Things to Know When Traveling to Da Lat

• 04/12
• Nuly
• 02 Bình Luận

Da Lat is a fantastic destination atop a hill, 300 km from Saigon. It is easy to reach this mountain escape with a six-hour bus ride or a 50-minute flight from Saigon.

The altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level gives Da Lat cool and pleasant weather all year round. The city is covered by endless pine hills and the vibrant colors of countless flowers, which will enchant you on your first visit. The dense flower population has given Da Lat another name: "the city of a thousand flowers"

Morning in Da Lat

Not only does it have beautiful landscapes, but Da Lat also boasts Western-style ancient architectural works worth visiting. Some notable ones include the train station, university, churches, etc. 

Da Lat is a unique place with interesting "no's" such as no traffic lights, no traffic police at intersections, no cyclos, and no staying up late...

Best Time to Visit Da Lat

Surrounded by mountains and forest vegetation, Da Lat has a temperate mountain climate year-round. The coldest days in winter are no lower than 10°C, and the hottest days in summer are no higher than 31°C. 

With this unique weather, you can plan your trip to Da Lat at any time of the year because each season has its own charm.

Spring: Season of Trees and Flowers

From January to March, temperatures range from 20 to 28°C. During this time, the ground and plants here are covered with frost. These tiny ice crystals create incredible photos of the area. 

With moderate temperatures, clear skies, and light winds, it's a great time to go outside for a sightseeing trip. The city is lively with lush greenery and blooming flowers.

Admiring Spring Flowers in Da Lat

Everywhere in the city, from roadsides to hillsides, hundreds of flowers compete to bloom, lighting up the entire city. You will see the most pink because this is the cherry blossom season, a specialty flower of Da Lat.  

Besides cherry blossoms, this is also the blooming season for dandelions and the harvest season for artichokes. Da Lat artichoke tea is a must-try.

January is quite cold, so you should wear layers to keep warm and easily remove them if it gets hot.

Summer: Season of Fog and Purple

Summer in Da Lat starts from April and ends in June. Unlike the scorching heat in Saigon, Da Lat has a pleasant summer with romantic rains and fog across the valleys. During this time of the year, the average temperature is from 24 to 31°C.

At night, the entire city is covered with a light fog creating a nostalgic mood. Fog is a common weather condition in summer. Short rains are also expected in the afternoon and evening around May and June, but they are not heavy.

Da Lat Purple Phoenix Flowers

If you are heading out for a day trip, you should bring a raincoat or umbrella. You can easily buy them from street vendors in the city center. A disposable raincoat costs no more than 25,000 VND.

Summer is the season of colors, with various flowers covering every corner of the city. Lavender, Pampas grass, purple phoenix, hydrangeas, etc., stretch along the streets. This is also the season for delicious peaches and avocados. 

Cafes are another highlight of Da Lat. You can easily find beautiful cafes in the city center, on hillsides, or inside pine forests. It's relaxing to sit in a forest cafe, sip coffee, and listen to music on rainy days.

Autumn: Romantic Rainy Season

July to September is the off-peak season in Da Lat because it rains almost all day. Heavy and prolonged rains result from the southwest monsoon. Temperatures are also from 24 to 31°C like in summer, but you'll feel cooler due to the humidity.

Although the rains are not ideal for walking around, they bring a romantic feeling. It's wonderful to visit a cafe, sip some coffee, and watch the rain pouring down the window. Similar to summer, raincoats or umbrellas are must-have items if you go out sightseeing.

Cloud Hunting in Da Lat

Autumn is the season of beautiful buckwheat flowers. The white flowers cover Da Lat's gardens. You can also find some corners of Da Lat bright with the orange of persimmons and enjoy their sweet taste.

Winter: Season of Flowers on Hills

Da Lat's winter starts in October when the humidity gradually decreases. This month is still wet due to weakening southwest monsoon rains. 

From November, the northeast monsoon sweeps through the city, making the weather dry. The average temperature of this season is from 20 to 26°C. The cool, dry weather is ideal for traveling.

Hydrangea Garden in Da Lat

Winter is the season when Da Lat is vibrant with many flowers. Covering both sides of mountain roads are the yellow of wild sunflowers; if you paddle across Tuyen Lam lake, you will see the fiery red maple leaves. 

Cycling up the hill, you will see a vast pink region of pink grass and mountain heather. The white buckwheat flower hills are also great sightseeing and check-in spots.

How to Get to Da Lat?

By Plane

To save time, flying is the optimal choice. Da Lat has Lien Khuong Airport, 30 km south of the city center. You can take flights from Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar to reach this dream city. At the airport, you can take a taxi for about 250-300,000 VND to get to the city. Alternatively, you can choose an airport bus to Da Lat city for 40-50,000 VND, taking 45 minutes to reach.

Lien Khuong Airport in Da Lat

At the airport, you can take a taxi for about 250-300,000 VND to get to the city. Alternatively, you can choose an airport bus to Da Lat city for 40-50,000 VND, taking 45 minutes to reach.

By Bus

For those who want to save costs or enjoy the scenery on the way to Da Lat, taking a bus is a suitable option. It will take you 6 hours each way. You can depart from Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City, which are the main departure points.

By Motorbike

A motorbike is also a good option for young people who like to travel in an experimental style, backpacking, and saving costs. The travel time from Saigon to Da Lat by motorbike is about 9-10 hours.

Although it takes considerable time and effort, it will be an interesting experience to explore many beautiful scenes along the way.

How to Get Around Da Lat?

Da Lat has quite steep curves, so motorbikes are more suitable for traveling and exploring every corner of the city. Riding a motorbike also helps you be proactive in your journey, with a rental price of 100,000 VND per day.

Rental locations are right at the gate of Da Lat market, on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, or Bui Thi Xuan street. Most hotels in Da Lat have motorbike rental services, so you don't have to worry about this issue.

If you go with a large group, a taxi is a good choice, more suitable and time-saving.

Best Recreational Activities in Da Lat

Conquering Lang Biang Peak

Located 12 km from the city center, in Lac Duong town, Lang Biang is the highest peak among the three peaks in Da Lat. At 2,169 meters above sea level, Lang Biang offers a panoramic view of the highlands.   

For Western tourists, this mountain is the most attractive place to immerse in nature and trek through the forest. However, hiking to conquer Lang Biang peak can be a bit challenging. You may encounter winds while climbing the 4 km slope, but the trip is worth the challenge.

Conquer Lang Biang Peak

There's a path that leads you through forests, strawberry fields, vegetable greenhouses, and coffee plantations. The uphill trek takes 2-3 hours, depending on your fitness level.

The climb is quite strenuous and sweaty, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Comfortable shoes, raincoats, or overalls are necessary. The weather gets cooler and windier as you climb up.

An easier way to conquer the peak is to take one of the old Russian jeeps. Each jeep carries four passengers, so if you're not traveling with a group, you can share the ride with other tourists to save costs. 

At the summit, there's a coffee shop and craft store where you can rest and have more photo opportunities. You can get a panoramic view of Vietnam's highlights if it's not foggy.

Check-in at Da Lat Railway Station

The railway station is an attractive tourist spot containing many cultural values of Da Lat. Completed in 1938, the station became one of the finest colonial engineering feats in Vietnam. 

Da Lat station is a beautiful architectural work. It is a harmonious combination of French style and the stilt house style of the Central Highlands ethnic minorities.

Da Lat station

The station is no longer operational but only serves tourists on the route from the city to Trai Mat. Upon arriving at Trai Mat station, you can stroll around, visit the nearby local market, or Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

Admiring Flowers at Da Lat Flower Garden

Da Lat Flower Garden is located 2 km from the city center, north of Xuan Huong Lake. The flower garden is the origin of Da Lat's nickname "the city of a thousand flowers." Established in 1966, the garden now has over 300 different native and exotic flower species. 

Admiring Various Flowers at Da Lat Flower Garden

The gardens display beautiful plants worldwide. Right from the entrance, you're greeted by an arch of flowers made from hundreds of flower pots. Here you can see a giant cactus garden, fields of orchids, roses, mimosa, and hydrangeas. Throughout the park are intricately pruned trees.

In the middle of Da Lat Flower Garden is a calm lake where children can paddle swan boats. Climbing the flower-decorated steps, you will see a unique vantage point of the garden unfold before your eyes.

Visiting Famous Waterfalls

Pongour Waterfall: The largest waterfall in Da Lat, located in a remote area, 40 km from the city center. On April 13, 2000, Pongour waterfall was recognized as a national scenic site.  

This 7-layer waterfall is about 40 meters high and spans over 100 meters, surrounded by rich and diverse vegetation. Here you will feel the breath of Da Lat's mountains and forests.

Pongour Waterfall in Da Lat

In the lunar month of January, many festivals are held here, attracting thousands of people. Highlighted activities include gong performances, buffalo stabbing, rice cooking competitions, Thai dancing, and folk games. The spring atmosphere is also an occasion for young people to date each other.

Prenn Waterfall: Located at the foot of Prenn Pass, Prenn Waterfall is the gateway to Da Lat, 10 km from the city. The waterfall covers an area of 160 hectares, with 90% being pine forests and primitive trees.   

Prenn Waterfall

Many interesting activities you can participate in here. The best ones among them are riding elephants and ostriches. Imagine how exciting it is to cross streams, lakes, and pristine green forests on the back of a small elephant or ostrich. The animals are well-trained and very friendly to humans.

Other things to enjoy here are cable cars, suspension bridges, stilt houses, and tree houses. Folk music performances, games, and boating are also great to try.

On an eastern hillside of the waterfall, you see the Au Lac Temple complex worshiping the Hung Kings. The complex includes the Lower, Middle, and Upper temples. 

Waterfall Rappelling in Da Lat

The only way to conquer the temples is by climbing the stone steps from the lower to the upper temple. The path is not easy, but the stunning panoramic view of Da Lat's suburbs and Elephant Mountain makes it worth the effort.

Prenn Waterfall was recognized as a historical and cultural heritage site in 1998. On the 10th day of the third lunar month, the Hung Kings Commemoration Day and festival activities like Bac Ninh folk songs, Thai dances, and K'ho gong performances are held here.

Datanla Waterfall: Located at the foot of Da Lat pass, 5 km from Da Lat city center. The waterfall covers an area of 312 hectares amidst conservation forests.   

With 7 rock layers, the water cascades down in white foam layers. The water flows down to the foot of the waterfall, through moss-covered rocks, to a deep pit between two cliffs 40 meters high.

Datanla Waterfall in Da Lat

From the top of the waterfall, tourists can walk or take a roller coaster down to this area. Those who love adventurous activities can try cliff climbing, forest exploration, or waterfall conquering.

Along with Prenn Waterfall, Datanla was recognized as a historical and cultural heritage site in 1998.

Cam Ly Waterfall

Cam Ly is the central waterfall of Da Lat, 2 km from the city center. Cam Ly flows over a granite ridge only 10 meters high but remains very sturdy.   

Unlike other waterfalls far from the center, Cam Ly is located near a densely populated area. With just a few steps out of the city, people can leave the hustle and bustle behind and immerse themselves in the peaceful natural wonders.

Cam Ly Waterfall

The waterfall is linked with the surrounding pine hills, creating a beautiful natural landscape. Tourists can walk or ride horses to explore the waterfall and take beautiful photos.

Not only is it a cultural-historical heritage, but the poetic image of Cam Ly is also honored in poetry and associated with Da Lat's image.

Elephant Waterfall

Elephant Waterfall is located 25 km southwest of Da Lat, about 30 meters high and 15 meters wide. The waterfall is named after a giant rock resembling an elephant's head.   

The waterfall is very attractive as you can get close to its thunderous flow, which is exhilarating for all senses. However, it can be somewhat challenging. You need to descend a steep and slippery path of stone steps.

Elephant Waterfall

This path can be quite trodden and crowded, but it only takes a few minutes. The top right side of the waterfall provides an excellent spot for photo hunting.

Skimming through the water to the bottom of the waterfall, you will find a small cave inhabited by bats. Avoiding getting wet from the splashing water is part of the fun.

Explore Various Beautiful Lakes

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake and its crescent shape are essential scenes contributing to the unique romantic beauty of Da Lat. Its location in the city center and peaceful natural charm attract many tourists, especially at sunset and sunrise. 

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake stretches ~7 km through the City flower garden, Yersin park, and Cu hill. The lake is not only a place to relax after a long walk but also a spot to capture the natural beauty of Da Lat.

It’s a great experience to stroll around the lake in the picturesque scenery and cool climate in the early morning and late afternoon. You can also rent tandem bikes, paddle boats, or visit lakeside cafes for tranquil moments.

Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake, located 6 km south of Da Lat, covers 350 hectares of water. The lake offers fresh air, a serene atmosphere, and diverse natural landscapes. This eco-tourism area is a great place for sightseeing, camping, hiking, forest trekking, or boating. 

Tuyen Lam Lake

The road to Tuyen Lam Lake winds along the mountainside to Phoenix Summit. On the way, you will see the famous and beautiful Truc Lam Zen Monastery standing amidst the open nature. The tranquility of the mountains helps you escape daily worries and bring your soul back to peace.

Dankia - Suoi Vang Lake

Dankia - Suoi Vang Lake is known to tourists for its amazing scenery like a fairyland. With a peaceful atmosphere and a location ~15 km from the city center, it appears as an ideal picnic spot.  

The Suoi Vang area attracts tourists with the serene beauty of the water surface and vast vegetation. This area includes two lakes, Dankia and Ankroet, created by Ankroet dams spanning the Da Dung River. Dankia, with a capacity of ~20 million cubic meters of water, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Da Lat.

Dankia - Suoi Vang Lake

The road to Suoi Vang is a beautiful winding path running between two straight pine rows. Entering this area, visitors will see a peaceful valley with endless grassy meadows. The lush green pine forests stretch to the foot of Lang Biang mountain.

Next to the lake is a white waterfall called Ankroet, also known as the 7-tier waterfall. The wide waterfall is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying nature.

Than Tho Lake

Located 6 km northeast of the city center, we find a beautiful natural tourist spot named Than Tho Lake. The peaceful atmosphere, romantic landscape, and stunning scenery are highlights of the lake.  

Than Tho Lake lies along the winding road leading up the hill. Surrounding the lake are quiet pine forests with lush green meadows and brilliant flower clusters below. The lush green meadows are ideal for picnics or camping. The still water surface reflects the poetic surrounding scenery like a mirror.

Than Tho Lake

Besides the beautiful scenery, the recreational space inside Than Tho Lake is also attractive. Along the winding road, several horse-drawn carriages can be a fun means of transportation. Couples or children can rent paddle boats to enjoy the lake’s tranquility.

Don't Miss Love Valley

Love Valley is a picturesque valley of rolling hills with a dreamy lake at its center. Located 5 km from the city center, covering an area of 140 hectares, this spot is always a stopping point for locals and tourists visiting Da Lat.  

As the name suggests, Love Valley is a valley of romance and peace, the overall theme of the site. All over the site are statues and expressions of love, with the most impressive being the large golden statue of two hands exchanging rings.

Love Valley

Surrounding the central lake are vast pine hills. Couples or families with children can rent swan-shaped paddle boats for a peaceful time. A path with vibrant flower beds and gardens leads around the lake. The forest trail reaches Vong Canh Hill, where you can have a panoramic view of the valley.

With a large campus, the paths go up and down, so it requires energy and strength to explore the entire park by walking. You can choose more relaxing ways of moving like horse-drawn carriages or train-shaped vehicles.

Spend a Day at Cu Lan Village

Cu Lan is a peaceful village nestled in the forest at the foot of Lang Biang mountain, home to the K'Ho people. The village attracts tourists with its classic stilt houses, fresh air, and welcoming people. 

The name Cu Lan comes from a local tree that grows among the pine rows. Cu Lan is also the Vietnamese name for a slow loris living near the village.

Cu Lan Village

The village is in Lac Duong district, 20 km from Da Lat city center. Visitors can stroll along small winding roads around the small stilt houses. Even the hurried bamboo bridges lead you to fields of purple reeds that turn golden in the day. 

Exploring hillside paths by jeep is also an interesting experience. Other activities include kite flying, hiking, fishing, and gong performances.

In the middle of the village is a large lake where you can paddle to see the reflections of the houses and trees on the water. On holidays, this lake is used for boat racing events.

Take Photos at the Lonely Pine Tree

The Lonely Pine Tree is an ideal spot for those seeking something romantic, quiet, and peaceful. It's one of the most favorite natural attractions in Da Lat, offering perfect photo opportunities for visitors. It’s also great for camping and overnight picnics with friends and family. 

The Lonely Pine Tree in Da Lat

The destination features a large pine tree standing alone in an open field by Suoi Vang lake. Enjoying the fresh mountain air alone in the peaceful space will bring you a new and youthful energy.

Stay Overnight at Dream Hill

Dream Hill attracts tourists with its peaceful pine forests. The park has many places you can visit to admire the picturesque scenery of nature. Golden Waterfall cascades down a rocky stream from a height of 10 meters. An ancient Vietnamese house from 300 years ago. A bust statue of musician Trinh Cong Son found among the pine trees. 

Dream Hill in Da Lat

You can stay overnight in luxurious bungalows and dine at Happy Restaurant. Dream Hill also offers tent camping and campfire services. Traditional Central Highlands music performances are available daily from 3 to 10 PM upon visitor request.

Visit Bao Dai Palace

The Summer Palace (also known as Palace III) is the most famous of Bao Dai's three palaces in Da Lat. Built from 1933 to 1938, this was the residence and working place of the last Nguyen Dynasty king's family. 

The ground floor is the king's workspace; the upper floor is the living area for the royal family, including bedrooms, a library, an entertainment room, and a dining room.

A Room in Bao Dai Palace

Bao Dai Palace is now a museum displaying many valuable artifacts. A large white bust statue of King Bao Dai, family sculptures, and a glass map of Vietnam are well preserved in the palace. There is a studio where you can rent royal costumes and take photos with royal items and backgrounds.

Explore Tran Le Xuan Palace

Tran Le Xuan Palace includes three beautiful villas named Hong Ngoc, Lam Ngoc, and Bach Ngoc, and a lush Japanese garden on 13,000 m². The palace displays the formation and development of Da Lat. 

It also showcases complete information about Vietnam's sovereignty over the East Sea islands. With many important documents and information, the palace became the National Archives Center IV in 2008.

Explore Tran Le Xuan Palace

Surrounded by administrative areas, Tran Le Xuan Palace is somewhat hidden from tourists. Therefore, it’s relatively quiet compared to emerging tourist spots. The beauty and historical value of the villa are well worth a visit.

Each villa in the palace has its unique design and highlights. Bach Ngoc Villa has a modern hot water pool overlooking the misty city. Lam Ngoc Villa lies in the Japanese garden with a beautiful floral gate like European villas. It’s even equipped with a shelter and a private escape tunnel. Hong Ngoc offers a panoramic view of beautiful Da Lat city.

The most beautiful spot in this palace is likely the Japanese garden. The garden features a pond designed in the S-shaped map of Vietnam. The spacious garden and well-tended green lawns create a western countryside impression for any visitor.

Visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat

Inaugurated on March 19, 1994, Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat was voted among the top 10 tourist spots in Da Lat. The monastery attracts people with its picturesque scenery and tranquil space! It’s an ideal place for those seeking a bit of peace. 

Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat is located on the top of Phoenix Mountain, only about 5 km from the city center. Backed by the mountain, the monastery has a direct view of the dreamy Tuyen Lam lake.

Visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat

Surrounded by pine forests with pleasant cool air all year round. Within the campus is a bell tower with a panoramic view of the majestic Phoenix Mountain.

At Truc Lam, you immerse yourself in a peaceful setting, away from the hustle and bustle of life. That’s the Outer Institute, where visitors find themselves and peace of mind. 

To visit Truc Lam, visitors can use the cable car from Robin Hill to the top of Phoenix Mountain. When taking the cable car, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Da Lat's mountains and forests.

Stop at Da Lat Cathedral

Located on Tran Phu street, the cathedral is the largest church in Da Lat. Built over 11 years according to Pastor Celeste Nicolas' project, it is one of the most typical and ancient structures left by the French in Da Lat. 

Da Lat Cathedral

The official name of Da Lat Cathedral is Saint Nicholas Bari Cathedral. The church is also known as the Rooster Church because of the rooster standing on top of the main bell tower. The rooster is 0.66m long and 0.58m tall.

The church layout is in the shape of a cross, 65m long and 14m wide. With a height of 47m, from the bell tower, you can see every corner of the city. The main entrance of the church faces Lang Biang mountain.

Visit Lam Vien Square

Lam Vien Square by Xuan Huong lake, a famous tourist spot in Da Lat. The square is well-known for its two unique architectural works inspired by the artichoke bud and wild sunflower—two symbols of Da Lat city. Designed with striking glass, these structures attract young people to check in here. 

Lam Vien Square

Lam Vien Square is considered the heart of Da Lat, the highlight of the city of a thousand flowers. The entire square consists of four large blocks: theater, park, square, and commercial service area. The surrounding campus is decorated with many of Da Lat's prominent fresh flowers.

Admire Da Lat's Largest Flower Village

Just 3 km from the city center, Van Thanh Flower Village will overwhelm you with its spectacular scenery. The village's terraced fields are mostly set up on hills, but flowers still thrive very well. 

Admire Da Lat's Largest Flower Village

Van Thanh grows many kinds of flowers, but the most famous is roses, extremely diverse in color. The roses grown here are mostly grafted from wild rose branches, with new buds imported from other countries.

Besides flowers, Van Thanh village also has vegetable and fruit gardens such as pumpkin, tomato, eggplant, and strawberry gardens...

Relax at Me Linh Coffee Garden

Me Linh is a small plantation in the mountainous countryside near Da Lat. This place is famous for its Robusta and Moka coffee varieties, but the most special is pure civet coffee. 

Me Linh Coffee Garden is designed to be open, ensuring you get a full 360-degree view. Right below Me Linh Coffee Garden is a small coffee farm in front of Cam Ly dam lake. There's nothing better than enjoying a cup of authentic coffee in such a setting.

Mê Linh Coffee Garden

At the cafe, you can learn how to brew a cup of civet coffee. Choosing a cup of civet coffee without sugar or ice will help you fully appreciate the essence of this drink. Unlike regular bitterness, civet coffee has a distinctive, rich scent of musk.

Some Beautiful Cafes in the City

Thong Da Lat Cafe: Located at 90 Bui Thi Xuan, the cafe is inspired by Da Lat's nurseries. It is a place of inspiration, nurturing dreams for young people, and a meeting place for friends.

An Cafe: It has 5 separate areas, covering 200m2, and is a must-visit in Da Lat for nature lovers and those who want to experience Da Lat closely. The special thing about An Cafe is you can see vegetables in every corner of the cafe, from the small garden outside to the shelves and tables.

Noi Cafe: A cafe for fans of clean coffee. Here you can witness the process of brewing coffee from clean coffee beans. The air is always filled with the wonderful aroma of coffee, bringing an indescribable feeling.

Buy Da Lat Specialties as Gifts

Da Lat has many items you can bring as souvenirs. Da Lat wine is very popular. Various jams made from vegetables, fruits, and flowers here are often bought as gifts. Artichoke tea, oolong tea, and coffee are specialties that you and your family will love. You can buy them at Da Lat market, L'angfarm, or specialty stores.

Da Lat is a must-visit destination in Vietnam, where you can enjoy four seasons in one day at any time of the year. The fresh air and floral fragrance in the morning give you a sense of vitality. As the sun rises, enjoy the light and explore the mountain roads; you are in summer. 

Buy Da Lat Specialties as Gifts

Autumn arrives with the rain, a perfect time to sit in a cafe and watch the world go by. Late night with grilled sweet potatoes and a bit of hot soy milk is truly winter. This special Da Lat is waiting for you to come and explore yourself.

I hope V'Sunshine Travel's article brings useful information to you. Wishing you health and happiness, and I look forward to seeing you soon in Da Lat.