First Time in Da Lat

Da Lat City is a mountainous city located on Lam Vien (Langbiang) Highland in Lam Dong Province in Vietnam Central Highlands.

Population of Da Lat City: 406,000 (2018)

Ethnic groups: Kinh (Viet), and some minority groups such as Co Ho, Tay, Nung, Cham

Highlights: flower gardens, waterfalls, lakes, ancient palaces

Climate

The average annual temperature is 17.9^oC (64.2^oF). The warmest month of the year is May, with an average temperate of 19.3^oC (66.7^oF), and the coldest month of the year is January with temperatures averaging 15.8^oC (60.4^oF).

With a generally cool and temperate climate, the summer has a good amount of rainfall with precipitation of about 1,768 mm (69.61 inches) per year. Most of the precipitation is in September.

Transport

Da Lat City is 200 km from Buon Ma Thuot, 210 km from Nha Trang, 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and 1,485 km from Hanoi.

Most people will travel from Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat through 3 options:
1) Take a domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh's Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Da Lat's Lien Khuong Airport.
2) Take a passenger bus from Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat
3) Take a Central Vietnam Adventure to from Ho Chi Minh, to Mui Ne, Da Lat, and Nha Trang

 

Look for discounted travel tickets below for your first time in Da Lat:

Air

Lien Khuong Airport is 30 km south of Da Lat City. (See Google Maps location)

International flight routes to Da Lat: Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Laos, Cambodia, South Korea.

Domestic flight routes to Da Lat: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Hue, Vinh, and Ho Chi Minh City.

See Taxi Fares from Major Airports in Vietnam to the City

Bus

At the Da Lat Bus Station, there are many daily bus routes connecting other cities in Vietnam in the Central Highlands and in South Vietnam.

Da Lat Bus Station (view map): 13 Nguyen Trai Street, Da Lat City

Hanoi <-> Da Lat: Check bus prices and availability

Ho Chi Minh <-> Da Lat: Check bus prices and availability

Motorbikes

Riding a motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat can take up to 12 hours and you have to travel through quite harsh mountain passes. Be mindful of the motorbike's condition (especially if it's a rental) and plan for gas stations for refuel along the way.

At Da Lat City, motorbikes for rent are available for around VND 150,000 per day at the hotels or hostels.

Taxi

Taxis are available almost everywhere in the city. Some of the taxi brands are Mai Linh, Vinasun, Da Lat. 

Train

There is a 7km tourist train ride from Da Lat Railway Station (view map) to Trai Mat Station (view map). 

Get a travel insurance plan upon your first time in Da Lat:

Da Lat Travel Guides:

Da Lat Travel Guide

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat

Accommodations in Da Lat City:

Resorts and homestays are the 2 most popular lodging services in Da Lat. While around the Tuyen Lam Lake you can find lots of 5-star amenities, in Da Lat's city center, you'll be able to find some decent budget hostels and homestays.

(View more on Agoda)

Terracotta Hotel and Resort Da Lat (Check price and availability)

Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Dalat (Check price and availability)

Or search for the best hotels for your first time in Da Lat here:

Attractions in Da Lat:

Da Lat Lakes

Xuan Huong Lake

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Xuan Huong Lake is the central icon of Da Lat City. The "lake of lovers" is built in the crescent-moon shape with green rows of pine trees surrounding the area, creating a romantic yet nostalgic atmosphere in the middle of the most tourist-centric city in central Vietnam. The lake takes its water from the Cam Ly Stream (a part of Cam Ly Waterfall) and transmits the water to the western part of the city. Take a stroll around the lake for some relaxing time, or sit at a nearby coffee shop, take a pedal boat on the lake, or tour around on a tandem bicycle to fully admire the beauty of Xuan Huong Lake.

Horse carriage around Xuan Huong Lake: VND 300,000/ride up to 4 - 5 people

Lake of Sighs (Ho Than Tho)

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This natural lake on a hill 6 km north-east central Da Lat gets its name from a myth of girl, who drowned herself into the lake to remain faithful to her true love. The silent nature around the lake, which people would describe as a sighing sound, combining with the regretful back story creates a sorrowful atmosphere at such beautiful scenery.

Ticket: VND 20,000/person

Dankia - Suoi Vang Lakes

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The Suoi Vang Lakes are in Lac Duong District, 20 km north of Da Lat where a large group of ethnic minorities residing in the Lat Village in the area. As a result, a trip to Suoi Vang will reward you with not only enchanting mountain views and endless pine forests but also with unique ethnological tourism experience. Some spots worth checking out are Da Lat Golden Valley, Ankroet Waterfall, Suoi Vang Dam, and Cu Lan Village in the vicinity.

Tuyen Lam Lake

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Tuyen Lam Lake is the biggest and arguably the most stunning lake in Da Lat. Situating 7 km from Da Lat and covering a surface fo 320 ha, the lake is an ideal location for some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the city. You can take part in hiking, boating, or fishing at the lake to fully take in the picturesque landscape here.

Boat trip on Tuyen Lam Lake: VND 300,000/trip

Da Nhim Lake and Ngoan Muc Pass

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Ngoan Muc Pass lies on the National Road 27 connecting the 20-km long distance from Phan Rang to Da Lat. Standing on an altitude of 1,000m, the pass overlooks Da Nhim Lake and Da Nhim hydroelectric plant. The spectacular view from the pass over pine forests and deep valleys is the one-of-a-lifetime experience for motorbikers to Da Lat.

Da Lat Waterfalls

Read on for The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Da Lat here

Datanla Waterfall

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Not so far from the famous Prenn Pass, Datanla Waterfall is probably the most popular tourist spot in Da Lat thanks to its ideal location near the city center and the majestic scenery. The water falls from the height of 20m to the ground before disappearing through layers of marble rocks scattered in a small stream called Fairies Stream. You can choose to walk around the waterfall into the forests, take an electric cable car, or sign up for rope climbing at Tu Than Abyss. 

Ticket: VND 30,000

Electric cable car: from VND 50,000 - 150,000 (depending on the route)

Prenn Falls

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Prenn Falls lies at the foot of Prenn Pass - a 10 km long pass on the route between Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh City. As it is about 100 m off the road, the closer you approach the waterfall, the more you will notice a change in temperature and moisture caused by the mist of the water falling.

Ticket: VND 30,000/person

Dambri Waterfall

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Dambri Waterfall is the greatest in height and probably in reputation, but it is only for the adventurous. Dambri Waterfall in Bao Loc City is 60m tall, and you have to drive 18 km into the local road to finally arrive at the waterfall deep inside a wild forest. 

Ticket: VND 150,000/person

Pong Gua (Pongour) Waterfall

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Located in Duc Trong District, more than 45 km away from Da Lat City, in the mountain, Pong Gua Waterfall is 40 high and stretches more than 100 m. The water falls into a big lake creating a resounding noise that can be heard from far away.

Ticket: VND 10,000/person

Da Lat Pagodas and Cathedral

Linh Son Pagoda

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Linh Son pagoda was built in 1936 on a hill overlooking the center of Da Lat. In the middle of the altar, there is a 1,250 kg bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha cast in 1952. Other than that, the pagoda is also home to a 450 kg bell, a drum of 0,75m diameter, and a 3-story octagonal tower.

Linh Phong Pagoda

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Built in 1944, Linh Phong Pagoda is a humble Buddhist standing on a small mountain top. On the main altar are the bronze statues of Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Mahasthanaprata Bodhisattva.

Thien Vuong Co Sat Pagoda

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Thien Vuong Co Sat Pagoda is also locally regarded to as "Chua Tau" or "Chinese Pagoda" as it bears significant Chinese signature religious structure as well as embodying Chinese Buddhism values. In 1958, the Bronze Superior Tho Da, a Buddhist dignitary, erected the pagoda on a palm trees covered hill to follow Chinese Hue Nghiem Buddhism, and since then the pagoda has become an integral part of the locals' spiritual life.

Truc Lam Zen Monastery

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The Truc Lam Zen Monastery situates on an ideal location by the Tuyen Lam Lake and on a romantic road named Hydrangea Flower (Hoa Cam Tu Cau). The monastery was inaugurated in February 1994 as a part of the Zen Buddhism originated since the Tran Dynasty and firstly introduced in Yen Tu. The monastery goes beyond just a sacred temple where you can admire the incredibly beautiful flower garden and the intricate design, but it is also where monks and Buddhist practitioners come to practice mediation and learn about Buddhism.

Da Lat Cathedral

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When the French and European chose to reside or spend their holidays in Da Lat, the Da Lat Cathedral was built so they can join the masses. As a result, the structure takes after the Middle-Age European church design with many stained glass windows and a 47-meter-tall bell tower.

Mass schedule:

Monday - Saturday: 5:30 AM - 5:15 PM

Sunday: 5:30 AM, 7 AM, 4 PM

Da Lat Flower Park

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Covering an area of 7,000 m², the park is considered a natural museum that houses a big collection of more than 300 types of native and exotic flowers. The climate in Da Lat is conducive for the flowers here to blossom all year round and show off the most vibrant colors. You can easily spend a full day at this massive park enjoying the nature and taking countless pictures.

Opening time: 7:30 AM - 5 PM

Ticket: VND 40,000/adult; VND 20,000/child 

Valley of Love

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5km from the city center. During King Bao Dai's reign (the last king of the Nguyen dynasty), the valley was called Hoa Binh (Peace).  In addition to the romantic natural setting of the valley, there are other artificial artworks that complement the scenery perfectly, creating a lovely background for your couple pictures.

Ticket: VND 100,000/adult, VND 50,000/child 

Langbiang Mountain and Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park

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Langbiang Mountain reaches the height of 2,167 and you have 2 options to conquer the highest peak in Da Lat, either by hiking or renting a jeep car. Hiking is free and you can get to the summit in 3 hours. For the jeep ride, it costs VND 360,000 for a return ticket, but it only takes you to Rada Hill (1929 m high) where lots of tourists would stop by. Entrance ticket to VND 40,000/person.

From the Lang Biang top, you can observe the entire city of Da Lat

Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park is considered by scientists as one of the 221 endemic bird centers of the world and one of the 4 biodiversity centers of Vietnam. The national park owns nearly 750 fauna species, 1,900 flora species with more than 250 types of orchids. Coming to Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, you can take part in hiking, or learning about the cultures of ethnic groups, and discovering Thien Thai Waterfall.

Da Lat Palaces

Da Lat is home to an estimate of over 2000 ancient palaces as remnants of the French colonial era. Some roads where you can "hunt" these old buildings in Da Lat are Tran Hung Dao, Hoang Dieu, Tran Binh Trong, etc. Dinh 1 and Dinh 2 (Palace 1 and 2) on Tran Hung Dao and Khoi Nghia Bac Son Street used to belong to the French officials. The most prominent palace is the one of King Bao Dai (or Dinh No.3) (view map), which used to be the King's summer palace and home to the Ngo Dinh Nhu's family (members of the Ngo Dinh Diem's regime) for some periods of history. 

These palaces open daily from 7 AM - 5:30 PM

Ticket: VND 10,000 - 20,000/person

Lam Dong Museum

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With over 15,000 objects for display, the museum is a gateway to Lam Dong's history and culture with the following contents:

- Nature of Lam Dong
- History of Da Lat City
- Archaeological findings in Lam Dong
- Typical cultural characteristics of indigenous ethnics (Ma, Co Ho, Chu Ru)
- Lam Dong in the two resistance wars against foreign invaders
- Lam Dong people in the development and defense of the nation

Opening time: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Ticket: VND 10,000/person

Hang Nga Villa (Crazy House)

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The building earns itself the "Crazy" title thanks to the unconventional design by architect Dang Viet Nga. The house has 10 rooms, each is named after an animal or a type of plant. All rooms were built into an organic-looking structure that resembles an enormous tree unfurling itself. You can pay a visit to this bizarre attraction for a fee of VND 50,000/person, or better yet, spend a night here on your trip to Da Lat. 

See price and availability for staying at the Hang Nga Villa

Eating and Drinking on Your First Time in Da Lat:

- Vietnamese Coffee

- Banh Can Da Lat (Da Lat Mini Pancakes)

- Vietnamese Pizza (Banh Trang Nuong)

- Sua Dau Nanh (Soybean Milk)

- Banh Uot Ga (Steamed Rice Pancakes with Chicken)

- Nem Nuong Da Lat (Grilled Pork) 

Shopping in Da Lat:

Da Lat Night Market is where you can find locally made souvenirs and cheap products. L'angfarm and Dalat Hasfarm are famous Da Lat brands for local specialties such as fruits, tea, and flowers.

What to buy in Da Lat: dried fruit, tea, coffee, embroideries, and handmade artwork.

Festivals in Da Lat:

Da Lat Flower Festival happens in December of odd years. It is the culture-tourism event that every local and visitor to Da Lat look forward to. The festival aims to promote and honor Da Lat's flowers and its floriculture, so not only can you see thousands of flower breeds in the festival, but also join in the parades and enjoy colorful art performances.

New Rice Ceremony of the Ma and Co Ho People is celebrated around the time of the Lunar New Year to pray for good weather and prosperous crops. The traditional festival starts out with a ceremony led by a spiritual leader of the village to pray to the Gods, followed by a wine-splashing ceremony to wish for good luck. Finally, participants can rejoice together by drinking wine and singing and dancing to folk songs.

Worship of the Source Spirit is a festival of the Ma people to worship the spirits of the Sun, River, Mountain, and Fire

Worship of the Water Spirit happens on the 2nd lunar month and is the largest ceremony of the Chu Ru ethnic group. This ceremony represents the agricultural rituals for the Water Spirit, the rice paddies, and the new rice.

 

Tourism Division: 36 Tran Phu Street, Da Lat City

Post Office: 2 Le Dai Hanh Street, Da Lat City

Have questions or comments? Please feel free to leave us a comment below.