Best Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam
We've created this travel guide to inspire you to travel to Dalat, a beautiful city nicknamed the city of eternal spring in Central Highlands in Vietnam. Discover with us the best things to do in Dalat, and tips on when to visit the area, how to get to Dalat, where to stay and how to get around.
Dalat also spelled Da Lat, is a destination in South Vietnam you should definitely put on your itinerary.
If you decided to travel all the way across the length and breadth of Vietnam, in Dalat, you will be again blown away by the country's incredible diversity. Only a few hundred kilometers from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, and even closer from Mui Ne, a landscape featuring sand dunes and sea, you will get a chance to explore again a completely different world.
The city of eternal spring, how is Dalat often nicknamed, has many secret cards up in its sleeve. You might have already guessed that the weather in the area is very pleasant almost all year round, and thanks to the altitude, you will be here saved from the heat and humidity which often makes traveling in Southeast Asia challenging.
But what are the main reasons to travel to Dalat?
Well, we must warn you. There are so many things to see and do, and attractions, both cultural and natural to visit, that you would have to spend here at least a week.
But no worries, from our list of the best things to do in Dalat you can choose only what interests you the most, and you will be easily able to get a sense of the destination in two or three full days.
Winding roads, amazing views, waterfalls, lush green forests, colonial-style architecture, lakes, flowers in bloom, colorful pagodas, markets, and delicious food. That's in short what is awaiting you in Dalat.
So what are you waiting for? Book your flight tickets, and start planning your journey.
Dalat must be for sure on your bucket list of places to visit in Vietnam.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN DALAT
Although some of the best things and top attractions in Dalat are right in the city, we were tempted by stunning nature in the city’s surroundings.
That's why our list of must things to do and top places to visit contains both cultural and natural highlights, so every type of travelers will hopefully be able to choose the right activity.
Datanla Waterfalls
Only several kilometers south of Dalat is one of the most popular attractions in the area, Datanla Falls set in pine-forested hills.
Although it is heavily visited by both locals and foreigners, this fact should not put you off visiting. There are many things you can do around the waterfall including mini roller coaster ride, ziplining, canyoning or you can take a cable car that will take you deeper in the forest.
Higher you get, you will meet fewer people, so in the end, when you are not lazy, you can enjoy a nice day out without the crowds.
Yes, these falls are heavily commercialized, but it is still not that bad, especially when you take into account how cheesy some things in Vietnam can be. It is possible to walk to the falls for free (to reach the bottom you must take a paid elevator though), but if you plan on using roller coaster or cable car, have at least 100 000 VND in your pocket.
To get to the falls you can even ride a motorbike (parking costs 3000 VND) or take a frequent bus from the top of the central market headed south (for example route number 1). The bus should have on a window written destination Prenn.
Tell a driver that you are going to Thac Datanla, and you should pay around 10 000 VND for a ticket.
Adrenaline Adventures
Places like Dalat encourage travelers to try something new, something they have never done in their entire lives.
As the area is rich in waterfalls, it is not surprising that you can try for example canyoning.
We did this activity in Jaco in Costa Rica, and can only recommend it. You can check out this well-rated tour in case canyoning and rappeling sound appealing to you. Thanks to the lush green trees around Dalat, zip-lining tours are also very interesting.
If you had never dared to rent a motorbike on your own, you simply have to check out this guided tour. This way you can be amazed by the beautiful landscape while riding a motorcycle which is the best way to appreciate the surroundings.
Truc Lam Pagoda
We think it is impossible to visit a Vietnamese city without entering at least one pagoda.
If you plan on visiting Datanla waterfalls, you can put on your itinerary Truc Lam Pagoda because those two attractions are close to each other.
The temple is set on Phuong Hoang Mountain surrounded by greenery and flowers, and the Asian architecture altogether with extensive views create a superb experience.
Enjoy the tranquility of the place and wander around the gardens for a while!
Dalat Cable Car
Are you wondering how to get to Truc Lam Pagoda? From Datanla Waterfalls the best way is to take a taxi under the hill, and here you have two options. Either walk to the top of the hill or take a cable car.
Although we normally vote for walking (it is usually free), Dalat cable car is an experience on own, and we think it is worth to pay 80 000 VND.
The ride itself is very scenic, and when the weather is good you can see clearly the city of Dalat and the mountains around.
Once you get to the top of the hill, do not rush and head to Tuyen Lam Lake which is very picturesque as well.
Elephant Waterfalls
Winding roads around Dalat will take you to Elephant Waterfalls, one of the top attractions in the area.
The falls are truly stunning (especially after heavy rains), and once you reach the bottom (which can be a bit tricky because the path is often slippery - be careful and wear proper shoes), you will have an opportunity to admire the falls from every angle possible.
Elephant Falls are often included in guided tours, which we recommend taking to travelers on a strict schedule, but it is also quite easy to get there independently.
First, you can for sure rent a motorbike, so you will enjoy the views of the countryside, or jump on a bus near the Central Market (the bus stops also elsewhere in the city, so ask in your hotel where is the nearest stop for you) in direction to Nam Binh Village.
The ride takes approximately 45 minutes, and you will pay 20 000 VND each way.
To make sure the bus is going in your direction, tell the driver you are heading to Thac Voi. Close to the entrance to the falls is a photogenic Linh An Tu Pagoda with a statue of Happy Buddha.
When we visited Elephant Falls there was no entrance fee, but nowadays locals charge 10 000 VND, sometimes even more, probably depending on the time of the year and their mood.
Hang Nga Crazy House
Not a colonial architecture, but a strange eccentric building, fittingly known as Crazy House is the must-visit thing in Dalat.
We think you must see it with your own eyes to fully appreciate how incredible this structure is. Well, we mean it's weird, but it somehow fits here.
Reserve at least one hour to climb rickety stairs and crawl inside rooms hidden in the house, where every room is wildly decorated.
The entrance fee is 50 000 VND, but in case you are looking for a special experience, spend a night in the Crazy House. You can reserve a room via this link.
Xuan Huong Lake & Gardens
In the center of Dalat, you will for sure notice a large lake which offers plenty of activities.
You can walk around, sit and relax on the grass on one of many benches or rent a boat. This place is popular among both locals and foreigners, who visit the lake usually early in the morning or during the sunset when it is possible to capture the lake in its best.
At the beginning of this post, we've mentioned that Dalat has a perfect climate that suits flowers, therefore the city has yet another nickname, City of Flowers.
Flowers usually blossom in January and February, but you can all year round head to the north shore of Xuan Huong Lake, where you can admire wonderful gardens featuring plants and flowers specific for the area.
If you still do not have enough flowers, visit Van Thanh Flower Village which will take your experience another level.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda
We visited Linh Phuoc Pagoda during the Vietnamese New Year, and it was pure madness.
The bus journey was already quite challenging, but we did not expect to meet so mane people near this attraction.
On the other hand, the crowds could not cover the fact that the pagoda is a true gem.
The temple is so colorful, walls are ornamented with mosaic, the tile-work is very photogenic when you focus on details, and large statues around only enhance the beauty. The glasswork is literally everywhere, so that was a reason why locals call the pagoda Ve Chai which means glass.
Also, do not expect to be here alone even during a regular period, because this temple is one the most famous ones in Vietnam, not only because of the interesting decoration but also because of a high bell tower.
At the moment the entrance to the pagoda is free, which is good news for all budget travelers.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda is in Trai Mat village only a short drive from Dalat, and you have three options here on how to get there.
Again, the easiest option is to rent a motorbike. Or hop on the bus number 6 on Tran Phu street (Xuan Truong is the final destination). Bus cost is very reasonable, around 20 000 VND per ticket.
A bit more expensive, but definitely a more unique way how to get from Dalat to the pagoda is by train from Dalat's railway station (arrive a few minutes earlier before train departure so you can appreciate the building of Dalat Railway Station).
The carriage is old and very atmospheric, and during the ride, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery. The train goes five times a day (there must be a minimum number of people to operate), and costs around 120 000 VND for a roundtrip.
Valley of Love
Dalat is the capital of the country for honeymooners, that's why it will probably not surprise you that you will find here Valley of Love, a pretty tacky place.
Well, decide yourself if the park full of bridges, statues, and heart-shaped things is worth visiting.
We completely understand some people might like it, although we gave it a miss ourselves.
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Dalat's Architecture
We must admit that after reading that the city and the city's architecture was influenced by French during colonial times we expected more from the city itself, you will still be able to find interesting buildings such as Bao Dai's Palace (summer palace of the last emperor of Vietnam) or Dalat Main Cathedral in the cit.
Dalat Markets
We absolutely loved food in Vietnam.
Everything was fresh and tasty, and the visit to this country ignited our passion for Asian cuisine.
Therefore, we knew we have to visit a place where locals shop and see for inspiration all the vegetables, fruits and spices. Dalat belongs among one of the top destinations in Vietnam when it comes to food and coffee, that's why the visit to the local market was a must for us.
Head to Central Market to get the most authentic experience.
Dalat is also quite famous for night markets, but the atmosphere changes a bit as it is not anymore that much about shopping but about tasting different dishes and socializing.
HOW TO GET AROUND DALAT
If you plan on exploring the city, it is absolutely doable to get around on foot, especially when you book your room in the center.
In case you need to get somewhere further, you can jump on one of many buses, but as it can be often confusing to figure out which bus to take, it is much easier to hire moto-taxi.
The rule of thumb is to bargain price before the ride.
To explore Dalat's surroundings, you can either take one of the local buses from the bus terminal, but the most popular way how to visit top attractions is to rent a motorbike. This option gives you the freedom and you will also have more time to enjoy the views along the way.
HOW TO GET TO DALAT
The easiest and fastest way to get to Dalat is by plane as there is a direct connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat.
But if you plan on exploring Vietnam more thoroughly, chances are that you will rather travel slowly by bus in order to move from one destination to another.
There are many bus connections between Dalat and other popular places such as Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne or Nha Trang.
Buses usually have reclining seats and are quite comfortable.
It is possible to buy bus tickets in advance via 12go.asia, we recommend you to do so especially if you plan on traveling around the country during Vietnamese New Year as tickets and accommodation sell out quickly.
The roads between major touristy destinations have been recently renovated, so the good news is you will spend less time on a bus.
The journey between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat takes approximately 6 hours, while the ride between Dalat and Mui Ne takes around 4 hours.
Another popular way among backpackers to travel to Dalat is on a motorbike.
In case you have plenty of time, this is definitely one of the most ultimate experiences you can get in Vietnam.
Roads between Mui Ne and Dalat are winding, and as you will be climbing high, amazing views will slowly reveal, and we are pretty sure you will enjoy the ride.
When renting a motorbike, make sure you know all the rules and check if the machine is in good condition.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DALAT
Weather-wise, Dalat reminded us of another place we had visited on our trip around Southeast Asia, Cameron Highlands in Malaysia.
Dalat is situated 1500 meters above sea level, so no matter the time of the year, you can experience here foggy mornings, which is very photogenic, but later on, the clouds usually lift, and you will appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
Generally, the best time to visit Dalat is during the dry season which lasts between November till the end of June.
As you can see, almost half of the year the weather in Lam Dong province is very pleasant, with low rainfall and lower temperatures (it is Vietnamese winter) - it is not too cold but also not too hot (but definitely colder than in the rest of the country).
Also, during January and February, flowers in Dalat and around the city are in bloom, so it is another reason to travel in the area during this time.
Although you might expect that rainy season would be a bit slower in Dalat, the opposite is true.
First of all, locals have holidays (the peak season is June to September), and second of all, the country struggles with high temperatures and humidity, and this is why people from the whole country are arriving in Dalat seeking much needed relieve.
For outdoor activities bring a rain poncho and umbrella, and you should be fine. As you can see, there is not a bad time to visit Dalat.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHAT TO PACK FOR VISITING DALAT
If you've been all the time carrying long-sleeved t-shirts and trousers in your backpack, now is the time when you might find them handy.
Although we were quite lucky when visiting Dalat as we experienced warm days and could wear our usual clothes for Southeast Asia (short-sleeved t-shirt and shorts), we were always glad to put on a jacket and leggings or trousers later in the evening.
Also, because Dalat is a great base for one day-trips, having a quality daypack is a must. The same goes for a water bottle and rain poncho or an umbrella.
We know that flip-flops in this area are often sufficient, but here we recommend you to pack sneakers as it will be much more comfortable.
WHERE TO STAY IN DALAT
Dalat is a large city with more than 400 000 inhabitants, and although it does not feel this way, thanks to this fact combined with the popularity of this place, you will have an opportunity to choose accommodation from a large number of options.
Because some of the top attractions in Dalat are outside the borders of the city, and we did not travel around on a motorbike, we decided to stay close to the city center and near the bus terminal, so we could get everywhere we wanted pretty easily.
Make sure you make a reservation in advance, in case you decide to travel around the country during Vietnamese New Year's Eve because hotels are packed during this time of the year.
Here are three best hostels and hotels in Dalat for every budget category.
Budget | Dalat Happy Hostel - Vietnam is a popular destination among budget travelers for a reason. Sometimes you will be surprised how cheap the accommodation can be. This place offers not only cheap rates but also a perfect service.
Mid-range | Moonstone Hotel Dalat - Clean and comfortable accommodation featuring spacious rooms and a lovely breakfast is a great choice.
Luxury | Golf Valley Hotel - Beautiful centrally located hotel is a perfect choice for every traveler seeking a certain level of comfort. And the best part? Prices are pretty low when you compare this hotel with similar properties in Europe or the USA.
WHERE TO EAT IN DALAT
Well, we won't give you specific recommendations on where to eat in Dalat, we will rather tell where not to eat.
If you are at least a bit like us, we believe that when traveling, you are looking more for an authentic experience as you can eat in touristy restaurants serving not so authentic food home, right?
Therefore we advise you to avoid touristy restaurants in colonial houses in the city center and also try to skip one of many hipster coffee houses. In Dalat, we found so many local restaurants, and even one unbelievable sweetshop (close to the main bus terminal) that it would have been a real shame to go elsewhere, plus those places are quite cheap too.
Yes, sometimes in local restaurants it is hit or miss (usually because of the language barrier), but even nowadays we remember absolutely disgusting slimy fish dumplings Martin had accidentally ordered.
Also, Dalat is a perfect place where to order pho soup as it is one of a few destinations where you won't be sweating terribly while eating it.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
