceilings and walls are countless thousands of broken terracotta, glass, and porcelain pieces, coming together to form colourful mythical creatures.

The most notable feature of the Linh Phuoc Pagoda is the tower.

It’s the tallest bell tower like it in Vietnam and looms over the rest of the city, soaring at the lofty height of 37 meters.

From the vibrant mosaics to the colossal tower, there’s little doubt that this is one of the most beautiful Buddhist shrines in the world.

Located east of Da Lat is the famous – or infamous, depending on who you are – Lake of Sighs.

This still lake’s awash in local myths, legends, and… irony. 

The most famous legend surrounding the lake tells the tragic tale of Hoang Tung and Mai Nuong.

The couple visited the lake to pledge their love and say goodbye before Hoang Tung went off to battle.

When the news came that Hoang Tung was killed in battle, Mai Nuong, overcome with grief, threw herself in the lake and drowned. 

Ironically, the Lake of Sighs is one of the most popular things to do in Dalat for couples.

There are small boats for hire. Lakeside horseback rides and scenic places to have a picnic.

Bao Dai is the summer home of the last emperor of Vietnam, who often retreated to Dalat to escape the brutal heat raging through other parts of the country.

The house has extensive flower gardens that feature hundreds of native, as well as rare exotic plants.

These gardens have earned Dalat the nickname “the city of flowers.”

Today you can tour the home, including the emperor’s working space, living quarters, and bedrooms.

This gigantic “house” is over 80 years old. However, the locals kept it like it would have been when the emperor visited. 

And it’s a good place to visit if you’re interested in seeing how royalty would have spent their vacations.

If Crazy House didn’t adequately fill your crazy quota, then head down the street to the nearby 100 Roofs Cafe.

This spacious cafe is another unmappable labyrinth of small tunnels, narrow hallways, and uneven staircases. 

While the over-arching theme resembles a forest, each room, passageway, dead-end, and outdoor opening features odd trinkets and nick-knacks.

Fumble through this otherworldly maze long enough and you’ll find yourself on the roof, and treated to a great view of the city. 

While 100 Roofs is a cafe – in the sense that they serve coffee – most of the patrons come here to sip something stronger.

This “cafe” has become popular among backpackers who flock here with their newly founded hostel mates to have some drinks and run around the café.   

READ MORE: Be sure to add these 5 Awesome things to do in Da Nang !

After reading about Crazy House and 100 Roofs Cafe, it’s obvious that there’s a quirky, artsy vibe that’s taken over Da Lat.

Clay Tunnel is another of Dalat’s strange attractions – albeit rather normal considering the former two. 

Clay Tunnel is every artist’s dream, and a fun hike. It’s a nine-mile-long path, lined with expertly sculpted clay pieces. 

The size and scope of these sculptures boggle the mind.

The pieces are a reimagining of animals like elephants, oversized motorbikes, even the city’s history. All are sculpted into intricate clay structures.

Each work of art is made from dark red clay native to the highlands of Vietnam.

This park was brought to life by Trinh Thai Dung, who moved to the area to open an unusual tourist attraction. I’d say he hit the nail on the head! 

This Zen Buddhist monastery sitting on the top of Phoenix Mountain is best reached by via the Dalat Cable Car and lies around five kilometres south of the city centre.

The Truc Lam Pagoda compound is surrounded by thick forest, flowers, and vegetation, making for a serene, tranquil experience.  

Where Linh Phuoc Pagoda is the tallest pagoda in the city, Truc Lam Pagoda is the largest.

The Truc Lam temple grounds cover almost 25 hectares, much of which are gardens and forests.

The buildings scattered around the complex showcase gorgeous, traditional Asian architecture. 

Monks live in the complex and are wandering around, going about their daily routines and rituals.

Visiting Truc Lam Pagoda is one thing to do in Dalat that’s good for the soul and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Dalat.

Elephant Waterfalls, also known as That Voi, aren’t the easiest attraction around Dalat to get to.

These falls, named because they resemble an elephant head, live up to their name. They are an impressive sight as the water gushes down the cliffside in droves before you. 

Elephant Falls are a good option if you have no interest in Dalat’s canyoning, but still want to see waterfalls.

To reach the falls some hiking is required so good shoes are recommended. You can reach the falls by car, motorbike, or city bus, and it shouldn’t be missed when wondering what to do in Dalat.

And while it’s tricky to reach the falls, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions when you visit Dalat, so the effort is worth it.

Another notable adventure in Dalat takes you through wild rapids, up close to gushing waterfalls, and gives you a front-row seat to the rural landscape of Southern Vietnam. 

White water rafting in Dalat has become one of the area’s most popular experiences.

With the help of your guide and fellow steerers, you’ll make your way through over 10 class II and III rapids.

Of course, for safety reasons, the only way to experience the untamed waters is via a tour. 

The majority of the tours last 3-4 hours, take you down 10 km of water, and have local experiences like rice wine making, coffee farms, and off the beaten path villages. 

If Elephant Falls seems more trouble than it’s worth, then Dantanla Waterfalls makes for a good alternative. 

These thunderous falls are made up of multiple levels of cascades all dumping out in clear pools (unless it’s monsoon season).

Dantanla Waterfalls is a great place to grab some pictures and enjoy nature’s splendour in the region. 

And while the falls are pristine, the area isn’t completely devoid of tourist attractions.

Adventurers also travel to the falls to speed down the hill on the alpine coaster or take the cable car to the top.

Likewise, there are places to get dolled up in a local dress for a photo. 

The falls are just a few miles from downtown Dalat and can easily be reached by city bus.

By now, you’ve realized that many of the best things to do in Dalat revolve around getting into the nearby nature. 

And Dalat’s a great destination for hikers. There are several hikes to choose from covering a variety of different skill sets. 

One such hike takes you to the top of Lang Biang Peak. Sitting at over 2,000 meters above sea level, at the peak, trekkers are rewarded with all-encompassing views of the mountains.

Don’t forget about the awesome trails in Bidoup Nui Ba , Vietnam’s newest national park. 

The hardcore hikers can take on the challenge of reaching the summit of Samson Mountain .

Or on the long journey to heaven’s gate – an off the beaten commune full of verdant rice fields and hot springs. 

READ MORE: Be sure to add these great things to do in Hanoi to your itinerary!

Da Lat is home to some beatiful lakes that make a nice escape from the city centre. Xuan Huong Lake lies in the heart of Dalat and is famous for its half-moon shape.

This large, quiet lake has a peaceful atmosphere that’s made it a top choice among both locals and travellers.

There are both small and large hiking trails, shaded places to relax by the water, sunset spots, and boat rentals.

A highlight of Xuan Huong Lake is the Dalat Flower Park. At the end of the lake near Cu Hill, Dalat Flower Park is a stunning collection of flower beds. This colorful flower garden is one of the best things to see in Dalat.

Xuan Huong Lake is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Dalat without wandering too far from the city center. You can even walk over to the Dalat Night Market nearby for some shopping and food.

Tuyen Lam Lake is another option just outside the city amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Central Highlands in Vietnam This captivating freshwater reservoir renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquility.

The lake is part of the larger Tuyen Lam Lake tourist area, which includes attractions like the Truc Lam Zen Monastery and the Tuyen Lam Eco-Tourism Zone.

There we have it. From foamy rapids to lofty mountains, this list covers the most incredible 14 Da Lat activities.

What’s good about this list is that none of these adventures will destroy your budget. 

And while Da Lat has a reputation as a honeymooner’s destination, there are plenty of outdoor activities, thrilling experiences, and off the beaten path sights that appeal to more than just couples.

Da Lat is an unforgettable city in Southern Vietnam and the doorway to the country’s lavish highlands and one of the best cities to visit when backpacking Southeast Asia .

Stephen Schreck

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

25 BEST Things to Do in Hue, Vietnam (2024 Edition)

The Perfect Vietnam Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Weeks

Canyoning In Dalat – What It Is Really Like

Related Posts

Ganh da dia – vietnam’s own ‘giant’s causeway’, tu lan cave trekking tour photo essay, northern vietnam motorcycle adventure, a first-timer’s guide to trekking in sapa, 1 thought on “14 incredible things to do in dalat, vietnam (2024 guide)”.

You may need to update this a bit. As of today, the Datanla Waterfall is only accessibly by buying a roundtrip alpine coaster ticket (190k and), waiting at lines at the top and bottom of the falls. The cable car is dismantled and there is no walking path so unless you love waiting in lines for dumb rides, definitely give it a miss. Also, not sure where you got 9 miles for the Clay Tunnel… It’s less than 1 mile at best and extremely crowded.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Advisory
• Transportation
• Food & Drinks
• Specialities
• Tourist Attractions
• Dalat travel blog
• Vietnam travel blog & tips
• Share your travel story

• TYPICAL TOURS
• THEMED TOURS
• DISCOVERY TOURS
• TREKKING TOURS
• BIKING TOURS
• ADVENTURE TOURS
• TRANSFER TOURS
• TOUR PACKAGES
• INTERPRETER
• BUSINESS TRIP
• PRE-WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
• COOKING CLASS
• VISA SERVICE
• CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR
• EXTENDED VIETNAM TOURS

Dalat travel guide: full experiences with useful travel tips

TOUR DA LAT » TRAVEL ADVISORY » Dalat travel guide: full experiences with useful travel tips

Dalat travel guide: full experiences and useful travel tips in Da Lat city such as transportation, accommodation, local food, famous tourist places…

Da Lat travel guide

MAIN CONTENTS

Overview of Dalat

Dalat is the capital of Lam Dong province. At the elevation 1,500 meters above sea level, Dalat has cool climate and become the ideal vacation city in the South of Vietnam. Just about 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 130km from Nha Trang city, Dalat is a great place for tourists to escape the hot weather of the southern delta.

Video for Dalat travel information

Tourists say about Da Lat

“Dalat is a dreaming and romantic city. Every time I come to Dalat, I feel like being in somewhere in Europe. The immense pine forest seems like opening a poetic fairy scene. Sometimes, my heart is like slow down to feel the gentle breath of Dalat. You should come to Dalat once in your life to be in harmony with the nature and simply to live slowly.” – The feeling about Dalat of a visitor.

Make a self-guided trip in good quality

With my own experiences living and working in Dalat many years, along with the information source of travel blog for Dalat self-guided trip (the most prominent blog is Andy Nguyen). This blog post can give you some information and experiences in the cheapest Dalat travel with the best quality and exploration as possible. You will easily travel Dalat in a self-planned and self-guided trip which is flexible in your schedule with the maximum savings after reading through all the useful information that is detailed below. Hope you will have enjoyable travel experiences when coming to Dalat.

Dalat self-planned travel guide for a cheap and saving trip – Dalat photo at night

The best time to travel to Dalat

For international tourists.

The best time to visit Dalat is from early October to March of the next year.

For domestic visitors

Dalat is always a cool respite city but in the summer, it is usually rainy. The best time to travel in Dalat is July, August and September.

Read ➤  Which season in Dalat is beautiful for travelling

How to go to Dalat?

There are two most popular ways to go to Dalat: coach and flight.

Airplane (you can save money if hunting promotion air plane tickets)

If you do not have much time and financial excess, this is a top priority for you. To fly to Da Lat you can go with low-cost airlines as Vietjetair (www.vietjetair.com) and Jetstar Pacific (www.jetstar.com) or VietnamAirlines (www.vietnamairlines.com). Two low-cost airlines usually have promotion tickets online. You should follow their websites or register mail with them for cheap flight tickets. However, flying is always better than transfer by a bus (it only takes 45 minutes for check-in and wait for only 1 hour more); driving the bus at night time, drivers drive very fast and you also heard accidents on the pass of Dalat. In my opinion, Vietjetair and Jetstar tickets have prices on average ranging from 400,000 VND to 850,000 VND which are acceptable if you compared to the bus ride takes up to 8 hours (+30 minutes waiting).

The high-class bus (the most economical way)

From Sai Gon or the southwestern provinces, you can select one of two high-quality double-decker buses, Phuong Trang and Thanh Buoi. Service time is very frequent; having a bus every a half of hour starting from 5 AM to 1 AM the next morning.

From other cities to Dalat, learn more at ➤ Dalat transportation

Phuong Trang or Thanh Buoi, which one should you take?

I live in Da Lat, so I find that Phuong Trang bus mainly attracts the attention of domestic tourists as well as international tourists. Because Phuong Trang has an easy-to-remember English name (Futabus) and they have two stations in Ho Chi Minh City – one in District 3 and one in District 1, this is the tourist favorite. As for Thanh Buoi, they only have one bus station in Ho Chi Minh City that is located in district 3. Meanwhile, Thanh Buoi bus has won the hearts of Da Lat people, because Thanh Buoi bus quality can be considered better than Phuong Trang, they have newer bus; if being sleeping bus, the seat is more comfortable than Phuong Trang’s one. Refer more at ➤  comparing Phuong Trang bus & Thanh Buoi bus

The heaven gate

Transportation in Dalat city

From lien khuong airport to dalat center.

Thang Loi Taxi (Tel: 0263. 383 5583) or Da Lat Taxi (Tel: 0263 355 6655), Lado Taxi (Tel: 0263 3666 777), the price is 250.000 VND / one way to the hotel. Or Mai Linh Taxi is charged per km. If you go in group, let’s take a taxi for saving, driver can bring you to your hotel or required place.

If you go alone or two people, the cheapest way is the shuttle bus of Lien Khuong Airport (40,000 VND / person). This shuttle bus will stop at Ngoc Phat Hotel (opposite Big C supermarket) or Da Lat Market.

Vehicles for rent in Da Lat

This is an economy solution with low cost and flexibility.

Motorbike for rent

Phone number: 0263 3700 687, weekday price is about 80,000 – 90,000 VND, holiday price is about 110,000 – 130,000 VND. You can rent at the shop of woolen on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street about 5 minutes to walk to the market. Kiet Lien shop is beside Minh Phuong photography shop: 5 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, tell: 0263 832 619 or 0918 012 843.

Motorbike taxi

Motorbike taxi drivers in Da Lat as well as other tourist cities in Vietnam often wait at the crossroads.

Tandem bicycle

The area around Xuan Huong Lake is the place for you to choose if you want to rent tandem bicycle (you should rent this one in the evening is good ideal). To rent a tandem bicycle you need ID card. The price is quite cheap.

Cars for rent

You can contact to tourist information center of Dalat at 01 Khu Hoa Binh, Da Lat city. Tel: 0263 3516888

Some popular taxi companies

Mai Linh Da Lat – Operator: 0263.3511 511

Taxi Thang Loi – Tel: 0263. 383 5583

Da Lat Taxi – Tel: 0263 355 6655

Lado Taxi – Tel: 0263 3666 777

Tuyen Lam Lake – the paradise lake of Dalat

Accommodation in Dalat

Budget hotels and motels

There are many cheap and reasonable accommodations for you when travelling to Dalat. Some hotels you should refer before your trip.

Hai Uyen Hotel / Tell: 0902.435.245 / Cell phone: 02633.510.733 / Address: 67, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 1, Dalat.

Nhu Anh Hotel, price is 300,000 VND / double room. Address: 33 Vo Truong Toan Street, Ward 8, Dalat (behind Dalat University).

Hotel Thanh Dat / Phone: 02633.820.826 / Address: 6C, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 1, Dalat.

Hotel Tam Dung / Phone: 02633.823.170 / Address: 18A, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 1, Dalat.

Hotel My Hoa / Phone: 02633.828.123 / Address: 20, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 1, Dalat.

Hotel Juno Phuong / Phone: 02633.54.6868 / Address: 8A-8B, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 1, Dalat.

Hotel Phuong Chi / Phone: 02633.824.317 / Address: 12, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia. Double room: 200,000 VND/night – 250,000 VND/ 4 people/ night.

Hotel Mien Nhiet Doi 2 / Phone: 02633.513.123 / Address: 20, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia

Hotel Nguyen Anh / Phone: 02633.825.740 / Address: 30, 3/2 Street.

Ladophar Hotel, address: 34 Khu Hoa Binh – Ward 1, (price 300,000 VND / room/ 2 people). Phone: 0263.3510993 / 0976.210.610 (Mr. Tu)

Hoang Nam guest house. Contact Mr Phong: 0986684000. The average price is from 180.000 VND / night (2 persons).

Lan Anh Hostel – 09 Nguyen Trai St., Ward 10. Price is around: 120,000 VND/ double room.

Tourist villas for groups or families

Dalat Home, Tel: 0966691791, 49/17 Pham Hong Thai street. Website dalathome.com

Hoa Hong Villa, 01666060589, 0977958575. Address: 35 Tran Binh Trong Street.

Villa No. 14. Address: 01 Quang Trung Street. Phone: 0908847604 or 0633810898.

You can check other hotel prices through the website of room booking at ➤  agoda.com

Good and cheap restaurants in Da Lat

Dalat is the convergence of many dishes from all regions in Vietnam. However, cuisine of the north and the central are more popular and delicious with dishes such as: broken rice, crab soup and vegetable, “Da” crab soup, stir-fried morning glory with garlic, Hue rice noodles, Quang rice noodle … Also Some dishes of the Chinese.

For breakfast

Generally, Da Lat city is similar with other cities and provinces in Vietnam. When you stay at any hotel, you just get up early morning and walk around the neighborhood that can find the best restaurant or eateries for breakfast. But there are some favorite dishes such as:

– Quang style noodle: you should go to Nha Chung Street where have 2 or 3 Quang style noodle shops that are very busy in the morning

– Hue beef noodle soup: White hair old woman shop – 37 Hung Vuong Street, near Ranny cafe, open in the morning.

– Pho Trang: No. 3 Bui Thi Xuan Street, 100 m from Xuan Huong Lake, on the left side, open all day.

– Beef noodle soup O Cong (6:00 am – 7:00 pm) – Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street. It is very delicious, special bowl have grilled mackerel fry. The shop is very crowded with guests.

– Xuan An Vietnam cake soup (open in the afternoon only, the morning for beef noodle soup and Quang style noodle) – No. 15 Nha Chung Street, Tel: 02633 827690

– “Nem nuong” grilled meat roll – 4 Bui Thi Xuan Street (near Hoang Anh motorbike rental shop), open in the whole day.

If you would like cheap and good food, you can go to Dalat market on the second floor. There are dishes such as noodles, porridge, rice, rice noodle, Vietnamese steamed rice rolls… with the price is very reasonable from 15,000 VND to 20,000 VND per dish. Or around the area of ​​Da Lat market there are many eateries with prices around 20,000 VND.

There are also some good restaurants such as:

– Huong Tra with steamed rice in clay pot, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, this is delicious and cheap, has a large parking lot for car.

– Vinh Loi Restaurant is at 3 Thang 2 Street, next to the traffic roundabout. This one is very crowded both day and night.

– Nam Do with steamed rice in clay pot – 6 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (in front of Dalat market) Tel: 02633 824550

– Broken rice at the end of Hai Ba Trung Street is 300m from La Son Phu Tu crossroad on the right hand side. This place is good and serves all day time.

– Thanh Tan beef hot pot – Nguyen Thi Dinh, 2 people can eat a small hot pot only 60,000 VND, delicious and cheap – enthusiastic service

About specialties in Dalat, you can visit the following places

– Nhat Ly Restaurant: Phan Dinh Phung Street

– Thien Huong Restaurant 1 and 2: Bui Thi Xuan Street

– Thong Reo: On the way to the Golden Valley

– Tu Loan, Hai Ba Trung Street, near the Security Company

– 14 eatery Yersin Street and Huong Dong eatery: Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street

– Hanh beef hot pot – Bui Thi Xuan Street. This shop is small and cheap but always crowded from afternoon to evening.

– Salmon hot pot and beef hot pot – 3 Thang 2 Street, the left side of Nha Den Bridge going in 200 m. They serve from afternoon, very crowded.

-Vietnamese chicken rice noodle (serve at night time) at Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, near Ngoc Lan hotel

– Fresh seafood Anh Duc: 3 Thang 2 Street, the right side of Nha Den Bridge going in 200 m. This shop is very busy.

There are many other delicious restaurants that are not currently listed here. So when you travel, you should ask the hotel receptionist or other people around that area for the best recommendation.

Coffee and drinks

Coffee shops in Dalat always offers guest unique spaces. Each coffee shop has its own style, but in general, what you can find in these cafés will be an extremely romantic and dreamlike view next to a fragrant cup of coffee or an ice cream glass for you to experience the feeling of enjoying ice cream in the cold. Sitting on the high coffee shop to look out on the bustling streets, busy markets, you will get a very different feeling from normal coffee shop. If you are not afraid of cold, a tip for you are visiting the coffee shop in the evening when you can see the night market below, and can be immersed the feelings in the night on the mountain town.

Coffee & Soda B & B Espresso – Take Away is located at 10 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street.

Cung To Chieu coffee shop is at 27K Le Hong Phong Street.

Cung Dan Xua Café is at 83 Ba Thang Hai Street

Thuy Ta Café and Restaurant is beside Xuan Huong Lake.

Tung coffee shop is located in the Hoa Binh area, this serves with a classical music, for music connoisseurs and coffee connoisseur.

A series of coffee shops are on the slope up Hoa Binh area.

Moc coffee shop is at 34 Hai Ba Trung.

View more at ➤  Dalat Food & Drink

Buying cheap and good strawberries

At the end of Nguyen Cong Tru Street, near the intersection with Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, there are 3 strawberries shops; they are big strawberry suppliers for Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces. Prices are from 30,000 VND – 50,000 VND. You can buy good strawberries on Bui Thi Xuan Street, only morning.

morning in Dalat

Famous tourist spots in Dalat

Dalat has many tourist attractions for visitor. However, the following are some of the best attractions you should not miss.

Elephant Falls – Linh An Pagoda

Location: Nam Ban town, Lam Ha district, 25 km to the southwest of Da Lat city. This falls is still keeping the original’s features, is waiting to be discovered by the natural lovers.

Tuyen Lam Lake

Location: 5 km far from Da Lat city center, on the way of Prenn Pass. It was created by Tia stream – head water of Da Tam River.

Truc Lam Zen Monastery

Location: 5 km far from Dalat city center, being on Phung Hoang Mountain, next to Tuyen Lam Lake. The public quarters consists of a ceremonial hall, flanked by the bell tower on the right and guest facilities on the left. At the front of the guest facilities lies a rose garden.

Datanla Waterfall

Location: Waterfall is located beside Prenn Pass, 10 km from Dalat City. The falls pour water from the rapids 20 meters high, very impressive. The roller coaster system at Datanla waterfall is regarded as the unique one in Dalat city.

Bao Dai King Palace

Location: On Trieu Viet Vuong Street, 2.5 km south of Dalat center. Bao Dai’s Palace is a charming structure with a European renovated architectural style that helps beautify this romantic city.

Prenn Waterfall

Location: 10 km from center of Da Lat, along National Highway 20 (km 222).

Valley of Love

Location: 6 km to the northeast of Dalat city center. It has been one of the most picturesque and romantic sites of the city, with many deep valleys and endless pine forests. To truly appreciate the sceneries is not hard because travelers can easily follow the natural tracks and staircases all around the valley to visit and admire the gorgeous flower gates and statues.

Golden Valley

Location: From the center of Da Lat, you follow the north to Lac Duong, turn left at km 7 in Tung Lam, you go further more about 12 km to the Golden Valley and Golden Lake.

Lang Biang Mountain

Location: 12 km north of Dalat center. You will see Lang Biang Mountains standing imposingly and beautifully like the roof of Dalat city. Legend says that the name Lang Biang was derived from the name a couple who were deeply in love with each other – the boy named K’lang and the girl named Ho Biang.

Dry Flower Showroom

Location: 6km to the north of the city center

Linh Phuoc Pagoda – Ceramic Pagoda

Location: 8 km to the east of the city center, you can take the train at Da Lat Railway Station.

Van Thanh Flower Village

Location: 5 km from the city center to the west (on the way to Elephant Falls)

The full all tourist attractions in Dalat at ➤  Dalat tourist attractions

The map of Dalat attractions at ➤  Dalat tourist map

Pongour waterfall – the biggest waterfall in Dalat

Daily joining group tours

These are cheap and economical joining tours which are organized daily. Perhaps you would question: is the cheap tour guaranteed the quality? The answer is: the reason for cheap prices because tours are attended by many single visitors, families, and small groups into big group; tour fees are reduced to the minimum. For those who do not like to do self-guided Trip, or afraid of traffic condition and unstable weather (sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon) of Dalat.

03 low cost Da Lat tours which are organized daily for joining group:

➤  Dalat City Tour

➤  Dalat Countryside Tour

➤  Dalat Cultural Tour

Note: Joining group tour, you must comply with the given schedule and itinerary of the organizer.

If you prefer private tours (with private cars and private guides, you can decide the schedule and itinerary), let’s take part in the tours that are made up and organized by the travel company, or choose your own tourist attractions. You can refer to ➤  the list of Dalat Tour .

Dalat photo shooting in the morning

Da Lat travel tips

If possible, in the evening you should drive up the hill to see Dalat lights in romantic night mist (Dong Da Street, or 20 National Road on the way to Linh Phuoc pagoda).

If you go in group, you can have dinner at Cu Duc restaurant with grilled porcupine on clay, “ta pin lu” and drink warm rice wine (a little high price, meal for 6 people was 900,000 VND). You should consider before coming here.

You should rent a bicycle for 3 people, or a tandem bicycle to ride around Xuan Huong Lake 30,000 VND / 1 bicycle.

Places you should not come to keep from disappointment

– Than Tho Lake – Lake of Sighs (visiting here you may have to “sigh” like the name of the spot)

– Cam Ly Falls: the local people on both sides of the river litter indiscriminately ruining the beauty and causing foul smell.

– Motorbike taxi drivers near the Valley of Love often invite you buy strawberries but their strawberries are not good quality and high price.

– If you buy Dalat specialties, let’s go straight to the market for buying; do not buy them on the street, tourist area (at the foot of Lang Biang Mountain) or Shop (Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street).

For more information on tourism in Dalat, visitors can go to the tourist information center at 01 Khu Hoa Binh, Dalat City. Tel: 0263 3516 888.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• ✆ Daily online time:   09:00AM – 08:00PM
• ✆ Info & Tour support:   +84 263 3516 888
• ✆ Transport support: +84 263 3517 888
• ✆ WhatsApp Chat: +84 974 921 379
• ✉ Email: [email protected]

DALAT TRANSPORT INFORMATION

• ➤ Dalat Bus Schedule
• ➤ Routes: Mui Ne – Dalat
• ➤ Routes: Kon Tum – Dalat
• ➤ Routes: Hoi An – Dalat
• ➤ Routes: Da Nang – Dalat
• ➤ Routes: Nha Trang – Dalat
• ➤ Routes: Ho Chi Minh – Dalat
• ➤ Routes: Ha Noi – Dalat

DALAT FAVORITE TOUR PROGRAMS

• ➤ Dalat City Tour
• ➤ Dalat Countryside Tour
• ➤ Pongour Waterfall Tour
• ➤ Elephant Riding Tour
• ➤ Tea and Coffee Tour
• ➤ Bird Watching Tour
• ➤ Dalat Canyoning Tour
• ➤ Dalat Tour Package
• ➤ Dalat – Nha Trang Tour Package
• ➤ Central Highlands Vietnam Tour Package
• ➤ Dalat – Ho Chi Minh Tour Package

ALL DALAT ATTRACTIONS

DALAT TRAVEL GUIDE FULLY

DALAT 1 DAY TOURS

© Copyright 2007-2023 Tour Da Lat and Dalat travel operated by Da Lat Trip Jsc | License No. 5801490274 | Inbound Tour Operator Licence No. 68-039/2022/TCDL-GPLHQT

Tour office address: 60/10 Nguyen Trung Truc, Da Lat City - Email: [email protected] | Tel: +84 263 3516888

Dalat best things to do & travel guide

Dalat is clearly one of the highlights of Vietnam, especially if you like adrenaline. Dalat is completely different from any other place in Vietnam. The weather is spring-like cool instead of tropical hot, the city is littered with elegant French-colonial villas instead of a grim socialist architecture, and the farms around are littered with strawberries and flowers instead of rice.

5 reasons to visit Dalat

• Increase the adrenaline pace with mountain biking, white water rafting, canyoning or a climbing adventure in the hills around Dalat.
• Jump on a motorbike and explore the waterfalls, lakes and forests in the area.
• In the early morning, gibbons wanted to track down and then search for crocodiles in the Cat Tien National Park.
• Visit the local farms and plantations.
• Enjoy local food, which comes directly from the area.

What is in this Dalat travel guide

Practical information, best time to visit.

• 10 best things to do
• Best hotels & hostels

Food & drinking

How to get there, how to get around, book your local dalat experience, recommended days to stay.

If you like adventure it is recommended to stay around 3 days in Dalat, so you have time to do some activities as well as driving through the area and visiting the waterfalls, forests and lakes.

ATM's & money exchange

Dalat is a relative big town with enough ATM’s.

Local events and holidays

Dalat Flower Festival  – A cultural festival which takes place every other year between late December and early January, with the purpose of exhibiting flowers, vegetables and ornamental plants from the local as well as other regions within the country

• Spring  (January-March) – Season of trees and flowers; between 20 and 28 degrees
• Summer  (April – June) – Season of fog and warm weather; between 24 and 31 degrees
• Autumn  (July – September) – Season of rain; between 24 and 31
• Winter  (October to December) – Season of flowers on the hills; between 20 and 26 degrees

10 best things to do in Dalat

Dalat is a cool mountain town for both Vietnamese and travelers who want to escape the heat and smog of the larger cities. Most people come here so that they can relax and enjoy the natural sights in Dalat, such as the lakes, forests, hills and plantations. But there is also a lot of action for those who want to make their heart beat in perhaps the adventure capital of Vietnam. These are the 10 best things to do in Dalat.

1. Canyoning in Dalat

Without a doubt, canyoning is the best thing to do in Dalat. Especially for the real adventurous travelers it is one of the highlights in Vietnam. During canyoning in Dalat you abseil from waterfalls, jump from cliffs into the river, enjoy a zipline above the water, float in a river and slide down a natural water slide.

• Tip: Join our canyoning tour in Dalat . Get picked up from your hotel or hostel and head to the canyon where you will start your half day adventure, including lunch.

2. Explore waterfalls

There are many different waterfalls in Dalat . Some of these are not far from the city and are therefore easy to visit, but others require a long drive. The most famous is the Datanla waterfall . Here you will also find a mountain toboggan roller coaster, cable car and the place where you will find the popular canyoning.

The Pongour waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls, where the water flows down several steps. The forests around the waterfall give it an extra magical atmosphere.

The Elephant Waterfall is another impressive waterfall that is a little closer to the city. The path that leads to the waterfall is a bit tricky, but well worth a visit.

A number of other waterfalls around and in Dalat are Bao Dai waterfall, Prenn waterfall and Tiger waterfall.

3. Mountain biking

• Tip: The Crazy 8 track is the best sampling of single track downhill riding. This is the most physically challenging mountain bike tour in Dalat. Phoenix Hill track is a lot easier, but has everything you want, with country roads, forest trails, nature, lakes and even time for swimming. Alternatively, you can also opt for a bike tour through the Dalat countryside .

4. Trekking

Relaxed walks or adventurous treks through nature and along forest paths are another way to discover the beauty of this area. It is full of many natural sights in Dalat where you can find interesting animals and birds. Some tours can lead you to caves, waterfalls, lakes, volcanic peaks, minority villages, suspension bridges and farmland. The best known treks are to the top of Lang Biang Mountain and treks through the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.

5. Easy Rider Tour

Would you like to explore the forests, lakes, waterfalls and plantations of Dalat, but would you rather not be in a car or would you rather not drive a motorcycle yourself? The Dalat easy riders are the perfect solution! Easy Riders are experienced guides who take behind travelers to popular sights, as well as places that all these local guides know where to find a more authentic experience. They can be found all over Vietnam today, but are originally from Dalat. This is therefore the best place to take an Easy Rider in Vietnam.

These motorcycle guides drive around the city, but you can also book them in advance. They often have a book with reviews and pre-made routes, but you can also indicate your wishes. It is possible to take a day tour to a waterfall, plantations and forests, but you can even take a multi-day easy rider tour, where you can choose to go through the central highlands or drive to the coast and continue along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam.

• Tip: Here you will find an overview of our Easy Rider tours in Dalat.

6. Coffee shops

Vietnam is the second largest coffee exporter in the world, just after Brazil and most coffee comes from the central highlands, where Dalat is located. So what better place than to have a coffee in this region?

In addition to coffee in Vietnam, a whole culture has also developed around coffee shops, and Dalat is the capital of this. It is more than a place where you come to drink coffee, but also where you come for the environment. These small coffee bars are often uniquely decorated or have a special theme and others have are situated in a unique environment. For example, you will find coffee shops in Dalat on top of mountains with a beautiful view over the forests or greenhouses that are lid in the evening. Enjoy the view over a lake or the city. And coffee shops in less good locations are uniquely decorated or with a special theme, such as Harry Potter, fairy tales or a jungle theme.

7. Tuyen Lam lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is the most beautiful lake in the Dalat area and is also called Paradise Lake. The lake is surrounded by a green pine forest and gives a peaceful feeling in a beautiful landscape. In addition to enjoying the romantic scenery around the lake, you can go horse riding, climbing, fishing and kayaking. You can combine a visit to this lake with the cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda, which is right next to the lake.

8. Dalat night market

The best thing to do in Dalat at night is a visit to the Dalat night market . When the night market is open in the weekend, the central market area is pure madness, with thousands of people shopping and socializing. It is a lively scene apart from the usual relaxed pace of the city. Even on weekday evenings, the area is rich with inviting scents from all street vendors.

9. Coffee and tea plantations

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee exporters and many of the highlands around Dalat are used for plantations. The central highlands of Vietnam offer the ideal climate for growing tea and coffee. When you drive through the Dalat region you will pass large plantations of both coffee and tea and depending on the season there will be countless tarps on the road where coffee beans dry in the sun.

10. Crazy house

The Crazy House in Dalat offers a bizarre structure and completely unique experience. It is officially called the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery , but is known as Crazy House for its bizarre and crazy design. With many revolving corridors and odd spaces, this is something completely different.

You can choose to stay here overnight, altough you have to keep in mind it is also a tourist attraction. A better option might be just visiting this place for an hour.

Best hotels & hostels in Dalat

Where to stay.

Staying in the center  – Located near the Dalat night market, suitable for shopping, eating and relaxing, most means of transport (taxi, motorcycle, bicycle) are available, with many beautiful views that are worth seeing, including Xuan Huong Lake, the flower garden of the city of Dalat.

Hotels outside the city of Dalat  – Staying further away from the city center also has some unique advantages: a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, less touristy and a cheaper price. Although it takes you more time to travel to the market or other highlights of the city, in return you get a beautiful landscape to enjoy, as well as more private space to relax.

Budget hotels & hostels

• The Lake House
• Gaia hostel
• Cozy Nook Hostel
• Mr.Peace Backpacker’s House

Mid range  hotel

• La Vie En Rose Villa
• Tasme Hotel
• Boutique Stop and Go
• Tulip Hotel
• Iris Dalat Hotel
• Sam Tuyền Lâm Resort

High end hotel & resort

• Zen Valley Dalat Resort
• Swiss Belresort Tuyen Lam
• Terracotta Hotel and Resort Dalat

Restaurants

Dalat has numerous restaurants to serve varied visitors, of all shapes and sizes, ranging from local Dalat dishes to central and South Vietnamese dishes and a large number of Western and French-inspired eateries, bars and restaurants. The city has a reputation for high-quality fresh produce and is also the source of some of the best coffee in Vietnam.

Restaurants 1. Artist Alley Restaurant 2. Le Chalet Dalat 3. Goc Ha Thanh Restaurant 4. Da Quy Restaurant 5. Chu Quan Bbq Grill

Cafe / coffee shop 1. An cafe 2. Me Linh Coffee Garden 3. Wednesday’s Violet book cafe 4. Ma Rung Lu Quan (Ma Rung Inn) 5. Panorama Cafe Dalat 6. Cafe Nông Trại Vui Vẻ

The nightlife in Dalat is quiet compared to other cities in Vietnam because it is best known as a place for rest and relaxation. However, you can still find a handful of great bars and pubs until late in the evening:

• Dalat Night Market
• The Escape Bar
• Beepub Hostel & Bar
• Rain Nightclub
• V Club Da Lat

Flights to Dalat

There are regular flights with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar, including a daily service to Danang (1¼ hour), four daily to Hanoi (1¾ hour) and HCMC (45 minutes), and twice a week to Can Tho (1¼ hour) ).

Busses to Dalat

Dalat is an important bus stop for open bus tickets. The Sinh Tourist has daily buses to Mui Ne, Nha Trang and HCMC.

Dalat’s long-distance bus station is 1.5 km south of Xuan Huong Lake and is dominated by Phuong Trang buses that offer free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs and buses to all major regional destinations.

Motorbike : The bets way to get around is by motorbike/scooter. Rent is 150,000d to 200,000d per day. It is understandable if you don’t want to drive around yourself, as the roads in Vietnam as not very safe. In this case we highly recommend doing a Easy Rider tour.

Car : Alternatively you can travel by comfortable car. Daily rental (with driver) starts at around $ 50.

Taxi : For within the city you can use taxis. Uses Mai Linh for reliable service.

Itinerary 2 days in Dalat

• Visit the Datanla waterfall. Take the roller coaster down.
• Take the cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda.
• Kayak over Tuyem Lam Lake.
• Visit Crazy House Dalat.
• Walk across Dalat Night Market
• Do the best thing to do in Dalat: canyoning!
• If you don’t want that, choose something else adventurous, such as trekking, mountain biking or rafting.
• Then relax by the Xuan Huong lake.
• Enjoy a drink at Maze bar.

More tips for traveling in Dalat

Where to go next.

From the city you can easily travel by bus or car to the coast cities of Nha Trang (if you are planning to go north) and Mui Ne (if you are planning to go south). You can also go by bus or flight to to Ho Chi Minh City . It is possible to go straight to Hoi An / Da Nang by bus, but it is not recommended to takes these long bus trips. There are flights available too from Dalat to Da Nang.

You can also choose to continue your journey through the central highlands and visit destinations such as Dak Lak, Kon Tum and Pleiku.

Dalat with kids

Dalat is a nice destination in Vietnam with kids , especially if they are a little older. You can take wonderful walks through the forest, mountain biking and kayaking. There are also plenty of sights that you can visit in the city and the surrounding area.

• Destination Guide
• Essential Guide
• Getting Around
• Vietnam Month by Month
• Inspiration
• Vietnam blog
• Travel tips
• Custom Made Trip
• Day- & Multiple Day tours
• Holiday Packages
• Local Meo Vac Homestay
• Local Dong Van Homestay
• Our Team & Company
• Our Customers & Reviews

Copyright © 2023 Local Vietnam

Start typing and press enter to search

Free ebook vietnam travel guide​.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

You may also like

Nearby places.

• How To Get There

Hidden away in the Central Highlands, Da Lat plays the cooler cousin to Vietnam's seaside destinations. Famous for its countryside charm, Da Lat draws couples, wellness seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. This mountain resort town was once a summer getaway for the French, who left their mark in the European-inspired architecture and countless lakes. Da Lat's main lake is the centre of the action, but amazing natural wonders await in the hills all around.

Click the image below for a 360-degree tour of đà lạt.

Top things to do in Da Lat

Tour the city's landmarks 

Xuan Huong Lake is the focal point of Da Lat city. Nearby, the stalls of the central market are packed with fresh flowers and colourful produce. Colonial architecture abounds in churches, art-deco hotels, and the charming railway station.

Play a round of golf 

At 5,000 feet above sea level, Da Lat’s golf clubs feature hilly terrains and pine forests. Da Lat is home to one of the country’s oldest courses, the Dalat Palace Golf Club. Opened in 1933, the 18-hole course remains an iconic experience.

Hike, bike, or find a waterfall

Da Lat is an adventure destination in its own right. The dramatic terrain lends itself well to hiking, mountain biking and canyoning. Follow local guides to explore Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, or blaze your own trails on Lang Biang mountain.

Sample local coffee culture

Coffee is an integral part of Da Lat’s heritage and some of Vietnam’s best coffee is grown on the slopes around the town and served in local cafes. Visit K’Ho Coffee for a full tour of their sustainable farm and roastery.

Ride the train

Though Da Lat's tracks no longer link up with Vietnam's north-south railway line, you can hop on a train out to Trai Mat for a visit to the spectacular, mosaic-covered Linh Phuoc Pagoda, taking in the scenery en route.

Da Lat Weather

Often referred to as the city of eternal spring, Da Lat’s temperate climate is a highlight of every visit. Be sure to bring a jumper if you visit between November and January, and an umbrella for the rainfall from April to November. If you prefer a warmer stay, May offers the perfect window.

Da Lat Transport

Da Lat’s airport is located just 30km south of town, and connects to major hubs from north to south. Sleeper buses will shuttle you from Ho Chi Minh City, while neighbouring Mui Ne and Nha Trang are just a few hours away by car or shuttle van. Adventurous travellers will enjoy touring by motorbike. Popular routes go to Elephant Falls, neighbouring K’ho villages, or Tuyen Lam Lake. The town itself is easy to navigate on foot or by taxi.

In this article:

Dalat Palace Heritage Luxury Hotel

Dalat edensee lake resort & spa, ttc hotel premium da lat (golf 3 hotel), ana mandara villas dalat resort and spa, sammy dalat, ttc hotel premium - ngọc lan, saigon dalat hotel, muong thanh holiday dalat hotel, resort hoang anh dat xanh, la sapinette dalat, vietso petro dalat, terracotta hotel & resort dalat  .

• You are here:
• Places To Go
• Central Vietnam

Create an account

Already have an account? Click here to sign in

By clicking submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Sign in with your social accounts

Sign in with your email

Forgot password? Click here to get it back

Don't have an account? Sign up here

Forgot Password

The entered email has subscribed for Vietnam Tourism monthly newsletter

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

3D2N Da Lat Itinerary — A Magical Alpine Adventure in Southern Vietnam

Explore this European-esque city tucked between the central highlands of Southern Vietnam — with aircon weather to boot!

Da Lat is known for being many things — the City of Love, of Eternal Spring, of Flowers, of Pine Trees, of Poetry… not the credentials typically associated with Southeast Asian destinations. Fascinated, we set off to explore with high expectations and an open mind.

Having only been to Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Tre, I’ve always considered Southern Vietnam to be a land of vast tropical jungles, motorcycle-lined streets, and the infamous sweltering humidity.

I couldn’t be more wrong.

So if you’re looking for a short weekend getaway filled with stunning views and eclectic art, here’s a three-day Da Lat itinerary, where you’ll explore one of the dreamiest Southern Vietnam towns.

Read also: 15 Pho-nomenal Experiences You Must Add to Your Northern Vietnam Itinerary — Halong Bay, Hanoi and Sapa

Pre-trip Essentials

– Digital Vaccination Certificate — download via Notarise – Travel insurance — min. coverage of US$10,000 (~S$14,000) for Covid-19-related medical treatment – 4G SIM Card with unlimited data — pre-book and collect at Ho Chi Minh’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport – Airport transfer — pick up from Da Lat’s Lien Khuong Airport to your accommodation

How to Get to Da Lat?

Da Lat is pretty accessible from several cities in Southern Vietnam, with private charters and buses being popular options. But from Singapore, the most straightforward route would be to take one of the following options from Ho Chih Minh city:

Flight: one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Lien Khuong Airport, return tickets from ~S$67

Bus: 6–8 hour sleeper buses depart for Da Lat daily from ~S$16 . To maximise time, take an overnight bus so you have a full day upon arrival!

Private charter : For more flexibility in pick-up time and location, book a private charter from ~S$210 one-way

* Pro-tip: The best time to visit Da Lat is between December to March when the average rainfall is at its lowest.

Day 1: Arrival and Adventure in Da Lat

Check in to your da lat accommodation — crazy house.

One of the most unique attractions to visit in Da Lat is Crazy House , which is also a guesthouse. Intrigued by the outrageous concept, we decided that the best way to kick-start the trip was to spend the night here!

Photo credit: Crazy House

The building looks right out of Hansel and Gretel, with winding staircases leading to secret alcoves and the roof. Its eccentric architecture is the brainchild of Vietnamese artist Dang Viet Nga, who felt so inspired after visiting Da Lat that she created this fantastical guesthouse. Her design process and sketches can be found on display upon entering the compound.

We opted for the cosy Bamboo Room as it was the tamest out of all the options but even that felt creepy at night — yes, we’re scaredy cats. Fo r the braver souls, the animal-themed guestrooms are what Crazy House is known for. No two rooms are alike and the central animal statues are a cross between adorable and terrifying.

The house is also open to the public and unoccupied rooms are open to peer into. The house has several themed common areas such as an aquatic room and visitors are encouraged to roam around twisting stairs. So even if you don’t stay there, you can still drop by to check it out!

Entrance fee: from 20,000₫ (~S$1.20/pax), price varies on your height Cost of stay: From ~S$42/night Opening hours: 8:30AM – 7PM Address: 03 Đ. Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66115, Vietnam

Datanla High Rope Course and New Alpine Coaster

If you think alpine forest adventures can only be found in Switzerland , think again.

Da Lat is surrounded by lush pine forests — making it nature’s playground. Unleash your inner child with the Datanla High Rope Course , a high elements obstacle course that’s built into the forest.

There are seven levels of difficulty to choose from so it depends on your appetite for adventure.

As someone who is okay with heights, I was surprised to find out that we have to complete it by ourselves — including clipping the hooks onto the line!

I triple-checked the safety out of paranoia before every zipline and had a case of jelly legs. Looking back, the satisfaction of completing the course and flying through the air is unparalleled.

Walk up the main road and you’ll find the entrance to the Datanla New Alpine Coaster on the left. It’s the longest roller coaster trail in Asia, spanning 2.4km, and takes about 4 mins to complete at full speed! The speed can be controlled by the rider in the back seat so you can decide how much of a daredevil you want to be.

As a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, rocketing down at wind speed really had my heart racing in the best way! I was gripping the brakes at every sharp turn but thankfully, I managed to refrain from pulling it. 😬

After screaming your lungs out, there will be a mid-point stop where you have to get off the coaster tracks and switch carts. Here, you can choose to spend some time admiring the gorgeous Datanla Waterfall . With multiple legends and lore surrounding the falls, it has become known by locals as the ‘Meeting Place of Lovers’.

While zero lovers were found 😔, it’s a lovely photo stop to snap pictures before you complete the rest of the coaster trail!

Cost: ~S$27.10/pax for both attractions Opening hours: 8AM – 4PM, last entry at 1:45PM (High Rope Course); 7AM – 5PM, last entry at 4:30PM (Datanla New Alpine) Address: 01 Lê Đại Hành, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Dinner at Da Lat Night Market

Exploring night markets are a must-do in Vietnam and the Da Lat Night Market is the best place for shopping and grabbing a bite. Put your bargaining skills to the test on the retail side of the market, where outerwear and knitwear are sold. My favourite purchase is a hand-knitted chicken beanie I copped for 100,000₫ (~S$6)

As for food, one of Da Lat’s most popular dishes is the Vietnamese Pizza. Grilled on the spot over a fire, it consists of rice paper, eggs, ham, dried shrimp, sweet chilli, and mayo — all for 25,000₫/piece!

Da Lat is also known for its many strawberry farms so you will find affordable fresh strawberries sold everywhere in the market. There are also stalls selling boxed strawberries you can take home as souvenirs.

Opening hours: 6PM – 7AM Address: 6b Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 690000, Vietnam

* Pro-tip : Eat strawberries the local way w ith a combination of fish sauce and shrimp powder!

Imagine a haunted-house-slash-escape room where every corner is carved and painted in a bizarre and unique style. A lso known as the 100 Roof Cafe , this unsuspecting bar is actually home to a huge labyrint h of themed floors and quirky decor — r eminiscent of the Crazy House.

Photo credits: Maze Bar

The objective is to explore the different rooms and find your way to the secret garden on the roof. There are some areas that might require you to crouch down and enter, so if you’re vertically blessed remember to watch your head!

*Note: There won’t be any staff stationed within the maze so you have to find the way out!

There is no entry charge but you’ll need to order a drink before you enter. We ordered the Mojito (60,000₫) and the Whiskey Coke (70,000₫) before descending into the basement to start.

Wandering around the caverns transports you into an alternate universe. There are also plenty of seats on each floor to lounge and take break s. We spent a good 30 mins finding our way through the different floors before relishing our success on the roof.

Opening hours: 2:30PM – 11PM Address: 57 Phan Bội Châu, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Day 2: Exploring Central Da Lat

Lang biang mountain.

A great hiking spot here is Lang Biang Mountain , also known as the ‘Roof of Da Lat’ as it’s the tallest mountain in the ar ea. The trail leading to the peak begins right before the entrance gate. Take a right and you’ll find a dirt path leading into the forest. The 4.5 km trek takes under two hours to complete and entry costs ~20,000₫/pax.

Alternatively, you can reach the peak within 15 minutes from the entrance by taking a two-way jeep shuttle (100,000₫/pax). Shuttles typically wait till passengers fill the six seats before making an ascent.

*Pro-tip: If you’re in a rush and there are less than 6pax, you can opt to pay the extra difference for a shorter shuttle waiting time.

Once at the peak, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of Da Lat’s valley and its surrounding highlands. Photo-ops with live falcons, horses, and viewing points are widely available at an extra cost.

There are also souvenir shops and cafes located there for some shopping or snacks before heading down.

Entrance fee : 50,000₫ (~S$3/pax) Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM Address: 2CWR+M3W, Thị trấn Lạc Dương, Lạc Dương, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

*Pro-tip: Arrive before 9AM to beat the tour bus crowds!

Da Lat Flower Park

Da Lat is also known as the City of Eternal Spring — probably because it’s home to 300 different flower species! Carve out some time in your Da Lat itinerary to drop by and admire the beautiful blooms.

Da Lat Flower Park is also home to multiple greenhouses, a bonsai garden, and a large lake, it’s easy to get lost among the sprawling 7,000m² grounds!

The park also has many romantic p hoto spots adding to D a Lat’s dreamy charm.

Entrance fee: 70,000₫ (~S$4.15/pax) Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM Address: 02 Đ. Trần Nhân Tông, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Read also:   Ultimate Southern Vietnam Guide — 13 Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Mui Ne

Coffee Break at Cabin in the Woods

A Da Lat local recommended this hidden gem, so we had to drop in for a caffeine fix.

Located down a narrow dirt road, we were surprised to find a charming cafe tucked behind a corner. We recommend sitting on the deck at Cabin in the Woods as the view is absolutely gorgeous, really taking ‘al-fresco’ dining to the next level.

We tried The Cabin Coffee (65,000₫) and Tra Vai Hoa Nhai (60,000₫) which is an Iced Lychee Tea, recharging us after a long day of sightseeing.

While admiring the view, we were joined by a few furry friends 🐕 — who gave us puppy-dog eyes while eyeing our food. Hearts were weakened and a few pieces of hot dogs were gladly sacrificed.

As the food menu is limited, this cafe would better suit those looking for a light bite before heading off to their next location. Nonetheless , it’s s till a great place for a mid-day caffeine refuel!

Cost:  From 50,000₫ (~S$2.95) Opening hours: 7AM – 8PM Address: 2 Đường Phù Đổng Thiên Vương, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

*Pro-tip : Renting a scooter or taking a Grab bike will make it more convenient to reach the cafe as the road is extremely narrow.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

One of the most beautiful and artistically crafted temples we encountered in Da Lat is the Linh Phuoc Pagoda . The grounds are split into different sections, dedicated to the Buddha and the Goddess of Mercy.

Completely covered in glass, ceramic, and porcelain pieces, this Buddhist temple’s colourful style might also remind you of Gaudi’s mosaics in Barcelona .

Also known as the Dragon Pagoda, the grounds is home to a 49m-long dragon sculpture that is covered in recycled beer bottles from Hoi An!

There’s also an entire basement dedicated to the 18 Levels of Hell, similar to Singapore’s Haw Par Villa, but an underground version without the Tiger Balm branding 🤪

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 7AM – 5PM Address: Trai Mat, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Sunset at Cafe Túi Mơ To

Cafe Tui Mo To is a crowd’s favourite and overlooks Da Lat city. Only a 10-minute drive away from Linh Phuoc Pagoda, the compound is adorned with fairy lights and daisy bushes. The laid-back atmosphere of the cafe made it a relaxing way to end a long day of sightseeing.

The cafe has a variety of artisanal drinks and desserts to choose from 45,000₫. We tried the hot cacao (60,000₫) and the iced tra vai cam d au , a sweet lychee tea ( 65,000₫), which was refreshing after a long day exploring Da Lat.

There are multiple seating options, with each room having a different vibe. The indoor greenhouse room holds a certain tranquillity, so much so that we spotted a sleeping customer!

Cost:  From 45,000₫ (~S$2.65) Opening hours: 7:45AM – 9:45PM (Mon – Sat), 7:45AM – 10PM (Sun) Address: hẻm 31 Sào Nam, Phường 11, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66118, Vietnam

*Pro-tip: Arrive before 4:30PM to snag the better seats as it gets crowded during sunset.

Day 3: Da Lat’s Tranquil Nature

Kayaking tour at tuyền lâm lake.

This day begins at 5AM because we’ll be catching the sunrise at Tuyền Lâm Lake on a kayak! We decided to go for t he earliest slot, which made us the first o nes on the lake — even before the fishing boats!

The early morning surprised us with still waters that reflected the entire sky and we barely broke a sweat while paddling the boat. Our eyes were blessed with misty mountains and we were dazzled by how quiet and peaceful the lake was. We spent an hour exploring the lake on our own before our guide led us to the next stop.

*Pro-tip: Pack a waterproof windbreaker to stay warm throughout the tour as it gets quite chilly in the morning.

We took a mid-way pit stop at Lux Camp Da Lat , where we enjoyed instant noodles and a steaming cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee. Despite feeling freezing cold in the forest (my bottoms were soaked), it felt like we were the only people to exist in this corner of the universe — a core memory for sure!

Cost: ~S$22.50/pax for 3hr Kayak Tour Tour timings: 5AM, 8AM, 2:30PM Meeting point: Hoa Cam Tu Cau, Ward 3, Da Lat, Vietnam

*Note: A round-trip transfer can be arranged with directly the operator for S$50.

Pongour Waterfall

Photo credit: @indrawuphoto via Instagram

Pongour Waterfalls ha s earned the title of being one of the most beautiful attractions in Southern Vietnam and it’s not hard to see why.

Known as the Seven Cascading Waterfalls, Pongour is made of seven-tiered rock terraces that cause the flowing water to have a silky-like illusion. Located 1.5 hours outside Da Lat city centre, we suggest hiring a private charter or renting a scooter to chase these magnificent waterfalls.

Entrance fee: 20,000₫ (~S$1.15/pax) Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM Address: Đức Trọng District, Lam Dong, Vietnam

* Pro-tip : The weather can get quite warm in the afternoo n so take a dip and swim und er one of the smaller falls!

Coffee at CỘI kissa

Stepping foot into CỘI kissa , we were instantly transported into the roaring twenties. The jazz-themed cafe has vintage furniture and a turntable playing music in the corner, creating a cosy yet nostalgic atmosphere.

And of course, we couldn’t leave Da Lat without trying Vietnamese egg coffee (6 5,000₫). While originally a Northern Vietnam delicacy, it’s also popular among locals in the So uth for it s smooth and creamy texture.

The cafe also serves fusion dishes like tomyum pasta (190,000₫) and mini beef tacos (240,000₫), making it a trendy lunch spot in town.

Bonus: CỘI kissa also shares the building with a speakeasy, a barber shop, and a tattoo parlour so if you’re looking for a haircut or to get a tattoo, this is the place to go.

Cost: From 40,000₫ (~S$2.36) Opening hours: 8AM – 10:30PM Address: 69 Đường Trương Công Định, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam

Getting around Da Lat

Public transport isn’t very accessible in Da Lat so here are some alternatives to ensure your itinerary runs smoothly.

Grab:  This option is the most convenient and affordable option. An average trip of 10 mins costs around 25,000₫ (~S$1.50)

Car charter: Grab isn’t as readily available outside the city centre. Thus, we hired a private car for the day to take us to areas out of the city. We opted for the 8-hour service but an additional surcharge is available for 100,000₫/hour.

Scooter rentals: available at ~S$7/day and is useful for weaving through the narrow alleys.

The three days spent exploring Da Lat felt nothing short of a fairytale adventure and we’ve barely scratched the surface. Da Lat really is an underrated city with hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.

A personal favourite was the sunrise kayak at Lake Tuyen Lam. As someone who only wakes up after the sun is high up in the sky, I didn’t expect to feel so recharged by the breathtaking view.🤩 Da Lat also unearthed my love of quirky things. From chicken hats to fishes with glowing red eyes, I fully embraced Da Lat for all its eccentricity.

After all, it’s part of its charm, isn’t it?

Planning your Vietnam itinerary? Check out these guides and itineraries from other parts of Vietnam: – 7-Day Southern Vietnam Itinerary Under S$900 — Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, and Da Lat – 9 Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City — A Less Touristy HCM Guide – 7-Day Southern Vietnam Itinerary Under S$900 — Best Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne, and Da Lat – Southern Vietnam Food Guide — 17 Best Places to Eat at Ho Chi Minh, Da Lat, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc

Are there any other places you’d add to this Da Lat itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram  for more travel inspiration!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Ultimate 6-Day Adelaide Itinerary — The Best of South Australia’s Underrated Capital City and its Surrounds

3-day Japan Itinerary in Oita — Kyushu’s Hidden Onsen Town

3D2N JB Itinerary — Mount Austin, Kulai, JB Sentral

4-Day Hainan Itinerary Under S$650 — A Short Island Getaway to the Hawaii of China

Most Scenic 5D4N Taiwan Itinerary from Taitung to Yilan — Vast Landscapes, Coastal Towns and Island Getaways

3D2N Solo Wellness Retreat in Bintan — Self-care, Habit Stacking And a Total Mental Reset

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Unique Things to Do in South Australia — Quirky Wineries,...

7 Boutique Hotels in Singapore For an “Out of the Country”...

How to Pay in China Without WeChat or Alipay — New...

11 Things to do in Clark, Philippines — A Quiet Adventure...

20 Things to Eat-See-Do in Sabah’s Capital Besides Climbing Mount Kinabalu

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

• Be Inspired
• Destinations
• Things to do
• Eat & Drink

Dalat weather

Sited at an altitude of 1,500 meters, with Langbiang peak at 2,167 meters above sea level as the highest point, Dalat is surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges and high plains, contributing to its cool and pleasant weather year-round. The temperature difference between days and nights in Dalat is relatively large, with an average of 11 °C. The highest temperature reported is around 30 °C, and the lowest is under 5 °C.

The four seasons in Dalat are not evenly divided. Mid-year is often affected by tropical depressions and seasonal winds from the Southwest and Central, resulting in prolonged periods of rain. However, every month, every season in Dalat has its own appeal. Below is a descriptive timeline of Dalat weather to help you choose the best time to visit based on your preference.

Spring (January – March)

The average temperature during this season is about 19 °C, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 28 °C. This is also the dry season in Dalat, with long hours of sunshine and low humidity, making it the ideal time to visit. The pleasant weather allows for more daylight for outdoor activities, resulting in many local festivals taking place to celebrate the beauty of floral blossoms and traditional holidays.

Due to the favorable weather and diverse festive activities, this is also the peak season for local Vietnamese people to travel to Dalat. Traffic may be more crowded than usual, and accommodation options may be limited due to high demand.

Summer (April – September)

Summer in Dalat lasts longer and is characterized by long rainy days and high humidity. During the day, the temperature is nice and warm, but it drops quickly at night, creating a large temperature difference. The temperature revolves around 27 °C in April and May, and then typically drops to around 23 °C from June to September. It rains almost every day during this season in Dalat, with the heaviest rain usually falling in the afternoons. You can still fit many activities into your itinerary by planning ahead and doing more outdoor activities in the morning, followed by spending the afternoons and evenings in cozy, vintage cafes or restaurants, watching the mountainous town covered in a curtain of rain.

Autumn (October – November)

Although October and November are considered autumn in Dalat, the weather does not greatly vary from summer, except for lower humidity during daytime. The number of rainy days per month also decreases, giving more hours of sunlight for exploration.

Winter (December)

The average temperature in December is 18 °C with an average daylight of 11 hours. This is also when some of the most iconic flowers of Dalat bloom, creating a picturesque and colorful background. So, if you enjoy natural landscape photography, this is a great time for it. Additionally, Dalat, with its orange light illuminating the white barns at night, the chalets nestled on the hillsides, and the winter breeze, makes for a lovely Christmas holiday.

Overall, there is always a reason to visit Dalat regardless of the season. While Dalat is a festival destination during the dry season, such as spring and winter, it is a perfect getaway even during the rainy seasons of summer and autumn when other Northern and Southern cities are unbearably hot. Due to its natural attractions, it is not surprising that Dalat can be overcrowded during weekends, which is the high season for this foggy city. Therefore, if you are looking for favorable weather to visit Dalat, December to March are recommended months. However, if you want to experience local and less touristy experiences, weekdays in any season would work.

Transportation in Dalat

Discover transportation deals for Dalat from our partners >

How to get to Dalat?

Being a strategic holiday destination, Dalat has witnessed impressive development in transportation and infrastructure, making it super accessible for travelers. There are two common and convenient ways to travel to Dalat from major cities in the North, the Central, and the South.

Lien Khuong International Airport operates both domestically and internationally direct flights to Dalat. Inbound flights to Dalat depart from cities such as Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City , Da Nang , Hai Phong, Vinh, Thanh Hoa, Quy Nhon , Can Tho, and Phu Quoc . Meanwhile, at the moment, some outbound flights depart to Dalat from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Korea (Seoul, Muan, and Daegu), Thailand (Bangkok), and China (Lanzhou).

Flights are operated by various aviation companies ranging from economic airlines to national and more premium ones. The cost of a one-way trip from Ho Chi Minh City ranges from around 500,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND ($21 to $85), with higher prices from other northern cities. However, you can get good deals if you book in advance.

Lien Khuong International Airport is 30 kilometers from the city center. As soon as you arrive at the airport, there are two options to get you to Dalat center:

• Airport taxis: Bookable at the airport, with fares ranging from 250,000 VND to 300,000 VND ($11 to $13) and a travel time of 30 to 40 minutes without traffic. This fare includes tolls and airport fees and will take you directly to your desired location.
• Airport buses: Station is located outside the arrival terminal and staffed with personnel to assist with bus booking. Tickets cost 40,000 VND ($1.7), and each ride takes at least 45 minutes to reach the city center without traffic. Buses operate from 6 AM to 6 PM and depart from the airport every 15 to 30 minutes. However, keep in mind two disadvantages: (1) The schedule is often based on the arrival of flights, so you may need to wait for the next flight if you don’t go directly to the bus station upon arrival. (2) Buses only run between the airport and Dalat Central Market (at 01 Le Thi Hong Gam St), so you’ll need to arrange additional transportation to your final destination.”

If you are based in Ho Chi Minh City or other Southern cities, taking a night bus will be another reasonable option due to more flexible schedules and economical prices. There are many local buses operating the Dalat route; however, Thanh Buoi Bus and Phuong Trang (Futa) Bus are preferred for their quality and professionalism.

In general, the prices for different bus companies and seat types are comparable. However, for a more comfortable and restful journey, it is recommended to opt for a premium or VIP bus option. This will ensure that you are well-rested and ready to explore upon arrival in Dalat in the morning.

1. Thanh Buoi Bus

Thanh Buoi Bus Company operates two routes to Dalat, including Can Tho – Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Dalat. An advantage of choosing Thanh Buoi is its variety of seat options.

• Standard sleeper buses: a bed/seat in a 44-seat bus. Price: 270,000 VND ($11) from Ho Chi Minh City and 400.000 VND ($17) from Can Tho. These buses are relatively old with narrow beds (which you can hardly straighten your legs on) and no curtain to give you a sense of privacy. Most of the time, the standard buses would depart late because they had to wait for the passengers to fill the seats. In short, this should only be an option for its low price and when there is no other option of transport.
• VIP sleeper buses: a bed/seat in a 22-seat bus. Price: 420,000 VND ($18) from Ho Chi Minh City. These are the most premium, operated with new and clean buses. What you have is pretty much a capsule room with comfortable beds, curtains to separate your space from others, wifi, and a TV screen for entertainment.
• Limousine buses: a seat in a 26-seat bus. Price: 310.000 VND ($13). This bus leaves only once a day at 11 PM from Ho Chi Minh City. These are newly introduced by the bus company, targeting those who are uncomfortable with no upstairs seats. They are featured by one-level spacious beds, which you will feel more stable sitting and sleeping on.

2. Phuong Trang (Futa) Bus

Phuong Trang (Futa) Bus Company only operates standard sleeper buses, which can be quite narrow and lack privacy curtains. As one of the first bus companies to offer long-distance trips, the buses used are relatively older. The cost for a standard sleeper bus is 300,000 VND ($12.5).

A benefit of choosing Phuong Trang Bus is its multiple destinations, including Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho. Additionally, the company offers a user-friendly website and mobile app, making it easy to check for seat availability and book a trip online.

Getting around Dalat

The transportation infrastructure in Dalat is well-developed, featuring newly-constructed wide and flat roads. This offers various options for transportation, depending on your purpose and budget. Below are some common modes of transportation for getting around the city.

Motorbikes are always the best choice for exploring a city, not just in Dalat, but anywhere else in Vietnam, as motorbikes are a big part of Vietnamese culture. The cost of renting a bike ranges from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND, depending on the type of bike and the time you visit, with prices usually lower on weekdays. A manual bike costs 100,000 VND to 120,000 VND ($4 to $5) per day, while an automatic bike costs 150,000 VND to 180,000 VND ($6 to $7) per day. However, this price does not include petrol, so the bike will likely come with an empty gas tank. Make sure to check the tank and find the nearest petrol station to fill it up, as 50,000 VND ($2.1) should be enough for a full day of exploring. Delivery and pickup of the bike are included in the service and will be made to and from wherever you are. A driving license and a helmet are required to ride a motorbike, and in Vietnam, we drive on the right.

Unlike other major cities where ride-hailing apps are dominant, traditional taxis are still preferred in Dalat. If you plan to stay around the city center, using a taxi service is recommended as the locations are not too spread out and the fares are reasonable. If you are traveling with a large family and want to visit the major tourist attractions, taxis can be booked as a half-day or full-day private car for around 700,000 to 1,000,000 VND ($29 to $42).

In addition to well-known names such as Mai Linh taxis, the new generation of taxis in Dalat is registered and operated through an application. They may not look like traditional taxis (without a company sign), but they are reliable. Just make sure you get into the correct car by checking the number plate before getting in. Some popular and reliable taxi brands in Dalat are Dalat Taxi, Mai Linh, and Hoa Binh.

Electric buses

There are five common routes currently operated. These serve as usual hop-on and hop-off buses, so you can get in and get off anytime.

• Operation time: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily 
• Ticket price: 30,000 – 45,000 VND ($1.2 – $1.9)

Route 1: Yersin Park – Tran Quoc Toan St – City Flower Garden – Yersin Park. This route will take you around Xuan Huong Lake, a symbol of the natural beauty of Dalat. You will drive through the main roads in the city center, passing many colorful flower gardens and city parks, giving you an overview of the town. This is a great option for first-time visitors to Dalat.

Route 2: Yersin Park – Tran Quoc Toan St – Ho Tung Mau St – Tran Phu St – Le Hong Phong St – Trieu Viet Vuong St – Tuyen Lam Lake Tourist Complex. This route will take you out of the city to the South, offering a panoramic view of vast pine forests, magnificent mountains, and a tranquil lake.

Route 3: Yersin Park – Tran Quoc Toan St – Ho Tung Mau St – Tran Hung Dao St – Hung Vuong St – Highway 20 – Trai Mat. The highlight of this route is a breathtaking view of Linh Phuoc Pagoda, a unique religious structure in Dalat. Its final stop is at Trai Mat, often called the town of clouds because in the early morning, the entire village appears to be floating in a sea of white fog and fluffy clouds.

Route 4: Xuan Huong Lake Boat Station – Tran Quoc Toan St – Dinh Tien Hoang St – Phu Dong Thien Vuong St – Mai Anh Dao St – Valley or Love. This route is perfect if you plan to explore the Valley of Love afterward.

Route 5: Yersin Park – Tran Quoc Toan St – Nguyen Trai St – Quang Trung St – Phan Chu Trinh St – Ho Xuan Huong St – Than Tho Lake – Ngo Gia Tu St – Thai Phien Flower Village. This route will show you why Dalat is known as “The city of a thousand flowers.” The route follows winding hill roads with views of flower barns on one side, leading to the destination of Thai Phien Flower Village, where hundreds of types of flowers are grown, harvested, and delivered nationwide.

Top attractions in Dalat

Elephant falls dalat, datanla waterfall dalat, extreme dalat canyoning tour.

Starts from $82.00

Where to stay in Dalat

Stay in dalat, must-try dishes in dalat, 8 must-try foods in dalat, other destinations, mui ne, phan thiet, ha long bay.

More from Vietnam

Discover the best city guides, itineraries, travel tips & hidden gems in my Vietnam Travel Guide.

A little city in Southern Vietnam ‘s Central Highlands region, about 300km northeast of Saigon, Dalat earned its epitaph ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ because of its year-round cool weather . Heritage buildings and wide streets, leftovers of the French, characterise downtown Dalat.

Thick bushels of purple hydrangeas decorate every stretch of sidewalk. Set over undulating hills, Dalat’s streets are pitched at odd angles, creating interesting ‘stacked’ rooftops and narrow laneways that are a joy to explore on foot.

Beyond the city, Dalat is surrounded by pine forests and more rolling hills , which always seem to be shrouded in the perfect amount of opaque mist. Orchards, flower farms, tea fields, vineyards and coffee estates – and a little further afield, cacao plantations – plaster the verdant, hyper-productive countryside.

The fruits of farmers’ labour are sold in cafes, at street food markets and in specialty shops in Dalat, which probably has more cute coffee houses per capita than anywhere else in Vietnam.

Dalat has a retro, vintage vibe (in 2018, a popular 1960s-era movie was filmed in Dalat), and is widely considered to be Vietnam’s most romantic city . It’s wildly popular with young couples and newlyweds as a result. But Dalat is often overlooked by international tourists.

A huge part of Dalat’s appeal is being able to break from the crowds and step into a place that feels wholly and utterly unique in Vietnam .

After spending a year in Hanoi and more than three years in total in Southeast Asia, I can say with confidence that Dalat is one of my favourite places to visit in the region .

I sincerely hope this guide and itinerary will inspire you to visit Dalat, a city that deserves way more attention than it currently gets!

Where to stay in Dalat

Close to restaurants and most of the landmarks mentioned in this Dalat itinerary, the city centre is a great place to base your stay in Dalat. If you don’t mind being a bit further out, there are some unique luxury accommodations in the hills around the city.

• Luxe: Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa – a set of 17 original 1930s French villas. If it falls within your budget, this is one of the most unique and beautiful accommodations in all of Vietnam.
• Heritage: Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel – well-appointed rooms set inside a private park 300m from the Bao Dai Palace.
• Mid-range: New Hampton Suites – tidy rooms in the city centre.
• Budget: Moc Thach Hostel – budget-friendly private and shared rooms on the western side of the lake.

19 awesome things to do in Dalat

Before you start planning the finer details of your Dalat itinerary, here are 19 things you absolutely can’t miss in Dalat. Think of this as your Dalat bucket list!

Looking for the best Dalat Easy Rider Tour?

⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ 59 traveller reviews

This full-day easy rider tour of Dalat with Easy Riders Vietnam takes you to coffee plantations, waterfalls, small villages, and high into the hills for the best views of Dalat.

on GetYourGuide

1. Get a taste of Dalat’s coffee culture

Dalat is synonymous with coffee. You can almost smell the hearty aroma of roasting beans in the air as soon as your step onto the tarmac at Dalat airport. Lam Dong Province and the hills surrounding Dalat are plastered with coffee plantations.

Dalat city itself is filled with dozens of cute cafes of every shape and kind – from ultra-modern warehouse-style espresso bars, to retro Communist-inspired cafes.

Whether you do a plantation trip, a quick tour of a roasting house or you just cafe hop and sample a few different local brews, coffee culture is something you must experience in Dalat.

2. Visit Truc Lam Temple

I know, I know: Vietnam has more temples and pagodas than you could possibly hope (or want) to visit. But there’s something special about Truc Lam Temple ( Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm ). A Zen Buddhist temple and meditation centre set at the top of Dalat’s Robin Hill, the Truc Lam complex is massive – about 24 hectares in total.

The temple’s resident monks keep the grounds immaculately clean and the shrubs perfectly manicured.

3. ‘Chase the clouds’ in Trai Mat

When I mentioned my upcoming trip to Dalat to my Vietnamese language teacher in Hanoi, she told me I simply must go ‘chase the clouds’ in Trai Mat.

Chasing the clouds, I discovered, basically involves getting up before dawn and hanging out in a field. As the sun rises, low mist floats into view, diffusing the light and making for some pretty spectacular photo opportunities before it evaporates.

There are a few places in Vietnam that are famous cloud chasing spots – including Dien Bein Phu in the far northwest. Trai Mat, a small agricultural village just outside Dalat, is a great place to chase the clouds in Central Vietnam.

4. Lose your mind at the Crazy House

Dalat’s best-known tourist attraction, the Crazy House ( Hằng Nga ), is a private home in the city centre with a rather kooky design. Somewhere between a Dali painting, a Gaudi creation and a polystyrene theme park installation, it’s comprised of strangely shaped and painted walkways, chambers, peep holes and staircases.

A self-guided tour of the Crazy House involves walking around the property and exploring its nooks.

5. Feel like royalty at the Bao Dai Summer Palace

The former summer residences (there’s more than one in Dalat) of Vietnam’s last emperor are fine examples of royal architecture and design.

Donning a pair of soft booties and slipping and sliding your way around the polished floors of the restored houses is one of the coolest things to do in Dalat.

6. Wander through a coffee plantation

If you’ve never seen a coffee tree before, a plantation tour in Dalat provides a fascinating insight into the origins of coffee, the harvesting process, and the time and effort that goes into growing each bean.

Dalat’s plantations were first established by the French and have been revived in recent years as coffee has gained popularity and exports have stepped up (Vietnam is now the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee after Brazil).

You’ll come away from a tour with a greater appreciation for your morning cuppa.

7. Check out Elephant Waterfall

Hilly, lush and always raining – sounds like a perfect recipe for waterfalls. Dalat has some excellent natural water features, including lakes and cascading falls . Elephant Waterfall is the most popular of the bunch, and features on any good Dalat tour itinerary.

I’m not usually one for waterfalls, but the scale of the drop and volume of water pouring down Elephant Waterfall left me breathless. Refer to Day 2 of my Dalat itinerary below for more information on how to get there.

8. Shop for edible souvenirs

The L’angfarm chain of shops in Dalat sells edible souvenirs made from local produce: Dried fruits, jams and preserves, matcha green tea powder, chocolate, artichoke tea, and of course, coffee.

If you’re in the market for a few Vietnam souvenirs, Dalat is the perfect place to do your shopping.

9. Learn about indigenous K’Ho culture

Before the French arrived in the 1920s and transformed Dalat into the city it is today, the area was traditionally occupied by Vietnam’s K’Ho ethnic group. K’Ho (and other minority communities) still live in Dalat and in villages around Lam Dong Province. Taking some time to learn about their culture and way of life is a must-do when in Dalat.

Try visiting a K’Ho village (see Day 2 of my Dalat itinerary), or taking a tour of the K’Ho Coffee plantation, the only Dalat coffee label that is owned by indigenous Montagnard and K’Ho people.

10. Get a photo in front of the pink church

Selfie and Instagram culture is huge in Vietnam, and no where did I see more snap-happiness than in Dalat. Who can blame us – Dalat’s pastel, perfectly symmetrical French buildings are incredibly photogenic.

The most sought-after photo opportunity in Dalat is at the city’s famous pink church. Plan to arrive at Domaine de Marie early if you want a photo minus the crowds (more information on Day 1 of my Dalat itinerary below).

11. Ride the Dalat cable car

Dalat, like the rest of Vietnam’s Central Highlands region, is very mountainous. One of the best ways to conquer the hills around Dalat is by riding the cable car, which leads from a station in town to the top of Robin Hill (the location of Truc Lam Temple). The 4km line travels over pine forests and offers glorious views, provided you visit on a clear-ish day.

The Dalat Cable Car operates daily from 7.30am to 11.30am and again from 1pm until 5pm (note the break for lunch). A ticket costs 80,000 VND one-way.

12. Marvel at Dalat’s French architecture

Given its history as a French hill station, Dalat is graced with some pretty spectacular French-era architecture . Many of the civic and institutional buildings have been diligently preserved and appear much as they would have when they were constructed back in the 1920s and 30s.

Villas and mansions around Dalat’s French Quarter haven’t fared so well – most lay abandoned and overgrown with moss, which gives them a very spooky feel (did you know that Dalat is rumoured to be overrun with ghosts!?).

13. Spot the chicken?

I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but one of Dalat’s most famous landmarks is topped with a statuette of a chicken. Hint: You’ll have to strain your neck to spot it! Keep reading my Dalat itinerary to find out where exactly the chicken is. (If you’re up on your Vietnamese, you’ll know straight away because the Vietnamese word for ‘chicken’ appears in this landmark’s title.)

There’s more than one chicken in Dalat – there’s also a ‘Chicken Village’ just outside of town (more on that later, too!).

14. Try local Dalat cuisine

Because of the cold climate, food in Dalat is hearty and rich. Many dishes feature locally grown Dalat produce, including loads of fresh fruit and avocados.

The Dalat Night Market, which happens every evening from about 5pm in the centre of town, is a great place to find street treats and sample the best Dalat foods.

Don’t leave without trying bread with meatballs ( Bánh mì xíu mại ), grilled rice paper with egg ( Bánh tráng kẹp ), and scallion and quail egg pancakes with fish sauce ( Bánh căn ), and Dalat’s famous avocado ice cream ( Kem bơ ).

15. Ride on the Dalat Plateau Railway

Back in the days of the French, Dalat’s train line was a vital connection between Central Vietnam and the rest of the country. The line, which terminated at the Art Deco-inspired and since-restored Dalat Railway Station, linked Dalat with Hanoi in the north and Saigon in the south.

After falling to ruin during the war, the line was pillaged to reconstruct the famous Reunification Express, which runs the length of the country.

A small section of Dalat’s railway was re-opened in the early 2000s and now ferries tourists from Trai Mat village. In a stroke of marketing genius, it was re-branded the Dalat Plateau Railway: A new moniker that is very romantic, but has nothing to do with the original name.

16. Visit a flower farm

Dalat is famous for its hydrangeas and wild flowers (in fact, a lot of the cut flowers sold at flower markets in Hanoi and elsewhere are grown in Dalat). There are a few flower farms around Dalat that are open to the public and well worth a visit.

Some are family owned; others are state run. Some consist of fields; others take the form of huge white-tented greenhouses. Most ask for a small fee (around 20,000 VND) to enter.

The Hydrangea Garden near Trai Mat village and the lavender farm near Tuyen Tam Lake are both popular with visitors. If flowers aren’t your thing, you can visit strawberry and fruit farms (or vineyards) instead.

17. Get a bird’s eye view of Tuyen Tam Lake

Tuyen Tam Lake (Hồ Tuyền Lâm) is a natural lake just south of Dalat city. You can picnic on the lake’s edge or paddle a boat on the lake itself – but in my opinion, Tuyen Tam is best seen from afar.

Views from Robin Hill and Truc Lam Temple are especially atmospheric in the early morning and late afternoon, when the lake, with its bushy outcrops and green islands, are draped in that fine Dalat mist.

18. Get messy at Tunnel Clay

In a similar vein as Dalat’s Crazy House, Tunnel Clay (Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc) is one of Dalat’s more unusual attractions. Located in a pine forest at the southwestern end of Tuyen Tam Lake, it’s basically a mud village-cum-theme park made up of massive clay structures, tunnels and artistic sculptures .

As you can imagine, it can get pretty messy on a rainy Dalat day! Bring a change of socks.

19. Take an easy rider tour around Dalat

Wondering how to best take in all the wonderful sights and experiences Dalat has to offer? An easy rider tour of the countryside surrounding Dalat is the perfect way to see the highlights in style.

Day 2 of my Dalat itinerary has more details about easy rider tours, and my provider of choice.

3-Day Dalat itinerary for food, coffee & architecture

This 3-day Dalat itinerary is tailor-made for anyone who loves coffee, wine and good food. It also includes plenty of architecture and a few adventurous outdoor activities, too!

Day 1: Markets & monuments

Dalat market & breakfast at one more cafe.

If you arrived in Dalat overnight, your first glimpse of the city will be in the early morning. This is prime market time, when the streets come alive with shoppers and the breakfast trade heats up.

Dalat’s main marketplace ( Chợ Đà Lạt ) unravels around the roundabout in the centre of town. There is an undercover section, but I preferred walking around the less-claustrophobic outdoor stalls. Keep an eye out for fresh flowers, artichokes and strawberries , all locally grown.

Once you’ve had a look around the market, duck into One More Cafe , a Dalat institution that serves one of the best cups of coffee in town alongside light breakfasts.

Domaine de Marie

After breakfast, it’s time to visit one of Dalat’s most impressive French colonial buildings . Domaine de Marie is a Catholic Church set on a little hill in the centre of town.

It still hosts daily mass, and has a functioning nunnery around the back.

Looking pretty in pink (in person, the colours are actually closer to brick), Domaine de Marie is a very popular photo spot. Don’t forget to walk around the side to visit the nunnery and pretty gardens as well.

The gates of Domaine de Marie are open from 5.30am daily (earlier on a Saturday). The church is an easy 900m walk through Dalat’s residential suburbs from One More cafe and the centre of town.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

From one Catholic institution to another. St. Nicholas Cathedral, also known as Dalat Cathedral or by its Vietnamese nickname Nhà thờ Con Gà is the biggest and most prestigious in Dalat. Like Domaine de Marie, it’s a functioning house of worship will a daily mass.

St. Nicholas Cathedral is located at the southwestern corner of Xuan Huong Lake, about 2.4km from Domaine de Marie. I recommend jumping in a Grab to get there.

The church doesn’t have official opening hours, but you’re most likely to find the gates unlocked around mass times. See here for more information.

If you haven’t already guessed, this is where you can spot Dalat’s famous chicken statue – right at the top of the Cathedral’s tallest spire.

Lunch at Le Chalet

A little bit Communist retro, a little bit garden cafe, Le Chalet is an imaginative eatery with a nice menu of light Western and Vietnamese meals. The mural above the bar is very cute, and the whole place is decorated superbly.

Crazy House

You’ll spot the entrance to Dalat Crazy House (and probably a queue of people waiting to buy tickets) right across the road from Le Chalet.

Entrance costs 60,000 VND per person.

Once inside, you’re free to roam around the odd (and let’s face it, slightly hazardous) house, tracing its high walkways and popping in and out of cave-like nooks and windows.

There’s a small information centre at the start of the complex where you can read newspaper clippings pertaining to the house’s owner and history.

There are also guides around who are happy to have a casual chat.

Bao Dai Summer Palace III & Pasteur Institute

Onto more Dalat architecture, this time with a European twist. Built in the 1930s, the summer residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, is not your typical palace – it’s done in an Art Deco style, with curved walls and a funky interior colour palette.

Also known as Dinh III (house three), it’s just one in a series of royal residences constructed in Dalat to house Bao Dai’s library, office, rooms for hosting notable guests, and living quarters for the whole family.

Dinh III is set on a low grade hill above Dalat, walking distance from the Crazy House. You can go inside the palace (you’ll need to pay 40,000 VND for the honour) for a self-guided tour. Be warned that there isn’t much information available, so it helps to do a bit of reading before you go.

The palace is open from 7am until 5.30pm daily.

After you walk down the hill away from the palace, continue along Le Hong Phong and stop off at the Pasteur Institute. Another fine example of French architecture, this little slice of lemon delight is rather photogenic – although I don’t recommend getting your photo taken here, as it is a government building. Clandestine snaps through the bars of the front gate are much preferred.

Gift shopping at L’angfarm

Finish your first day in Dalat with a trip to L’angfarm. There are branches of this boutique all throughout the city (including one on the steps above the roundabout, and a few in the backpacker area).

Take your time browsing the range of edible treats and pick out a few things to bring home. Everything is labelled in English, and prices are very reasonable.

Dinner at Artist’s Alley

This restaurant used to be located in an alleyway but has since moved to a busy street. It lost some of its charm and character in the process – but the food is just as good as ever. I highly recommend both the French onion soup and avocado salad.

Day 2: Easy rider tour of Dalat

Breakfast at an cafe.

Sink your teeth into a super hearty breakfast at An Cafe, one of the eateries perched above Dalat’s main street and accessible by a staircase on the side of the road.

An Cafe also does a great flat white.

Explore the countryside around Dalat on an easy rider tour

After a heart-warming breakfast, it’s time to hit the wide open road. Spend the rest of your second day in Dalat exploring Lam Dong Province and the hills around the city.

The easiest way to see all of the places mentioned below on Day 2 is with an organised easy rider tour . If you’re not familiar with the concept, an easy rider tour involves hiring a bike and driver/guide for the day.

You sit pillion (as a passenger) on the back and get driven from place to place. It’s a great option if you want to experience the countryside but like us, you don’t drive.

There are a couple of tour providers in Dalat and a few different routes to choose from. We went with The Original Easy Riders Vietnam, a local Dalat company, and their Dalat Countryside itinerary.

We couldn’t have asked for better guides than Tim and Tom – two friends who are truly fantastic young men (and excellent drivers), They treated us to an awesome day.

The roads around Dalat are gently curved and in pretty good condition. As always, take care if you decide to drive yourself, and make sure you wear a helmet at all times.

Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake’s unusual, tree-branch shape looks most beautiful when viewed from above. The best vantage point is Robin Hill. There are a couple of lookout points marked on Google Maps.

If you have time, venture down to the lake’s edge to see the lake from a different angle. You can also take a boat out or partake in any one of a number of water sports.

Truc Lam Temple

Also located on Robin Hill, Truc Lam is a temple, a monastery and a meditation centre all rolled into one. The manicured flower gardens and grounds are kept beautiful by a team of monks who live on the premises.

As the name suggests, Truc Lam also welcomes guests for short and longer stays, where you can learn the art of Zen Buddhist meditation as part of a retreat program.

If you’re only stopping by for a quick visit, budget at least an hour to wander through the grounds and gardens.

Even on a rainy day, there is a magnetic draw to Truc Lam that tempts you to stay longer than planned.

K’Ho Villages

Further towards the outer fringes of Dalat, you’ll find small villages and communities belonging to the K’Ho and other ethnic minority groups. ‘Chicken Village’ (so called because of the giant chicken statue that occupies a vacant lot) is often frequented as part of day tours around Dalat.

I’m not a huge fan of dropping into model villages to see ‘how the locals live’. But I do love weaving, and I’ll jump at the chance to watch someone working a loom. Chi Dung, the K’Ho woman we met in Chicken Village, speaks perfect English and is very welcoming of guests. She’s also a weaving whiz!

Mushroom farms & coffee plantations

Agriculture is big business in Dalat, and most families have some sort of farming venture as their main source of income or a side hustle. As you drive through the countryside around Dalat, you’ll see farms of every stripe.

Coffee plantations are the most obvious and can be spotted from the roadside. We jumped out to take a look at a couple, picking an unripened berry here and there to see how it all works. Dalat’s mushroom farms are also worth noting.

An immense amount of produce can be grown in quite a small space, making it a pretty lucrative business. Once harvested, the mushrooms are dried and packaged for sale in China and elsewhere.

Silk factory

Dalat also has a thriving silk industry. We visited a silk factory on the outskirts of town to see how it’s all done.

Being the textile buff I am, I’ve visited silk farms and processing units all over the world – from Azerbaijan to Cambodia – but I’ve never seen anything on the scale of this factory in Dalat.

Everything is mechanised, so workers can produce vast quantities of fibre and thread. It was interesting to have a look around as a tourist, but it must be said that this didn’t look like the nicest place to work.

Elephant Waterfall

Dalat has a lot of natural beauty to admire. Elephant Waterfall, which lies 30km southwest of the city, is a popular excursion from the city. A pathway with a handrail has been constructed to make exploring the falls a little easier. Still, the walk to the bottom of the waterfall is pretty steep and hard going in places.

There are some pools at the base of the falls, but it’s far too powerful for swimming. I was astonished at the volume of water coming down the rock face and the force of the torrent. Wherever you go, a thick spray of water will follow. Don’t leave your raincoat on the back of the motorbike like I did!

Note that there’s a small restaurant near the waterfall if you want to stop here for lunch.

Linh An Pagoda

Just a short walk from Elephant Waterfall, Linh An Pagoda is a relatively new Buddhist temple that looks out over the falls and surrounding valleys. An even newer temple, with a huge tower, was being constructed nearby at the time of our visit.

There are a couple of impressive Buddhist statues inside the main part of Linh An Pagoda and outside on the temple grounds. I particularly like the oversized smiling Buddha.

After Linh An, hit the road again to finish your day back in Dalat city. If you visit all the places mentioned here at a leisurely pace, you’ll wind up covering about 110km in total, taking roughly 8 hours.

Back in Dalat, grab an easy dinner at the Dalat Night Market.

Day 3: Local Dalat

Coffee & breakfast at la viet.

Jump in a taxi and travel to the edge of town for La Viet. One of the chicest cafes in Dalat, it’s set in a warehouse and features long communal tables and an open coffee bar. La Viet roast their own beans on site – needless to say, they do a pretty decent cuppa.

Out back, there’s a gift shop where you can pick up bags of La Viet beans and grounds and other small souvenirs. Free short tours of the on-site roasting room are available on request and well setting aside 20 minutes of your time for.

Dalat Railway Station & Xuan Huong Lake

Dalat Railways Station is a local icon. The train for Trai Mat village departs from here, but most people just come to take photos of the station building and restored carriages out the back.

You’ll need to pay a small fee (around 10,000 VND) to enter the area.

One of the carriages has been transformed into a cafe. Sure, it’s an Instagram spectacle – but there’s also a lot of history behind this station and the train line. Refer back to my list of things to do in Dalat at the start of this post for more information.

Xuan Huong, the big lake at the centre of Dalat, is a short walk from the Railway Station. There are a couple of cute cafes along Yersin Street which you can stop at for a pick-me-up along the way.

Pedagogy College

The Pedagogy College (or teacher’s college), formerly the Lycee Yersin, is another spectacular French-era building in Dalat. On the weekends, the front courtyard is packed with young people snapping photos.

Famous past pupils of the Pedagogy College include Norodom Sihanouk, the former King of Cambodia. The College is an easy walk from the Railway Station.

Dalat French Quarter

Continue walking to Dalat’s French Quarter, an area scattered with colonial villas and mansion houses. Spread out along either side of a main road, there are some real gems to be discovered.

Many of the houses are abandoned, but a few are still in use.

Lunch at Biang Bistro

I really have saved the best until last! Biang Bistro was our favourite restaurant in Dalat – we enjoyed our lunch here so much, we went back for breakfast the next morning.

Every day, they run a lunch special which is HUGE and great value for money. Produce is super fresh, meals are imaginative, and the setting is gorgeous.

More things to do in Dalat

If you can drag yourself away from Biang Bistro (seriously, it is a lovely place to relax with a cinnamon latte and read for a few hours), spend your final afternoon in Dalat doing one of the following activities.

Any could easily be spun out into a full day to make this a 4-day Dalat itinerary.

Option 1: Dalat flower villages

Dalat’s lavender field opens its gates in the afternoon, but some of the other flower fields in the area, including Van Thanh Flower Village, are open from the early morning.

The blooms are the main attraction, and lots of people gather here to take photos.

Option 2: Trai Mat village

Unless you want to ‘chase the clouds’ – in which case it’s much better to visit in the early morning – late afternoon is an ideal time to visit Trai Mat village if you want to skip the crowds.

Check out the flower and tea fields, and make sure you visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Chùa Linh Phước), an impressive Chinese temple with an interior mosaic that’s famous throughout Vietnam.

Trai Mat is quite spread out so it’s best to go with your own transport or driver. To get there from Dalat, you can either ride the Plateau train, or drive about 7km east of the city.

Option 3: Visit a vineyard

There are at least a half-dozen vineyards dotted around Dalat’s hills. Why not spend an afternoon sampling the local wine? Dalat Beco Winery welcomes drop-in visitors for wine tasting and tours.

Option 4: Take a coffee tour

If the warehouse walk-around at La Viet and your drop-in visit to a coffee field whetted your appetite, there are more opportunities to get a deeper look at how coffee is grown in Dalat. K’Ho Coffee and La Viet both offer in-depth tours of their coffee farms outside the city centre.

Tours are usually full-day affairs, but you can chat to them about customising a half-day itinerary.

Option 5: Go canyoning

Some of the best experiences you can have in this part of Vietnam are outdoors, and there are loads of opportunities for adventure activities in Dalat, including canyoning and white water rafting .

You’ll need a whole day to do these justice – the perfect excuse to extend your stay and spend an extra night or two in Dalat!

Dalat travel FAQ

Now that you know what to do in Dalat, here are a few tips and hints for planning your trip.

When is the best time to visit Dalat?

Dalat is one of the few places in Vietnam that’s blessed with year-round cool temperatures. Winter (roughly November to February) can be very cold.

We visited Dalat in August (summer) and the weather was pleasant, if not a little bit rainy.

No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you should always carry a warm jacket and rain gear with you.

How many days in Dalat?

I recommend spending at least three full days in Dalat. If you enjoy cafes and cool weather – and especially if you’re at that point in your trip where you need to chill out for a bit –Dalat is a great place to relax.

You could easily add another one to three days to your Dalat itinerary and not run out of things to do (or cafes to visit!).

Only have one day in Dalat? Check out this short itinerary .

How to get to Dalat?

Dalat’s small airport is serviced by daily Viet Jet flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other major cities in Vietnam. If you’re travelling overland, Dalat is roughly an 8-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, or 4 hours inland from Nha Trang.

Check the flight schedule and buy tickets online through Bookaway or find train/bus tickets on 12GoAsia .

How do I get around Dalat?

Dalat is a relatively small town so you can walk between most places. It does rain a lot, however, so it’s good to have a transport backup. Dalat has Grab (Vietnam’s answer to Uber), which is very easy to use, provided you have a local sim card . There are also taxis available in the main part of town.

If you’re venturing away from the centre, it pays to have your own transportation. Opt for an easy rider tour or else hire your own motorbike from one of the many shops in the city centre.

Have you been to Dalat? What are your favourite things to do in Dalat? Or if you haven’t visited yet, which of my recommendations would make it onto your Dalat itinerary?

Vietnam essentials

Here are the booking sites and services I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam .

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Vietnam using Skyscanner .

VIETNAM VISA: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Vietnam and apply for an expedited e-visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation if required.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Pre-book a private hotel transfer from Hanoi Airport or Ho Chi Minh City Airport via Get Your Guide.

SIM CARD: Buy an eSIM and data package for Vietnam online before you go. My top choice is the Asia Link Regional eSIM by Airalo (10 GB for 30 days).

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Vietnam on Agoda or book a Vietnam hostel .

TRAIN TICKETS: Reserve your Vietnam Rail tickets for the train to Sapa , Da Nang, Hue or Saigon via 12GoAsia.

BUS TICKETS: Buy your domestic bus or plane tickets in advance using 12GoAsia or Bookaway .

FOODIE EXPERIENCES: Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Vietnam on Cookly. Here are my top 15 Vietnam food experiences to help you decide.

DAY TOURS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Vietnam on Get Your Guide. Check out my top 10 best Vietnam day trips for more inspiration.

HALONG BAY: Consult my comprehensive Halong Bay guide to find the best cruises & tours.

VIETNAM GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Vietnam .

Dalat itinerary: Pin it & Share it

More Vietnam travel resources

• Off the beaten track in Northern Vietnam – hidden gems & local favourites
• Where to go in Southern Vietnam – 5 must-sees
• How to spend 3 days in Hoi An
• How to get from Danang to Hoi An – transport guide
• How to visit the abandoned dragon waterpark in Hue
• Where to buy authentic Vietnamese souvenirs in Hanoi
• The best national parks to visit in Vietnam – for trekking & more
• Waterwheels & rice fields in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
• Cycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Phong Nha
• Homestays in Da Bac village
• Halong Bay alternatives – where to go beyond the bay
• How to travel to Halong Bay from Hanoi – transport guide
• How to travel to Sapa from Hanoi – transport guide
• Where to stay in Sapa, Vietnam – best homestays & more
• Visiting Bac Ha Market near Sapa
• Guide to Ha Giang in far-northern Vietnam
• Guide to visiting Ninh Binh
• Exploring colonial architecture in Hai Phong city
• Day trip from Hanoi to Duong Lam Ancient Village

20 Comments

Thanks a lot for this post! I am visiting Dalat with my wife and this post is a bible of what to do with a great level of detail and such a variety of activities!

I have one question: we are interested in staying overnight for a Buddhist meditation retreat in Truc Lam monastery as an addition to our Dalat experience. Does anybody know how to contact the monastery to ask if we are welcome and agree on dates?

Thanks Alejandro for your comment. I don’t have those details but hopefully someone can chime in. Otherwise I would recommend getting in touch with a tour agent/hotel in Dalat. Enjoy!

I’m going to spend 3 nights in Dalat very soon and really can’t wait!

Quick question.. if I decide to stay in the city and do not drive a bike what’s the best option to get to Trai Mat for chasing the clouds experience?

Hi Karolina! Terrific!

There is a train to Trai Mat or you can take a taxi – it’s only a 15-minute drive.

Enjoy chasing the clouds!

Dalat is truly a paradise..!

It sure is! Thanks for reading my Dalat itinerary 🙂

Hi Emily. Yes, sure does seem like a paradise, which is why I wanted to move there as soon as things open back up (from what I gather, as of Jul 3 2020 Vietnam is pretty much still closed to foreign nationals for the most part).

Quick question – is air conditioning easily available for those that want it in apartments etc?I know this isn’t an issue in most other Vietnamese cities, but not sure about Dalat, since some of the hotels apparently dont have A/C. Of course, I’m not sure if the climate is so cool year around that it truly isn’t required!

I’m a polar bear in that regard FWIW. Hehe.

Honestly I have no idea. I assume AC would be standard in new apartments though!

Thanks for this piece on Dalat- much appreciated! I’m trying to decide which exact city to move to Vietnam after the COVID-19 scare is over (from what I hear, Vietnam is pretty much on lockdown now) and although I narrowed my choice down to Nha Trang, Da Nang and Dalat, Dalat seems to be what I’m looking for. I had a few questions in this regard and was wondering if you could provide any input –

– Is accomodation etc (Western style apartments) easy to find once one gets there, or is scouting around on Facebook etc recommended beforehand? I’m of the opinion that it’s best to get there and do a search via rental agents etc, but given it’s a smaller city, not sure … – Is the hiking all accessible from within the city i.e. within easy walking distance or so from apartments etc? I’m currently in mainland China, and enjoy hiking – which is one reason I’m leaning towards choosing Dalat, but don’t want to go out of the city every time I want to go to a nice park, or climb a hill … – I’m assuming the place is fairly Westernized in that there are convenience stores, supermarkets etc in town? Is Wifi access etc in apartments reliable (this last one is important since I work online)? – Is it better to stay in town, or the villages etc right next to the trails? Not sure how “developed” villages in Vietnam are – those in China usually have some sort of Wifi access and some alternative to convenience stores etc, but not sure about Dalat …

Any input would be much appreciated!

Best, Rahul

Thanks for your comment. I only visited Dalat as a tourist (I lived in Hanoi) so I’m afraid I don’t know the answers to your specific questions about expat life in Dalat.

I can tell you that WIFI is ubiquitous throughout Vietnam, certainly in the cities. There are supermarkets and convenience stores in Dalat, yes. I would probably recommend staying in the city (it’s still a small city compared to Hanoi or HCMC) if you want access to shops and restaurants.

I did a quick Google search for ‘expats in Da Lat’ and it turned up some results – I hope you can find more info in those forums.

Good luck with the move!

Thanks for your response Emily, and noted. What is Hanoi like in terms of the outdoors, hiking etc? No question about amenities etc there I know – pretty much everything available there, but not sure about the outdoors itself ..

Hanoi is huge very urban – combined with the traffic, you need to travel at least 1-2 hours to get out of the city. Poor air quality is a big issue in winter, too.

Hi again Emily, and thanks for replying. Yes, definitely not my cup of tea if I’d need to travel one-two hours for a decent hike or something – sounds like Dalat, or a smaller town is better in that regard! I’m currently in mainland China where I have easy access to hiking within the city (not sure if you’ve been to Dongguan or Shenzhen, or even Guangzhou where there’s hiking within the city itself), so am looking for something similar to that. I suppose Dalat is the closest one can get to that in Vietnam tho. Anyway, thanks again for the comments – much appreciated!

No worries at all, sorry I can’t be of more help! Danang and the Marble Mountains area would also be worth looking at. Best of luck!

It sounds like a must see city

I think it is!

I’m so impressed! I’ve always just thought of Da Lat as one of the several cacao-growing regions in southern Vietnam, but holy cow was I underestimating! One of my best friends is Vietnamese & living in Hanoi, and when I visit her again next year I’m insisting we head down south again and explore into Da Lat. So excited now!!

That’s awesome, Max! Glad to hear you’re thinking of visiting Dalat. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Let me know if there’s anything I can help with in planning for your trip. Enjoy!

And I’m sold! Beautiful photos and descriptions. Plus, as a cultural heritage geek, this is everything I want in my travel! Thanks for introducing me to yet another bucket list destination 🙂

You’re so welcome! Dalat is a top choice if you enjoy cultural heritage.

Thanks for your comment, Dagney!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Subscribe to future posts

©Quang nguyen vinh/Shutterstock

Dalat is an alternative Vietnam: the weather is spring-like instead of tropical hot, the town is dotted with French-colonial villas rather than socialist architecture, and the surrounding farms cultivate strawberries, coffee and flowers instead of rice.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Dalat. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Hang Nga Crazy House

A freewheeling architectural exploration of surrealism, Hang Nga Crazy House is a joyously designed, outrageously artistic private home. Imagine…

Crémaillère Railway Station

From Dalat’s wonderful art deco train station you can ride one of the nine scheduled trains that run to Trai Mat (return from 108,000d, 30 minutes) daily…

Dambri Falls

En route between Bao Loc and Ho Chi Minh City, 130km southwest of Dalat, Dambri Falls are one of the highest (90m), most magnificent and easily accessible…

K'Ho Coffee

This coffee farm has been in the family of Rolan since the 1860s. It's part of a K'Ho coffee-growing cooperative that ensures profits directly support K…

King Palace

Built by a French merchant in 1929, the surprisingly modest but attractive royal residence of Bao Dai (1913–97), Vietnam's last emperor, beckons visitors…

Truc Lam Pagoda

The Truc Lam Pagoda enjoys a hilltop setting and has immaculately tended flower and bonsai gardens. It's an active monastery, though the grounds…

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

This complex comprises a large prayer hall, a dragon made from more than 10,000 beer bottles, a seven-storied pagoda, a massive Bodhisattva of Compassion…

Lat Village

Less than 1km from the base of Lang Bian Mountain is Lat Village (pronounced ‘lak’), a fairly unremarkable minority community of about 6000 people spread…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Vietnam

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Dalat

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Dalat with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

17 Places to Visit in Da Lat + Things To Do

If an off-the-beaten-path travel experience is your idea of a getaway, add Da Lat to your destinations. The city is a hidden gem in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, featuring a cool climate and a countryside charm surrounded by hills, pine forests, waterfalls, and lakes. It’s the opposite of the country’s beach attractions, worth visiting for its impressive European architecture.

Da Lat was developed as a summer getaway for the French in the 1900s. Today, it continues to play the role for local and international tourists, with much of its colonial heritage remained intact. The top attraction in the city is Xuan Long Lake, a manmade haven surrounded by lush gardens. For the bold and brave, enduring the trek to Elephant Waterfalls is worth it because of the beauty that awaits. But if you want a more laidback experience, you can have it your way by simply admiring the sights of Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Dalat Flower Gardens, the Crazy House, and the Valley of Love.

Da Lat is accessible from Hanoi and other local destinations via the Lien Khuong Airport, 30 kilometers south of the city. It also serves flights from Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Lanzhou, and Bangkok.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Da Lat travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Da Lat Hotels Tours + discounts Flights

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Da Lat Countryside Day Tour

Shared City Transfers between Da Lat and Mui Ne via Shuttle Bus

Da Lat Waterfalls Day Tour

Ho Chi Minh Private City Transfers for Surrounding Areas

Shared City Transfers between Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh via Limousine

Robin Hill Cable Car in Da Lat

View all travel tips on: Da Lat .

1. Pongour Waterfall

Location : Đức Trọng District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam. Southwest of Dalat City Center . Save on Google Maps .

See rates & book online

Da Lat Discover Three Waterfalls Day Tour with Optional Lumiere Visit

For more travel inspiration,  follow Detourista on :

Instagram Facebook tiktok Pinterest

2. Elephant Waterfall

Location : Gia Lâm, Lâm Hà District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam. Southwest of Dalat City Center . Save on Google Maps .

3. Crazy House (Hang Nga Guesthouse and Art Gallery)

Location : 03 Đường Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66000, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

4. Da Lat Coffee Farms

5. Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery

Location : Trúc Lâm Yên Tử, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Da Lat City Day Tour

6. Robin Hill Cable Car Da Lat

Location : 8 Đường Đống Đa, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

7. Tuyen Lam Lake

Location : Phường 4, Dalat, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

8. Datanla Waterfall

Location : QL20 Đèo Prenn, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66000, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Datanla New Alpine Coaster Experience in Da Lat

High Rope Course Adventure in Da Lat

Datanla Waterfall Canyoneering

9. Da Lat Market (Chợ Đà Lạt)

Location : Đường Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

10. Bao Dai Summer Palace

Location : 1 Đường Triệu Việt Vương, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

11. Da Lat Cathedral (St. Nicholas Cathedral / Nhà Thờ Chánh Tòa Giáo Phận Đà Lạt)

Location : 15 Đường Trần Phú, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

12. Dalat Railway Station (Ga Đà Lạt)(

Location : Quang Trung, Phường 10, Tp. Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

13. Xuan Huong Lake

Location : Dalat, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

14. Lam Vien Square

Location : Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

15. Linh Son Pagoda

Location : 120 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Phường 2, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

16. Linh An Pagoda

Location : TT. Nam Ban, Lâm Hà District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

17. Chicken Village (Làng Gà)

Location : QL20, Hiệp An, Đức Trọng, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Where to go beyond Dalat

Location : Phan Thiet, Bình Thuận Province, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Mui Ne Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Da Lat to Mui Ne, Nha Trang or HCMC Car Transfer

Top discounts

Mui Ne Private Jeep Tour

Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up)

Private Da Lat Airport Transfers (DLI) for Da Lat City, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Tuyen Lam Lake

See more : Mui Ne travel tips

Location : Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Nha Trang Travel Essentials

Shared City Transfers between Da Lat and Nha Trang via Limousine

Majestic Trang An Tour

Ho Chi Minh

Location : Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam . Save on Google Maps .

Ho Chi Minh Travel Essentials

Full Day Mekong Delta Excursion from Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City-Mekong Delta River Cruise

See more : Ho Chi Minh travel tips

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Da Lat that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Da Lat

Da Lat tourist spots, things to do in Da Lat, where to go in Da Lat & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Da Lat

Click below & search recommended Da Lat hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Discover more blogs and travel tips in:

• Southeast Asia

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Customized Tour

Dalat Travel Guide

Featured on a series of green pine-covered hills, a silent small lake in the center, a set of flower gardens and French-style architecture and cooler climate than the other surrounding areas, Dalat is an ideal getaway from the busy and bustling city life.

Here are some Dalat travel information that you need to know before traveling to this lovely city. Keep reading and plan for the trip.

Table of Contents

1. Dalat weather

2. best time to visit dalat, 3. how to get to dalat, saigon dalat hotel (4 star), golf valley hotel ( 4 star), ana villas dalat resort & spa (5 star), dalat palace heritage hotel (5 star), dalat edensee resort & spa (5 star).

Bao Dai’s Summer Palace

Truc Lam Monastery

Dalat Railway Station

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Dalat Central Market

XQ Embroidery Village

Xuan Huong Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake

Located 1,500m above the sea level and covered by green forests, Dalat has spring-like cool weather instead of tropical hot and humid weather like other parts of the country. In Dalat, you can experience 4 seasons in one day.

Dalat has two distinctive seasons: dry season and rainy season. The dry season is from November to March while the rainy season lasts from April to October. The average temperature is around 18°C – 21°C, the highest as 30°C and the lowest as 5°C. With its pleasant weather, Dalat is always a great break from the heat and stuffiness of Vietnam’s big cities.

Besides, Dalat’s temperate climate is ideal for agriculture. In recent years the number of farms and plantations around the city has grown rapidly. It provides most of flowers and vegetables for the massive markets across the south of Vietnam. Dalat is also very well-known for its variety of flowers and orchids as well as expansive pine forests.

The best time to visit is in the dry season, from November to March when the weather is pleasant and a little chance of rain, perfect for outdoor activities. However, you should prepare trousers and jackets as it will get chilly, especially at nights. Traveling to Dalat during this time, you will have chance to see many famous flower gardens in full bloom and take part in Dalat Flower Festival, which is held every 2 years in December.

It is best to avoid visiting Dalat in the rainy season, the wettest time of the year, when the downpours may interrupt your trip. In return, you will benefit from cheaper rates of hotels/ flights and fewer tourists.

It is quite easy to get to Dalat as there are daily direct flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Danang , Hue and Hanoi . The flight just takes 1 hours from Saigon and less than 2 hours from other cities. One-way ticket costs you about 30-70 USD.

Dalat’s airport is 30km south of the city and is linked by a modern highway. City shuttle buses are available just outside the airport and tickets can be purchased from the counter next to the baggage collection area with price of about 40,000 – 50,000 VND. Or you can catch a taxi to the city center, which will cost you under 250.000 VND.

If you are coming from Saigon and don’t want to fly or you are traveling from Nha Trang, you can take a local bus. Phuong Trang (Futa) and Thanh Buoi double-decker buses are recommended and the buses run every 2 hours. The journey to Dalat from Nha Trang is around 3-4 hours while it takes about 6-8 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. A ticket price of a bus is much cheaper than that of a flight but it will also take considerably more time and be less comfortable.

Driving your own car or motorbike to Dalat is not advisable since the road can be rather tricky, bumpy and the traffic doesn’t make it any easier.

4. Accommodation in Dalat

There are some great value homestays available in Dalat with dorm rooms available about 4-10 USD. However, there is no shortage of high-end hotels, luxury resorts and villas.

Saigon Dalat Hotel

Located right in the city center, Saigon Dalat Hotel includes 160 luxurious rooms built and designed in an impressive modern French architecture. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning system and modern equipment. Here guests can also immerse in high-class relaxation services such as gym, tennis court, bar-cafe system and warm indoor swimming pool.

Address: No. 180 Ba Thang Hai Street, Ward 4, Dalat City Price: from 60 USD.

Golf Valley Hotel

Golf Valley Hotel is nestled in the heart of Dalat, just within walking distance to the Xuan Huong Lake and Dalat Market. The hotel has a total of 164 stylish rooms and suites, all with private balconies and state-of-the art facilities.

Address: No. 94 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Ward 2, Dalat City Price: from 65 USD.

Ana Villas Dalat Resort & Spa

Ana Villas Dalat Resort & Spa includes 17 villas line cobble-stone roads and verdant gardens built in the 1920’s and 1930’s. With its ideal location, the resort is perfect to enjoy exploring the surrounding landscaped areas and local culture and farming countryside.

Address: Le Lai Street, Ward 5, Dalat City Price: from 100 USD.

Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel

Built in the early part of the last century, in 1922, Dalat Palace offers luxurious elegance, gracious service and French colonial charm. Majestically overlooking Xuan Huong Lake, hotel offers 5 hectares of rolling pine covered gardens, with an array of conference and salons for your special event. The 43 rooms and suites are spacious and designed in typical Edwardian and Art Deco style.

Address: No. 02 Tran Phu Street, Ward 3, Dalat City Price: from 130 USD.

Dalat Edensee Resort & Spa

Dalat Edensee represents a first-class destination combining breathtaking surroundings, personalized service, and spacious sanctuaries of peace and quiet. The elegantly appointed villa units have been thoughtfully designed with delightfully soothing colors, classic fabrics, and warm décor to award each room with a distinct allure. Each villa unit provides a private balcony facing onto Tuyen Lam Lake or lush pine trees where the moment of relaxation overwhelms you instantly.

Address: Tuyen Lam Lake – Zone VII.2, Dalat City Price: from 150 USD.

5. Top attractions in Dalat

Known as Palace Number 3, Bao Dai’s Summer Palace was used as a retreat by the family of King Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam. Built from 1933 to 1938, the cube-like art deco exterior angled away from the entrance point, disguises the true size of the palace, which contains 25 rooms built within the colonial architectural framework. The ground floor contains the public rooms for visiting dignitaries, including a large formal dining room and library. Upstairs are the private living quarters of the family, including the bedrooms of the King, Queen, Princes and Princesses. The palace is surprisingly simple, showing the modest lifestyle of the King.

Address: No. 1 Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Ward 4, Dalat City Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:30 Entrance fee: 30,000 VND.

Located on Phung Hoang Mountain, Truc Lam Monastery sits 5km out of Dalat, near Tuyen Lam Lake. It is best accessed by cable car from Robin Hill. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes and costs 100,000 VND for a round trip. As a functioning Zen center, the inner part of the monastery is closed to the public so the monastic practitioners can practice without distraction. The monastery is quite simple but sits amidst beautiful scenery, with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Address: Ward 3, Dalat City Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:00 Entrance fee: Free

Built in 1943, the recently renovated Dalat Railway Station has a quaint art deco style, with Vietnamese architectural elements. The interior features the original ticket windows. There is an original wood-burning steamer train on the tracks at the rear of the station. Visitors can hop on for a short ride of about 7km following the historic line to a tiny village, named Trai Mat where you can pay a visit to Linh Phuoc Pagoda. The train operates about 5 times per day and needs at least a group of 4 to 5 people to be able to make the trip.

Address: Quang Trung Street, Ward 9, Dalat City Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:30 Entrance fee: 5,000 VND Train ticket: 124,000 VND.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is a beautiful Buddhist shrine which is famous for its unique stunning mosaics surface. Completed in 1952, the pagoda is often known as the broken glass pagoda due to its structure which are all inlaid with thousands of eye-catching pieces of broken terracotta, porcelain and glass. Located about 8km from city center, Linh Phuoc Pagoda is an impressive place to explore with several large altars, a huge tower and many other record-setting features.

Address: At the end of Trai Mat Street, Dalat City Opening hours: 24 hours Entrance fee: Free.

Dalat Central Market represents the heart of Dalat. Local fresh produce such as artichokes, dried fruits, vegetables and lots more are available here throughout the day. In the evening, the market is crazy busy with thousands of people shopping and socializing. This colorful market is worth a visit for its locally-made specialties such as artichoke tea, coffee, Dalat wine, preserves and candied strawberries. Be sure to go upstairs, as the second floor houses food stalls which make for a tasty and cheap meal.

Address: No. 46 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Ward 1, Dalat City Opening hours: 6:00 until midnight. Entrance fee: Free.

Even if embroidery is not your thing, the artworks at XQ Village will impress. What appear to be detailed paintings are actually hand embroidered works, delicately stitched on site. Laid out like an art gallery, XQ offers the finest examples of Vietnamese embroidery. Those are all handmade products which must take months and years to be completed.

Address: 80A Mai Anh Dao Street, Ward 8, Dalat City Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:30 Entrance fee: 100,000 VND.

Xuan Huong Lake is always named out first in the list of Dalat attractions with its prime location in the heart of city together with its poetic and romantic scenery. Approximately 5km in diameter, the lake is a favorite location for Vietnamese lovers and honeymooners. On the good days, strolling around the lake or taking a swan boat ride is very relaxing and comfortable.

About 5km south of Dalat, Tuyen Lam Lake rates as the biggest lake in the area, covering 320 hectares. Because of its various sources, Tuyen Lam is known as the lake where rivers, springs and forests meet. Kayaking tours of the lake are available, but need to be booked prior. Elephant rides through the pine forest are available here.

Dalat is very well-known for magnificent waterfalls .

Dalanta Waterfall

Dalanta Waterfall is about 3km away from Prenn Waterfall, 6km from Dalat City. This is no doubt one of the most visited waterfalls in Dalat. The roller coaster system at Datanla Waterfall is regarded as the unique one in this city. There is also a variety of adventurous activities here for tourists such as canyoning, kayaking, rappelling, zip-lining, water sliding…

Entrance fee: 30,000 VND

Prenn Waterfall

Prenn Waterfall is located at the foot of Prenn Pass, about 10km from Dalat city center. You can take a cable car trip over the waterfall but many people prefer to walk up the path behind it. It’s more fun and you can get wet by that way. There are also some interesting activities such as horse carriage riding, thrilling ostrich riding, and even elephant or water buffalo riding.

Entrance fee: 50,000 VND

Elephant Waterfall

It is about 30km from Dalat but on the way, you can make several stops at coffee and tea plantations, a silk factory, a rice wine distillery, and even a cricket farm. At the Elephant Falls, you can enjoy your wonderfully serene surroundings and let the sound of the water ring in your ears. Since the current is quite strong, you can’t swim there but climbing the boulders around the falls is just as fun.

Pongour Waterfall

A little further to drive than Datanla, Pongour Waterfall is roughly 50km from the center of Dalat City, but it is worth a visit. The waterfall offers a more poetic feel compared to the other waterfalls in Dalat. The flow of water here is more gentle and it cascades down the multi-layered rocks, offering an extraordinary sight for visitors. It is also cleaner and quieter here, as many tourists miss this hidden treasure.

It is recommended to spend at least 2 full days to explore Dalat. For the best Dalat itinerary, just contact our Travel Consultant team to plan your trip.

Related Posts

Vietnam Weather: General information & Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit in Vietnam

Seasons in Vietnam

I would like to stay 3 months, december to march in DaLat.

Leave a Comment Cancel comment

Request a free quote, thank you we have received your travel request. you will receive an email shortly. please check your email and verify the information. your request will be processed after your confirmation..

You have chosen a tour duration longer than 20 days. Please specify the exact number of days you want to travel in the message box below, so that we can have enough information and make a program for you. Thank you for your cooperation.

You have selected a number of travellers greater than 20. Please let us know the exact number of people in your group in the message box below so that we can quote you accurately. Thank you for your cooperation.

You have selected a number of travellers and duration greater than 20. Please let us know the exact number of people in your group and the exact number of days in the message box below so that we can quote you accurately. Thank you for your cooperation.

• Vietnam Travel Guides
• Travel Planning
• Festivals & Events
• Food & Drinks
• Tourist Maps
• Travel Blog
• Travel News

Our Recommendations

Guideline to get Vietnam E-visa

50 Things You should Know before Traveling to Vietnam

Best Vietnam Private Tours you should know before traveling

Info for travelers on Covid-19 in Vietnam: Entry requirements & Restrictions

You May Also Like

Ba Be National Park – Things To Know

10+ photogenic spots in Halong Bay to feed your Instagram

Tam Chuc Pagoda

Things to know before traveling to Vietnam

Cu Lao Xanh (Van Phi Island)

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Best Beaches in Danang

The Best Things to Do in Ha Giang (Vietnam)

Dak Nong Tourism – Discover The Hidden Gem Of Vietnam

Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue

• +84 829 098 686
• [email protected]
• Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 18:00

North Vietnam Tours

Tours in the Central

Tours in the South

• Ha Giang Tours
• Mu Cang Chai Tours
• Ninh Binh Tours
• Pu Luong Nature Reserve Tours
• Cat Ba Island Tours
• Halong Bay Tours
• Son La Tours
• Lan Ha Bay Cruises
• Halong Bay Cruises
• Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise
• Hanoi Tours
• Ba Be National Park Tours
• Bac Son Tours
• Mai Chau Tours
• Ban Gioc Waterfall Tours
• Hoi An Tours
• Quang Binh Tours
• Quang Ngai Tours
• Quy Nhon Tours
• Buon Ma Thuot Tours
• Da Nang Tours
• Mekong Delta Tours
• Da Lat Tours
• Can Tho Tours
• Nha Trang Tours
• Ho Chi Minh City Tours
• Phu Quoc Island Tours
• Vung Tau Tours
• Top 10 things to do in Ha Giang
• Top 10 things to do in Mu Cang Chai
• Top 10 things to do in Ninh Binh
• Top 10 things to do in Cat Ba Island
• Top 10 things to do in Sapa
• Top 10 things to do in Halong Bay
• Top 10 things to do in Hanoi
• Top 10 things to do in Cao Bang
• Top 10 things to do in Hoi An
• Top 10 things to do in Quang Binh
• Top 10 things to do in Hue
• Top 10 things to do in Da Nang
• Top 10 things to do in Quy Nhon
• Top 10 things to do in Phu Quoc Island
• Hanoi Tour Packages
• Hanoi Photography Tours
• Hanoi Culinary Tours
• Hanoi Tours To Halong
• Hanoi Tours To Sapa
• Tours Hanoi To Ninh Binh
• Sapa Homestay Tours
• Sapa Hiking Tours
• Sapa Market Tours
• Sapa Luxury Tours
• Sapa Eco Tours
• Fansipan Trekking Tours
• 6 Best Tours in Halong
• Halong Private Tours
• Halong Seaplane Tours
• Halong Shore Excursions
• Multi-Day & Extended Tours
• Day Trip & Excursions
• Cat Ba Island
• Cat Ba Island Kayak Tour
• Cat Ba Monkey Island Tour
• Cat Ba Island Day Tours
• Cat Ba Island Boat Tours
• Cat Ba Island Tour Halong
• Cat Ba Tours From Hanoi
• Tam Coc Tours
• Cuc Phuong National Park Tours
• Quang Binh Adventure Tours
• Thien Duong Cave Tours
• Phong Nha Cave Tours
• Hue Sightseeing Tours
• Hue Walking & Food Tours
• Bach Ma National Park tours
• Tours to Quang Binh From Hue
• Tours to Da Nang from Hue
• Hoi An Tour from Hue
• Sightseeing Tours
• Danang Free & Easy
• Day Trips & Excursions
• Eco Adventure Tours
• Shore Excursions
• Hoi An Tour Packages
• Eco Tours Hoi An
• Hoi An Walking & Food Tours
• Tours from Hoi An to Hue
• Tours from Hoi An to Quang Binh
• Tours From Hoi An to Da Nang
• Con Dao Island Tours
• Vung Tau Mekong Delta Tour
• Vung Tau Tour From Saigon
• Tour from Phu My Port

Top 10 Destination in North Vietnam

• Mu Cang Chai
• Bai Tu Long Bay

Top 10 Destination in Central

• Buon Ma Thuot
• Mui Ne Beach

Top 10 Destination in The South

• Ho Chi Minh City
• Phu Quoc Island
• Suggested Vietnam Itineraries
• Vietnam Rail Tours
• Vietnam Beach Holidays
• Vietnam Classic Tours
• Vietnam Family Tours
• Vietnam Photography Tours
• Vietnam Food Tours
• Vietnam Honeymoon Tours
• All Inclusive Tour Packages
• Vietnam Luxury Tours
• North Vietnam Itineraries
• Central Vietnam Itineraries
• South Vietnam Itineraries
• Vietnam Shore Excursions & Tours

NOT sure where to go next? We’re here to inspire you

Da lat Travel Guide

All things need to know before travelling to Da Lat

Dalat is a famous tourist city. It is known as the Spring or Flower City of the country. The rich climate, abundant natural resources and humanity help the city attract millions of visitors every year. After a quiet period of the 1980s, Da Lat tourism has changed dramatically in recent years.

As a Little Paris, the dreamed and poetic Da Lat thanks to the cold plateau at night. It is amazing in the early morning for foggy and the pine forests surrounding the city. Tourism is a strength but also factors that change Da Lat in the direction of urbanization.

How Da Lat Is Unique?

With an altitude of 1500m above sea level, the weather is cool, pleasant, “city of flowers” is the most ideal resort for all types of tourists who need to book a hotel in Dalat. . The interesting “nothing” of the beautiful city can be mentioned as: no traffic lights, no police on the traffic junctions, no cyclo carrying tourists, no Air conditioning, not staying up late.

Dalat is also famous for villas in different styles as well as history. Should have a visiting to discover its beauties and unique. They are Dinh I, Dinh II, Dinh III (Bao Dai villa), Tran Le Xuan, Crazy House, etc

Furthermore, with French architecture still remains here, visitor can see and visit at Cao Dang Su Pham University, Dalat train station

For harmony to the nature and blooming flowers visitor can reach Central Flower Garden, Love Valley, Mong Mo Hill, Cau Dat Tea Plantation Hill, Cu Lan village, famous villages like Van Thanh, Ha Dong, huge Pumpkin garden. In addition, visitor can join to farms where grow organic vegetables, tomato to experience. And many other fields, special flower garden to pleasure visitor who love flower.

Top Things To Do In Da Lat

In fact Dalat city is a beautiful destination in the highland. There are a lot of sightseeings to discover. Here are some suggestions to discover. It depends on the time visitors have in Dalat to get more exploration. Your Da Lat tours should bee visit all of the most beautiful spot as below.

1. Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake was originally a valley with streams flowing through Cam Ly, where gathering of Lach people early. In 1919, from the initiative of the public servant Cunhac, Labbé’s public servants took steps to prevent the stream from becoming a lake. In 1923, the contemporary authorities built a dam underneath which formed two lakes. But in March 1932, a major storm broke both dams. From 1934 – 1935, Engineer Tran Dang Khoa designed, built a large stone dam: it is the bridge today. The French name is Grand Lac (Great Lakes)

2. Than Tho Lake

Than Tho Lake is located about 6km east of Da Lat city center, along Quang Trung – Ho Xuan Huong road.

It is on a high hill amidst a tranquil pine forest. Scenery around the lake so poetic, water surface is always calm calm pond. Pine in Than Tho Lake seems to be more beautiful than other places because of the thinning, higher than the sun should shine down on the beautiful grass.

3. Tuyen Lam Lake

From a wilderness valley at an altitude of over 1,000m above sea level, Tuyen Lam Lake has been transformed into an ideal resort of highland. The lake is located 5km from Dalat, nestled between the vast pine forest and the legendary purple stream. Dry season in this area lasts 6 months, not a raindrop, but the lake is full of water. The lake is blue all year round, rarely with big waves. The pine forests cover the mountains, the hills around it, stretching out to thousands of eyes. All make natural quiet, peaceful and poetic painting.

4. Cam Ly Waterfall

Cam Ly waterfall is about 10m high, although not high, but the water flow is strong and not less gentle. This is the waterfall that goes into many poems and songs. Waterfalls are one of the indispensable symbols of the fog-like city of Ho Xuan Huong or Than Tho Lake. Sadly, Cam Ly waterfall is heavily polluted by waste from upstream. Many visitors witnessed extremely regret, hoping that one day to see the Cam Ly waterfall, as pure as ancient.

5. Hang Cop Waterfall (Tiger Cave Waterfall)

Note: High risk falls.

Tiger Cave is located 15 km east of Da Lat city, in Tuy Son hamlet, Xuan Tho commune. The waterfall is located in the middle of pine forest with the area of 308 ha, the height of the waterfall is about 50 m, longer than 500 m, on the road from Da Lat to Dran (Don Duong). Tiger Cave has many other names such as Ong Eagle, Thuan Waterfall, Da Sar waterfall, Thien Thai waterfall, Long …

6. Prenn Waterfall

The name Prenn is reminiscent of a period in the 15th and 17th centuries. From Ho Chi Minh City, follow the road 20 to Dalat through the Prenn Pass 10 km long. At the foot of the pass, go about 100m visitors will enjoy the softness and grace of a curtain light water from 10m high to a small valley, surrounded by flowers and pine trees.

Especially with the cable car system, you can across the falls in the feeling of adventure, as if thinking into the realms of the fairy.

7. Elephant Waterfall

Elephant waterfall is one of the beautiful waterfalls of the Central Highlands. It has a height of over 30m, 15m wide, 25km far from Dalat city to the southwest.

8. Damri Waterfall

Dambri waterfall is about 60m high. Rainy season, the upstream water rumbling to roaring, a few kilometers away hear the sound. Around the waterfall is a forest almost still retain intact beauty wild uncovered with an area of nearly 300ha with enough birds. Many ancient trees such as stars, vultures, so many original … to a few three arms embrace is also here.

9. Pongour Waterfall

Pongour waterfall in Duc Trong district, about 20km far from the district center and 50km far from the center of Da Lat city. On Highway 20 Dalat – Sai Gon, go to Trung village (on the Chai mountain side) turn right to go a long way of land 8 km you will reach the Pongour waterfall that locals call Bay Waterfall or Thien Thai.

10. Dantala Waterfall

The center of Da Lat 5km, located between the Prenn Pass. It is from National Highway 20, turn down 300 meters to a small valley, you will meet Datanla waterfall with attractive and bold wild.

11. Da Lat Cathedral (Con Ga Church)

The cathedral is located on Tran Phu Street, which is designed in the style of Roman Catholic churches in Europe, typical of the Roman school. The cross-shaped church (like cross) is 65m long, 14m wide, 47m high bell tower. At that height, from the bell tower, you can see the whole city. The church door leads to Langbiang Mountain.

12. Domaine De Marie Church (Mai Anh)

Domaine de Marie Church is also known as the Church of the Son of God (because of the chapel of the soeurs of the Charity of the Charity of Charity). Mai Anh Church (because the area previously had many cherry blossoms). This is an architectural complex consisting of the chapel and the two rows of Bon Son Thanh Loi St. Vincent Son Monastery. It has a total area of 12 hectares located on Ngo Quyen Street, about 1 km southwest of Da Lat City Center.

13. Cam Ly Church

Cam Ly Church (Cam Ly is the name of a waterfall in Da Lat) or Son Tra church is a church of the Catholic Church of Vietnam in Da Lat city, Lam Dong. The church serves primarily for ethnic minorities. It’s built by the priest Boutary, a Frenchman, with many ethnic minorities and contractor Nguyen Thanh Ho. The church was built for six years from 1960 to 1968.

The architecture is stylized from the traditional roof of the Tay Nguyen ethnic minority, and is expressed in the spirit of the rustic school of architecture. There is a harmonious combination between western architecture and ethnic traditions.

14. Pagodas In Da Lat

Visitors often know the city of Dalat with the romantic pine trees, many strange flowers, lakes that do not know that the city of fog also owns many beautiful ancient temples and pagodas.

Here are famous pagoda which visitors should visit once to Dalat. Dalat Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery, Van Hanh Zen Monastery, Linh An pagoda, Thien Vuong Co Sat pagoda (China pagoda style), Linh Phong, Linh Quang, Linh Son, Linh Phuoc, Linh Quy Phap An

15. Da Lat Market

Dalat Market is a commercial center of Dalat city located on the main street of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and is considered “the heart of Da Lat city”. Not only a market with shopping activities, markets are also attracting visitors to the city of Dalat. In 2011, Da Lat Market was newly built and expected to be completed in 2018-2019.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Dalat?

In fact, Da Lat every season has its own beauty. You can come to discover Da Lat any season that best suits your conditions. Da Lat will be different at different times in the year.

Da Lat has 2 main seasons: dry season and rain season. The wet season is from April to October. Dry season is from November to March so it is the best time to visit Dalat. It is dry and very comfortable, so that the travelers can totally relax with the clean environment here and visit many fascinating natural destinations.

Moreover, this is the season of flowers in Da Lat when colorful flowers are bloomed brilliantly everywhere. There is an annual flower festival in January in Da Lat, when many unique types of flowers from the city and other areas in Vietnam are exhibited.

How To Go To Da Lat?

Due to the topographic features, Da Lat traffic only includes roads, railways and airlines. However, only road and air traffic is really active now. The most important route connecting Dalat with other cities is National Highway 20.

Lien Khuong Airport, 28 km south of Dalat city center, next to National Highway 20, it is in Lien Nghia Town, Duc Trong District. All three airlines in Vietnam have direct flights to here, depending on the time of year you can invest time to hunt cheap tickets to Dalat.

You can fly to Dalat from Hanoi, Sai Gon, Da Nang, Vinh and Hai Phong. Airlines will have the corresponding flight routes (Hanoi and Saigon, which also have), you can check directly on the ticket website of the airline.

+ By motorbike

From Ho Chi Minh City visitor can go to Dau Giay crossroads (Dong Nai) and then turn to Highway 20 to Dalat. This distance is about 300km from the center of Ho Chi Minh.

Traveler can fly to Cam Ranh from Hanoi and back to Nha Trang. And then go ahead to Dalat. Passing the spectacular Omega Pass, one of the beautiful roads connecting Da Lat plateau and coastal city of Nha Trang

+ By car/open bus

From Sai Gon daily there are many high quality passenger trains to Dalat. Since the 20th national highway was upgraded, the time to move to Da Lat was reduced to about 5-6hours.

Transportation Around Dalat

Taking Xuan Huong Lake as a heart, the tourist spots in Dalat are quite close. The most suitable means to discover Dalat is the motorbike. The motorbike will be more flexible in moving to smaller locations where the taxis come in unsuitable. Also it is suitable to wander the flower and have economic benefits best for your trip

Double Bike

There are many bike rental locations around the Xuan Huong Lake area. With cool weather, the bike rental around the city is quite fun, but only for nearby places, walking around the lake. Bicycle vehicles are unlikely to move as well as steep.

This is a suitable vehicle for elderly families and children who are traveling by motorbike or bicycle. When you come to Da Lat, you can get a phone number and rent a fixed one.

Some taxi companies in Da Lat

• Da Lat: 0263 3666888 – 0263 3556655
• Mai Linh: 0263 38383838
• Lado: 0263 3666777
• Thanh Buoi: 0263 3837838
• Dalat Toserco: 0263 3830830
• Anh Dao: 0263 3570570
• Thang Loi: 0263 3835835
• Red Star: 0263 3959595

Accommodation In Da Lat

As one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam, Da Lat is also one of the most well-equipped accommodation facilities for visitors. The whole city of Dalat has thousands of places for visitors to choose from high-end resorts, budget hotels and homestay to personalized youths.

If you are a holiday lover, you can choose resorts or villas far from the center, which are usually quiet and suitable for those who do not like the noise. In contrast, if not too fussy and just a suitable accommodation, most of the hotel accommodation in Dalat can meet your requirements.

If you come to Dalat on the occasion of the Hung King, April 30 or every summer, you will often encounter room fire. That is why you should book your hotel room in Dalat. If you are used to book online, you should reserve even months to avoid getting back to the hotel.

• Luxury hotel: Muong Thanh Holiday Dalat, Ana Mandara Dalat resort, Dalat Palace Heritage, Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa, etc
• Deluxe hotel: TTC Ngoc Lan hotel, Saigon Dalat, Binh An village Dalat, Swiss-BelResort Tuyen Lam Dalat
• Superior hotel: Trung Cang hotel, Ngoc Phat hotel, Du Parc hotel Dalat, etc

And a lot of budget and homestay in Da Lat city centre as well as surrounding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dalat Tourism:

Da lat tourism season is the most beautiful.

Going to Dalat is beautiful every season, each season will have an interesting unique feature such as spring with cherry apricot blossom, summer with purple phoenix flowers, autumn with falling maple leaves, etc.

Which tourist destinations do not charge in Da Lat?

There are no beautiful tourist attractions in Da Lat such as Lam Vien square, train station, Xuan Huong lake, Tuyen Lam lake, etc.

Is the road to a lonely pine difficult to walk?

The road to the pine tree is quite high and difficult to walk, especially when it rains. You should not ride low-powered scooters when coming here.

What gardens does Dalat have?

Hydrangeas garden, Rape flower garden, lavender garden, lavender garden. Some flower gardens are seasonal, such as triangles and sunflowers.

How to go to Dalat by motorbike?

Roads to motorbikes to Dalat from Saigon are very few police officers, if any, are often encountered in Dong Nai territory.

Does Dalat have a bus?

Da Lat has 5 bus routes operating in the city area and 8 buses going to nearby stories in the area of ​​Lam Dong province.

Where to rent a motorbike in Dalat?

Most motels, hotels, homestays in Dalat have motorbike rental. Or you can rent a motorbike at the shops around Dalat market area

What to eat in Dalat?

Dalat has a lot of attractive delicacies such as beef tripe hotpot, chicken leaf hotpot, shredded bread, grilled rice paper, butter cream, strawberry shakes, baked goods

All above of Da Lat travel guide from A to Z provided by Origin Vietnam will be like a companion accompanying you on every journey of conquering, exploring dreamy trip to Dalat, a land of blooming flowers city in Vietnam.

The Best 4 days in Da Lat Itinerary

• Experience Truc Lam Zen Monastery with amazing scenery of Dalat city
• Admire the beauty of the old French architecture at Dalat Railway Station
• Have chance to admire the admirable architecture of Linh Phuoc Pagoda, built from debris of glass, pottery and porcelain, and the unique Guan Yin statue by immortal flowers of Vietnam.
• Enjoy the wonderful of different flowers in the city

Discover Hot Vacation Spots In Da Lat

Recommend tours in da lat.

Da lat Farm Tour to Mui Ne Beach

Dalat countryside full day trip will be the great time to discover the tranquility of Dalat city. You will enjoy riding through the areas with

4 days in Da Lat Itinerary

4 days in Da Lat Itinerary is the great journey for you to discover the highland city with the natural beauties. You will enjoy the

Nha Trang & Da Lat Package 5 days/4 nights

Nha Trang and Da Lat package 5 days is the great trip to discover the south Central Vietnam. This tour is worth for you to

Da Lat Travel Guide & Sightseeing

Pongour Waterfall

Pongour waterfall in Duc Trong district, about 20km far from the district center and 50km far from the center of Da Lat city. On Highway

Da Lat Railway Station

There are many questions about Da Lat station. Such as where is Da Lat Railway Station? Da Lat have railway or not? Fare Da Lat

Cam Ly Church

Cam Ly Church (Cam Ly is the name of a Cam Ly waterfall in Da Lat) or Son Tra church. It’s a church of the

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake was originally a valley with streams flowing through Cam Ly. Where gathering of Lach people early. In 1919, from the initiative of

Da Lat Cathedral

Da Lat Cathedral (official name: Cathedral of St. Nicholas Bari, also known as the Church of the Chicken because of the top of the bell

Top Recommended Hotel in Da Lat​

Ngoc Lan Hotel (TTC Premium Ngoc Lan Hotel)

Ana Mandara Villa Dalat Resort & Spa

Dalat Edensee Resort & Spa

Our difference.

Origin Vietnam Responsible travel for Sharing Benefit with Local Community.

A small thing we do on our tours can make a big difference, so everyone at Origin Vietnam Travel, we strive our best to minimize the impacts while giving maximum enjoyment from your traveling experience. Continue reading ..

Da Lat Travel Blog

BE INSPIRED, BE READY

Best Months Of The Year Wherever You Want To Travel

The Top 6 Destinations Vietnam For Travel In March

7 Places Should Visit When Traveling One Day In Dalat

NOT sure where to go next? We're here to inspire you

Customize Private Vietnam Tours & Travels tailor-made by our local specialists. Start planning your authentic insider Vietnam holiday & trips now

What’s in the Agent Hub

• Industry News
• Download Brochures
• Useful Information
• Photo Gallery
• Construction Reports
• Operations Reports

Enter your email and password and start exploding Origin Travel features

YOUR TRAVEL PLAN

We keep your records confidential and do not sell them. Please provide accurate information to help us process your next tour faster, and we’ll offer unbeatable prices on our top tours.

All the Quirkiest Things to Do in Dalat: Where to Go, Eat, Stay, and More

Wondering what all the best things to do in Dalat are? Check out this little guide!

Đà Lạt has been on my list for ages it feels like! It’s one of the places I distinctly remember hearing about when I arrived to Saigon and put on my list for a future date. I’ve seen so many friends go during my stay, and each time I saw their stories, I knew I had to make my way over eventually.

To us in Saigon, Đà Lạt is the hipster escape for when the tropical climate and bustle of the city get to be too much. Located in the Central Highlands, it’s all mountain views, pine tree smells, agriculture, and that cool, humid-less air. While you’re here there are a ton of cute cafes, cozy homestays, delicious restaurants, and the most random attractions to jump around to.

My first trip came about because my friend, Sierra sent me a pic of the peach blossoms beginning to bloom, and maybe a week and a half later we were on a plane! I mean why not? It’s so close and so easy! Plus, the pollution before Tet was another level in Saigon, and I felt like utter crap, so I was more than happy to leave for a bit.

Đà Lạt reminds me a lot of the month I spent in Truckee, California and mid-spring or mid-fall days in Namwon, Korea . (Though fun fact, one of Đà Lạt’s sister provinces in Jeju Island ). Here’s all we got up to in our few days as well as some places I’m hoping to visit on a future trip!

All the Best Things to Do in Dalat

Check out the tea fields at Cau Dat Farm

• Vietnamese Name: Đồi chè Cầu Đất Farm
• Address: QL20, Xuân Trường, Thành phố Đà Lạt

You had me at tea fields. My love for the rolling green landscapes of tea farms is pretty well documented on this blog whether it’s repeat visits to Boseong in Korea or my day trip to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Of course, I was very much on board with visiting Cau Dat Farm and getting my tea field fix in Vietnam!

The farm itself is quite far from the city, at least a good 30-minute ride by car. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can motorbike or get a sunrise tour. We were not and went during the afternoon haha. Tea production here is fairly young. It only began in the early 1900s and Cau Dat itself was officially established in 1927, producing black tea for France.

When we went they were in the middle of construction, so we didn’t get to see the factory or, apparently, a tea cafe where you can take in the views and buy some products. There are some street food-type vendors near the entrance if you’re hungry.

Fear for your life a little at Datanla Waterfall Tourist Area

• Vietnamese Name: Khu Du Lịch Thác Datanla
• Address: QL20 Đèo Prenn, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt

Okay, maybe a little bit of an exaggeration. But not really, and I’m the first person to sign up for a roller coaster! Basically to get to the waterfall, you have to take this alpine coaster to the bottom and I actually got quite nervous on it. I mean, if any part of that thing falls apart, you’re tumbling down, down, down.

Anyway, the waterfall itself is quite lovely, and if that’s all you’re after, it’s a pretty easy visit. Nothing really arduous involved, just a steady hand and being okay with heights. If you do want more adventure, there are a bunch of cool things you can do in the area like cayoneering , rafting, or hiking.

Pop over to Clay Tunnel for funky photo ops

• Vietnamese Name: Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc
• Address: Phường 4, Tp. Đà Lạt

Okay, I didn’t get to Crazy House on my visit, so my vote for the weirdest place in Đà Lạt for now are the Clay Tunnel. I think everyone with Instagram has seen photos of those famous head statues and they do look quite cool, so we included them in our itinerary.

I don’t know what we were expecting exactly but I don’t think either of us thought we’d be going to a sort of sculpture park full weird, tacky-in-a-fun-way spots. Seriously, those heads are like 1/10th of the whole place! It’s so random it reminded of me of a lot of random places I’ve been in Korea where I get there and wonder, “Who, what, why, how?” in the first minute.

Anyway, the heads will definitely have a line depending on when you go and people will take their time getting their shots, so just keep that in mind if you’re on a time crunch. You can get tickets there pretty easily but if you’re worried about crowds, you can always get them online ahead of time.

Walk along Tran Hung Dao Street for the Peach Blossoms

• Vietnamese Name: Trần Hưng Đạo
• Directions: I would just plug in Tran Hung Dao in grab or Google Maps and go until you see the blossoms

One of the spots to catch peach blossoms in late January, early February is Trần Hưng Đạo Street. I should warn anyone who’s coming from Japan or Korea, this will not be remotely the same as walking somewhere like Hwagae’s cherry blossom road or the many sakura spots in Kyoto . However, it’s still quite charming and has many a pink tree to enjoy.

The road also has nice landscape views and is filled with these super cute storybook like cottages that I think are part of some kind of resort, so it’s worth a stroll even outside of blossom season.

Walk between Tran Hung Dao and Dalat Railway Station

I’d recommend walking from Trần Hưng Đạo to Đà Lạt Railway Station if you were dropped off. The walk isn’t bad and takes you through all these cool alleway. It does look like you can’t get through at one point, but just go down this side staircase and it’ll pop you out to the main road!

Stroll around Dalat Railway Station

• Vietnamese Name: Ga Đà Lạt
• Address: Quang Trung, Phường 9, Đà Lạt

Đà Lạt Railway Station is definitely one of the coolest spots for architecture! The station was originally designed and then constructed from 1932 – 1938 and incorporated both an Art Deco with Vietnamese style, specifically the communal houses seen often in the Central Highlands.

Depending on the day, you may be able to take the train about 7km to Trai Mat village, but I’m not sure how exactly it works because none of the times we learned of actually saw any train leaving for anywhere…

Take a million photos at Kombi Land

• Address: Mimosa, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt

If there was ever a place built for Instagrammers lol. It costs about 90K VND to enter Kombi Land and from there it’s just a massive, eclectic space that seems to go back for miles (ok that’s an exaggeration). You have the most random photo ops from a tent space that feels more Moroccan, a gas station set up that feels straight out of someone’s idea of California, and some sort of massive transformer statue at the entrance. There’s a pink convertible somewhere in there and a cactus spot…who knows?

There are some spots to eat inside if you want to hang around, but I can imagine this place being annoying during busier times so I don’t know that I’d go unless you know it’s low, low season and you really want to take photos. Otherwise, you’ll be competing with every Vietnamese fashion influencer in Đà Lạt and rich moms who let their kids throw pebbles at the ducks in the lake and don’t do anything even when you embarrass them by yelling across the lake and scaring said kid.

Visit the pink church

• Vietnamese Name: Nhà Thờ Domaine De Marie
• Address: 1 Ngô Quyền, Phường 6, Thành phố Đà Lạt

Kind of laughing because this is the third pink church I’ve visited in Vietnam, first the big pink one in Saigon and then the little one in Vinh Long ! Domaine de Marie is actually a convent built in the 1940s in both a French and Vietnamese style. It’s still active today with nuns and also acts as a school.

It also has some nice landscape views since it sits on top of a hill!

Places I Still Want to Visit

So many spots I have yet to visit!

• Crazy House
• Chua Linh Phuc
• Elephant Falls
• Lavender Đà Lạt Gardens
• Liangbiang Mountain

Cute Restaurants & Cafes in Dalat

Biang Garden Restaurant

Biang Garden Restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant and just a nice place to grab lunch! They add pomegranate seeds to their hummus and it’s sooo good!

Brew & Breakfast

This one is for you vegetarians! Brew & Breakfast serves up some breakfast classics as well as other dishes but all of it’s vegetarian. The all-day breakfast burrito is amazing, and I highly recommend getting the “fancier” hot chocolate!

Cheo Veo Coffee

Okay, this has to be the gem of all cafes in Đà Lạt. The views are perfect for sunset and their coffee menu is amazing. Just ignore the fact that you probably shouldn’t be drinking coffee at 6:00 PM lol. The entrance is kind of down a side road and even then it’s quite hidden away, so just keep an eye out on your way. Also arrive early (like 4 PM) to grab a spot! It fills up very fast for sunset, especially on the weekends!

Chill Chill Eatery

For a little more upscale dining, check out Chill Chill Eatery for dinner (only open 4:00 PM – 10:00PM). Definitely get a spot by their fireplace!

Emai Restaurant

Good spot for Italian food in Đà Lạt and nice if you’re staying at the homestay. I really enjoyed the gnocchi.

Seen House is a cute spot on Tuyen Lam Lake. The food is pretty basic but the coffee is good, and it’s a nice place to come if you want to hang out and enjoy the lake or even do some laptop work.

Where I Still Want to Eat

Guys, the amount of spots I still want to try while here…. Ahh! Each of my friends who have gone to Đà Lạt have eaten at different places, so when I was making a list, here are some of the ones I wrote down but didn’t get a chance to go to:

• Da Lat Market
• The Station House – Korean train station-style cafe!
• 102A Ba Than Hai
• Barn House BBQ
• Boho Corner Cafe

Another thing to note is that many dinner places book up quite quickly, so always call to reserve a spot in advance. If you can call at least 24 hours in advance outside of holiday season, you should be okay.

Where to Stay in Dalat

When it comes to where to stay in Đà Lạt, cute homestays are the name of the game! As is the case with most of Đà Lạt, everything is pretty spread out, so your best bet is to narrow down where you plan on going and restaurants or cafes you want to visit then pick out a spot.

I think some nicer areas to stay are by one of the lakes, Tuyen Lam or Xuan Hoang. Xuan Hoang Lake is more of the city center, but both are close to different places you’ll want to visit. We stayed at two different spots:

Emai Homestay

Emai is close to Xuan Hoang Lake and the city center. It’s in walking distance of the pink church and around a 15-minute walk to Đà Lạt Market. It’s a very cute little spot with its own aforementioned Italian restaurant and a few friendly kitties! One might even come up and cuddle in bed in the morning if you let him. Rooms are nice and pretty basic in terms of amenities but I think where Emai really shines is its outdoor area. Such a gorgeous area to eat breakfast before a day of sightseeing. Check more details here

Doi Mot Nguoi Homestay

Doi Mot Nguoi is lovely with some super cute and happy dogs roaming about as well as a few kittens when we visited! I’d only stay here if you have your own motorbikes though. On the map it kinda looks like it’s across the street from Datanla Waterfall, but it’s actually good 8-10 minutes by car on a really narrow, bumpy road and even then you have to walk downhill (so uphill when you’re leaving) to get to the actual homestay.

Also if you’re staying, double check the room you want is what’s represented on their Instagram or website. We booked a room specifically for its bathtub and when we got there, there was literally no tub. It didn’t even look like there had been a tub and it was just not working, so I don’t know where that photo came from or why they said it existed. Check more details here.

Other Places to Stay

If you’re looking for luxury, your best bet is the Ana Villas . Other cute places I’ve seen are the Aratana and Le Soleil Boutique Hotel . My friend, Alyshia , stayed at Romeo & Juliet on Tuyen Lam Lake said it had some nice views even if the rooms themselves are pretty basic. For those staying longer, this minimalist-styled studio in the city center looks lovely.

Check out all spots on Airbnb or on Booking

Dalat Travel Tips

Getting to and from dalat.

You can very easily get a sleeper bus from Saigon to Đà Lạt. From what my friends have said, it’s pretty comfortable and takes around seven hours, usually overnight. I typically book my bus transport on Baolau unless I know I can go in person easily.

I flew to Đà Lạt because I still have mild PTSD from those Mu Cang Chai bus rides and when I booked my tickets, I think it all cost under 1 million VND (~$40 USD). It’s like maybe 40 minutes, so between getting to the airport, checking in, flying, and leaving, it’s all around 2 hours.

The airport itself is 30-40 minutes away from Đà Lạt depending on where you’re staying. Super easy to just arrange a taxi or even Grab, but if you want to, you can also book ahead.

Getting around Dalat

Đà Lạt is extremely spread out, so you’ll be getting a taxi or driving around quite a bit. As it’s in the mountains, the roads are very windy and people drive a bit crazily (even more than Saigon). Our friend recommended we don’t rent motorbikes unless we’re basically pro-bikers sooooo we called a lot of taxis.

Grab does work here, though sometimes it’s not available, so you’ll just want to get one of those ole fashioned taxis with meters lol. There’s also, of course, the option of booking a private car charter.

When to Go to Dalat

I’ve been told the best time for Đà Lạt is over the winter as the weather is cooler than Saigon and much less likely to rain. Plus it’s flower season, so the whole city is full of blooms! Summer is monsoon season, so it’s cool but can get very, very rainy. If you want to keep an eye out for the peach blossoms, I’d aim to go during the first or second week of February. We went end of January, and I’d say we were a little early.

Đà Lạt is very popular for domestic tourism, so any time there’s a longer holiday it’ll get crazy busy, think Tet, New Years Eve, Christmas, etc. I know of people who went over NYE weekend and it took them ten hours to get back by car to Saigon!

Costs in Dalat

While Đà Lạt, like much of Vietnam, is extremely affordable, especially if you’re used to places like the US, it is a little more expensive than most other places in the country. For example, our room in Emai was three times what I paid for Mekong Pottery Homestay in Vinh Long, and I’d say they’re very comparable in terms of amenities and rooms.

What to Wear in Dalat

When I went, Đà Lạt was downright hot during the sunniest parts of the day and absolutely freezing as the sun fell. Think of it as early fall or mid-spring elsewhere in the world, so bring layers and socks. Most places won’t have heating or insulation, so it feels colder at night than normal. I was very happy to have my jean jacket and could’ve used some pants!

And there you have it! My little guide on the best things to do in Dalat, including where to go, stay, eat, and more! Am I missing anything? Let me know below!

for more vietnam travel

I’ve been able to explore a lot of this country, so here are all my other guides:

General Vietnam

• How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam
• 22 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Vietnam
• How to Plan the Ultimate Leaving Vietnam Trip

Northern Vietnam

• The Best Things to Do in Hanoi
• Hanoi to Halong Bay: How to Get There
• A Day Cruise Along Halong Bay
• Mu Cang Chai Travel Tips
• A Secluded Sapa Itinerary
• Hiking & Herbal Baths with the Red Dzao in Sapa

Central Vietnam

• Historical Things to Do in Hue: Ultimate Guide
• Hue in One Day: A Speedy Itinerary
• Azerai La Residence Hue Review: A Luxury Stay
• How to Visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
• A Semi-Relaxing Phong Nha Travel Itinerary
• How to Visit Yok Don National Park
• Top Things to Do in Hoi An
• How to Spend 3 Days in Hoi An
• Hoi An Tailors: Tips for What to Get Made
• The Vietage: A Luxury Train in Vietnam
• Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: A Luxury Review

Southern Vietnam

• Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Bucket List
• Coolest Things to Do in District 1, HCMC
• A Guide to District 5 & Cho Lon, HCMC
• Hem 15B Le Than Thon: Guide to Little Japan Saigon
• What to Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet
• Anantara Mui Ne: Best Resort for a Girls’ Getaway
• Mekong Delta Day Trip: What to Expect
• A Guide to Vinh Long in the Mekong
• Con Dao: An Island Travel Guide
• Azerai Can Tho: A Luxury Stay in the Mekong
• Odys Boutique Hotel Review: A Chic Mid-Range Stay in HCMC

share this on pinterest

want to support?

I’m always grateful when friends and readereach out wanting to support There She Goes Again . Truthfully, I’m just happy my posts are helping people travel! If you’d like to support the blog, here are some companies and brands I’m affiliated with. Simply click the links, and I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!

• Booking (Hotels)
• Sixt (Car Rental)
• Klook (Tours)
• Viator (Tours)
• Get Your Guide (Tours)
• Trazy (Korea Tours)
• Tiqets (Entrance Tickets)

BLOGGING / SOCIAL MEDIA

• WPX Hosting (Advanced)
• Bluehost (Beginners)
• Lezé the Label (Clothing)
• Printfresh (Pajamas, etc)
• Promptly Journals
• Encircled (Clothing)
• Girlfriend Collective (Athleisure)
• Birkenstock (Sandals)
• Bookshop (For Local)
• Amazon Books

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Work With Me
• Press & Podcasts
• Shop My Children’s Travel Brand
• Colombia Travel Tips
• Eje Cafetero
• Santa Marta
• Fraser Island
• Quebec City
• Massachusetts
• Mexico City
• Panama City
• Gili Islands
• Kuta Lombok
• Cameron Highlands
• Kuala Lumpur
• Koh Phi Phi
• Ha Long Bay
• Ho Chi Minh City
• START A BLOG
• Photography
• Wally the Wandering Wallaby
• Amazon Storefront
• Best Travel Gear
• Travel Books
• Travel Gift Guides

Da Lat: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary in the Vietnam Highlands

Set in the Southern Central Highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat is a beautiful mountain town known for its flowers, coffee, strawberries, and fresh air. Da Lat has so much to offer by the way of food, culture, scenery, and adventure, that it would be a shame if overlooked. I spent three days exploring this gorgeous part of the country, but if you were strapped for time, it’s possible to see and do most of what you’d like to in two.

THE PERFECT 3-DAY ITINERARY

In da lat, vietnam:, day #1: exploring da lat city.

If I have multiple days in a specific destination, I always like to take the first day to wander around and get a feel for the city. My day of wandering in Da Lat was nothing short of amazing. From trying every street food in sight to strolling along the picturesque Xuan Huong Lake to the beautiful Flower Park, my day couldn’t have been better. I couldn’t recommend a better first day in Da Lat than this!

Relax by Xuan Huong Lake

The Xuan Huong Lake was littered with paddle boats in the shape of swans slowly gliding through the water surrounded by beautiful gardens and children on school break flying kites. I was very impressed by how well taken care of the grounds and the lakes were and can see this as a perfect place for families to come on the weekend to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Around the lake, it’s also a hot spot for street food vendors. You will items like Da Lat Pizza, Bahn Mi, an assortment of pastries and much, much more.

If you’re familiar with me at all, you would have guessed by now that I indeed ate all of the above-mentioned foods while I was wandering.

Treat yourself to a Vietnamese coffee at Windmills Coffee

I then wandered into Windmills Coffee  which serves up all types of coffee and juices, but I opted for ca phe da, which is Vietnamese style coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice (so yummy!) They have really cute decor and also have great views of the Da Lat Market and the surrounding neighborhood.

Address: 133 Phan Đình Phùng, Phường 2, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Get a taste for the local flavor at Da Lat Market

Next I made my way to the Da Lat Market where I perused the countless stalls of food, clothes and other goods and ended up buying a pint of strawberries for about $1. Strawberries are a really common fruit in the area as the weather conditions are apparently perfect for growing! The market had so many fresh fruits and veggies that it was hard to scale back and not buy everything in sight!

Stroll through Da Lat Flower Park

I then took a 30 min stroll along the lake and landed at the Da Lat Flower Park. This was totally by accident, but what a great accident it was! The entrance fee was $1.50 (USD), and the park was filled with gorgeous flower gardens, fountains, and shrubs shaped into dragons.

It is definitely worth a look! After hours of perusing the countless different types of flower gardens, I retired to my hostel for the night, preparing for day two.

Day #2: Canyoning & Local Nightlife

Day two is the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your adventurous side and try out a new extreme sport: canyoning! After a super adventurous day trip visiting the nearby waterfalls, make a local friend and get to know the local flavors and local nightlife scene. That’s what I did and it’s a day I’ll never forget!

Adventure to nearby waterfalls on a Canyoning trip 

Around 8:15 am, Da Lat Canyoning Tours picked me up from my hostel and we headed into the mountains for our canyoning trip. This was my first time canyoning, and I was super excited to participate in a new type of adventure sport. An activity that involves hiking, cliff jumping, and rappelling down 25m waterfalls? –count me in.

The guide was AMAZING and so hilarious throughout the entire tour. He was super enthusiastic and although he put safety as the absolute number one, he also challenged everyone to push beyond their comfort zones and just have a blast with the whole experience. I couldn’t imagine having had gone with a better guide, and the equipment was top notch.

I heard that some companies try to cram as many people into the trip as possible and don’t use proper safety gear, but I can assure you that this company is legit. We only had 6 people in our group and that made waiting to go down each waterfall a lot shorter. It would have taken forever going with a bigger group!

After rappelling down a few dry cliffs, two waterfalls, cliff jumping, and floating down the river, the staff put out a spread of fresh fruit and all the fixings for a bahn mi, as well as tea, coffee, and beer (score). After lunch, we had a nice scenic drive back to town, and they dropped me off back at my hotel with still an entire afternoon to play with. The tour was a bit shorter than I would have liked, (I could have done that all day) but it was an A+ experience.

Eat like a local at Cha Ram Bap

Later that night, Jen, the receptionist from the hotel I was staying at, invited me and two others from the canyoning trip that were staying at the hotel out for an authentic Da Lat nightlife experience.

She took us to to Cha Ram Bap , where I tried one of Da Lat’s specialties, nem nuong. Nem nuong is a roll your own spring roll dish, using thin sheets of rice paper, a variety of herbs, pork, and fried sweet corn rolls, dipped in a thick peanut sauce. It is insanely delicious and is an absolute must while in the region!

Address:  62 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Experience the nightlife scene at B21Beer

After eating five (or 15, I don’t recall…) Jen took us to one of her favorite bars, B21Beer , where they had a live DJ, reasonably priced beer, and hookah. The music was great and the company, even better. I was so happy to have met Jen and her friend Hien; they showed me, Ale and Bianca an authentic weekend night out for a Vietnamese 20-something in Da Lat, and for that, I am so grateful.

Address: 68 Trương Công Định, Phường 1, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam

Day #3: Easy Rider Da Lat Countryside Tour

Now that you’ve explored the city, gotten a feel for local life, eaten every local food in sight, and tried a new extreme sport, day three is the perfect opportunity to get out of the city and see the beautiful highlands. This was definitely a highlight of my trip to Da Lat and is not to be missed.

Take an epic ride through the countryside on an Easy Rider Tour

The morning I arrived in Da Lat, a man named Philip approached me at the bus station and told me about the tour company he runs with some other guides. I took his card and ended up calling the next day to book a one day Da Lat countryside tour. As promised, an Easy Rider guide picked me up at 8:30 am, and we made our way towards the countryside.

Stop #1 on the Easy Rider Tour: Chua Linh Quang

Our first stop was at the Chua Linh Quang, the oldest Pagoda in Da Lat. It was decorated with ornate and incredibly colorful sculptures both inside and outside of the pagoda. The most notable sculpture was the giant dragon surrounded by bright flowers and perfectly maintained shrubbery.

Next, we rode through the winding roads in the rolling hills of Da Lat. It was a gorgeous ride with incredible views of acres and acres of vegetable farms.

Stop #2 on the Easy Rider Tour: Vietnamese Coffee Plantation

The coffee plantation specialized in weasel coffee, a Vietnamese traditional coffee where coffee farmers harvest the beans from weasel poo. No, I am not making that up. Apparently back in the day, weasels well, weaseled their way onto to coffee farms and had a particular appetite for coffee beans. Once the farmers realized where their crop was disappearing to, they captured the weasels and waited for them to digest their precious crop.

When they cleaned it off and made coffee with it, they noticed that the coffee had a new flavor to it that they really liked. Fast forward to today, and now they purposely use weasels to harvest this coffee. Yes, I did try this coffee and it was…strong. The scenery from the deck of the café was beautiful, but I was a bit turned off by all of the caged weasels. It made me sad to think that they are now forced to eat coffee beans.

Stop #3 on the Easy Rider Tour: Silk Factory

The silk factory was an interesting stop, as I had never really thought about how silk was made before. I was shocked to see how many workers there were as well as the sheer number of silkworms needed to create silk.

Watching the workers pull out the massive silkworms as they spun the silk was quite a gross process, but an interesting thing to see for sure.

Stop #4 on the Easy Rider Tour: Happy Buddha Monastery

This Monastery was very much off the beaten path and was quite a ways out of town, so unless you’re with someone who knows where they’re going, there’s no way you’re going to find it! It was instantly peaceful upon stepping onto the grounds of The Happy Buddha Monastery, and the grounds themselves were beautiful.

I was most excited to see monks dressed in the traditional orange robes walking out of the Monastery, carrying on with their day in however monks do! It was my first time seeing monks in person and it reminded me of how exciting it was to be in a completely new place.

Stop #5 on the Easy Rider Tour: Elephant Waterfall

One of the last stops was to Elephant Waterfall, which was certainly more touristy than I expected, but is definitely still worth a visit. The stairs going down are extremely slippery, so I wouldn’t advise anyone who isn’t sturdy on their feet to attempt this climb! The slippery stone stairs wind down to a few different viewpoints and some secret caves where you can get drenched with the force of the waterfall above! I wandered a little off the path and found a perfect rock to sit and relax on. I even saw some local fisherman swimming in the river below manually casting nets in hopes of catching some dinner.

Recommendations for booking an Easy Rider Tour:

Although my guide brought me to all of the places promised on the tour, he was less than enthusiastic and only gave me a very short briefing on each place we stopped. He would tell me a sentence or two about each place and then would tell me to go on my own and he would wait for me. I was definitely hoping to learn more, and it was disappointing that when we stopped for lunch and I attempted to make conversation with him, he gave me one-word answers and played on his phone.

Since all the tours pretty much take you to the same places, I ran into another tour guide, Hai Nguyen, along the way who got off of the bike and went to each destination with his customers and explained in detail about each place. I ended up running into him later in the evening when we were both catching a bus at the bus station, and he helped me get the right bus and even helped me order dinner at the rest stop later on! He was an incredibly helpful man, and I wish I had met him earlier because I absolutely would have gone on a tour with him instead.

Hai’s tour company is Ocean Easyrider Tour Vietnam , and you can reach him via Facebook or by email at [email protected] .  Despite my lackluster guide, I still had a great tour and was happy I got to see so much of the Da Lat countryside.

How to Get to Da Lat

By overnight bus.

I took the Futa Bus Lines night bus from Ho Chi Minh City at midnight and arrived at the Da Lat bus station by 6 am. The trip was advertised as a 7-hour journey, but we must have had a fast driver… The bus costs less than $10 USD and was actually quite comfortable. They make a few bathroom breaks throughout the night, but most people just slept through. Besides the excessive use of the bus horn (very typical Vietnamese driving), it was not so bad, and I would absolutely recommend taking the night bus over taking a flight. It’s quick, easy, and super cheap.

Where to Stay in Da Lat

Indigo home.

My first night, I stayed at Indigo Home , which was recommended by a friend, and it was really cute. It was decorated so beautifully and was tucked away far from any sort of touristy areas. So tucked away in fact, that it took me about an hour of wandering around to find! At only $5 a night for a dorm style room, it’s hard to beat.

Address: 1, 2 Khởi Nghĩa Bắc Sơn, Phường 10, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Hotel Dang Uyen

Looking to continue your journey in vietnam why don’t you head to the lantern strung streets of hoi an next, or maybe da nang, home to the dragon bridge .

I’m Lauren, an award-nominated blogger from Massachusetts on a mission to debunk the myth that the world is a scary and dangerous place for female travelers…starting with Colombia! 29 countries, across 5 continents later, I now call Bogotá, Colombia home after visiting on and off for the past 4.5 years, and am here to show you all the beautiful travel experiences you can have not only here in Colombia, but in destinations across the world!

Beach Hopping in Kuta Lombok, Indonesia

Top 5 Things To Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

You may also like.

The Guide to The Gilis: 4 Days in Gili T & Gili Air

This is What You Should Wear to Angkor Wat

A 2-Day Silent Mediation Retreat in Thailand

22 comments.

Good stuff. Thanks

Only issue is the font, very stressful for eyes.

Lauren Mae Pelkey

Hi JR! I’m so happy to hear that you found the blog post useful. And taking your feedback into consideration, I have changed the font so that it is easier to read. Please let me know what you think about the change. Thanks again for your honest opinion, as that is what helps continue to make Wanderluluu a better site!

Park Bae Yeng

OMG! This post made me want to go to Dalat right away! I do have a friend that is teaching English there so free housing for me. This inspires me to go for sure! I was nervous at first because I dont know what to see or do in Dalat all by myself, but after reading this, there are plenty to do! Do you recommend going for only 3 days? I have been to Vietnam and wouldn’t want to visit the bigger cities again so any other cities I should see?

I am thrilled to hear this post was helpful for you and has inspired you to make the trip! I found 3 days to be enough, but I’m sure you could go for 4 and still find plenty to do. For smaller cities, I would recommend Da Nang and Hue for SURE. Have you been to Hoi An? That’s a lot more touristy but still beautiful. What about Sa Pa north of Hanoi?! That is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! I have blog posts about all of this under Destinations>Southeast Asia>Vietnam if you want to have a read!

What bus company did you use? I’ve heard horror stories :(( Gigi x

Hi Gigi! I took Futa Bus Lines and had an okay experience. The bus journey is certainly not for everyone…drivers are typically fast, there are lots of winding turns, the drivers honk constantly (the norm in Vietnam), almost no one speaks English, and sometimes the bus will just pull off to make a bathroom break in the middle of nowhere (meaning no toilets…) I had anticipated a drive like this, so for me, it was fine. It only costs $10 and I didn’t lose any time traveling by using this system. If you don’t feel comfortable with this journey, you can always look into flights to Lien Khuong Airport which is about 30 km south of Da Lat. Let me know if I can help answer any other questions! xx

Just found your site on internet. It is very interesting. Thank you for sharing with us! http://adventurejourney.vn/

Hey Hung! Thank you for the kind words – I am so happy you are enjoying the content. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see on here. Happy Travels 🙂

Hai ( Ocean )

Really happy to see our facebook fanpage and our tour address on your site. Ocean was really appreciate to be yourfriend. Hope to do with you one day. Tks for sharing with us. http://www.oceaneasyridertours.com

Hey Hai! No problem – I am happy to include your tour information, as you were so helpful during my visit! I hope that I can come back to Vietnam and visit again soon! All the best 🙂

Mr Ocean Easyrider Tour ( Hai Nguyen)

Why not !. If you come back , i will invite the long trip tour . 3 days trip to Nha Trang or 6 days trip for free. I am very happy to be your partner.

I look forward to it!!

Hi!! Thanks for the post. Really made me want to follow your footsteps. I’m finding it a bit hard to find the exact locations on the map and since I’ll be driving my own motorcycle, I was wondering if you might have the points on a map, especially of the 3rd day. Thanks a lot! Idan

Hey Idan! So happy to hear you found the post helpful and that you want to follow the 3-day itinerary! I wish I could help you out with the exact map locations for the destinations on day 3, but I was on a guided tour so I really don’t have the exact locations! I would highly recommend reaching out to my friend Hai- he’s a local guide and knows the area like the back of his hand. You may want to hire him as your guide – you could even ride your own bike. But even if you don’t want to hire him as a guide – he may be able to help you out with searchable map locations!! Here is his email: [email protected] . Let me know how it goes!

The best Vietnamese coffee and tea comes from Da Lat. It is worth going there to try it out 🙂

Hey Greg – So happy you enjoyed it! I agree – such great coffee & tea!!

vietnamvisa.cheap

We just returned from our Vietnam vacation, and we chose to spend 2 days in Vietnam based almost entirely on your description. We followed your suggested itinerary and it proved to be one of the best of our entire trip. Thank you!

This makes me smile so big!!! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary and that it was a highlight of your trip. Can’t tell you how happy I am to get this feedback 🙂

I might just follow your itinerary in Dalat:) Thanks for sharing:)

Hi Mario! Oh please let me know if you do and if you like it!!!

Buiduccuong

My family is gonna prepare for a trip to Dalat, so I read carefully your sharing. Thanks for your detail about that. I hope we will also have great feeling that you did. Wish you have great adventures like that.

I am so happy to hear that this post helped! I hope you had a nice (and safe!) time!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

I have a children’s travel brand!!!

Explore the Blog!

Let’s connect, meet wanderluluu.

I’m Lauren, an award-nominated blogger and children's author from Massachusetts on a mission to debunk the myth that the world is a scary and dangerous place for female travelers…especially Colombia! 30+ countries, across 5 continents later, I now call Bogotá, Colombia home after visiting on and off for the past several years, and am here to show you all the beautiful travel experiences you can have not only here in Colombia, but in destinations across the world!

Subscribe to the Newsletter!

Enter your email address below to receive updates, read the latest posts, and stay in the loop of Wanderluluu's whereabouts!

Destinations!

• Privacy Policy and Disclosure

Dalat Travel Guide – Intro to Da Lat, Vietnam

Find out why the quaint mountain town of Dalat draws many types of visitors for many different reasons in our Dalat Travel Guide .

Dalat Travel Guide – Why Visit?

Dalat is one of the prettiest and most surprising regions of Vietnam. Dalat city is a former hill station from the days of French colonialism. The city and surrounding countryside resemble a French village in the Alps, but Dalat is also an authentic Vietnamese experience.

For example, you can spend your morning in a French colonial villa and your afternoon in a Zen monastery. And all around you will be the gorgeous, central highlands of Vietnam.

Enjoying the natural beauty of Dalat is the biggest reason to visit. Spend some time in the little city. It has some good food and interesting activities, but spend most of your time in the countryside.

Dalat is surrounded by scenic highlands filled with fragrant pine forests, vast lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and green rolling hills for as far as you can see. With an elevation of around 1500m, the climate is much cooler and more pleasant than most of Vietnam.

The temperate climate and natural beauty make it a perfect playground for relaxation or romance or adventure or mixture of these. Dalat is good for everything from sightseeing, romantic strolls, and family picnics to various adventure sports and natural thrills.

The Dalat area is great for singles, couples, and families. There is enough to see and do here to fill weeks, but a 3-day stay will let you sample the best of Dalat.

Dalat Travel Guide – Contents

Top attractions and activities in dalat city.

Top Attractions and Activities in Dalat’s Countryside

Top Places to Sleep in Dalat

Top places to eat in dalat, best time to visit dalat, getting in and out of dalat, budgeting for dalat, recommendations.

• Crazy House

The Crazy House is the most unique and original building in Vietnam. It’s a wild on-going art project, a public exhibit, and a functioning hotel. This surreal place is a like a Dr. Seuss building come to life. You can explore every nook and cranny like the wacky animal-themed guestrooms. It’s a definite must-see for everyone. Entry is 40,000VND ($2USD).

• Valley of Love

Dalat is the honeymoon capital of Vietnam, and the Valley of Love is designed to appeal to lovers. It’s probably the most scenic spot in the city. It’s a huge, sprawling park that spans several square miles. The center of the park is a pretty lake surrounded by sloping hills covered in pine trees – perfect for long romantic strolls. There are also massive gardens with elaborate flower sculptures, numerous statues, and a tram ride that circles the whole area. Entry is 40,000VDN ($2USD).

• Robin Hill / Cable Car Ride

Robin Hill is the highest points in Dalat city and has some of the best views. A beautiful relief sculpture adorns the steps leading up the hill. It depicts idyllic scenes of the indigenous mountain tribes. At the top, there is cable car ride that stretches for 1.6 miles (2.6 km) over the gorgeous countryside and ends at the hilltop Zen Monastery of Truc Lam. The cable car ride is 50,000VND ($2.5USD) for a one-way ticket and 70,000VND ($3.5USD) for a round trip.

• Truc Lam Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Monastery is the largest Zen Monastery in all of Vietnam. Its hilltop location above Tuyen Lam Lake provides some amazing views. The many temples and other buildings have an elegant and refined beauty. The grounds also contain several beautiful gardens. And this is an active monastery where you can meet the hundreds of monks that live here. Free Entry.

• Old Railway Station

Built in 1932, Dalat’s old train station is a top site of historical and architectural interest. There are some old steam trains on exhibit that visitors can climb into and explore. The best aspect of the station is a scenic 4.5 mile (7km) vintage train ride to nearby Trai Mat village, where you can visit Linh Phuoc Temple. This ride takes you through some beautiful landscapes. Free entry to the station. Round trip ticket to Trai Mat is 150,000VND ($6.5USD)

Attractions & Activities in the Countryside

No visit to Dalat is complete without seeing at least one waterfall. Cam Ly falls is the only one is the city, but it should be avoided due to urban pollution. There are a dozen waterfalls near Dalat. We think the 4 best are Datanla , Elephant , Pongour , and Prenn . Each has special features that make it attractive.

You can read more about the 4 best Dalat waterfalls here . If you’re interested in adventure sports, Datanla falls offers canyoning and abseiling. Note these are very dangerous (3 people died in 2016), and should only be pursued with a licensed tour company. Currently, Phat Tire Ventures is the only licensed company, and they have a good safety record.

Buddhist Temples

The Dalat area has many beautiful temples and pagodas that highlight the diversity of Buddhist culture and temperament in Vietnam. The entry to all these are free, but they do accept donations. Be sure to check out:

• Lihn Phuoc Temple and the Big Glass Dragon

Linh Phuoc is famous for intricate and massive mosaics that cover the temples and pagoda.

• Linh An Temple and the Huge Happy Buddha

Lihn An has some gorgeous Buddhist art and Vietnamese wood carvings, but it’s 50 ft (15m) tall Happy Buddha is the cheerful star of the show.

• Van Hanh Temple and the Giant Golden Buddha

No to be outdone, Van Hanh has 80 ft (25m) tall golden Buddha that gleams in the warm sunlight of Dalat.

Nature Lovin’

Beautiful scenery is everywhere and is easy to enjoy on your own. Many tour companies also offer organized hikes and activities in different areas. 2 of the best locations are:

• Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam is a picturesque and enormous lake that covers 800 acres (320ha). Activities here include walks around the lake, treks into the surrounding forests, paddle boat rides, and kayaking.  Full day tours including hotel pickup, trekking, lunch, kayaking, and drop off start around $40USD.

• Lang Biang Mountain

  At 7117 ft. (2169m) tall, Lang Biang Mountain is the highest peak in the region and has the best panoramic views. You can climb this mountain on your own without need of guide. But it’s 12km from Dalat city, so you’ll need transportation to it. Often tours are the same price as a round trip taxi. There is a well-marked trail through the forest and up to the top. The hike is 3 hours for the person of average fitness. Entry is 20,000VND($1USD).

Adventure Sports – The countryside of Dalat is ripe for outdoorsy adventures including white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, jungle treks, and more. We love adventure sports, but advise caution here. The safety standards in Dalat are not the same as those in other places. You must take full responsibility for your own safety here, even if on a tour. In 2016, 3 tourists died at Datanla falls. Their adventure guide was not licensed. There are a few companies that offer “budget” adventure tours, but we only recommend Phat Tire Ventures. They are licensed and emphasize training and safety. Package prices for different activities range from $25-$80USD pax (often including lunch).

Coffee Plantations

Did you know that Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world behind Brazil? It is, and the Dalat area is home to the biggest coffee plantations in Vietnam. You can enjoy some fresh and delicious Vietnamese coffee while you gaze at some stunning Vietnamese scenery. Free entry for viewing. A basic cup of coffee is less than $1. Specialty coffee can be $3-$4 per cup. And you can buy large bags to bring home.

SwissBel Resort – Dalat is a great place to splurge on a 5 star, mountain resort – at shockingly low prices. The SwissBel Resort is one of the newest and best resorts in Dalat’s countryside. It has all the luxurious amenities and spectacular views. For around $60-$70USD per night, you can indulge in lavish luxury that would be astronomically more expensive elsewhere.

Check out our review of the SwissBel Resort for one amazing example.

Crazy House Hotel – Dalat also has one of the most unique hotels in the world, The Crazy House mentioned above. The stay would be more for the novelty of the experience than for comfort or luxury, but what an experience. One night is enough. Then switch to a more comfortable hotel. Prices range from $20-$40USD.

Du Parc Hotel – The Du Parc Hotel Dalat is another great choice for high-end experiences at affordable prices. Du Parc was built in 1932 and has a classic art-deco style. Prices range from $40-$50USD.

Ba Hung – This restaurant serves a Dalat specialty called Nem Nuong. The dish is a fresh spring roll that you assemble yourself at the table. The restaurant is a local legend. Vietnamese visitors from other parts of the country flock to Ba Hung for this regional specialty. A big serving is only 40,000VND ($2USD). The address is: D51-D52 Khu Quy Hoach – Hoang Van Thu, Dalat

Nhat Ly – This is a good restaurant on Phan Dinh Phung street, but there are many restaurants on this street that have similar menus, quality, and prices. At Nhat Ly and the other restaurants nearby, a nice, typical meal will range from $5-$8USD. The address is: 88 Phan Dinh Phung, Dalat

Pho Hoa – Pho Hoa is another representative recommendation for a street with several nice and similar cafes. Le Dai Hanh Street is full of cafes with elevated terraces and nice city views. We like Pho Hoa, but most places on this street are similarly rewarding. An average meal is $5-$10 with drinks. The address is:  10 Le Dai Hanh Street, Dalat

For most visitors, November – March is the best season to visit. It’s the dry season and you’ll be able to experience more of Dalat’s natural beauty. Early November is the prime time to visit. The rains are over, so you will stay dry. But the rains have just ended so the waterfalls, rivers, and lakes have plenty of water and the highlands are at their greenest and lushest. Avoid June – August, this is the rainiest time of year and you’ll miss out on much of Dalat’s magic. What good is the beautiful scenery if it’s covered in soggy, gray weather?

The fastest and easiest way to get in or out of Dalat is via the new international airport. Domestic flights to and from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are very cheap, often around $20-$25 USD. There are many ways to get from the airport to Dalat city.

Most hotels offer airport pickup and drop-off, although some charge a fee. There is also a regular shuttle bus service from the airport to the city center that is only 40,000VND ($2USD).

Buses are the most common way to get in or out of Dalat from other cities. These are nice, tourist buses with AC, sleeper chairs, and sometimes WIFI.

There are direct routes to and from Ho Chi Minh City (8hrs), Hue (15hrs), Nha Trang (4hrs), and other Vietnamese cities. The route from the beach city of Nha Trang is the most popular. This route costs around $12-$15USD. The three best companies are Mai Linh, Phuong Trang, and Sinh Café.

This is a realistic, mid-range to high-end budget for people who flew across the world for a fun holiday. It’s NOT a rock bottom, spare-every-penny budget. You could visit Dalat for less, but you could also spend a lot more. This budget will let you experience the best of Dalat without scrimping too much or overspending.

Food and Drinks – $15-20 pax/day. Great food is very cheap in Vietnam. This is actually a high estimate for food and drinks. It includes indulgent meals, snacks, coffees, and cocktails. You could spend as little as $6 pax/day, if you stick to street food and cut out coffees and cocktails.

Accommodation – $20-$70/day for your group. Vietnam also has cheap hotels. For about $20, you could get a modest, but very nice, clean, and comfy hotel. For about $70, you could stay in a 4 or 5-star resort. There are also many great options in between.

Activities and Tours – $10-$80 pax/day. This one is tough to calculate on a daily basis. A day touring the city on your own can cost around $10 pax. A group tour of the countryside costs around $15 pax. A private tour of the countryside costs around $25-$30 pax. A day of adventure sports can cost $25-$80 pax.

3-day Expenses for a Couple – $250-$300 for 2 people over 3 days for an indulgent time including a nice hotel, big meals, cocktails, and few extras here and there. This couple’s budget also includes a DIY city tour, a full day private countryside tour, and one day of adventure sports.

Please note that we recommend a minimum of 2 full days in the Dalat area, with an emphasis on the countryside. It’s hard to enjoy in less time than this. Otherwise, skip Dalat and focus more time on other areas of Vietnam.

What interests you about the Dalat area? What would you like to see and do around Dalat?

Follow our Blog at BlogLovin’

138 Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Home » Travel Guides » Vietnam » 25 Best Things To Do In Da Lat (Vietnam)

25 Best Things To Do In Da Lat (Vietnam)

Located in the south of Vietnam is charming Da Lat which is known as a top destination for domestic honeymooners. Da Lat is mostly comprised of a scenic mountain town that used to be a hill station during the French colonial period when people came here on holiday in search of cooler weather.

As a result, you will find scenic French colonial style architecture all over the town, and if you want to explore a little further then you will find some of the best scenery in the country. As well as the city proper, the environs of Da Lat are known for gorgeous lakes, flower gardens, lush forests and quaint hill towns, so if you like trekking then this is also a great choice.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Da Lat …

1. Bao Dai’s Summer Palace

Bao Dai was famous for being the last emperor of Vietnam and ascended to the throne was he was just 12 years old.

He was also known for owning a summer palace in Da Lat which was built in 1933. Bao Dai used the palace as his summer retreat when temperatures got too hot in other parts of Vietnam and now you can visit in person and see how he would have holidayed in the days of old.

The home is still much as it would have been in the past and is filled with Bao Dai’s furniture as well as his personal possessions.

2. Walk to Datanla Waterfalls

Datanla Waterfalls is one of the most famous set of falls in Da Lat and you can easily reach this gushing cataract from the center of town.

As well as trekking to the falls, you can even enjoy a series of adrenalin filled rides here such as a small roller coaster which will take you from the summit of the falls down to the limpid pools below.

If that sounds a little bit much, then you can simply walk along the trails next to the waterfall and enjoy the cool mist and limpid pools at the base.

3. Admire the Lake of Sighs

The Lake of Sighs is steeped in local legend in Da Lat as it is actually the place where several star-crossed lovers met but were unable to be together.

The legend is indeed a little sad, but the lake itself is beautiful and is actually paradoxically very popular with local couples.

Nowadays you can rent a paddle boat and go out on the water which allows you to take in all the sights in Da Lat from a different vantage point.

As if that wasn’t romantic enough, you can also take a dreamy horse and carriage ride around the edges of the lake.

4. Enjoy Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is one of the most famous temples in the country, in part thanks to its bell tower which stands at a height of 37 meters.

This makes it the tallest bell tower of its kind in all of Vietnam and there is also a colorful central hall here which has a series of murals that tell the story of the life of Buddha.

If you want to learn more about the history of Buddhism then this is a great spot to visit and the pagoda is also set in the middle of a series of lush grounds and lakes.

5. Visit Dalat Flower Gardens

Da Lat has made a name for itself in Vietnam thanks to its pretty scenery and the flowers here are no exception.

If you want to witness these firsthand then head to the Dalat Flower Gardens which stretch for some 7,000 square meters and have more than 300 kinds of flowers on display.

One of the best things about the gardens is that the flowers all bloom at different times of the year so whenever you choose to visit, you are guaranteed to see something of interest.

If you want to see the gardens at the height of their beauty however, then try to visit in the summer months.

6. Admire the Crazy House

One of the quirkiest attractions in Da Lat is known by its nickname Crazy House although its real name is the Hang Nga Guest House and Art Gallery.

The reason for its name is that the house is built to resemble a tree and was designed in 1990 by Dang Viet Nga who is a famous Vietnamese architect.

There are around a dozen rooms here which are all designed with a different theme in mind and you will find tunnels and ladders here as well as statues of bears, tigers and kangaroos.

If you don’t fancy staying here then it is still worth checking out from the outside, just to see a different side of Vietnamese architecture in Da Lat.

7. Browse in Dalat Market

Dalat Market is a great place to visit if you want to see a more traditional side of the city.

Here you will find some 1,000 shops which are located across several buildings and it appears as if there is nothing they don’t sell here.

You will find stalls piled high with colorful fresh produce, or there is also a rather gruesome fresh meat section.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can also find pretty flower shops as well as other stalls that sell bottles of the local wine.

This is also a good spot to pick up some local handicrafts like textiles and other souvenirs.

8. Go out on Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake is a manmade lake that is also one of the main landmarks of Da Lat.

The lake is surrounded by lush gardens that are filled with flowers and indigenous plants and you can go for a walk in the afternoon and take in all the sights.

Along the banks of the lake you will find graceful willow and peach trees and there are also some little cafes where you can have a drink and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

Other popular activities at the lake include horse and cart rides, and you can also take a pedal boat out on the lake itself if you are feeling active.

9. Visit Dalat Train Station

Da Lat Train Station was built in 1943 and although it is small, it offers you a great glimpse of how people would have traveled in the days of old.

The traditional ticket windows are still here and there is also a delightful steam train on show.

You can take the train, which is a wood burning locomotive, for around 5 kilometers up a mountain pass which ends in the idyllic village of Trai Mar.

One thing to note however is that you need four passengers in order for the train to run so you may have to hang around if no one else shows up.

10. Trek to Elephant Falls

Like so many other attractions in Da Lat, Elephant Falls actually has another name which is Lieng Rewoa Waterfall, although the reason for this is that Lieng Rewoa actually means Elephant Falls in the local K’ho ethnic language.

This cataract is less visited than other falls in the region as it is more difficult to get to, but this means that you can skip the crowds on a trip here and just enjoy the peace and quiet of the lipid pools and gushing water.

The falls are also close to Linh An Tu Pagoda so you can easily combine a visit to both in an afternoon.

11. Travel to Lam Ty Ni Pagoda

Lam Ty Ni Pagoda is also known as Mad Monk Temple and is made up of a small monastery set inside a traditional garden.

There is also an art gallery on the grounds here which is run by resident Zen Buddhist monk Vien Thuc.

As such, you can tour the monastery and also check out his paintings at the same time and even pick up a piece of monastic art work to take home with you.

If you opt to take a guided tour of Da Lat then you will almost certainly drop by here as this is one of the premium attractions in town.

12. Have a drink at 100 Roofs Cafe

The 100 Roofs Cafe is designed in much the same style as the Crazy House which is why it is one of the most unique watering holes in Da Lat.

One a visit here you will find a labyrinth of winding tunnels and rooms and you could be forgiven for thinking that you had wandered into Middle Earth and a scene from the Hobbit.

They also have a picturesque roof garden which looks like something out of a fairytale and this is great place to watch the sunset with a cold drink.

13. Visit Lat Village

Lat Village, also known by its other moniker Chicken Village, is so named because of the huge chicken statue that stands at the entrance.

There are several legends that relate to the chickens, but the main reason to come here is to get a glimpse of rural life in Vietnam and enjoy this bustling farming community.

You can also buy local handicrafts here like cotton textiles, local wine and traditional silk pieces which make good souvenirs.

14. Admire Linh Son Pagoda

If you want to visit one of the less well known pagodas in Da Lat then consider a trip to Linh Son Pagoda.

This neighborhood pagoda is located on a hill that looks over Da Lat and lets you enjoy the pretty views over the city.

One of the most amazing things about the temple is that it also has its own tea and coffee plantations so you can also check out the monks harvesting the crops when they are in season.

15. Walk to the Pongour Falls

The Pongour Falls gush down from a height of 20 meters and jut out of the side of scenic mountains on the edge of Da Lat.

The mountains are 100 meters wide in the height of the rainy season which means that they are also the largest falls in Vietnam.

As you trek up to the falls you will be able to hear the sound of the water crashing onto the rocks below when you are still a long way off, and you can cool off in the mist from the cataract at the end of the hike.

16. Walk through the French Quarter

The French Quarter in Da Lat is the one of the prettiest parts of the city.

Here you can see how the French colonialists would have holidayed in the days of old and the quarter lies along the Tran Hung Dao Road.

Here you can take in the graceful French colonial villas, many of which date from the 1920s and 30s.

As you wander along the road, you can also check out the schools and churches that are also built in the same style.

17. Trek to the Prenn Falls

Prenn Falls is one of the premium attractions in Da Lat and soars to a height of 10 meters.

The falls are particularly busy at the weekends and around major holidays so you may want to plan accordingly.

It is around a 10 kilometer walk from Da Lat to the falls and you can also take cable car here, or use a path behind the falls, although bear in mind that you will get very wet if you take this option.

The falls are also close to Au Lac Temple so you can also visit both at the same time.

18. Visit Truc Lam Pagoda

Truc Lam Pagoda is one of the newest temples in Da Lat but this also means that it is one of the prettiest.

The pagoda sits on the Phuong Hoang Mountain which is close to the scenic Tuyen Lam Lake and there is a large cast bronze bell here as well as carved images of the Buddha.

One of the great things about the temple is that you can travel here by cable car and take in the views from the top.

19. Spend the day at the Valley of Love

The Valley is Love is not a valley at all but actually a theme park that is often visited by Vietnamese couples.

The park is set amidst lush green hills and backs on to lakes and gardens which are the perfect spot to have a picnic.

There is an amusement park here as well that is staffed by locals dressed up as cowboys and you can even take horse or pony rides or take a swan shaped pedal boat out on one of the lakes.

20. Eat at the Central Market

If you are looking for some cheap and cheerful local bites during the day then head to the Central Market in Da Lat.

Here you will find a huge number of street food stall selling simple noodle dishes as well as fried snacks and barbecued meats.

This is also a good place to come for breakfast when the market is bustling although you won’t have much luck in the evening as everything closes down so make sure to come early.

21. Walk to the Thien Vuong Pagoda

One of the nicest pagodas in Da Lat is the Thien Vuong Pagoda which is sometimes called the Chinese Pagoda as it was built by the Chinese local community.

The pagoda is also part of a monastery that features three important Buddhist statues that date back to the 16th century and as the pagoda is located in the hills behind Da Lat, you can come here and drink in the crisp air and relaxed setting.

22. Da Lat Cathedral

If you want to get a look at some of the local architecture in Da Lat then head for the Da Lat Cathedral which looks more like a gingerbread house than anything else.

The cathedral was built n 1931 and completed in 1942 and would have been the place of worship for the French colonialists on the days of old.

The building is topped with a pretty spire and weathervane in the shape of a cockerel although you may have to stick to admiring it from the outside as it is closed except for services at the weekends.

23. Explore Lam Dong Museum

If you want to learn a little bit about the history of Da Lat then head to the Lam Dong Museum.

Here you will find a splendid natural history gallery which has a range of taxidermy animals like wildcats as well as photographs of the indigenous people from the area.

You will find galleries dedicated to the Ma, Churu and K’Ho people and can enjoy collections of traditional costumes, musical instruments and ceremonial pieces.

They also have signature antiques such as a xylophone made of stone that is said to be 3,000 years old.

24. Dine at Dalat Train Cafe

If you are an avid trainspotter then you can’t miss this glorious and quirky cafe in Da Lat.

The cafe is set up in a railway carriage which dates from the French colonial period and you can order food and drinks and enjoy the pictures of famous trains from all over the world which adorn the walls.

Handily, the Dalat Train Cafe is located just up the hill from the Dalat Train Station so you can spend a day checking out all things locomotive in the city.

25. Explore Bidoup Niu Ba National Park

Bidoup Niu Ba National Park is part of a huge area of forest that sits high on a plateau above Da Lat.

The park is filled with graceful bamboo groves as well as waving grass lands and the altitude here ranges from 650 to 2,288 meters.

You will also find coniferous woodlands and members of the local indigenous community here are on hand to take you along the trails and show you all the flora and fauna.

There is also a visitor center here where you can learn about the history and culture of the K’Ho hill tribes.

The park is around 32 kilometers away from Da Lat so you can visit this as park of day trip from the city.

25 Best Things To Do In Da Lat (Vietnam):

• Bao Dai’s Summer Palace
• Walk to Datanla Waterfalls
• Admire the Lake of Sighs
• Enjoy Linh Phuoc Pagoda
• Visit Dalat Flower Gardens
• Admire the Crazy House
• Browse in Dalat Market
• Go out on Xuan Huong Lake
• Visit Dalat Train Station
• Trek to Elephant Falls
• Travel to Lam Ty Ni Pagoda
• Have a drink at 100 Roofs Cafe
• Visit Lat Village
• Admire Linh Son Pagoda
• Walk to the Pongour Falls
• Walk through the French Quarter
• Trek to the Prenn Falls
• Visit Truc Lam Pagoda
• Spend the day at the Valley of Love
• Eat at the Central Market
• Walk to the Thien Vuong Pagoda
• Da Lat Cathedral
• Explore Lam Dong Museum
• Dine at Dalat Train Cafe
• Explore Bidoup Niu Ba National Park

DaLat Itinerary, Self Guided Tour & DaLat Vietnam Map

Vietnam has been one of our favorite destinations in Southeast Asia. After multiple stays in Central Vietnam and Northern Vietnam, we kept hearing great things about the mountain city of Dalat.

We finally got to visit DaLat Vietnam in 2023, where our excellent homestay hosts helped introduce us to the city and culture of Da Lat.

If you’re putting together a Da Lat itinerary, we hope our Dalat travel guide will help you experience the best of Dalat Vietnam.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Dalat & How to get around

Depending on the transportation you want to use, there are many options for places to stay in Dalat center as well as the outskirts.

If you’re on a budget or prefer to get around mostly on foot, consider staying within walking distance of the market (Chợ Đà Lạt on Google Maps) or West of the lake.

If you don’t mind paying a little for transportation, you can stay further out and enjoy more nature-based settings.

Grab is the rideshare app used in Vietnam and much of Southeast Asia (like Uber or Lyft). Grab rides to most places in Dalat will cost around $2 US.

If you’re comfortable on a motorbike and familiar with Vietnamese traffic patterns, you can rent a scooter for 150,000-250,000 per day. While enforcement isn’t consistent, it’s best to have an international driver’s license with a motorcycle permit from your home country.

We highly recommend staying in a family-run homestay throughout Vietnam. Usually homestays include a private suite with bathroom and breakfast.

We loved our hosts in Da Lat , a friendly retired couple who introduced us to specialty Dalat foods and helped us get oriented. They made our experience so much richer!

Since we enjoy walking and also rented a motorbike for several days, we stayed toward the outskirts of town. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Here are some other highly rated places to stay in Dalat Vietnam:

Homestay in Da Lat – excellent hosts for cultural exchange, in the outskirts of town Savio House – good value, family-run hotel in the town center Kadupul Homecation – fun bed and breakfast with a range of room types Dalat Rose Hill Villa – friendly staff and nice setting, with family rooms available

When to visit Dalat

We visited Da Lat in January, when the weather fluctuated between chilly with light rain and pleasantly mild (60-70 F). Coming from cold winters in the States, it wasn’t bad but you definitely need to pack warmer clothes in winter since indoor heating isn’t common.

Compared to many other destinations in Vietnam, the climate in Dalat is often much cooler. For this reason, many would say that the best time to visit Dalat is when it gets too hot elsewhere in Vietnam.

The rainy season in Dalat is summer, so the best chance of good weather tends to be March, April, or November. But as long as you pack properly, you can’t go really go wrong when you visit Dalat.

2 days in Dalat Itinerary

While we personally like to stay longer, two days in Dalat is enough time to see the highlights.

For our 2 day Dalat itinerary, we recommend spending at least half a day touring the center of the city, using our self guided tour suggestions. Then, choose one additional activity from our list below based on your interests.

On day 2, select a day trip . Dalat’s biggest draw is natural beauty, so we recommend exploring the surroundings.

Day 1: Self guided tour of Dalat map

If you only have one day in Dalat, this is where you can start. Use our self guided tour map of Dalat to sample the city’s top attractions.

In addition to key Da Lat Vietnam points of interest, our map includes a walking tour route.

You can sign up below to access the interactive map for free.

Day 2: Datanla Da Lat waterfall day trip

Here’s one of the day trips we really enjoyed near Dalat. There are other options below in our list of things to do, but I’ll share a detailed overview of our Datanla Waterfall hiking trip so it’s easy to replicate. 

Prices are as of January 2023.

Datanla waterfall park is only a 10 minute drive from Dalat along the main road to the airport. We arrived by motorbike, but you could also take a taxi or Grab. We even saw some tourists walking there, though there’s only a small shoulder on the road.

There’s a designated area for motorcycle parking and it’s 3,000 VND when you exit. It’s 15k VND (less than $1 US) for cars.

Datanla is like an adventure park, with alpine coasters (100k VND round trip), ropes course (350k VND for 120 minutes), zipline (600k VND), and of course the natural waterfalls .

There are two main entrances via alpine coasters, sort of like a roller coaster but you control the speed of your own car, which lead back and forth to the two main waterfall areas.

The entrance fee to walk in is 50,000 VND per adult and 25k for kids. Walk ins must go through the Main Entrance , where the ticket booth looks like two large mugs (pictured below). From there, follow signs for “Walking Track” (the trail is not depicted on their official map).

The hike starts on rock steps heading downward. Eventually you get to one of the waterfall areas with some random photo opps, like a giant gorilla and a spider web.

From the first waterfall to the second, there’s a sign by one of the souvenir booths that says THAC 3. Follow the path down more rock steps for about 15 minutes to a small shrine above the other falls. Then follow the sign “trekking way to waterfall” down even more steps.

This second falls has a whole area dedicated to photo backgrounds. There’s even a place to rent costumes for your pictures. You can hike back up or take the alpine coaster heading back up the hill (for a fee).

If you have your own vehicle, an easy next stop after visiting Datanla is to ride around Tuyen Lam lake . Head back toward Dalat on the main road for just a minute, then turn left (West) and you’ll be there in less than 5 minutes.

You can check out Lavendar Cafe on the other side of the lake. Definitely built for instagram tourism, they have some trendy-looking glamping sites, fields of flowers, and a cafe with nice view. Coffees were around 60k but unlike many similar places, there didn’t seem to be an entrance fee.

List of Things to Do in Dalat

Before we dive into what to do in Da Lat Vietnam, I have to admit that we were surprised: the entrepreneurs of DaLat have fully embraced Instagram tourism to an extent we haven’t seen anywhere else.

Many DaLat cafes and attractions are designed around photo opps. In fact, destinations without any historical or cultural significance have been recently constructed, solely to charge an entrance fee for taking pictures.

It’s an interesting phenomenon.

There are cultural experiences and natural beauty well worth exploring in DaLat as well, which is what we tend to prefer. We’ll share a variety of options in this list of Dalat things to do below but will focus on intentional travel experiences for your Dalat itinerary. 

DaLat Crazy House

Visitors can explore the nooks, crannies, and ever-expanding structures that the creator has dreamst up and constructed, all for a modest fee (a few dollars). There’s also an option to stay overnight in the treehouse-like guest rooms.

While Crazy House pre-dates Instagram and TikTok, in a way, it seems to have started the pattern for DaLat tourism that features interesting photos for social media. When we stopped by, a large busload of tourists had just arrived with cameras ready.

Visit the Local Market: Chợ Đà Lạt

One thing we highly recommend adding to any Dalat itinerary is a stroll through the market, whether you’re shopping or not.

The Dalat market is a large multi-story complex centrally located, just West of the lake. This is a great place to simply witness local culture with all your senses .

The DaLat Night Market also starts here and expands down Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai street toward the lake-side roundabout. There’s not much at the night market you won’t also find during the day and in fact, prices may be higher as it’s primarily tourists who visit at night.

Enjoy Coffee at a Vietnamese Coffeeshop

Coffee is a big part of Vietnamese culture, and DaLat has many great coffeeshops to try!

The typical Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk is called cafe sữa.  You can get it hot or iced. 

From the very basic: plastic stools on the side of the road, to extravagant settings and fancy concoctions, you’ll find a wide range of cafe options and prices in Dalat.

See some of our recommendations below.

Try Local Specialties Like Banh Can

Vietnamese food is always a highlight of any Vietnam trip. Some DaLat regional specialties include:

• Bánh Căn (savory glutinous rice cake)
• Bánh Mì Xíu Mại (shumai meatball soup with bread)
• Dried fruits like persimmon
• Artichoke tea
• Hot soya milk

The first time we tried banh can on our own, it was ok. But it was so much better when our hosts took us to their favorite spot, where this lady has been perfecting her crispy cakes for decades.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by M & J | Intentional Travelers (@intentionaltravelers)

Bánh Căn are savory little rice flour cakes baked in clay molds eaten with a dipping sauce, usually for breakfast. Quail egg is a common filling. The sauces are either based from fish sauce or shrimp paste.

Explore Xuan Huong Lake Area

One of the main features you’ll see on the map of Dalat Vietnam is Xuan Huong Lake. Lam Vien Square , a lake-front park, is a DaLat landmark and one of the top attractions.

Around the lake, you’ll also find cafes, swan-shaped paddle boats for rent, horse-drawn carriage rides, and other fun things to see.

Visit Bao Dai Kings Palace in Dalat

A short drive into the outskirts of town is where you’ll find another popular Dalat attraction: the King’s Palace. It was the royal residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai.

The French colonial building and manicured grounds are not ostentatious but an interesting sightseeing stop, especially for those interested in Vietnamese history.

Get a Massage or Spa Treatment in DaLat

Ớt Care Spa offers a good value for massages and other treatments. It’s a few blocks away from Crazy House and you can make an appointment through Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp.

Their services include massages and facials in a simple, clean setting. At the time of this writing, a basic full body massage costs 240,000 VND (just over $10). 

Where to Eat in DaLat Vietnam

To sample the best of Dalat food, it helps to get some local advice.

Our homestay hosts explained that DaLat’s quality of life attracts people from all over Vietnam to settle there, resulting in a mix of regional foods available in the cuisine.

Nhà hàng MÓN NGON ĐÀ LẠT – The first restaurant our hosts recommended is located in the underground GO! complex near the lake. This sit-down restaurant features vendors who were hand-picked to showcase the area’s regional specialties.

There is an extensive menu with pictures and English translations.

Quán bánh căn Thúy street food – As mentioned above, banh can is a local specialty. This was one of our host’s favorite spot for breakfast. For details, see our map .

Pho Hieu Dalat – Warm and flavorful pho is perfect for a cool day in Dalat. You can get the standard pho in large or small, which comes with a side of greens and hoisin sauce on the table. Complimentary tea. They have an English picture menu available if you need it.

Hill Hill Dalat Cafe – Another photo-worthy spot that seems to be frequented by young adults. A nice place to sip coffee overlooking peaceful hills. A full menu is available, at least for dinner, which is quite pricey but gets good reviews.

Best Dalat Day Trips

Dalat has many great day trip options nearby. You can take a motorbike, hire a driver, or join a tour to explore the surrounding area.

DaLat Waterfalls

Like many of the natural attractions near Dalat, waterfalls have often been turned into tourist attractions with an entrance fee.

Elephant Falls and Tiger Cave are both closed as of early 2023. Datanla Waterfall is the closest to the DaLat and most accessible for casual visitors (see above for details).

Other nearby falls to check out include Thác Voi Waterfall  (30 miles from Dalat),  Lien Khuong Waterfall (20 miles, near the airport), and perhaps the best option: Thác Pongour Waterfall and gardens (30 miles from Dalat) as it has fewer gimmicky tourist exhibits attached to it.

Bidoup Nui Ba National Park

This small, forested national park to the North of Dalat is a great place to find hiking trails, camping, animal and bird watching, and indigenous ethnic minority culture. It’s recommended to hire a guide for the best experience.

There is also an interpretive center, guesthouse, and restaurant in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park .

Dalat Motorbike Easy Rider Tour

One of the best ways to experience a Vietnam day trip is from the back of a motorcycle. This way, you can get off the beaten path and see a lot in a short time.

A full day tour allows you to see so much: Dalat’s agriculture, coffee and silk production, rice fields, villages, and local craftspeople. 

Check out this highly rated Dalat motorbike tour on GetYourGuide >

Top Photo Attractions

These are Dalat attractions specifically for taking selfies and fun photography. Expect an entrance fee.

Vuon Anh Sang Lumiere (Light Garden) – Located on the far North end of town, this indoor attraction features lanterns and other illuminated art. 

Clay Sculpture Tunnel – An easy add-on after Datanla and Tuyen Lam Lake, this amusement park is full of all kinds of giant manmade sculptures from giant dragons to trains and buildings.

Truc Lam Monastery and Cable Car – Another option to add to a Datanla/Tuyen Lam Lake excursion, the cable car goes from Robin Hill to the monastery and pagoda grounds. From there, you can walk around a bit, take stairs down to the lake, or simply return via cable car.

Thung Lũng Tình Yêu (Valley of Love) – Originally named by the French, the valley now has a giant theme park with gardens and a lake using the romantic theme, including swan boats and an Eiffel Tower. There’s also a quirky wax museum.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda – Just 5 miles West of town is one of Vietnam’s most colorful pagodas, unlike what you might find elsewhere in the country. It’s a quick visit but a sight to behold all the elaborate tile work throughout this Buddhist temple. 

Other Top-Rated Dalat Tours and Experiences

Dalat Street Food Tour – An evening private walking tour to experience Da Lat’s street food favorites.

9-hour Dalat Outskirt Tour – See beautiful scenery, participate in various outdoor activities, and taste some of the local delicacies, coffee and rice wine.

Dalat organic farm experience – Discover how a small coffee farm operates and learn how to roast and make your own coffee.

Our Top Tips for Intentional Travel in Dalat Vietnam

• Try to make a local connection , whether it’s meeting a friend-of-a-friend you find through social media, staying in a family-run homestay, or hiring a local guide.
• Learn essential Vietnamese phrases , like “hello” and “thank you”.
• Shop at locally owned, independent businesses when possible
• For more guidance, see:  how to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas and our simple rules for intentional travel series .

You might also like: Vietnam Itinerary and Best Places to Visit Central Vietnam Itinerary Things to Do in Hoi An Vietnam

Like this post? Pin it for later or share with friends!

Similar Posts

Japan travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Japan travel in 2024 with official Japan travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours. Since travel restrictions can vary by citizenship, we…

4 Cool Cafes and Coffee Treats in Hanoi, Vietnam

Before coming to Vietnam, we knew that coffee production was big for the country. What we didn’t expect was the extensive coffee culture we discovered in Hanoi. There seem to be even more coffee shops in Hanoi than the pervasive number of Starbucks locations in the States (and yes, there are a few Starbucks in…

Unique Things to do in Da Nang Vietnam

If you’re looking to explore Da Nang, Vietnam off the beaten path with unique experiences beyond the typical tourist spots, these are our personal recommendations for your visit. To be clear: this is NOT a generic, exhaustive list of all the best things to do in Da Nang. This is a curated, subjective list based…

Beautiful Castles in Tuscany to Visit or Stay In

Especially for those of us from North America, the history and architecture of Italy is a fascinating novelty. Many visitors are captivated by European and Italian castles, as it’s not something we see at home. In this post, we’ll help you find the best castles to visit in Tuscany as well as castle accommodations you…

A Do It Yourself Guide to Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast

If you’re an independent traveler looking for self guided tours of Italy where you can get a bit off-the-beaten-path, then consider Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast. Our do-it-yourself guide will help you discover a beautifully unspoiled side of Tuscany on your own, whether you’re traveling for 2 days or 2 weeks. This post will cover: Where to…

Best Day Trips from Zadar Croatia

Being centrally located on the Dalmatian Coast, there are many great day trips from Zadar, including famous national parks, scenic islands, and some off the beaten path destinations. We had the pleasure of staying in Zadar, Croatia for a month in the Fall. Many of these day trips we were able to do ourselves. For…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Customize Your Dream Trip

• Vietnam Tours
• Cambodia Tours
• Myanmar Tours
• Classic Highlights
• Adventure & Off The Beaten Track
• Nature & Discovery
• Luxury & Honeymoon
• Culinary & Culture
• Cycling Adventures
• Motorbike & ATV
• Vietnam Virtual Tours
• Our Company
• Corporate Profile
• Terms & Conditions
• TAILOR-MADE TRIPS

: [email protected]   : +84 917 025 688

• Dalat Travel Guide – Things To Do, Tips, Food & Adventure

Popular Blogs

• Hanoi Banana Island | A Hidden Off-Beat Destination
• 11 Best Vietnam War Sites For War Travel In Vietnam
• Ban Gioc Falls – The Fourth Largest Border Waterfall In The World
• Hiking In Vietnam: The 15 Best Hiking Trails In Northern Vietnam For Adventure Enthusiasts

Promotions Package

June 14, 2020

conicaltravel

Dalat , a precious gem in the Central Highland of Vietnam , is a must-visit destination for both first-time visitors and returnees. Born by the French and nourished by the Vietnamese, Dalat is covered with mild weather all year round and vast scenery of nature and mountains. In this article, we share you a complete Dalat travel guide if you’re about to visit Dalat real soon!

I. Dalat: A Brief Introduction and A Look into Its History

Established in 1907 by the French as a breakaway and hill station, Dalat has been an iconic destination in Vietnam’s Central Highlands for decades. The city has everything you need for an absolute vacation, from hotels, landscapes, mouthwatering cuisines, golf courses, and many more.

Dalat in soaked in an endless scene of pine forests and nourished by the temperate climate. This is the reason why Dalat becomes the “holy land” as the agricultural center of Vietnam. People talk about Dalat as a prosperous source of coffee, tea, flowers, and vegetables.

II. Best Time to Travel to Dalat

If the frequent downpour is not your thing, make sure to plan the trip to Dalat from November to April . This is the wintertime so remember to put on an extra coat.

April to October is when the milder temperature pampers the city of love. Yet the daily rainfalls may appear during the day.

All in all, Dalat is best to visit at any time in the year. Each season has its own charm that can wow any type of tourist.

III. How to Travel to Dalat?

If you depart from the big metropolis like Hanoi or Saigon , then flying in the most recommended option. Daily flights are available which takes less than 2 hours.

A public bus, minivan, or private driver is the second-best choice if you are on the shoestring and don’t want to miss the stunning scenery along the way. These means of transportation are available in either Saigon or the closer cities of Mui Ne and Nha Trang (which are both in the Central region).

Hopping on a train from any train station in the country is the third option you can go for. The ticket’s price is roughly equal to the bus yet it takes quite a few more hours to reach Dalat.

IV. How To Move Around Dalat

Thanks to its cool and dry climate typical of the hilly region, most travelers visiting Dalat choose walking to explore the city to the fullest. Other than that, there are some means of transport that also convenient and popular. The three main ways to move around Dalat are listed below:

1. By Cycling

Cycling is the most perfect choice if you have an active soul.  You cant easily rent a normal bike at your hotel or in Dalat Central Market for 30,000Vnd per day (around 1.5 USD). If you are into discovering the mountains, renting a mountain bike is highly recommended.

2. By Taxi & Motorbike Taxi

Taxi is a popular means of transport in most cities in Vietnam, and Dalat is not an exception. You can easily find a taxi anywhere on the roads or get contacts at your hotel’s reception. Mai Linh taxi is most chosen by travelers and locals in this city. But don’t forget to negotiate the price well in advance. Grab taxi  is also available in Dalat which can give you a better deal.

Some popular contacts for taxi in Dalat:

• Mai Linh Taxi: 0263.3511 511
• Thang Loi Taxi:  0263. 383 5583
• Da Lat Taxi: 0263 355 6655
• Lado Taxi: 0263 3666 777

3. By Motorbike

Joining a motorbike trip is an enchanting way for you to conquer the hilly terrain in Dalat highland, especially when you would like to discover the mountains of Dalat to the deepest. The common rate for renting a motorcycle one day is from $5 USD to $10 USD.

V. Things to Do in Dalat: 11 Must-See Attractions and 3 Thrilling Outdoor Experiences

11 famous attractions in dalat a first-timer cannot miss, 1. bao dai’s summer palace.

The palace belonged to the last emperor of Vietnam who abdicated his throne in 1945. His summer palace was built in 1933 as a retreat from the kingdom in Hue. Thanks to the mild weather of the mountains, the palace emerges amid the greenery as a precious gem.

Nowadays, Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is a famous attraction for both foreigners and locals. The villa is perfectly preserved where you can admire the luxury furniture of the past century.

• Location: Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 1, Dalat City
• Ticket: 50,000Vnd / person

2. Lake of Sighs

The name originates from the story citing the sorrow faith of the star-crossed lovers who couldn’t make it together at the end. The lake appears as a tranquil and stunning natural gem where the local couples love to take a long walk or sit for hours by one’s side.

Other than sightseeing around the lake, you and your significant other can rent a paddleboat and ride around the lake. This is the perfect experience if you’re up to admiring the lake-scape from a totally different vantage point.

• Location: 6 km to the east of Dalat City
• Ticket: 20,000 Vnd / person

3. Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is one of the most bizarre-looking yet impressive Buddhist temples in Vietnam. The site takes pride in the 37-meter-high bell tower and the incredible broken ceramics decorated on the exterior walls.

The vibrant main central hall is where you can dig into the interesting legend of the great Buddha who created this respectful religion.

• Location: 120 Tự Phước Street, Ward 11, Dalat City
• Ticket: Free

4. Dalat Flower Garden

The next destination you cannot miss when in Dalat is the gigantic flower garden . Covering 7000 square meters of the area is a vibrant and colorful garden which is known as the first flower garden in the city. This is home to over 300 kinds of flower species.

What makes tourists love about the garden is that the flowers take turn to bloom at different times in the year. So no matter when you visit Dalat, the flower garden is still a captivating site. However, the time flowers put on its most impressive beauty is during the summer months of the year.

• Location: Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, Ward 8, Dalat City
• Ticket: 50,000 Vnd / person

5. Dalat Market & Night Market

The iconic Dalat Market is the central point of the entire city where the most famous attractions and accommodations surround. The market houses around 1000 shops and kiosks scattering in different floors of the buildings. Most of the stalls supply dried food (which is native to Dalat) as well as fresh produce. While at the front, dozens of stalls line up to display the freshest flowers in the day to customers. The Dalat Central Market is most famous as a kingdom of souvenirs such as clothes, food, and textiles.

When night falls, the main market is closed and makes way to the night market . And this makes it another interesting scene that you can add to your nighttime bucket list.

• Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 1, Dalat City

6. Dalat Train Station

Built by the French in the 1930s, the yellow piece of art, Dalat Train Station , is a vivid museum-like artifact. It takes pride in the awe-inspiring architecture and the mind-blowing history of the oldest train station in Indochina.

There are numerous souvenir shops, cafeteria, and restaurants where you can take a break after a long day traveling.

• Location: 1 Quang Trung Street, Ward 10, Dalat City
• Ticket: 5,000Vnd / person

7. Elephant Falls

This is definitely the most famous and stunning fall across the hilly city. Located roughly 30 kilometers from the city center, the Elephant Falls promotes the wonderfully serene surroundings and the gigantic waterfall that Dalat is always proud of.

Along the way is the collection of mid-way stops such as the coffee and tea plantations, a cricket farm, a rice wine distillery, and a silk factory. If this type of culture is what you seek out for on a vacation, don’t hesitate to bring along a local guide for the best insight!

• Location: Gia Lam, Nam Ban Town, Lam Ha District

8. Lat Village

This is a lesser-known destination in Dalat which may be familiar to Vietnamese tourists but still a strange name in the mind of foreigners. The Lat Village is often referred to as Chicken Village due to the gigantic chicken statue set at the entrance gate.

If you follow a local guide as a part of a day trip in Dalat, you’ll have a chance to know more about the legend behind the name. If you’re up for traveling alone, then don’t forget to take a glimpse of the rural life in the country. And even better, don’t forget to snap the coolest photos of the vibrant farming community.

Upon departure from the village back to the city center, chance for you to scan through some authentic souvenirs to bring back home. The local handicrafts such as cotton textiles, alcohol, and traditional silk pieces are the best recommendations.

• Location: K’long Village, Darahoa, Hiep An, Duc Trong District

9. Take on Dalat Coffee Scene

Dalat is one of the top coffee producers in Vietnam and it makes a complete sense why you should indulge in the coffee scene when in Dalat.

The whole city is filled with plenty of coffee shops in various styles. This is where you can sit for hours and refresh amid the day trip. The best style to get is always Vietnamese coffee but some of the modern shops can wow you with the exotic brews. Cà Phê Chồn – weasel coffee is the hottest trend these years and you can take a sip while mesmerizing the infinite view at Cà Phê Mê Linh plantation.

10. Langbiang Mount

Located at the height of 2,169 meters, Langbiang Peak promises to reward you with a wonderful panoramic view of the whole Dalat. There are two main ways to conquer this roof. The easiest way is by an old Russian Jeep which costs 300,000 for a round trip. The jeep can contain up to 6 people together. The other way is idealistic if you are an adventure seeker. You will then spend 3 hours off the beaten track on the forested trails to get to the mount.

• Location: Lac Duong District
• Ticket:   20,000 Vnd / person

11. Tuyen Lam Lake

Known as the biggest freshwater lake in Dalat, Tuyen Lam lake is a must-see when you travel to this highland. The lake is covered by lush pine forests which will grant you a feeling of peace and mystery. Because of its raw beauty and enchanting surroundings, the lake is an ideal place for camping and enjoy the atmosphere of the wild. What is more, visitors coming to the lake can join some interesting activites like horse riding, fishing, mountain hiking or boating.

• Location: 6 km to the South of Dalat City

3 Adventurous Experiences in Dalat

1. cliff jumping and canyoning in dalat.

The mountainous city of Dalat is ideal for any kind of thrilling activities. One of them is canyoning . Get ready to navigate through a canyon and rush down the waterfall in the middle of the pine forest! And if you have a bigger mind of an adventurer, don’t hesitate to go cliff jumping! The best and safest way to enjoy this experience is joining a Dalat canyoning tour 1 day .

2. Trekking in Ta Nang – Phan Dung Route

Most people will refer to the Lang Biang Mountain when they opt for a trek in Dalat. However, another much more thrilling route is Ta Nang Phan Dung . The route is 250 kilometers away from Saigon by car and praised as one of the best trekking in Vietnam . What you see along the way is a beautiful transition from highland to central coastal plateau.

The diversity of landscapes on the trek takes you across the pine forest, green meadows, and basalt soil. Since the route is a newly emerging gem, it’s only popular amongst the local trekking community.

3. Rafting in Dalat

Speaking of rafting in Dalat , Da Don River is where you can find this thrilling experience. The river is a part of the Lam Ha District in the southwest Dalat.

All you need to do is to rent a paddle, hop on the raft, and get yourself ready for a wild and fun journey. To enjoy this experience most safely, don’t forget to grab a local guide along and let him take care of your activity!

VI. What Are The Best Dishes to Try in Dalat

Enjoy the local food is one of the best way to explore the deepest cultures of the region you visit. Dalat is also a paradise of local food that you can seek for on your trip there. Here is the top-rated list of local food loved most by travelers.

1. Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sausage – Nem Nướng

Even though you can try this cuisine anywhere in Vietnam but Dalat is one of the best places to offer. It comes with a big portion of crispy rice paper rolls by the side of juicy pork balls, fresh herbs, and peanut sauce. Everything compliments each other and harmonizes beautifully on your taste buds.

Nem Nuong Hung Van (150 Bui Thi Xuan, Dalat)  is the best spot in town serving this delicacy which you can find on Phan Dinh Phung Street.

2. Mini Grilled Pancake – Bánh Căn

Made of rice flour and egg while the toppings are beef or quail egg, the mini pancake is a popular street food in Dalat and best enjoyed during the cold rainy days. Apart from the eating, watching the local chef mastering the art of grilling pancakes is also an interesting thing to do.

Bánh Căn Lệ (44 Yersin, Dalat) is the best place to try!

3. Steamed Rice Cake with Chicken Intestine – Bánh Ướt Lòng Gà

If you love to try something that extremely authentic and lesser-known, then this is your gem! The dish is named Bánh Ướt Lòng Gà in Vietnamese and comprising of a thick layer of steamed rice rolls, wrapped with pig’s offal or chicken, onions, and fresh herbs. This delicacy is not complete without a serving of cooked fish sauce.

If you’re ready for this, head over to Trang restaurant (15f Tang Bat Ho street, Dalat) and treat your tummy right away!

4. Vietnamese Meatball Soup with Hot Banh Mi – Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

This is the most common dish for breakfast, not only for the local Dalat dwellers but also for visitors. The hearty soup comes with multiple gooey meatballs swimming inside. Sometimes, it comes along with pork skin while green onion and fried shallots sit atop. However, the must-include side dish is the crunchy hot Banh Mi. You need to break the bread apart and dip it inside the sauce while sipping a mouthful serving of hot soymilk.

Banh My Yesin (10 Yesin Street, Dalat) is a recommended place for this dish.

5. Vietnamese Pizza – Grilled Rice Paper – Bánh Tráng Nướng

The locals refer to Vietnamese pizza as Bánh Tráng Nướng, which is a form of grilled rice paper topped with minced pork, green onions, quail eggs, and dried shrimps. The rice sheet is twisted and grilled atop charcoal fire before being wrapped into two and served hot inside a paper holder.

You can find a lot of vendors selling Vietnamese pizza all around Dalat Night Market .

6. Avocado Ice Cream – Kem Bơ

The best dessert in Dalat is the creamy icy avocado ice cream. The portion is topped with coconut milk, coconut shavings, smashed peanuts and chocolate syrup. Since avocado is one of the best sellers in Dalat, having a twist instead of making avocado smoothies can be a great idea.

The most famous store in Dalat where you can find this mouthwatering dish is Kem Bo Thanh Thảo (76 Nguyen Van Troi, Dalat) . It’s where you can jump into other tasty desserts as well.

7. Chicken Hotpot With Lemon Basil – Lẩu Gà Lá É

This is one of the unforgettable specialties of Dalat, especially on cold days. The main ingredients are chicken cooked with lemon basil. This mixture creates a complex taste that is second to none.

The best places you can seek for Lẩu Gà Lá É is Tao Ngo Restaurant (no.5, 3/4 Street, Dalat)

With all its interesting features, Dalat is indeed a perfect destination to put in your bucket list for your next Vietnam holidays , why not?

Related Tours

Unexplored Vietnam Adventure

Hoi An To Mekong Delta Adventure

Explore the true essence of Vietnam as you traverse this land from middle to south. Starting from Hoi An, you will see a graceful and delighting town...

Dalat Canyoning Tour 1 Day

Join us on our Dalat canyoning tour 1 day to enjoy your memorable time in this highland in a most unique and adventurous way. With the help of our...

Dalat Rafting Tour & Countryside 1 Day

Are you adventurers who are interested in joining the most challenging and awe-inspiring adventure? If so, our Dalat rafting tour 1 day is what you...

Related Blogs

Ba Be National Park – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Looking for Ba Be National Park Travel Guide? Ba Be National Park is located on the Northwestern side of Ba Be District, which is 250 kilometers away...

Ha Giang Travel Guide

Ha Giang Travel Guide – Top Unique Things To Do Ha Giang is Vietnam’s Northernmost highland province coming in the shape of a hat covering...

Best Destinations For Vietnam Trekking Tours

Vietnam has grown famous among travelers all over the world for its rich cultures, breath-taking landscape, and friendly people. However, the real...

The 5 Best Northern Vietnam Tours For Nature Lovers

Different from the other parts of Vietnam which has turned more and more touristy, there are still some untouched regions in the North that offer you...

Top 5 Vietnam Road Trips According To Travel Connoisseurs

Are you finding the best Vietnam Road Trips worth life-time explorations? If you are seeking for authentic Vietnam Tour Packages but do not know...

The 3 Incredible Vietnam Cycling Tours Most People Love

Traveling Vietnam During Covid-19 Outbreak?

Traveling to Vietnam during the nCoV outbreak from China is not as bad as what you thought it was. Even though the disease has shocked international...

10 Best Places For Trekking In Vietnam

Pre-guide on Trekking in Vietnam It is very important to plan well what you should do and prepare before your trip. Below are our short tips to make...

Search suggestions

This 4-day trip gives you a long time to discover the mountainous beauty, the amazing rice terraces and local life of different ethnic groups in...

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By motorbike
• 3 Get around
• 7.1 Food markets
• 7.3 Mid-range
• 7.4 Splurge
• 9.2 Splurge

During the colonial era, Da Lat (Đà Lạt), also Dalat , in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam , was the playground of the French, who built villas in the clear mountain air to escape the heat and humidity of the plains and coastal areas.

Understand [ edit ]

Dalat looks somewhat like a cross between Vietnam and rural France. Many of its hotels and houses are built in a European/French style. The city spreads across a series of pine-covered hills, with a small lake in the centre and surrounded by a man-made lake and higher peaks, making for some lovely scenery quite different from the rest of Vietnam. Temperatures are pleasantly warm by day, and cool at night, down to perhaps 10°C.

Dalat is surrounded by some of the best mountain biking, hiking and canyoning opportunities in Vietnam, with hills of coffee and tea plantations, which evoke images of the colonial hill stations of the north of India.

Dalat's high altitude (1,500–2,000 m) and fertile landscape make it one of Vietnam's premier agricultural areas, producing varieties of fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and flowers that don't grow in the lowlands. In markets as far north as Hanoi and Haiphong, vegetable and flower vendors will tout their "grown in Dalat" produce.

Dalat is a favorite destination for company-sponsored weekend outings, family getaways, and honeymooners.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Some hotels offer special arrangements with taxi companies to ferry hotel guests to and from the airport for around 200,000 dong. Hotels can try to rip you off by asking for anything between 300,000 to 400,000 dong for an airport transfer. Be adamant on 200,000 dong. Taxi service with ☏ +84 6 3383 5583 have a fixed price of 250,000 dong. Malinh taxi charges 300,000 dong to the airport. If going by meter, it comes to around 577,000 dong (distance around 35 km).

Or catch the airport shuttle for 60,000 dong per person (Aug 2022). They will ask what hotel you're staying in, and the airport shuttle bus will take you there. You can get the shuttle back to the airport at the Intercity Bus Station (Bến xe Liên tỉnh), also for 60,000 dong, last bus at 7 pm (Aug 2022).

By bus [ edit ]

Most local and foreign travelers arrive in Dalat by bus, including those traveling on the famous Sinh Cafe Hanoi-HCMC open-tour buses.

Phuong Trang Busline runs several daily services to Dalat from Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City . From Nha Trang the bus ride is about 5 hours, with the obligatory stop at a dilapidated Cham temple/tourist site. From Nha Trang, the travel time to 3–4 hours, including a 30-minute breakfast/WC stop about one hour out of Nha Trang. From Ho Chi Minh City the bus ride is about 7 hours (9 hours if there is bad traffic leaving Saigon). If coming from Mui Ne , be careful as the road is rough most of the way, so try to book a large bus or at least a seat towards the front.

From Mui Ne : An Phu Travel . 07:30, afternoon . 2 buses a day. It's not too comfortable seater bus but still ok. Tickets can be booked in most hotels and guest houses. They have free pick up. Journey takes 4-5 hours and includes some great views. Drop off in Dalat: Nguyen Chi Thanh street, close to the city center. USD5 . ( updated Mar 2018 ) . The Sinh Tourist . The bus tickets are available online on baolau ( updated Mar 2018 ) .

From Danang - Danang Central Bus Station, sleeper bus from Danang to Dalat with air-cond, toilet on bus, departs from Danang at 17:00 and arrives Dalat at 08:00 - 09:00 (15 hours), it costs 265,000 dong/ticket, you may come directly to the Bus Station or online booking via email [email protected].

For foreign visitors, it may be best to book a ticket on a bus without a television. The entertainment offered could be loud and unappealing if you prefer sleeping before arriving at their next destination.

Alternatively, catch a local bus at Ho Chi Minh City , Bien Hoa , Phan Rang , Nha Trang or Buon Ma Thuot .

By motorbike [ edit ]

Motorbikes are also a good choice for adventurous travelers who like to travel in an experiential style and save money. From Saigon to Da Lat is about 300 km, it takes about 7 – 10 hours if traveling by motorbike. Although it takes quite a long time, these will be quite interesting experiences, as well as help you discover many beautiful scenes along the way. A legit motorbike driving license is required to rent a motorbike in Vietnam.

Get around [ edit ]

Depending on where you stay, you can walk to most parts around town. You can catch a xe om (motorbike taxi) from most corners, so if you're going somewhere farther out of town, you have a fast way to get there. You can also book via app using Grab Bike. Taxi cars are also abundant and reasonable in price, yet watch the meter, as meter fixing is a common practice from north to south. As of July 2018, meter-fixing is a much diminished problem and almost all taxi meters click into life after the vehicle has traveled a few metres. The occasional taxi may take you on a circuitous route to get to your destination but opening Google maps and pointing out that you know the way reduces incidents of this kind. Taxis are cheap and an ideal way to get round Dalat.

There is a local bus which passes near most of the main tourist sites. Heading south you can catch it at the bus shelter by the lake. Otherwise, the bus hub can be found on Hoa Binh Square (Khu Hoa Binh - behind Hoa Binh theater), just up from the market. The last bus each day is at 17:30.

There are many places around town to rent a bicycle, tandem, or motorbike. Please consider carefully before you rent a motorbike, as according to the Vietnamese law you must be in the possession of a valid Vietnamese driver's licence to be able to drive a motor vehicle in the country. Failure to have one cancels any insurance that the bike might come with and makes you liable for any damages. In Southeast Asia, you are always liable, as you are always guilty, as you are presumed to have more money than the other party. Hence you will have to pay for damages to the bike and its full value, damages to other people and their property, as well as ruining your holiday. Need a private car, contact mrlee from Mimosatravel, excellent English guide and driver

See [ edit ]

• Colonial Palaces . The three palaces and summer home of the colonial era, last emperor of Vietnam Bao Dai, which is of great interest once you visit these three heritage sites, named Palace I, II and III, the Dalat Palace Hotel being one of them, with its adjacent Dalat Du Park Hotel, all from the 1920s, together with the Dalat Palace Golf Club, which was built in 1922, to give his majesty the opportunity to practice his golf skills picked up during his years of study in France. The golf course is an awesome site, whether you enjoy the swinging and putting or not, as the coffee shop at the golf course has some wholesome meals of Asian and European food, with great view of the deep green fairways and classy environment. The Palace I is on the same street when you walk to the Crazy House. It is about a 15-30 minute walk depending on your pace (1.1 km from Tran Phu, 47 m elevation gain). Palace II is located on Tran Hung Dao, not far from the Xuan Huong Lake (next to Yersin Park). Palace III is a museum that displays the beautiful original 1930s furniture. It is open daily 07:00-17:00, 30,000 dong (Feb 2020).  

• Crazy House , Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4 ( about 0.3 km off Duy Tan St ). A striking, not-quite-finished Gaudi-esque fantasy house designed by the daughter of an independence war hero. Well worth a visit, even if you are not too interested in architecture. 40,000 dong .  

• Dalat Market . Filled with local specialities: strawberry jam, fruit conserves, avocado, artichokes.  
• Flower Garden ( at the northwestern end of Xuan Huong Lake ). A set of flower gardens centred around a reconstructed traditional Vietnamese teak wood house. If you go for a stroll around the lake, it can be visited as a stop. 70,000 dong . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Golden Spring Lake ( Ho Suoi Vang ). Unspoiled scenery.  
• Truc Lam Zen Monastery ( public bus to south directions (e.g. Bao Loc) from Khu Hoa Binh, get off on turn to cable car station near bus terminal ). Best to reach it via a cable car ride over the pine forest. Bus: 7,000 dong, cable car: 80,000 dong both ways, 60,000 dong one way . ( updated Mar 2018 )

• Lake of Sorrow ( Lake of Sighs ) ( 5 km northeast of town on Ho Xuan Huong Rd ). The Lake of Sorrow is a common destination in Dalat. The Lake of Sorrow is so-named because of a tale of two lovers, one who committed suicide after the other was called up to serve in the army.  
• Langbiang Mountain ( public bus to Lac Duong from Khu Hoa Binh, 12,000 dong ). Parking closes at 17:00 . There are 2 peaks: 1915 m and 2167 m. First one is reachable by a steep paved path, you can ride in a Jeep (360,000 dong for 1 Jeep). The second one is 2-3 hours great hike. You don't need to enter the main gate and pay the fee if going to 2167 m peak, trail start on the right of the gate. Also visit the ethnic village at the foot of the mountain. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• Linh Phuoc Pagoda , Trai Mat, Da Lat ( About 8 km from town ). This kitschy temple is one of a kind in Vietnam. Broken porcelain is used to compose beautiful mosaics that adorn the whole of this 7-level pagoda, and it is still expanding. free .  
• Nha Tho Domaine de Marie , Ngo Quyen ( 1 km from where Hai Thuong and Ba Trang Hai (3 Trang Hai) meet ). A pink church on top of a hill, with a store selling various dried fruits and snacks from the local orchards run by the nuns of the monastery.  
• Pongour Falls ( 30 km south of town on Hwy 20 ). It's one of the largest and widest waterfalls in Vietnam and during the wet season is a magnificent sight. A dam built nearby has reduced the water flow. Toilets are pit latrines with no water, soap or tissue, so bring your own. 10,000 dong per person. 5,000 dong per bike .  
• Prenn Falls ( at the foot of Prenn Pass, about 10 km outside of town ). Daily until 17:00 . A very common stop on a typical Dalat tour, Prenn Falls is quite beautiful, but is a lot more fun when you're hiking it than just taking pictures of it.   220.000vnd/per
• Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery ( at the top of where the cable car drops you off ). The monastery has a magnificent view over the dams below and its gardens are full of landscaped shrubs in animal form. Extremely peaceful. A great place to relax and soak in the tranquility. People who do not want to complete the round trip could opt for a 4.1-km walk back to Tran Phu. Be sure to bring a map. On the walk back you can go down to Tuyen Lam Lake, visit nearby Datanla waterfall, and take the bus back to town. A 54-m-tall statue of the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin, was completed in 2019. Free admission. The cable car to the monastery costs 50,000 dong one-way, return 70,000 dong. .  
• Tuyen Lam Lake ( Hồ Tuyền Lâm ) ( 5 km south of town on Hwy 20 ). Its clean green waters flow from the beautiful Tia Spring and from the Da Tam River, which flows down from Voi mountain. Its waters stretch over an immense 350 ha and because of its various sources, Tuyen Lam is known as the lake where rivers, springs, and forests meet. The lake was built in the 1980s. It is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in town. The other side of the lake is Voi Mountain which is a good place for hiking.  
• Valley of Love ( Thung Lũng Tình Yêu ), Phu Dong Thien Vuong St ( about 5 km out of town ). Daily until 17:00 . The Valley of Love is common stop on Dalat tours and is very popular with honeymooners. The Valley of Love is also a great spot for canyoning. 250000vnd . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Xuan Huong Lake ( Hồ Xuân Hương ) ( centre of town ). Public lake in the centre. Approximately 5 km in length, this lake was made after two dams on the Camly River were destroyed during a storm in the 1930s. Now, Xuan Huong Lake is one of the main draws of Da Lat, and you can see honeymooners and locals strolling its banks. Many nice hotels have a view of the lake. The lake was drained in 2010, but is now filled again. Boats can be rented on both sides of the lake. The lake is adorned with a blindingly bright advertising sign, aimed directly at the lakeside hotels and coffee shops.  

Do [ edit ]

• Lak Lake . Stop on a bike-tour in the central highlands. It's a beautiful ride down to the elephant waterfall through coffee plantations and then up to Lak Lake over a mountain and then through sunny highlands with rice fields. The road is partly very bad, but doable.  
• University of Dalat , 1 Phu Dong Thien Vuong St . Students from the Hand-in-Hand Club are eager to serve as free guides.  

Buy [ edit ]

Most visitors to Dalat are Vietnamese, and most of them leave loaded with stuff. What they like to take home is dried and candied fruits, strawberry preserves, coffee, green and artichoke tea, local wine, dried venison, orchids, strawberries, avocados, and other fresh produce. If you take any sort of organized tour, chances are you will be off-loaded for a half hour at a shop selling these items. Local treats are also for sale in abundance in the large central market in the area around Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Le Dai Hanh. Partly covered and partly outdoors, the market has dozens of small stalls selling fruits and vegetables, clothing, and a variety of other goods. There is a supermarket on the top floor selling necessities for travellers. Strolling around the market is a favourite evening activity, and every night it buzzes with thousands of visitors.

Dalat does not offer lot of high-end handicrafts of the sort favoured by overseas tourists. Dalat is famous, however, for its beautifully crafted silk embroidered pictures, which can be purchased at a massive mark up from the many galleries around Dalat or at a fraction of the price from the central Dalat market.

Dalat also has an abundance of fruit, vegetables, and flowers available for purchase if you plan to stay for a few days and want to liven up your hotel room or cook your own meals.

Eat [ edit ]

Food markets [ edit ]

• 11.942883 108.436884 1 Dalat (Central) Market ( Chợ Đà Lạt ), Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai ( town center ). Open daily until early evening . Dalat's Central Market place is the best place in town to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Near the entrance, there is a lively and always busy vegetable restaurant that serves excellent soups. A tiny vegetarian food stall is in a corner of the second level. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Budget [ edit ]

• 11.939759 108.436486 2 Curry Chaaa , 32 Đường Ánh Sáng . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 11.941458 108.427225 3 Quan chay trung hieu , Thành phố Đà Lạt . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 11.939387 108.433587 4 Sữa đậu nành Nguyễn Văn Cừ -Soya Milk Stall , 2 Đường Nguyễn Văn Cừ . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• 11.948801 108.436376 5 Bánh ướt lòng gà LONG , 202/2/5 Phan Đình Phùng . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 11.949684 108.437648 6 Cơm chay Thanh Đạm , 99C Nguyễn Văn Trỗi . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 11.947805 108.439958 7 Quán Cơm chay An Lạc Tâm , 104 Đ. Bùi Thị Xuân . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 11.951853 108.439033 8 Bánh Mì Xíu Mại Ri 79 , 1 Đường Thông Thiên Học . ( updated Sep 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 11.944336 108.439962 9 Vcafe restaurant , 17 Đường Bùi Thị Xuân , ☏ +84 6 3352 0215 , [email protected] . 07:00-22:30 . Popular place for Western travellers. Diverse menu of international dishes and live music every evening. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 11.944362 108.439887 10 IndiaGate , 19 Đường Bùi Thị Xuân , ☏ +84 263 3677 779 , [email protected] . 10:00-23:00 . Indian restaurant. Vegan and halal options available. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 11.942055 108.436812 11 Fungi Chingu Chợ Đêm - Quán nướng Hàn Quốc , 1 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai . Korean BBQ ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 11.943987 108.434536 12 Goc ha thanh , 51 Đường Trương Công Định . ( updated Sep 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• Dalat Palace Golf Club , 1 Phu Dong Thien Vuong St , ☏ +84 6 3382 1201 . 06:00-20:00 . Cafe, pro shop and clubhouse, offering Mexican and Western food.  

Drink [ edit ]

• Cafe Noi , 74 Phan Dinh Phung St ( near intersection Truong Cong Dinh ). Lovely cafe with relaxed music and great coffee with chocolate flavour. Lots of young locals playing cards and board games here. Not yet spoiled by masses of tourists.  
• Cafe Tung' . Really nice cafe. The delicious Vietnamese coffee costs 8,000 dong and is served with tea.  
• Hangout Bar , 71 Truong Cong Dinh St ( opposite Peace Hotel ). Open after midnight . Classic backpacker bar. Free pool table, board games, and darts. Guests can choose their music. Good place to meet other travellers and expats. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Larry's Bar , 12 Tran Phu ( basement of the Dalat Palace Hotel ). Happy hour 17:00-19:00 . Library-style decorations with dark wood paneling, pool table, and darts.  
• Saigon Nite , 11 Hai Bà Trưng . Open until after midnight . Cheap beer, pool, and friendly staff. Lots of tourists and expats.  
• The Escape Bar , 18 Phan Bội Châu, tp. , ☏ +84 63 3578 888 . Live music every night, cosy and friendly bar. ( updated Oct 2016 )
• 100 Roofs Cafe ( Duong Len Trang ), 26 Phan Bội Châu, 1, Tp. . The main attraction here is the building, which is a themed maze of indoor caves, tunnels, staircases, alcoves, ladders, a rooftop garden and everything in between, while built-in bar tables and chairs are plentifully scattered all around. Definitely not the place to get drunk (unless you sit at the 1st or 2nd floor). Definitely a unique, must-see experience in the city. ( updated Jan 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• Bon Mua Guesthouse , 1B1 Bui Thi Xuan St ( between intersection with Phan Boi Chau and Hotel Dai Loi ), ☏ +84 9 1720 9530 . Clean, basic guesthouse. From USD5 .  
• Dalat Hotel , 151 Phan Dinh Phung St , ☏ +84 6 3383 3748 , [email protected] . Clean rooms, friendly staff and big breakfast. They also have sauna, steam, and hot tub free of charge for guests (16:00-19:00). ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Hang Nga Guest House , Bui Thi Xuan St ( opposite Trung Cang Hotel ), ☏ +84 9 0310 0132 , [email protected] . Friendly staff, clean rooms, good English spoken. From USD7 .  
• 11.946262 108.436254 1 Lucky D's Hostel , 66/6 Nguyen Van Troi street , ☏ +84-931282450 , [email protected] . USD3 dorm beds with breakfast . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• Mr. Peace backpacker's house , 3/8 Hai ba Trung St , ☏ +84 977 089 159 , +84 633 828456 , [email protected] . Friendly, cosy, clean, good atmosphere, centrally located, excellent English speaking, crazy, may have family dinner with you. Good price. usd6+ .  
• Hoa Binh 1 Hotel ( Peace Hotel 1 ), ☏ +84 6 3382 2787 . It is anything but peaceful, and fills to capacity on weekends, but staff are friendly. There is a cafe next door. USD10-15 .  
• Mai Tam Guesthouse , 2B Le Thanh Ton St , ☏ +84 6 382 5363 . Clean family-run guesthouse a little outside city centre in a Vietnamese residential area (about 1½-km, 20-min walk). The family rents out scooters for USD5/day. They also have a convenience shop downstairs. 150,000 dong .  
• My Dream Hotel , 213A Phan Đình Phùng , ☏ +84 9 1856 4472 , [email protected] . 187,000 dong . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Nam Ky Hotel , 11 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia , ☏ +84 6 3382 4493 , +84 9 1378 9449 . Nice view from the rooms.  
• Ngoc My Hotel , 01 Le Thi Hong Gam St . Nice location with Xuan Huong Lake view and clean rooms, balconies facing the lake. From USD25 .  
• Peace Hotel . Free Wi-Fi, breakfast extra for USD1. From USD7 .  
• Sakura Hotel , Bui Thi Xuan St . Cheap hotel near the student centre.  
• Les Sapins 60 Hotel , 60 Truong Cong Dinh St ( Next door to Peace Cafe ), ☏ +84 6 3383 0839 . Renovated, clean rooms, free Wi-Fi and Internet in the lobby, breakfast for USD1 available. USD10-20 .  
• Thanh Huong Hotel , 02 Bui Thi Xuan St , ☏ +84 6 3382 7699 , [email protected] . Includes cable TV, Wi-Fi and fridge. Some rooms have balconies.  
• Van Anh Hotel , Bui Thi Xuan St . The staff speak good English, rooms are clean with cable TV, free Wi-Fi. Very motorcycle-friendly. From USD10 .  
• 11.9312 108.42439 2 Villa Vista Dalat , Ngo Thi Sy, Ward 4 , ☏ +84 939 500 236 , [email protected] . This is a new villa, with breathtaking views from all rooms, food, great coffee, tours, transportation options, live music and personal service. from USD30 .  
• Pine Hill Homestay Dalat , [email protected] . Home on top of the hill overlooking the city. 3 min from King's summer palace, 10 min walk from crazy house. With kitchen. Double 535,000 dong . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• N.T hostel ( Da Lat ), 8/13 Pham Ngoc Thach Street P6 ( near Da Lat Hospital ), ☏ +84772072605 , [email protected] . In the heart of the city, Super comfortable beds, friendly staff, in the city center. USD5-8 . ( updated May 2019 )
• Ana Mandara Villas , Le Lai St . 65 rooms within 17 refurbished French colonial villas. A bit far from the city centre and only recommended to those who like to walk, what with large distances between the accommodations and the other services of the resort. Charming and for the adventurous. Must like sharing living rooms and other services, as each villa houses several rooms, hence the sharing issue.  
• 11.93686 108.439 3 Dalat Du Parc Heritage Boutique Hotel , 7 Trần Phú, 3 , ☏ +84 63 3825 777 . Hotel built in 1922, part of the original Dalat Palace compound, with 143 rooms and one ambassador suite. Style and glory of yesteryear, a very old fashioned lift and great views from the rooms at the back of the hotel. 800,000 - 2,100,000 dong . ( updated Mar 2016 )
• Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa , Tuyen Lam Lake - Zone VII.2 , ☏ +84 6 3383 1515 . Mountain and garden view, Eden suite, all equipped with 32-inch LCD TV, king bed and minibar. Free Wi-Fi. Nam Xuan, Eden Lake Café, and Riesling restaurants within the compound. From USD139 .  
• The Dalat Palace Heritage , 12 Tran Phu St . 43 luxury rooms and suites, one presidential suite. Built in the art deco-style of the 1920s with imperial dining rooms and facilities. It has beautiful gardens. It was conceived as the very centre of the city and dominates with great views onto the Xuan Huong Lake. It also has an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and spa.  
• Hotel Dalat , 5 Nguyen Thai Hoc St . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Dalat Hotel . The resort covers five hectares, is comprised of six villas with 75 rooms in total. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• Binh An village ( Taxi; Resort's bus ), ☏ +84 63 3800 999 , [email protected] . Good place to sleep, great view, but far from the city ( updated Mar 2015 )

Go next [ edit ]

Buses leave regularly from the Phurong Trang (FuTa) Bus Terminal in the south of the city.

• Ho Chi Minh City , 350,000 dong, 7-8 hr trip
• Mui Ne , 200,000 dong, 4-hr trip
• Nha Trang , 200,000 dong, 4-hr trip
• Buon Ma Thuot

• UNESCO Creative Cities
• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• See listing with no coordinates
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Central Highlands (Vietnam)
• All destination articles
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

• 9 Fun Things to Do to Kill Time While Traveling
• Glamping at Splash Island Binan Laguna: Reasons to Go
• Bacau Bay Resort in Coron Palawan: Reasons To Stay in Bacau Bay Resort Hotel Review
• Pico Sands Hotel Pico De Loro Hamilo Coast Batangas-Break Free Package Review
• 5 Safety Tips When Using Your New Vacuum Cleaner

Karla Around the World

Don't just wonder, wander too. (travel destinations), da lat travel guide: things to do in da lat for 3 days.

Just as the city of Da Lat in Central Highlands of Vietnam knows how to tickle your taste buds, the place knows how to tame and awaken your adventurous souls as well. The best part is that all of these things to come at affordable prices.We were glad we had three days to spend in Da Lat because we really enjoyed the coffee culture, the whimsical houses, and bars, chasing waterfalls and more. Here’s a list of Things to do in Da Lat

HOW TO GET TO DA LAT

Regardless of your jump off point or destination, the most common mode of transportation getting to Da Lat is by bus. Available buses are mostly decent and equipped with aircon, sleeper coach and WiFi.

From the southern coastal town of Mui Ne, we took a 7 AM bus heading up north to the highlands of Da Lat. It takes four and a half hour, and the fare is 120,000 VND (5.USD/ 280 PHP).

As opposed to the sleeper ones we were hoping to get, we were only able to get a seater bus. We booked our bus tickets through the Sinh Tourist . You may book your ticket by visiting the local branches or on their website.

From Nha Trang, travel time via bus going to Dalat is 4 hours.  You may buy bus tickets through the Sinh Tourist. Fare is likewise around 120,000 VND (5. USD/ 280 PHP)

If you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, take Futa Bus Lines. Travel time is around 7 hours; night travel may be faster. Fare budget is around 180,000 VND ( 8 USD/ 420PHP).

The most convenient and fastest way to reach Da Lat is by air. Da Lat is serviced by Lien Khuong Airport which currently caters to domestic flights to and from at least five major cities in Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

Airplane tickets come cheap with a price range of USD50 to USD100 (2,700 to 5,400.00 PHP). You may get it even cheaper during low season.

THINGS TO DO IN DA LAT:

Elephant falls (thac voi).

The Elephant Falls in Dalat is like a little Niagara Falls in Vietnam. Like the Niagara Falls, it has powerful water flow and soothing sounds.

To get here, you need to trek down into slippery rocks and stairs. Along the trail, there is a blue railing which travelers can hold on to. It can be handled by novice trekkers, and takes only around 5 minutes.

Once on you reach the Elephant Falls, you are welcomed by Instagrammable falls. At its foot are huge rock boulders blanketed with green moss.

Be warned, I was wary about taking my camera out because the mist was so strong and I was worried for my lens. It may be smart to bring a go pro.

From the viewing platform, turn left and squeeze into the hole leading to a small cave with huge tree roots as its roofing. While inside, you get sprinkled by water coming from the Elephant waterfalls itself.

Entrance fee is around 20,000 VND (0.86 USD/ 50 PHP). Its trail is open from 8 in the morning, until 4 in the afternoon.

Pongour Falls

Though undeniably one of the best waterfalls in Da Lat, the Pongour Falls is one of the least visited by tourists because its location is farther as compared to the other waterfalls. Likewise, its water level is now lower than before the dam in the upper area was built.

Every rainy season though, the dam releases excess water. This excess water runs down to  Pogour Falls, thus raising its water level, allowing it to show its beauty in full blast.

The Pongour Falls gets mostly local residents who visit in huge groups every Tết or Vietnamese New Year.

In Pongour Falls, you’ll need to pay at least 10,000 VND ( 0.43 USD/ 23.16 PHP). It is best to get a local guide to accompany you to the best viewpoint regardless of the season. The trail to the Pongour Falls is open at 7 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon.

Datanla Falls

The Datanla Falls in Da Lat is one of the busiest waterfalls. This is where the action happens.

There are many ways for you to reach the waterfalls. You may opt to hike, or ride the Alpine which I enjoyed and would highly recommend. It felt like the Luge in Singapore but with coaster tracks. Return tickets cost 150,000 VND ( Php 350/ 6 USD); one way ticket in case you decide to hike down costs 100,000 VND ( Php 232/ 4 USD). If you want to book discounted tickets for Alpine coaster, you can book here

I suggest you take the alpine coaster return. The going down is more fun and thrilling than  going up .

The Alpine coaster will take 2 pics of you — its marked on the trail saying photo stop. You can buy it for 60,000 VND ( 2.50 USD/ 140 PHP). It includes a printed copy and a soft copy by email. I normally don’t buy these things but since it was reasonable, I made an exception this time.

Cable Car, Robin Hill to Truc Lam Monastery

To get to the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, ride a cable car from Robin Hill. The latter is a good viewpoint to the mountainous area of Da Lat.

The cable car ride is scenic as it passes by the farm area of Da Lat. The Truc Lam Zen Monastery is a beautiful sanctuary of at least a hundred monks. It houses pine trees, temples, and gardens.

We took a cab from our hotel to Robin Hill where we could ride the cable car. The cable car costs 80,000 VND ( 3.5 USD USD/ 185 PHP ) for roundtrip and 60,000 VND ( 2.5 USD/ 140. PHP) for one-way.

Remember that Truc Lam is a Monastery and proper clothing should be observed. I was in a dress; fortunately, I put pants in my bag just in case, and that saved the day for me. Bring a jacket as well, as weather gets cold sometimes.

Despite being a touristy area, the food there was still cheap. You can find lots of options outside the temple. We ate inside, and we spent 35,000 VND (1.5 USD)

High Ropes Adventure

For more exciting activities, I highly recommend the Datanla High Rope Course Adventure Parks. The adventure park has been managed by the Lam Dong Tourism Company (Dalattourist) since March 2015.

To ensure the quality and safety of its guests, the adventure park uses modern facilities. Their on site guides and staff receive their training at the Bali Treetop Adventure Park in Indonesia.

Here at High Ropes, there are 3 to 8 courses, with 8 to 16 challenges each. Examples of the challenges are ziplining, suspended bridges, barrels, and so on. There are courses specially designed for children, adults, beginners, and professionals. I wish I had known about this early on because if I did, I would definitely have added more time for it in our itinerary.

Things to do in Da Lat

Crazy house (hang nga guesthouse).

The name of this attraction is befitting because it really is a crazy house. It feels like a maze; everything is just unique and different, as if you are in fantasy land. Taking a tour here reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.

You will have a fun filled day taking pictures but also know that there is usually a crowd of people so you will need to exhibit patience. Entrance fee is 40,000VND ( Php 90/ 1.7 USD)

The Crazy House is still under construction and is expected to be completed by 2020. When visiting, expect construction works to be on-going in some areas.

Aside from being a house museum, Crazy House also opens its doors as lodging. Overnight accommodation costs around 29 to 63 USD (1,570.07 to 3,410.85 PHP).  We just visited for around 2 hours, but it is an option for you to stay at.

Dalat Railway Station

The Dalat Railway Station is an old train station designed by French architects. They incorporated French Art Deco architectural design with Vietnamese Central Highlands roofing style.

The highlight of the tour in the Da Lat Railway Station is the 25-minute ride in the old vintage train. The train can only take guests into the Trai Mat Village, the home of the Linh Phuoc Pagoda. (More details about this will be shared in the next bullet.)

The cost of the train ticket depends on your coach of choice. Below, you will find the rates.  The prices range from ______ to ______. We opted to go for the soft seats as there were less people. I am not sure if it is always the same, but for our particular departure, the hard and VIP areas seemed to be full, while we had a lot of space.

There are 5  trips per day. Make sure to double check the schedule, especially for your return trip.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

The Linh Phuoc Pagoda was first constructed in 1952 but underwent renovation in 1990. Additional buildings were added, and it was eventually turned into a modern temple complex.

I loved the details of the Lin Phouc pagoda. The most noticeable feature is the huge dragon made out of roughly 12,000 beer bottles.

Inside, there are more mosaics which speak of the historical accounts, particularly of the Shakyamuni and the Lotus Sutras. Other noticeable features inside are the lady counterpart of Buddha made up of 650,000 flowers, and the largest bell in Vietnam.

The Linh Phuc Pagoda actually houses a long list of Vietnam’s “most”, “best”, and “largest” in terms of structural features.

Visiting the Linh Phuc Pagoda is free-of-charge. To get here, as an alternative to riding the old vintage train, you may take a taxi from Da Lat city proper. Taxi fare for this route can cost around 100,000 VND ( 4.28 USD/ 231.6 PHP) to 120,000 VND.

Note that when taking the train, you will only have 30 minutes to explore the area.

Ruth and I felt  quite rushed, though if you have time to spare, you may wait for the next train in another hour or so.

Linh Anh Pagoda + Happy Buddha

You won’t be able to help but smile back at the giant Happy Buddha as it sits in the Linh An Pagoda. It is another temple complex you should not miss visiting. The 50 feet tall Happy Buddha best represent the ambiance of the Pagoda.

This is a must visit especially if you are already at the Elephant Falls because it is right next door, and it is free.

Flower Farm

There is a flower park near the lake and because of the favorable climate in Da Lat,  there is a good variety to see. They have fountains, dragon shaped shrubs, and more. Entrance fee is around 1.5 USD.  We opted to skip this as we have been to a lot of Gardens  in Portland , Amsterdam and Canada . If you love flower gardens, this is quite pretty.

Xuan Huong Lake

Don’t be surprised if the restaurants are a bit pricey compared to other places you’ve visited in Vietnam. I guess they include a premium for the scenic view.

In the waters of Ho Xuan Huong Lake, you can ride swan-shaped boats which you’ll need to paddle.

 7.  Tuyen Lam Lake

Like Xuan Huong Lake, Tuyen Lam Lake is scenic. The adventure it offers is a bit more exciting; around it are hiking trails of different difficulty levels.

Tuyen Lam Lake is not an ordinary lake. It has several branches, thus, appears like a bird claw from top view. You can explore this by paddle boat and kayaking.

Tuyen Lam Lake is near the city proper.

 8.  Golden Flower and Giant Artichoke in Lam Vien Da Lat Square

Lam Vien Da Lat Square is located in the middle of the city proper of Da Lat, fronting Xuan Huong Lake. It is like any regular park that is clean, nice to walk around at, and with good ambiance.

At Lam Vien Da Lat Square, you can easily see two unique structures.

The first structure resembles a wild sunflower. It actually serves as a theatre that can seat an over 1000 persons.

Meanwhile, the second structure appears like a giant artichoke which houses a cafe. Below the two structures is a supermarket which you can access through the wild sunflower building.

It’s good to take a stroll in the park, chill or walk around the lake.

 9. Da Lat Night Market

The Da Lat Night Market starts at 5 in the afternoon until 10 in the evening only. It is located in Da Lat city proper, within a walking distance from Xuan Huong Lake.

Other attractions

Another place to visit in Da Lat is the Clay Sculpture Tunnel , near the Tuyen Lam Lake.

It features a collection of large and towering sculptures carved from red basaltic soil. The sculptures depict the history of Da Lat dated 100 years ago, particularly its first inhabitants as well as some of their myths.

In Mong Mo Hill , you can find special animals such as a buffalo with five horns, a pig with five legs, and a duck with four wings.

Not far from the Dalat city proper is the Circle hostel . Here, you may sleep in a room with a shape of a round tube, and have an overlooking view of a valley.

Coffee Shops

Still coffee.

Still Coffee is a modest and lovely cafe located near the old Da Lat Train Station. Follow the road in front of station, and on its left, you will see another road leading to the cafe.

Still Coffee is open from 7 in the morning until 10 in the evening. Prices on its menu range from 20,000 VND (0.86 USD/ 50 PHP) to 40,000 VND ( 2 USD/ 100 PHP).

Here you will see a lot of bloggers, influencers, instagrammers and vloggers, so don’t expect extreme peace and quiet. When we were there, most knew how to wait their turn, and were pretty respectful of each other.

Maybe Blue Coffee

Like Still Cafe, Maybe Blue Coffee is a chill place, though a bit more hipster. They offer indoor and al fresco setting.

Maybe Blue Coffee is located just a few steps away from Crazy House. They brew and serve coffee made from beans sourced straight from local farmers. A cup of their coffee may cost at least 25,000 VND ( 1.07 USD/ 57.9 PHP).

They also serve fruit-based drinks, cakes, pastries, and other sweet delights. Don’t expect alcoholic beverages, as they are not licensed to sell such.

I personally liked this place better — a bit more relaxed and  homey.

Just within the radar of Da Lat city proper, An Cafe exudes a serene atmosphere by playing calm music in the background and surrounding their guests with green plants. Some of these plants are veggies that are organic and are even served to their customers.

On their menu, An Cafe offers different types of coffee which cost around 29,000 VND ( 1.20 4 USD/ 70PHP) to 59,000 VND ( 2.50 USD/ 140 PHP). In addition, there are fruit-based beverages, tea, yogurt, Vietnamese food, and a few European dishes.

Windmills Café

A cup of their coffee cost around 32,000 VND (1.40 USD/80PHP). You can partner your coffee with matcha cake or brownies.

Windmills Cafe can easily be reached from Da Lat city proper.

Experiences

WsTF (Where’s The Food) Da Lat Street Food Tour is a small tour agency managed by Binh. He is a go-to guy when you want to know ins and outs of Da Lat.

The cost is around 20 USD (1,100 PHP) per person for a one-on-one tour, or 15 USD (800 PHP) per person for a group tour.

WsTF will take you to hidden alleyways where you can find local food stalls, eateries, and restaurants selling authentic Dalat Street Food. It is similar to other Vietnam staple street food, but with a Da Lat twist on each.

The WsTF Food tour usually starts at 5 in the afternoon or 7 in the evening, and takes up at least 3 hours. Meet up point is at your hotel or anywhere near the city proper.

Coffee Plantation

In an earlier bullet, some of the best cafes in Da Lat were mentioned. It shouldn’t be a surprise since Vietnam is one the largest coffee producers in the world.

They grow different types of coffee beans, but the most expensive coffee they produce are the ones digested by the civet or the cat-like animal. To the Philippines and other parts of Asia, civet coffee is pretty common.

Silk Worm Factory

Here, you’ll find silkworms busy working to create silk, which will then be manufactured into silk

products, primarily traditional Vietnamese clothing. Most of the products will be exported to China.

At its first stage, you may cringe at the silkworm process. At the final stage however, you will surely admire its elegant by-products—-the silk threads.

Cricket Farm

Crickets are commonly served as a snack in Vietnam. Don’t worry, these crickets they serve are well-raised in farms, like the chickens we eat.

So, like chickens, the crickets are placed in a pen, arranged depending on their age. They are fed with banana leaves, and once they reach the right age, they are starved for three days. After that, they are ready to be deep-fried.

When you take a tour around the cricket farm, it can only mean that you are for a cricket eating challenge which is done after the tour. A tour in a cricket farm may cost around 10,000 VND

(0.43 USD/23HP).

Da lat Maze Bar (100 Roofs Cafe)

Da Lat Maze Bar is a whimsical place as it features several stairways leading to different rooms of different themes. It also features artifacts and ornaments.

The real name of Da Lat Maze Bar is actually the 100 Roofs Cafe which is what most taxi drivers are familiar with. It is a cool maze bar experience that feels similar Crazy house. A lot of foreign tourists go here.

There is no entrance fee but you’ll need to buy a drink first, so you can pass through the entrance. Its rooftop closes early at 9 in the evening but the rest of the bar is open until midnight. I paid 45,000 VND for a beer.

Enjoy rooftop views

The hotel we stayed at is run by a family, one of the sweetest we’ve met. They also have children who were so cute. The hotel had a balcony where we get a great view of the city of Da Lat.

Da Lat is dotted with European-looking villas, making you feel like you’re not in Vietnam. For other viewpoints, you can go up to Da Lat Pedagogy College, or hike up to higher terrain such as Robin Hills and Radar Hill in Langbiang mountain.

WEATHER IN DA LAT

In Dalat, most frequent rainfalls occur from June until August. Rainfall rate begins to subside from September to October. In November, rainfall is very minimal but the water level in waterfalls, rivers, and lakes remain high. That’s when you’ll most appreciate their beauty, especially that of the waterfalls.

The same goes for the valley of Da Lat. It is during November when the hills are in its greenest form.  Dry season continues until the month of March.

We went in August. It was a bit rainy, was chilly in the mornings and in the evenings, but most of the afternoons were fine.

OUR ITINERARY IN DA LAT

Day 1 : Arrival in Da Lat,  Maybe Blue Coffee, Food Tour

Upon arrival of our bus from Mui Ne in Dalat, we rested in a bit since we had an early morning start. Thereafter, we had lunch(street food near our hotel), then went to Maybe Blue Coffee. From there, we headed to Crazy House, where we stayed for around 1 hour.

By 5:30 in the afternoon, we proceeded to our Da Lat food tour, which ended by 10 in the evening.

The food tour was really worth it. What I loved most about it is that our guide took us to a non-touristy area. In fact, we tried the modest street food stalls and eateries where locals eat. The street food was so good plus very affordable. You can book through this link WsTF Dalat Food Tour

Exhausted but satisfied and happy with how our first day in Dalat turned out, Ruth and I decided to call it a day.

Day 2: DIY all around tour in Da LaT

After being early birds and on-the-go for our last tour, we decided to slow down a bit our second day. We checked other Da Lat tour packages available and noticed that most of the highly recommended tours in Da Lat start super early and pack a lot of places and activities in one day. On the contrary, we prefer to spend a good amount of time in every place we visit to truly digest and appreciate their beauty and value. Many tour packages also include stops that don’t interest us, so we thought it best to go on our own.

• Cab to Robin Hill (depending on from where you will be coming from, but we spent 116,000 VND ( 4.96 USD/ 268.65 PHP)

From Robin Hill, you can take the gondola to the Truc Lam Monastery. We paid 60,000 VND (2.57 USD/ 138.96 PHP) for 1 way. You can pay 80,000 VND for return.

Children price is 40,000 VND ( 1.71 USD/ 92.64 PHP) for one and 50,000 VND ( 2.14 USD/ 115.8 PHP) return.

We took one way because we were heading to Datanla falls next, and that is nearer Truc Lam , so a one-way ticket was the best option.

Lunch in Truc Lam.

• You may opt to walk to Datanla it’s like 1.5 KM or a 20-minute walk. If not, you can take a cab and pay 10,000 VND ( 0.43 USD/ 23.16 PHP).

In Datanla, we rode the Alpine Coaster. For a round trip, ticket costs 150,000 VND ( 6.42 USD/ 347.4 PHP). If you opt to hike down, you can buy a one-way ticket which will cost 100,000 VND ( 4.28 USD/ 231.6 PHP).

You are not allowed to swim in the waterfalls.

From there, we decided to take a cab to the Old Railway station. It wasn’t that easy to get a grab or a cab there, but I asked for help from the person in the high ropes stand. He was so kind and he called a taxi for us.

We spent another 5 USD (270.7 PHP) to get back down to the city proper where Old Railway Station is located.

• Da Lat Railway station is another photographic place and an experience in itself. We got there just in time for the 2:00 PM train leaving for the Linh Phuc. To get there, it takes 25-30 minutes. The road wasn’t as scenic as the Sri Lanka train, but you see a lot of greenhouses and the vintage train itself is Instagrammable.

There are 5 train times to Linh Phuc, make sure to ask for the return.

There are also options as to what coach you will stay in

We got there and the train was literally about to leave so we just made a quick decision of how much we were willing to pay

We got to the Linh Phuc Pagoda. Super pretty place. Small but looks like Gaudi. Very detailed. I felt like I was transported to Barcelona.

Too bad we barely had 30 minutes here and we were enjoying the place quite a lot. From the train station, we walked 3 to 5 minutes to reach the pagoda.

The place was lovely! Although we had to wait for the people to pass through, Ruth and I rushed our photo-taking session in the area. We only had at least 30 minutes in the area since the train had to return back to the main station.

• Back at the Old Railway station, we decided to take a 20-minute stroll around the lake where we saw swans, benches and people enjoying the park. We just continued following the path around the Lake and enjoyed the view until we realized we were back at our hotel. We rested a bit.
• After about an hour of rest, we walked and strolled towards Da Lat Maze bar. It was a good walk. Literally seeing a lot in the street——–Shops, coffee shops, cute things—- so it was good. We even passed by the Da Lat night market where I bought a hat. Damn, I said no shopping.
• We ended the night in Da Lat Maze Bar, the coolest bar ever. You need to buy a drink as an entrance fee. I bought beer 333 for 40,000 VND (2USD/ 100 PHP). There are other drink options but I just preferred beer.

Ruth actually dropped her beer and it kinda popped. They gave her a new bottle, no trouble. How cool is that? Cool staff and cool place.

We spent time in the maze as we were really amazed. There are lots of choices and it was really super cool.

We spent some time here, you get to talk to people here if you want. It’s a cool hang out place. Ruth was exhausted though so we headed home and called it a night.

Again, another chill day, we had till 4:00 PM before our bus to Hoi An picked us up.

We wanted to see if we could do a tourm but again we only wanted just a few things so we opted for Elephant Falls.

Fairly easy, we took the bus to Elephant Falls. We paid 25,000 VND ( 1.07 USD/ 57.9 PHP) each. The bus stop was literally beside it. Just tell them Elephant Falls and they’ll drop you off.

Take the bus to Nam Ban village. In our case, our host wrote down the name of the Elephant Falls in Vietnamese in a piece of paper. So, we just showed it to the bus driver who without a doubt recognized the place. There were also a couple of tourists on the bus heading to the falls.

From the bus stop, you’ll need to take a 5-minute walk to the falls. Entrance fee to the Elephant Falls is 20,000 VND (0.86 USD/ 46.32 PHP) per person.

After 5 minute walk from the falls, you’ll have to hike down a short, slippery and strenuous trail. Ruth struggled since she was not wearing a proper footwear for the hike. It can be slippery so be careful. Along the trail, there was a blue railing which travelers can hold on to.

After Elephant Falls, we headed to the tourist attraction next door which is the  Lin Anh Pagoda and the Happy Buddha statue.

We then ate lunch in one of the street food stalls. We weren’t happy with though.

The bus back to the city proper frequently passes the starting trail of Elephant Falls every 30 minutes. We waited at the same bus stop and made our way back to Da Lat. Fare rate to go back to the city proper from Elephant falls is another 25,000 VND ( 1.07 USD/ 57.9 PHP) per person.

This was a lot cheaper since we weren’t interested in the isle factory and cricket farm since we’ve seen a lot of it already.

Back in the city, we decided to drop by Still Coffee for another Instagrammable coffee shop to try it. This one is also petty but it gets visited by a lot of people who line up just to take photos. Food is also more expensive than Maybe Blue coffee. I preferred the Maybe Blue One since it was cheaper, cute, quieter and laid back.

After, we walked back to the hotel to gear up for our long bus ride. That makes our DIY Dalat.

DIY tour in Dalat was very cheap and ideal if you are staying for a few days and want to do a lot. I recommend the Easy Riders Tour since they can help you squeeze a lot of places and activities in one day for you.

Doing your DIY tour in Dalat in your own terms and pace is cheap. I feel like we saw a lot more. We got to spend a good amount of time in each place. We really love it. As much as possible, don’t miss a street food tour especially the ones curated by the WsTF. I loved the coverage of the tour a lot and highly recommend that you book it.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

View All wishlist

View all wishlist

• Top 10 Vietnam Tours
• Country Discovery
• Family Holidays
• Vietnam Eco Tours
• Vietnam Golf Tours
• Luxury & More
• Vietnam Honeymoon Holidays
• Beaches & Leisure
• Health, Spa & Wellness Tours
• Adventure Motorcycle Tours
• Northern Vietnam
• Central Vietnam
• Southern Vietnam
• Angkor Tours
• Classic Tours
• Luxury Tours
• Adventure Tours
• Family Vacations
• Beach Holidays
• Cycling Tours
• Luxury Holidays
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Tours
• Great Wall of China Tours
• Hiking Tours
• Vietnam & Cambodia
• Vietnam & Laos
• Vietnam & Thailand
• Thailand & Cambodia
• Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
• Halong Bay Cruises
• Mekong Cruises
• Hanoi City Tours
• Ho Chi Minh City Tours
• Halong – Cat Ba Tours
• Hoa Lu – Tam Coc
• Da Nang – Hoi An Tours
• Nha Trang Tours
• Phu Quoc Tours
• Mekong Delta Tours
• Ha Giang Tours
• Mai Chau Tours
• Shore Excursions
• First Trip to Vietnam
• 7 Days (1 Week)
• 14 Days (2 Weeks)
• Mui Ne Phan Thiet
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Tet Holiday in Vietnam
• Vietnamese Zodiac Elements
• Traditional Folk Games
• Kanchanaburi
• First Trip to Thailand
• 4 Days in Laos
• 5 days in Laos
• 7 Day in Laos
• Luang Prabang
• Savannakhet
• Useful travel apps in Laos
• 3 Days in Cambodia
• Cambodia in 5 Days
• Cambodia in 7 Days
• Angkor Thom
• Sihanoukville
• Kampong Cham
• Ngapali Beach
• Kalaw & Pindaya
• Best of Vietnam
• Beautiful Vietnam
• Vietnam weather
• Vietnam Food
• Vietnam Itineraries
• Vietnam Travel News
• Vietnam Travel Tips
• Vietnam Culture
• Ethnics of Vietnam
• Beautiful Thailand
• Thailand itineraries
• Thailand Travel Tips
• Beautiful Cambodia
• Cambodia Travel Tips
• Cambodia itineraries
• Beautiful Laos
• Laos Itineraries
• Laos Travel Tips
• Beautiful Myanmar
• Best of Myanmar
• City Highlights
• Myanamar Travel Tips
• Myanmar Itineraries
• Beautiful China
• Company News
• 14 Days in Vietnam and Laos
• 15 Days in Vietnam and Laos
• Vietnam and Laos in 17 – 20 Days
• 11 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
• 12 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
• 13 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
• 14 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
• 15 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
• 16 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
• Vietnam Visa
• Flights to Vietnam
• Vietnam domestic flights
• Vietnam MICE, Incentive travel
• Vietnam trains
• Thailand car rental
• Cambodia car rental
• Myanmar car rental
• Laos car rental
• Why Choose Us
• Logo, Slogan and Website
• Meet The Team
• Terms and Conditions
• Payment Methods
• Responsible Travel
• Land Tour Operator
• Create my Trip

Da Lat Travel Guide

• Travel Guide

General information

Da Lat, located in the mountains between Central and South Vietnam, has breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, lakes, green meadows, flowery valleys, and fruit trees, and is home to 33 ethnic communities. 

Da Lat Location – Da Lat Travel guide

During the colonial period, the “city of eternal spring” was a popular retreat for the French, allowing them to escape the suffocating heat of Saigon. Summer temperatures never exceed 25°C, and winter temperatures never fall below 10°C.

Many young Vietnamese couples come here for their honeymoon because it is regarded as a romantic city. On your honeymoon in Vietnam , don’t forget to visit Da Lat.

Da Lat Weather and Best time to visit

The average temperature ranges from 14 to 23 degrees Celsius (57 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit). Da Lat’s highest temperature was 32.0 °C (89.6 °F), and its lowest was 0.6 °C (30.9 °F). Mist blankets the adjacent valleys almost all year. Its temperate climate makes it ideal for agriculture as well.

In contrast to other seasonal tourist destinations, Dalat is enjoyable all year round because each season has its own unique beauty. You are free to choose the best time to visit Da Lat.

Da Lat is best visited between December and early March. This is the dry season in Da Lat, making it ideal for enjoying the outdoors. Temperatures typically range from 19°C to 24°C. During this time, the flower gardens and patches in Da Lat are in full bloom.

If you want to see the cherry blossoms around Xuan Huong Lake, you should visit Dalat between February and April, when the flowers are at their most beautiful. The rainy season in August is the best time to see many waterfalls in Dalat. Wild sunflowers bloom from October to December.

Tips: During this season, you can dress comfortably in summer clothes. If you want to walk around Da Lat at night, you’ll need a woolen set. A raincoat and umbrella are required due to the light rain.

How to get to and around Da Lat 

Flight to Da lat

You can fly to Da Lat with low-cost carriers such as Vietjet Air (www.vietjetair.com), Jetstar Pacific (www.jetstar.com), or Vietnam Airlines (www.vietnamairlines.com). Two low-cost airlines frequently have promotional tickets available online.

– At Lien Khuong Airport (DLI): located 30km south of the city, on the road to Ho Chi Minh City.

– From/ To Ho Chi Minh city (SGN): 305km, Duration: 50 minutes

– From/ To Hanoi (HAN): 1430km, Duration: 1h50′

– From/ To Danang (DAD): 660km, Duration: 1h20′

By bus, by car

There is no train connection from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat; instead, you must travel by bus, minivan, private car / taxi, or plane. You can also take a bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne in southern Vietnam. Traveling by bus from Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat is the most convenient and cost-effective option. Depending on the mode of transportation, the journey takes between 6.5 and 8 hours.

– Dalat bus station: street 4 thang 4, 3km south of the city center.

– From/ To Nha Trang: 150km, Duration: 3h

– From/ To Hoi An: 630km, Duration: 13h

– From/ To Phan Thiet – Mui Ne: 180km, Duration: 3h

– From/ To Ho Chi Minh – City: 310km, Duration: 7h

– From/To Ban Me Thuat: 220km, Duration: 5h

From Ho Chi Minh, frequent day and night sleeper buses depart for Da Lat. Luxury vans and limousines are other options that provide luxury services at reasonable prices. The following transportation companies are recommended: Phuong Trang (Futa), Minh Tri, Hoang Vu, and The Sinh Tourist.

Tips: You should take a night bus from Ho Chi Minh City to reach Da Lat in the morning.

In the city center

Dalat is well served by Grab Taxi and local taxis, making it simple to navigate the city. However, if you want to experience Dalat’s natural beauty, you should hop on a motorcycle and leave the city. You can also choose to travel by bicycle or private car. You can rent a bike from some hotels, homestays, or local agencies. You can contact us if you want to book a  private car in Vietnam .

Where to stay in Da Lat

When visiting Da Lat, the best place to stay is in the city center. This part of town has a great selection of affordable hotels.

Lam Vien Square in Da Lat’s centre

There are also many restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine, as well as cafés and street food vendors selling soya milk and “Pho,” the famous Vietnamese soup. All airport transfers terminate in this area, making your inbound journey pleasant and easy. It is conveniently located for visiting the city’s other major attractions, including the Buddhist Pagoda, the Bao Dai Emperor’s Palace, and the famous Elephant Falls. The well-known Da Lat Night Market is also nearby, making it easy to get there on foot.

Places to visit in Da Lat

Activities in Dalat include a walk around Xuan Huong Lake (or, better yet, a horseback ride around the lakes) and visits to nearby waterfalls. The Dalat Flower Garden, the “Crazy House,” Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, the Railway Station, and the “Valley of Love” park are among the other attractions. The majority of visitors spend their time exploring the beautiful countryside on foot, motorcycle, or bicycle.

Dalat is also becoming popular for outdoor adventure activities such as trekking to nearby minority villages, cycling, canyoning, kayaking, rock climbing, and rappelling.

Furthermore, with its cool weather and the 18-hole Dalat Palace Golf Club, Dalat is a popular golfing destination .

Da Lat Waterfalls

Pongour Waterfall

Pongour is a seven-story waterfall located in the Duc Trong district, 50 kilometers from Da Lat, also known as Thien Thai. It is spread over 100 meters and is surrounded by lush vegetation.

Prenn Waterfall

Prenn Waterfall is located in the last remaining wild forest, and from a distance, it appears to be a strip of white silk. The entire large hill of pines can be seen from the Prenn waterfall. It is about 10 kilometers from Da Lat’s center at the foot of the Prenn Pass.

Dambri Waterfall

This waterfall creates two magnificent 40-meter-high streams. It is necessary to walk approximately 138 steps to reach the top of the falls. Dambri provides exciting activities such as building a fire at the camp and exploring the primitive forest.

Datanla Waterfall

Datanla is a large waterfall located in Datanla’s tourist area, 8 kilometers from Prenn waterfall and 10 kilometers from Da Lat city, and is an ideal location for adventure tourism. This 20-meter-high waterfall creates a body of very clear water known as Suoi Tien (fairy stream).

Da Lat Lakes

Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is a freshwater lake in the city of Da Lat. Because of its rugged beauty, it is known as the most beautiful lake in the south. Tuyen Lam Lake is located southeast of Truc Lam Monastery, at the foot of the Phuong Hoang Mountains. This location is thought to be a complex of many beautiful landscapes and tourist areas.

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake, located in the heart of Da Lat, has long been regarded as the city’s symbol. There are pine forests, lawns, and flower gardens all around the lake. It is a popular stop for hikers and horse carriages on their way to Da Lat. Ho Xuan Huong Lake is a man-made lake with a circumference of about 5 km and a width of 25 ha.

Dankia Lake/ Suoi Vang Lake (Golden Stream)

Suoi Vang Lake is a well-known landscape in Lam Dong province, about 20 kilometers north of Da Lat. It is Da Lat’s largest freshwater lake, supplying drinking water to the entire city.

Lake of sighs (Ho Than Tho)

This charming pine-lined lake gets its name from an ancient legend: a young man must leave as soon as possible to join the army. His fiancée threw herself into the lake to end his life, believing he no longer loved her.

Religious and historical sites

Da Lat Cathedrals

Da Lat Cathedral, also known as the Chicken Cathedral, is the largest cathedral of St. Nicholas of Lam Dong. A large bronze chicken sits atop the cathedral bell tower. Da Lat Cathedral was constructed in 1942. It looks like a gingerbread house with its pink walls and stained glass windows!

Bao Dai Palace

From 1933 to 1938, the Bao Dai Palace was constructed. It is where the last Nguyen Dynasty king lived and worked. The entire design of the Bao Dai Palace was created by a French-Vietnamese architect, so it was influenced by European architecture.

Truc Lam Monastery

Truc Lam Monastery was founded in 1994 and is home to Truc Lam Yen Tu. The monastery is located on Phung Hoang Mountain, above Tuyen Lam Lake, 5 kilometers from downtown Da Lat. It is not only the largest monastery in Lam Dong, but also a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Tran Le Xuan Villa

Tran Le Xuan Villa is a three-villa complex located at No. 2 Yet Kieu Street in Da Lat. The villa is now the headquarters of the National Archives IV. The villa has a total area of over 13,000 square meters.

Other attractive sites

Crazy house.

Crazy house in Da Lat

The Crazy House (official name Villa Hang Nga) is one of Dalat’s most famous landmarks and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The fairytale house was designed by local architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga and is one of the world’s most unusual architectural structures.

Valley of love

Love Valley, located about 5 kilometers north of the city center, is one of the most romantic spots in Da Lat. The Love Valley is an excellent ecotourism destination.

Cu Lan Village

Cu Lan village is a relatively new tourist attraction. Visitors will be able to experience the culture of the K’ho people, who are honest and friendly. Cu village is in Suoi Can village, 20 kilometers from Dalat.

Da Lat Train Station

Da Lat bus station is a tourist attraction that houses many of Da Lat’s cultural values. This station is no longer in operation, except for Trai Mat tourists.

Da Lat Flower Garden

This is the place where all the beautiful flowers of Da Lat and the world come together. It is also an excellent location for wedding photographs. The flower festival is held every year in order to attract tourists as well as domestic and foreign investors for the development of Da Lat.

Lang Biang Mountain

Langbiang Mountain is made up of two mountains: Ong Mountain and Ba Mountain, and it is located 12 kilometers from Dalat in the Lac Duong district. Langbiang is Da Lat’s “roof of the house” and the city’s main tourist attraction.

Festival in Da Lat

Da lat flower festival – the most attractive festival in da lat.

– Date: The festival is held once every two years at the end of the year.

– Location: downtown Da Lat

This festival is primarily held near Xuan Huong Lake and features spectacular performances by thousands of professional and amateur artists.

Within the framework of the festival, you can take part in exciting activities such as the flower show, street flower parade, trade fairs, love festivals and marriage ceremonies of couples from all over the country, wine festivals, Mount Langbiang conquest, and so on.

Tea festival

– Date: Typically held in December.

– Location: In addition to the festival area, the other three tea areas are Bao Lam, Di Linh, and Cau Dat (Da Lat).

The tea festival, one of the largest and most unique festivals in Da Lat, is held every year as part of the fresh and clean raw materials movement organized by tea companies. The festival has a theme each year, and it includes art activities, tea competitions such as tea gathering, tea knowledge, and tea songs.

Gong Festival – Cultural Festival in Da Lat

Gong Festival

– Date: The Gong Festival is held annually in rotation.

– Location: Provinces with a gong culture, including Lam Dong.

UNESCO has designated the Gong Cultural Festival as non-material heritage. The gongs are the only link between humans and the gods during the festival.

What to eat in Da Lat

Banh mi xiu mai (baguette with shumai bowl)

This dish is a must-try in Da Lat cuisine. The shumai balls are served with a bowl of hot sauce into which the baguette can be dipped. You can also request fried pork skin or a chili pepper to be added to your soup.

Address: Mrs. Thuy’s, at the intersection of Bui Thi Xuan and Thong Thien Hoc streets, Anh Sang Hamlet. 

Banh can (mini pancake)

Mini pancakes are a popular breakfast dish in Da Lat, a city in the Central Highlands. It can be found in a variety of locations, including Tang Bat Ho Street and Anh Sang Hamlet.

The pancakes, which are slightly burned and filled with eggs, are eaten with fish sauce. To make the sauce more flavorful, some restaurants add meat balls. Normally, a serving of 5 pairs of pancakes costs VND20,000 ($0.86).

Banh uot long ga (steamed rice paper with chicken intestine)

This dish is popular due to its unique flavor. It’s a little sour because it’s served with chicken salad instead of the more common pork roll. The dish is made with simple ingredients such as rice paper, chicken meat or intestine, and fish sauce.

Address: Tang Bat Ho Street, Phan Dinh Phung Street

Banh trang nuong (grilled rice paper)

Grilled rice paper is becoming increasingly popular in Da Lat, with more restaurants offering the dish. You can sit near a coal stove at these restaurants and watch the chef prepare this dish. The chef coats the rice paper with oil before adding the shrimp paste, cheese, and green pepper. Following that, an egg is added and stirred with chopsticks until the dish is completely grilled. It’s even better when topped with fried onion and pork floss.

Grilled rice paper is easily found at street food stalls in Da Lat Market, Thong Thien Hoc Street, Nguyen Van Troi Street, and Hoang Dieu – Tran Nhat Duat from 3 p.m. to midnight.

Lau ga la e (chicken hot pot with basil leaves)

chicken hot pot

At night, the hot dishes are always popular. While chicken hot pot with aganonerion (giang) leaves is popular in the south and chicken hot pot with wormwood is popular in the north, chicken hot pot with basil leaves has been popular in Da Lat for the past two years. The chicken is served with fresh bamboo and basil leaves, as well as a pepper lemon sauce that has a sweet and spicy flavor.

VND200,000 ($8.6) gets you half a chicken, a large noodle disk, a plate of mushrooms, basil leaf and vegetables.

Mi Quang (Quang-style noodle)

Da Lat invented a different style of Quang noodle, with the dish served with more sauce. The red-orange sauce, yellow noodles, and cashew-colored meat make the dish look so delicious. It goes well with vegetables and herbs.

Address: Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Nguyen Du Street

Nem nuong (grilled pork sausage)

Though not particularly popular among Da Lat residents, nem nuong remains the most popular lunch option among visitors. Before you can eat this simple dish, it must be thoroughly prepared. The grilled pork sausage is accompanied by a greasy yellow sauce made of pork broth and ground chili. This dish is unforgettable due to the fattiness of the pork, the sweetness of the sauce, and the crispiness of the fried rice paper.

Address: Hoang Van Thu, Phan Dinh Phung, Bui Thi Xuan streets

Kem bo (avocado ice cream)

Avocado ice cream

Even though it is usually cold in the evenings in Da Lat, people enjoy eating avocado or fruit ice cream at this time. The fatty flavor of the ice cream combined with the taste of avocado, this mountainous city’s famous fruit, transforms this simple snack into an amazing dish.

Address: Nguyen Van Troi Street

We hope the above article has been helpful in providing you with information about Da Lat. Don’t hesitate to contact us and plan your Da Lat tours right now!

• Hot Deal: Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay - 6 Days 5 Nights starts from only $393
• Search for:
• Login / Register
• Small Group Tours
• Private Tours
• Hanoi Tours
• Hai Phong Tours
• Halong Bay Tours
• Ninh Binh Tours
• Mai Chau Tours
• Moc Chau Tours
• Thanh Hoa Tours
• Cua Lo Tours
• Quang Binh Tours
• Hoi An Tours
• Da Nang Tours
• Da Lat Tours
• Nha Trang Tours
• Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City Tours
• Mekong Delta Tours
• Vung Tau Tours
• Phu Quoc Island Tours
• China Tours
• Indochina Tours
• Cambodia Tours
• Thailand Tours
• Myanmar Tours
• Malaysia Tours
• Indonesia Tours
• Tailor Made Tour
• 5 Star Cruises
• 4 Star Cruises
• 3 Star Cruises
• Day Cruises
• Overnight Cruises
• Catholic Pilgrimage
• Company profile
• Our services
• Why travel with us?
• Indochina Travel Guides
• Vietnam Travel Guides
• Laos Travel Guides
• Cambodia Travel Guides
• China Travel Guides
• Thailand Travel Guides
• Myanmar Travel Guides
• Malaysia Travel Guides
• Indonesia Travel Guides
• Hanoi Travel Guides
• Sapa Travel Guides
• Halong Bay Travel Guides
• Ninh Binh Travel Guides
• Hue Travel Guides
• Da Nang Travel Guides
• Hoi An Travel Guides
• Nha Trang Travel Guides
• Da Lat Travel Guides
• Vung Tau Travel Guides
• Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guides
• Mekong Delta Travel Guides
• Phu Quoc Island Travel Guides

Central Vietnam Travel Guides , Da Lat Travel Guides , Travel Guides , Vietnam Travel Guides

Da lat travel guide – everything you need to know.

Da Lat (Vietnam) not only enchants tourists with its cool and fresh air and picturesque natural landscapes, but also captivates visitors with its numerous unique tourist spots. If you are planning to travel to this area, don’t worry – with Da Lat Travel Guide below, you’ll definitely have an unforgettable and truly wonderful experience in this charming city!

Da Lat Travel Guide: Overview of Da Lat

Located on a plateau at an ideal altitude, Da Lat City is a stunning creation of nature, surrounded by a vast pine forest with a refreshing climate and a plethora of captivating sites. Have you ever had the pleasure of experiencing all four seasons in a single day?

If not, then Da Lat City is the perfect destination to witness a dramatic change of scenery throughout the day. You’ll bask in the warm spring weather in the morning, be met with scorching summer heat at noon, admire the clear blue sky in the afternoon, and watch as the sun gradually sets behind the pine trees. And as night falls, you’ll feel the crisp winter air with a super low temperature.

Once someone mentions the most iconic feature of Da Lat, the city of a thousand flowers is often the first to come to mind. The flowers are impossible to miss, no matter the time or place. Whether you are in your hotel, at a restaurant, strolling along the stunning streets, or enjoying a cup of coffee at a roadside café, the flowers warmly welcome you with their vibrant colors and stunning blooms as you begin your day.

Da Lat Travel Guide: Top-Rated Destinations

Below is a list of some truly captivating destinations in Da Lat which you definitely won’t want to miss! Just keep in mind that this list curated by Da Lat Travel Guide only scratches the surface – there are so many other fascinating sites that are worth a visit while you’re in Da Lat!

Langbiang Mountain

Located in the northern part of Da Lat city, 12 km away, Langbiang Mountain stands as the highest peak in the foggy city of Da Lat. This must-see destination is often referred to as “the heart of Da Lat,” steeped in legend and the romantic love story of H’Biang and K’Lang.

Da Lat Station

Da Lat Station is known as one of Indochina’s oldest train stations that still stands in Vietnam up to now. Its timeless and distinctive architectural style never fails to captivate both domestic and foreign tourists who flock to experience its grandeur firsthand.

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake is considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful lakes. The lake’s romantic charm is enhanced by the cool embrace of a lush, verdant pine forest and a picturesque park. It is truly an ideal place for a relaxing family vacation on the weekend.

Cam Ly Waterfall

When visiting the enchanting city of Da Lat, a visit to Cam Ly waterfall is a must. This breathtaking tourist attraction boasts a serene waterfall landscape reminiscent of a gentle and pure maiden amidst the verdant pine hills. The picturesque natural beauty of the area never fails to captivate the hearts of all visitors passing by.

Valley Of Love

During the 1930s, European colonial administrators and French couples often chose a picturesque valley with evergreen pine hills for their romantic dates and aptly called it Vallée d’Amour, now famously known as Valley of Love. Situated just 5 kilometers north of the city center, the Valley of Love is one of the most picturesque and romantic landscapes in this dreamy city.

Da Lat Travel Guide: Must-Try Local Food

Not only is Da Lat known for its breathtaking beauty, with thousands of blooming flowers and mist-covered pine hills, but it is also a haven for mouth-watering cuisine that you absolutely cannot miss ! As a highland area with a cool climate, the food in Da Lat is best enjoyed hot, whether it’s grilled, in a soup, or in a steaming hotpot.

Some must-try dishes include Banh Trang Nuong (Grilled Rice Paper), Bun Bo (Beef Noodle Soup), Nem Nuong (Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sausage), Lau Bo (Beef Hotpot), and Lau Ga La E (Chicken Hot Pot With Lemon Basil Leaves). On a chilly day, stepping into any restaurant or food stall and savoring a hot dish will not only warm you up but also bring immense joy to your heart.

Avocado ice cream is a must-try in Da Lat. The creamy and buttery flavor of the avocado combines perfectly with the gentle sweetness of condensed milk, creating a delightful taste that has captured the hearts of many. Once you try it, you’ll definitely crave more.

If you’re looking to bring back a gift for your loved ones, Da Lat’s local dried fruits are the best choice. These exquisite treats are of the highest quality, made from the finest local fruits. You have a wide array of snacks to choose from, including dried persimmons, dried sweet potatoes, dried bananas, dried jackfruit, and dried taro. Your friends and family will surely appreciate this thoughtful and delicious present.

Da Lat Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Da Lat

No matter who you are, Da Lat has something for everyone. Check out some of amazing activities in Da Lat with Da Lat Travel Guide right away! For nature lovers, this city is a true paradise. It features a serene and awe-inspiring environment that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Here, you can marvel at majestic waterfalls, explore picturesque valleys, gaze at towering mountain ranges, admire crystal-clear lakes, and wander through enchanting lush pine forests.

In addition to its natural beauty, Da Lat also offers a wide range of outdoor activities that promise an exhilarating experience. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, trekking, or canyoning, there are endless opportunities for you to indulge in and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and tranquil surroundings. And your trip will be even more memorable with a visit to the Underground Wonder of Clay Tunnel, a renowned attraction that features remarkable architectural structures entirely constructed from clay.

But Da Lat is not just about nature and adventure; it also provides an incredible spiritual experience. The city is home to various spiritual sites, including the sacred Truc Lam Pagoda and the awe-inspiring Linh Phuoc Pagoda. These sites offer a glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of the area, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual essence of Da Lat. Whether you are seeking thrilling adventures, peaceful relaxation, or a deeper understanding of the local culture, Da Lat has a wide array of options to fulfill your desires.

Best Time to Visit Da Lat

The best time to visit Da Lat is during the dry season, which is from December to early March. This is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful natural surroundings and enjoy the pleasant temperatures ranging from around 19°C to 24°C. Moreover, this period experiences the full bloom of flower gardens and patches, adding to the city’s charm and beauty.

How Long to Spend in Da Lat

So, how many days should we spend in Da Lat? It’s totally up to you, but it is recommended to spend 2 or 3 days fully enjoying this charming city. Within 2 days, you can easily explore the captivating tourist spots in Da Lat. However, having a third day gives you the opportunity to unwind and embrace a more leisurely pace.

Hopefully, the information in the Da Lat Travel Guide above help you plan an ideal journey. Da Lat is a city that offers a unique and enchanting experience for travelers. From its breathtaking natural beauty to its delicious cuisine and rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to embark on an exciting adventure to explore the beauty of this captivating city in Vietnam with Asia Legend Travel ! Start your journey today!

Tours related to Da Lat

Nha Trang and Da Lat Tour – 5 Days 4 Nights

$ 475 $ 434 +

Highlights of Nha Trang and Da Lat – 5 Days 4 Nights

$ 460 $ 417 +

Shirleen Bui

Related travel guides.

Top Incredible Things to Do in Da Lat: Explore the City of Eternal Spring

Da Lat’s Top 10 Waterfalls: Discover the Natural Splendor

Discovering Da Lat – Vietnam’s Charming Hidden Gem

Top 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Da Lat