The Ultimate Guide to Da Lat Vietnam: Absolute Best Attractions

Welcome to Da Lat, Vietnam, the mountain city that serves as the capital of Lâm Đồng Province and the largest city of the Central Highlands region in Vietnam. The city sits 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level on the Langbian Plateau.

This is a scenic river view near the Cam Ly waterfall in Da Lat, Vietnam — *Scenic river view in Da Lat Vietnam*

Da Lat is known for its temperate weather, which is a big contrast to Vietnam’s otherwise tropical climate. Many tourists even flock to Da Lat to escape the heat of Vietnam’s other destinations, and Da Lat is often called the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its misty valleys and year-round cool weather.

This makes it a great base for exploring the surrounding Central Highlands region, and it also has a variety of sights and activities. Join us as we discover Da Lat and all that it has to offer!

History and Formation of Da Lat

Da Lat was founded by Alexandre Yersin, a Swiss man with French nationality, in 1893. The city was previously desolate, but Dr. Yersin, a bacteriologist, began working on the transformation of the city.

Originally home to the Lat people, the area was settled by French colonists in the late 19th century, who created a hill station because of the city's climate and scenery. Dr. Yersin played a significant role in this transformation.

This is a view of Da Lat City in Vietnam — *Tuong Lam Photos, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons*

The French built European-style villas and introduced agriculture, which laid the groundwork for it to become an agricultural hub. During WWII, Da Lat was left untouched, but in the 1960s and 1970s, it became a major military base during the Vietnam War. Da Lat played a significant role in Vietnam’s history, particularly during the South Vietnamese era.

After the Vietnam War in 1975, Da Lat became a tourist destination famous for its flower markets and agricultural products, especially strawberries and artichokes. Today it’s a city of Vietnamese and European influences, rich culture and education, natural beauty, and history.

Top Attractions in Da Lat

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing. This beautiful lake is conveniently located in the city center, but it actually has a countryside feel, being surrounded by pine trees and offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake or rent a bike to explore the area. Boating is also a very popular activity at Xuan Huong Lake, and you can often see many boats out on the lake. These are available lakeside at cheap hourly rates and are well worth renting to explore Xuan Huong Lake.

This is an evening view of Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat City, Vietnam — *Evening view of Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat City, Vietnam*

If boating isn't your thing, the lake also provides a great environment for picnics, walking, or jogging. You can also find many locals sitting on the grass and having a picnic in the evening. The lake is at its busiest during the evening and morning, as the weather is usually cooler during these hours. Overall, Xuan Huong Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Da Lat.

Bao Dai Summer Palace

The Bao Dai Summer Palace is a significant historical site that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, showcasing original furnishings and royal artifacts. Built in the 1930s, this beautiful palace was the summer residence of Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam.

Situated among gardens and pine trees, the palace is a mix of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture with beautifully decorated rooms, old furniture, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can visit the different halls and rooms; each one reflects the royal life and history of the time.

The interior of Bao Dai Summer Palace in Da Lat, Vietnam — *nerdcoregirl, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons*

The palace is not only a cultural landmark but also a window into Vietnam’s colonial era. Today it’s a popular tourist attraction, and I highly recommend you visit and step back in time to experience the royal heritage of Đà Lạt.

Crazy House

Crazy House is a unique hotel designed by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga. The hotel features a range of bizarre and fantastical rooms, including a tiger room and an eagle room. Visitors can take a tour of the hotel and learn about its history and design.

Some visitors even choose to stay at the Crazy House, which is also a great option as it is inexpensive and provides a very unique experience, plus the hotel also offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar.

This also means you do not need to buy tickets to see the Crazy House as you are already staying there, and it saves time from going to see the Crazy House. It is located reasonably well near the city center of Da Lat, so it's a good option for those looking to stay in one of the most unique hotels in Vietnam.

Either way, if you decide to stay at Crazy House or not, it remains a must-see attraction in Da Lat and a great place to take some quirky photos.

Cho Da Lat: Shopping in Da Lat

Da Lat is home to a range of local markets, including the Da Lat Market and night market. Cho Da Lat is the name for the unique market that takes place during the day. It is a one-of-a kind destination, a city center market that even rivals the markets in Ho Chi Minh City. This unique shopping destination is jam packed with clothes, souvenirs, street food, fresh produce, local crafts, and flowers.

This is Cho Da Lat, a main market building in the city of Da Lat, Vietnam — *Cho Da Lat is one of the main markets in Da Lat City*

Cho Da Lat is so gigantic that it takes up a large portion of the city center and has both an indoor and outdoor area. You can find pretty much anything you want to buy at this market and at very cheap prices. This market is open during the day and has many indoor clothing markets and fruit and vegetable stalls located on the streets outside the market.

This is a fruit vendor selling fruit on the street in Da Lat market — *Fruit stall at Da Lat market*

The Da Lat Night Market is the liveliest part of the city center, it sells much of what the day markets sell but is aimed more towards tourists. Here you can find a lot of souvenirs and local produce; many stores sell dried fruit and other local goods from nearby farms, which is great if you want to get to know the local flavors.

Market vendors in the famous Da Lat Night Market in Vietnam — *Da Lat Night Market*

Depending on what you are looking for, you might want to visit both the night and day markets. However, if you're just looking for general shopping and a great atmosphere, then I recommend visiting at night when the night market is bustling and full of life.

In addition to the central markets, Da Lat boasts a number of specialty stores that sell local products such as coffee, wine, and handicrafts. The city’s nascent wine-making industry is particularly noteworthy, with several local wineries offering tastings and tours.

For those seeking a more upscale shopping experience, Da Lat also has a great range of boutiques and fashion stores that feature high-end clothing and accessories.

Datanla Alpine Coaster

Datanla Alpine Coaster is a popular theme park in Da Lat. This theme park features rides and attractions, including a rollercoaster and a water park.

Visitors can also take a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Datanla Alpine Coaster is a great place to visit for both families and thrill-seekers.

The park also offers a range of amenities, including restaurants and souvenir shops, and best of all, it is located within a short walk of the Datanla Waterfalls, another top attraction in Da Lat.

Da Lat Flower Garden

Da Lat Flower Garden, nestled in the picturesque highlands of Vietnam, is a vibrant oasis brimming with color and fragrance. This enchanting garden spans over 7000 square meters and is home to a stunning array of flowers, from delicate roses and vivid orchids to cheerful daisies and exotic blooms.

Lakes, ornamental statues, and fun remodels of architecture are all spread throughout the park, providing plenty of cool photo opportunities. In fact, the Da Lat Flower Garden brings in so many tourists for this exact reason. It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos, as the environment is uncrowded and carefully preserved.

This is a lake view in the Da Lat Flower Garden — *View of a lake in the Da Lat Flower Garden*

Visitors can stroll along winding paths, marvel at meticulously arranged flower beds, and take in the serene atmosphere that the idyllic gardens offer. With the backdrop of rolling hills and cool mountain air, the Da Lat Flower Garden is the perfect escape into nature, making it a beloved destination for visitors and tourists alike.

Clay Tunnel

The Clay Tunnel is a sculpture park where the models have all been handcrafted from clay, a highly impressive achievement when you consider the size of this park. Sculptures of every kind reside here; ranging from animals to miniature houses and railways, the Clay Tunnel has a bit of everything.

This tunnel complex is full of sculptures and structures made entirely from clay, showing scenes of rural life, folklore, and the natural beauty of the Central Highlands. You can walk along the winding paths of the Clay Tunnel and admire the creativity and skill of the local people’s stories. This place is perfect for families and art lovers.

This is a clay tunnel sculpture of a traditional church — *Clay tunnel sculpture of a traditional church*

Although there are many parks like this around Vietnam, these sculptures being made of clay is what makes this place so impressive, and considering the scale of the park, there are so many small landmarks and intricate details in the Clay Tunnel. I believe the Clay Tunnel is a special must-see sight in Da Lat.

Lam Vien Square

Lam Vien Square is a lively city square that is particularly bustling in the evening. It overlooks the Xuan Huong Lake. The square is located in the middle of the city and features a unique design with the big "Da Lat Flower" and "Golden Buddha" sculptures, which represent the city’s flower and spiritual soul.

Surrounded by gardens, cafes, and shops, Lâm Viên Square is a meeting point for locals and tourists where many events and festivals take place throughout the year. The beautiful scenery with Đà Lạt’s hills in the background makes it a great spot for photography and walking. Whether you enjoy a coffee while taking in the view or join in the local festivities, Lâm Viên Square is a must-visit that captures the essence of Đà Lạt.

Rung Thong Mo Farm and Bistro in Pine Forests

If your looking for a romantic setting to enjoy a freshly cooked meal made with local ingredients in the wilderness, then Rung Thong Mo Farm Bistro is the place to go. This unique farm-to-table establishment is one of a kind, as they allow you to fully explore the farm area, which is located within the beautiful pine forests of Da Lat.

*The farming area of Rung Thong Mo Farm and Bistro in Da Lat*

Visitors can walk around the farm free of charge and explore this beautiful land. All ingredients that are used in the bistro are on display at the farm. This means visitors can see the food grown at the farm, which will be cooked for them in the bistro. It's a nice concept as it means the food is freshly picked and cooked all within the same place. The setting of this farm is magical, and it's worth going just to experience the rich Da Lat forests.

Although you don't have to eat at the bistro, I highly recommend it, as the food is delicious and reasonably priced. The Rung Thong Mo Farm and Bistro is a must for foodies visiting Da Lat, Vietnam.

Activities and Things to Do in Da Lat's Eternal Spring

Trekking and Hiking

Da Lat is a great base for trekking and hiking in the surrounding Central Highlands region of Central Vietnam. Visitors can take a guided trek to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy stunning views of the mountains.

Popular trekking spots include Lang Biang Mountain and the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. These will require taking day trips or guided tours from Da Lat, but they are not too far from the city center, so it is possible to visit within a day.

For some easier, more accessible options, visitors can also take a leisurely hike around Xuan Huong Lake or explore some of the surrounding pine forests.

Tuyen Lam Lake

Another must-visit natural attraction in Da Lat is Tuyen Lam Lake, known for its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Tuyen Lame Lake is located within a 20-minute drive of Da Lat city center and can be easily reached by taxi or motorcycle.

Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, fishing, kayaking, or boating. The lakes beautiful nature and a good range of hiking trails mean the area is perfect for experiencing the nature in Da Lat.

Da Lat Waterfalls

Datanla Waterfall

Datanla waterfall is a popular waterfall located near the city center area of Da Lat. The waterfall is also known for the Datanla Alpine Coaster. It's easily accessible and doesn't require too much trekking or walking to get there. However, this waterfall is designed as a tourist attraction, and some might find this place to be a bit commercial.

I personally really enjoyed Datanla and thought it was a great place to view a gigantic waterfall while being easy to reach. It provides a nice enjoyable experience; even though you can't swim here and activities are limited, the waterfall itself is beautiful and is a joy to watch.

Cam Ly Waterfall

Cam Ly waterfall is another waterfall located near the city center area. This one is popular, but really the waterfall aspect of it is slightly lacking as it doesn't provide the same cascade that Datanla has.

Cam Ly is a waterfall, and it's a nice place to walk around, but it's connected to the city river, meaning it has residential houses nearby, which makes it feel more like a part of Da Lat city rather than a natural attraction. I do still recommend visiting if you have the time, as it provides a nice, peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the nature.

Pongour Waterfall

Pongour waterfall is a rural waterfall that offers a more serene experience within the beautiful nature of Vietnam. It's the most difficult to reach out of these Da Lat waterfalls, and visitors will either need a day tour or some planning to get to Pongour.

This waterfall is the most rewarding though, as it is set within the beautiful rocks of a giant cascading waterfall. Nature lovers flock to Pongour Waterfalls to enjoy the scenery and peacefulness of the countryside, and I highly recommend it if you have the time to visit.

Getting to Da Lat

Da Lat is located in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, approximately 300 km north of Ho Chi Minh City in South Vietnam. Visitors can take a domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi straight to Da Lat.

Street Market view outside Cho Da Lat, the famous city center market — *View of the market in the street of Da Lat*

The city is also accessible by bus or car, with several bus companies offering daily services from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The bus from Nha Trang to Da Lat is 4 hours and provides one of the easiest ways of getting to Da Lat. So, if you're already visiting Nha Trang or Da Lat, it could be a good opportunity to bundle these two places and visit them within one trip.

It is also possible to go from Da Nang to Da Lat, but the journey is a lot longer. The journey time by bus from Da Nang to Da Lat is around 11 hours, so I recommend taking a flight if you're traveling from Da Nang or Hanoi.

Accommodation in Da Lat

Da Lat offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Popular areas to stay include the city center and the surrounding countryside. If you would like to experience the attractions mentioned in this post, then the city center would be the best base. However, if you are looking to visit the countryside and stay closer to nature, then the countryside would be a better option.

Booking.com

There are very cheap options, such as hostels and guesthouses, or more luxury options, like large hotels with modern amenities. The prices in Da Lat are very reasonable, and it's possible to find a great place to stay for under 20 USD per night, with luxury options costing around 50 USD per night. Visitors can also book a homestay to experience the local culture and hospitality.

Conclusion

Da Lat is a must-visit destination in Vietnam, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors. The city is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and year-round cool weather.

The city is a popular destination for honeymooners and romantic getaways and is also a great base for exploring the surrounding Central Highlands region. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Da Lat, Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain city.