Dalat Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & More!

Planning a Last Minute Trip to Dalat?

Booking Hotels in Dalat: Find amazing hotels at Booking.com. Here are the top hotels you can book in Dalat.

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Mid-Range

Le Macaron Boutique Hotel

Mid-Range

The Orchid Villa Dalat

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Booking Tours in Dalat: Viator and GetYourGuide are the best platforms to find tours and excursions to join in Dalat. Here are the top-rated tours in Dalat that you can book right away to experience the best of the city.

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1. Dalat Street Food Tour (Excellent Value)

2. Canyoning in Dalat (#1 Best Seller)

3. Dalat Outskirts and Waterfalls Tour (Highly Rated)

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‍Departing from Ho Chi Minh City? The most convenient way to reach Dalat is by bus. Book your sleeper bus to Dalat here!

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13 Best Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam

Here is a list of the top things to do in Dalat. We’ve included both popular Dalat attractions and off-the-beaten path locations that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the hill city.

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1. Discover Tuyen Lam Lake

You cannot visit Da Lat without stopping by Tuyen Lam Lake!

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With an area of around 320 hectares, it's the largest freshwater lake in Dalat. The best way to discover it is by driving along its scenic roads and stopping at various viewpoints.

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Though the road doesn't entirely circle the lake, there are plenty of winding paths and pine tree-lined driveways to enjoy. Stop at one of the cafes and admire the peaceful and picturesque scenery of Dalat.

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Additionally, you can take a boat to discover more of Tuyen Lam Lake. The boat ride takes around 20 minutes and brings you to the opposite side of the lake, where roads don’t go. Buy a ticket at the boat station, and depending on the number of passengers, a boat trip costs around 13 USD.

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Tip: Want something more adventurous? Book this half-day stand-up paddle boarding tour to discover Tuyen Lam Lake.

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Read: Visit Ba Be Lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam

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2. Visit Dalat Market

The bustling market, located near Xuan Huong Lake, is one of the best places to visit in Dalat.

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In addition to the local activities, the morning market is bursting with color. From the vendors lining the streets selling beautiful flowers to rows of spices in buckets you can spot inside the market.

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We found Dalat market to be a great place to pick up souvenirs like coffee, tea, and dried snacks.

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At night, the market transforms into a vibrant hub of activities with street food stalls and products, such as clothing and handicrafts.

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Read: Visit Bac Ha Market | The Most Colorful Market in Vietnam 

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3. Go Coffee-Hopping in Dalat

There's no shortage of cafes in Dalat and there's no better way to enjoy the cooler temperature and the view with a cup of coffee!

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Whether you’re looking for something trendy or somewhere quiet, Dalat offers plenty of cafes with unique atmospheres and delicious beverages to choose from.

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One of our favorite places to grab a coffee in Dalat is at La Mappa Cafe & Bistro.

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You can even grab a fresh cup of coffee at one of the mobile coffee shops. Find them driving around busy areas such as Tuyen Lam Lake.

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Hop from one coffee shop to another or join a coffee tour. Dalat's vibrant coffee culture makes it the perfect destination for coffee lovers looking to explore new flavors and experiences.

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Read More: Best Coffee Shops in Dalat

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4. Taste Dalat’s Specialty Food

A must-try experience in Dalat is its cuisine. The city is well-known for its many food specialties and our personal favorites include corn rolls (ram bắp) and stuffed snails with pork (ốc nhồi thịt).

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To sample these delectable street foods, stroll around the night market or join a food tour that will take you to Dalat's hidden gems. Book the best Dalat street food tour here!

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Read More: 5 Must-Try Food Specialties in Dalat

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5. Visit a Strawberry Farm

Strawberries are one of the most famous specialties in Dalat, thanks to the perfect temperature for growing them. During the strawberry season (November to April), there are numerous farms to visit where you can pick or buy fresh strawberries.

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The most popular strawberry farms you can visit in Dalat are Nhật Strawberry Garden and Ichigo Strawberry Farm.

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Want to make the most of your Vietnam trip? Read our guide to everything you need to know before visiting Vietnam. It includes the best time to visit and many of our top tips you won't want to miss!

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6. Marvel at the Crazy House

The Crazy House is a well-known tourist destination in Dalat, recognized for its unusual and unique architecture. Designed by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga, the Crazy House resembles a giant tree with twisting branches.

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Visit Dalat's Crazy House for an unforgettable experience. The entrance fee is 80,000 VND (3 USD), and it opens daily from 8:30am to 6:00pm.

If you want to see more incredible architecture within the city, head to the Maze Bar. As the name suggests, the building is literally a maze and it's a fun challenge to get to the top. Find the exact location here.

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Read: Visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang

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7. Catch the Sunrise on Da Phu Hill

If you're looking for a place to watch the sunrise, then Da Phu Hill is the place to go. With its many viewpoints, some more accessible than others, you get to enjoy the view of the city and the green mountains covered in pine trees.

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In comparison to some of the viewpoints in Dalat, we found Da Phu Hill to be more peaceful and less visited.

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Most people head to the first viewpoint which is highlighted on Google Maps. The roads up the hill can get very steep and dangerous. So, if you arrive by motorbike, park at the bottom near the cemetery and hike to the top. It should take you about 10 to 15 minutes.

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For another viewpoint nearby that is easier to reach by motorbike, drive up the hill on this road. You need to be careful, because it’s still steep and rocky, although not as difficult as the road to the first viewpoint.

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Note: If you’re not an experienced driver, we don’t recommend riding up the hill at all, as it can get extremely dangerous.

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Once you get to the top of the hill, drive to this area to have a better view of the mountains. The path will be much easier, and if you go during the right season (November and December), you can find pink grass among the pine trees. Few people come to this area as it is harder to reach.

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Want to trek in Dalat? Join this guided hiking tour that takes you to the top of Lang Biang mountain.

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8. Go Canyoning

For adventure seekers, canyoning should be at the top of your things to do in Dalat. 

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This popular activity involves navigating through narrow canyons, rappelling down waterfalls, and cliff jumping. It's an exciting and unforgettable way to take in Dalat's natural beauty. 

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Here are the most highly-rated canyoning tours in Dalat.

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Looking for more adventures? Head to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and visit Tu Lan, one of the biggest caves systems in Vietnam!

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9. Visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda

One of the places you shouldn’t miss when in Dalat is the Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

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With its impressive architecture, you could easily spend an hour exploring the pagoda and its intricate designs. It features detailed mosaic art created from thousands of colorful pieces of glass, pottery bowls, and porcelain.

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We personally enjoyed discovering the beautiful tiled walls and ceilings, as well as the elaborate statues and the large Buddha made of flowers.

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Located about 10 kilometers from Dalat center, getting to the pagoda takes around 18 minutes by car. There is no entrance fee, and it is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

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Tip: As it can get really busy, try visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

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Read: Find the Best Pagodas in An Giang Province

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10. Go Cloud Hunting at these Viewpoints

If you've never heard of cloud hunting in Dalat before, then you're missing out!

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Dalat has plenty of viewpoints where you can gaze out at the fluffy white clouds drifting by, just within reach. This includes Do Co Hong Hill and Thien Phu Duc Hill, which are both known for their breathtaking views and sea of clouds. Aside from that, they're easily accessible.

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During our trip, we unfortunately missed out on seeing the sea of clouds because it was drizzling. So check the weather forecast before heading up the hill!

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Tip: Book this cloud hunting tour for a memorable experience and a hassle-free journey!

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Make sure you bundle up, as it can get quite cold in the early mornings while you wait for the sun to rise. Also, remember to bring some snacks and drinks to enjoy at the top.

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Read: Best Viewpoint to See the Clouds in Ha Giang

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11. Drive Around Suoi Vang Lake

Just like Tuyen Lam Lake, Oh Suoi Vang Lake has plenty of viewpoints you can enjoy. Drive around to discover the area and enjoy the pine trees and fresh air. There are several routes you can take to get closer to the lake for the best views and to join locals fishing on the shore.‍

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One place of interest is the Lonely Pine Tree close to the lake. As the name suggests, it’s the only big tree standing, surrounded by the lake and mountains.

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The area is beautiful to camp, but the road getting there is terrible. It is steep and has large potholes, making it difficult to ride a motorbike. You will need some help driving it up the hills, and you may get stuck.

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Read: 4-Day Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Itinerary

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12. Enjoy the Waterfalls in Dalat

There are a few waterfalls that you can visit in Dalat.

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The closest yet also the most touristic one is Datanla Waterfall, located around 6 kilometers from the center. It’s open daily from 7am to 5pm and has an entrance fee of about 2 USD per person. There are many activities to enjoy in the area, such as zip-lining and riding the longest alpine coaster in Asia.

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Another stunning waterfall you won’t want to miss is Pongour Waterfall. It's about 47 kilometers away and takes around an hour to drive.

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Tip: If you’re driving a motorbike, head out early to avoid the heat. Otherwise, take a car from Dalat for a more comfortable ride.

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For convenience, you can take a tour that will take you to most waterfalls close to Dalat and other tourist attractions along the way. Here are the most highly-rated waterfall tours in Dalat.

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13. Explore the Tea Plantation in Cau Dat

The tea plantation in Cau Dat is located around 22 kilometers away from Dalat center and it takes about 35 minutes to drive there.

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You can go around and explore the massive tea fields on your own, or book a guide from the plantation. Additionally, there’s a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, while overlooking the rolling tea fields. 

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Even though getting there is a bit of a drive, we enjoyed discovering the many viewpoints and observing tea pickers at work.

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Tip: Explore Cau Dat Tea Plantation with this sunrise tour and get to enjoy the view of a blanket of clouds glimmering in the morning sun.

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Read More: Harvesting Tea Leaves in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

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Best Time to Visit Dalat

Dalat has one of the most stable weather conditions in Vietnam, which makes it a good destination year round.

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But the best time to visit is during the dry season, which lasts from November to March. During these months, you can experience the best weather conditions and clear skies.

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It is also the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as trekking and canyoning, with warm temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night.

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Read: The Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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How to Get to Dalat

‍Plane: The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Dalat from anywhere in Vietnam is by plane. The Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is about 33 kilometers from Dalat City center and takes about 45 minutes to drive. Book your flight ticket to Dalat.

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There are plenty of taxis and Grab cars waiting at the arrival gate, but for a hassle free arrival, book your car transfer here and get to Dalat City Center in no time.

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Sleeper Bus: This is the cheapest way to reach Dalat from the nearby cities, such as Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on the company and the type of bus you book, a ticket costs around 15 USD. Book for your bus ticket to Dalat in advance.

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Tip: Reserve a sleeper bus that has no more than 24 compartment beds. These are newer buses that are spacious and have more comfortable seats.

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Where to Stay in Dalat

Dalat offers plenty of choices to stay at, from homestays and hotels to private villas.

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If you want to be in the center, close to restaurants and main Dalat attractions, stay in the area around the night market. 

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If you’re looking for somewhere quiet with mountain views, find accommodation around Le Van Tam street. There are lots of cafes nearby where you can enjoy the view. Find all accommodation in Dalat here!

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Mid-Range

Le Macaron Boutique Hotel

High-End

Zen Valley Dalat

How to Get Around Dalat

There is so much to see in Dalat, and the best way to get around is to rent a motorbike. This will give you flexibility, and it is best for covering longer distances.

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The majority of the roads in Dalat are paved. However, you will need to be careful while driving on some of the oddly angled and steep streets.

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Tip: If you decide to ride a motorbike, make sure you have travel insurance in case of an emergency. Get one now with Heymondo and get 5% off for being our reader!

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Read: Vietnam Transportation Guide

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How Long to Spend in Dalat?

To experience most of the best things to do in Dalat, we recommend staying at least 2 full days. But it's even better if you visit for three days. This way, you'll have some down time to enjoy the scenery rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.

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Dedicate the first day driving around on your own to the places close to the center. While you can utilize your second day to join a tour that will take you to further attractions in Dalat, such as the tea plantations or waterfalls.

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Visiting Vietnam for the first time? Find out if you need to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam in our quick guide to the visa requirements.

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Is Dalat Worth Visiting?

If you have enough time in Vietnam, we recommend visiting Dalat.

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The hill city has plenty to offer, from nature and relaxation to countless adventures. Additionally, it is a great place to break your itinerary from the beach and big cities in the south.

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Dalat is primarily visited by local tourists seeking to escape the heat. So, rest assured that the city is well-equipped for tourists with a variety of activities, cozy homestays, and restaurants.

And that’s the 13 best things to do in Dalat, Vietnam!

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Dalat is an amazing destination, whether you are spending a week or just the weekend. We hope you experience most of what Dalat City has to offer with ths comprehensive guide.

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If you haven't finalized your Vietnam itinerary yet, we have comprehensive guides that will help you explore other popular destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An.

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If we missed out on anything, let us know in the comments below.