Dalat is undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s standout destinations, especially for thrill-seekers. Unlike anywhere else in the country, Dalat offers a refreshing spring-like climate rather than tropical heat. Its streets are lined with charming French-colonial villas instead of stark socialist buildings, and the surrounding countryside is filled with strawberry fields and vibrant flower farms rather than rice paddies.
Top reasons to visit Dalat
- Boost your adrenaline with mountain biking, white-water rafting, canyoning, or a thrilling climbing adventure in the rugged hills surrounding Dalat.
- Hop on a motorbike and set out to explore the area’s stunning waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and lush forests.
- Early in the morning, the gibbons set out to track down and search for crocodiles in Cat Tien National Park.
- Visit the local farms and plantations.
- Savor authentic local cuisine crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
What’s included in this Dalat travel guide?
Practical information
Recommended days to stay
If you’re an adventure lover, spending about three days in Dalat is ideal. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities, explore the scenic routes, and visit the region’s stunning waterfalls, forests, and lakes.
ATM’s & money exchange
Dalat is a relative big town with enough ATM’s.
Local events and holidays
The Dalat Flower Festival is a vibrant cultural event held every two years between late December and early January. Its purpose is to showcase an impressive variety of flowers, vegetables, and ornamental plants from both the local area and regions across Vietnam.
Best time to visit
- Spring (January-March) – Season of trees and flowers; between 20 and 28 degrees
- Summer (April – June) – Season of fog and warm weather; between 24 and 31 degrees
- Autumn (July – September) – Season of rain; between 24 and 31
- Winter (October to December) – Season of flowers on the hills; between 20 and 26 degrees
10 best things to do in Dalat
Dalat is a cool mountain town that’s perfect for anyone looking to escape the heat and hustle of Vietnam’s big cities. People flock here to relax and soak up the natural beauty—think sparkling lakes, green forests, rolling hills, and colorful plantations. But don’t be fooled—Dalat isn’t just about chilling. Adventure lovers will find plenty to get their hearts racing, making it one of Vietnam’s most exciting destinations. Here are the 10 best things to do you absolutely can’t miss in Dalat.
1. Canyoning in Dalat
Canyoning in Dalat is undeniably one of the ultimate experiences for adventure seekers. It stands out as a must-do activity in Vietnam. During a canyoning adventure, you’ll abseil down waterfalls, leap from cliffs into rivers, glide across ziplines over the water, float along scenic rivers, and slide down natural water slides—offering an adrenaline-filled journey you won’t forget.
2. Mountain biking
Dalat is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering thrilling single-track trails, challenging technical descents, and rewarding climbs. At the summit, riders are greeted with stunning panoramic views of lush fields, dense forests, and majestic mountains. Exploring Dalat by mountain bike is not only exhilarating but also one of the best ways to experience the region’s natural beauty.
3. Trekking
Relaxed walks or adventurous treks through nature and along forest paths are another way to discover the beauty of this area. It is full of many natural sights in Dalat where you can find interesting animals and birds. Some tours can lead you to caves, waterfalls, lakes, volcanic peaks, minority villages, suspension bridges and farmland. The best known treks are to the top of Lang Biang Mountain and treks through the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.
4. Explore waterfalls
Dalat is home to a variety of stunning waterfalls, each with its own charm. Some are conveniently close to the city, making them easy to explore, while others require a longer drive for a more adventurous outing. The most famous among them is Datanla Waterfall, which offers not only the cascading beauty of the falls but also a mountain toboggan ride, a cable car, and the popular canyoning experience.
Pongour Waterfall stands out as one of the most picturesque, with water tumbling gracefully down multiple tiers. Surrounded by lush forests, it exudes a truly magical atmosphere.
Elephant Waterfall is another remarkable site, located slightly closer to the city. The trail leading to it can be a bit challenging, but the spectacular view makes the effort worthwhile.
Other notable waterfalls in and around Dalat include Bao Dai, Prenn, and Tiger Waterfalls, each offering its own unique scenery and charm.
5. Easy Rider Tour
Want to explore Dalat’s lush forests, sparkling lakes, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant plantations—but prefer not to drive a motorcycle or sit in a car? Dalat Easy Riders are the perfect solution! These skilled guides take travelers not only to the city’s famous attractions but also to hidden gems that only locals know, offering a more authentic experience. While Easy Riders can now be found across Vietnam, Dalat remains their original home—making it the ideal place to enjoy an Easy Rider adventure.
These motorcycle guides navigate the city, and you can either hire them on the spot or book in advance. Many carry a notebook with reviews and suggested routes, but you’re also welcome to share your own preferences. You can take a day trip to waterfalls, plantations, and forests, or embark on a multi-day “easy rider” tour—choosing to explore the Central Highlands or cruise along the coast on one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads.
6. Coffee shops
Vietnam ranks as the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, just behind Brazil, with most of its beans coming from the Central Highlands, including the picturesque city of Dalat. There’s hardly a better place to savor a cup of coffee than in this region.
Coffee in Vietnam goes beyond the drink itself—it’s an entire culture, and Dalat is at its heart. Here, coffee shops are not just places to sip a beverage; they’re destinations in their own right. Many feature unique décor, creative themes, or stunning locations. Some perch atop mountains, offering breathtaking views of lush forests, while others are tucked into glowing greenhouses or by serene lakes, providing a magical atmosphere. Even coffee shops in less scenic spots make up for it with imaginative themes, from Harry Potter-inspired interiors to fairy tale or jungle motifs, making each visit a memorable experience.
7. Coffee and tea plantations
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee exporters and many of the highlands around Dalat are used for plantations. The central highlands of Vietnam offer the ideal climate for growing tea and coffee.
When you drive through the Dalat region you will pass large plantations of both coffee and tea and depending on the season there will be countless tarps on the road where coffee beans dry in the sun.
8. Dalat night market
The top nighttime activity in Dalat is exploring the Dalat Night Market. On weekends, the central market comes alive with a bustling crowd, as thousands of visitors shop, chat, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere—a stark contrast to the city’s normally calm pace. Even on weekdays, the streets are filled with enticing aromas from a variety of street food vendors, making every evening a sensory delight.
9. Tuyen Lam lake
Tuyen Lam Lake, often referred to as Paradise Lake, is one of the most stunning spots in the Dalat area. Nestled amidst lush pine forests, it offers a serene and picturesque landscape. Visitors can not only soak in the romantic scenery but also enjoy activities such as horse riding, hiking, fishing, and kayaking. A trip to the lake can be conveniently combined with a cable car ride to the nearby Truc Lam Pagoda, making for a perfect day of sightseeing and relaxation.
10. Cloud hunting in Da Lat
Waking up early in Da Lat is a magical experience, especially when you go cloud hunting. As the sun rises over the pine-covered hills, a sea of clouds slowly drifts through the valleys, creating a dreamlike landscape. The cool morning air, the soft mist, and the gentle sunlight make it feel like you are walking among the clouds. Popular spots like Langbiang Mountain, Prenn Pass, or the hills around Tuyen Lam Lake offer breathtaking views where you can capture unforgettable photos and enjoy a peaceful connection with nature. Cloud hunting in Da Lat is not just sightseeing—it’s a moment to relax, reflect, and feel the serene beauty of the highlands.
Best hotels & hostels in Dalat
Where to stay
Staying in the center – Just a stone’s throw from Dalat Night Market, this vibrant area is ideal for shopping, savoring local delicacies, and unwinding at your own pace. With taxis, motorcycles, and bicycles readily available, exploring is a breeze. Don’t miss the scenic gems nearby, from the serene waters of Xuan Huong Lake to the colorful blooms of Dalat’s renowned flower gardens
Hotels outside the city of Dalat – Staying a bit farther from the city center comes with its own set of perks: tranquility, fewer tourists, and more affordable prices. While reaching the market or other city attractions may take a little longer, you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and a quieter, more private space to unwind.
Best hotels & hostels in Dalat
Budget hotels & hostels
- The Lake House
- Gaia hostel
- Magnolia
- Cozy Nook Hostel
- Mr.Peace Backpacker’s House
Mid range hotel
- La Vie En Rose Villa
- Tasme Hotel
- Boutique Stop and Go
- Tulip Hotel
- Iris Dalat Hotel
- Sam Tuyền Lâm Resort
High end hotel & resort
- Zen Valley Dalat Resort
- Swiss Belresort Tuyen Lam
- Terracotta Hotel and Resort Dalat
Food & drinking
Restaurants
Dalat offers a diverse culinary scene to cater to all types of visitors, featuring everything from traditional local dishes to specialties from Central and Southern Vietnam. The city also boasts a wide array of Western and French-inspired restaurants, cafes, and bars. Known for its high-quality fresh produce, Dalat is also home to some of the finest coffee in Vietnam.
Restaurants
1. Artist Alley Restaurant
2. Le Chalet Dalat
3. Goc Ha Thanh Restaurant
4. Da Quy Restaurant
5. Chu Quan Bbq Grill
Cafe / coffee shop
1. An cafe
2. Me Linh Coffee Garden
3. Wednesday’s Violet book cafe
4. Ma Rung Lu Quan (Ma Rung Inn)
5. Panorama Cafe Dalat
6. Cafe Nông Trại Vui Vẻ
Nightlife
Dalat’s nightlife is relatively tranquil compared to other Vietnamese cities, as the city is famed for its calm and relaxing atmosphere. Nevertheless, a few excellent bars and pubs stay open late, offering options for those who want to enjoy the evening:
- Dalat Night Market
- Maze bar
- The Escape Bar
- Beepub Hostel & Bar
- Rain Nightclub
- V Club Da Lat
How to get there
Flights to Dalat
There are regular flights with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar, including a daily service to Danang (1¼ hour),four daily to Hanoi (1¾ hour) and HCMC (45 minutes), and twice a week to Can Tho(1¼ hour)).
Busses to Dalat
Dalat is an important bus stop for open bus tickets. The Sinh Tourist has daily buses to Mui Ne, Nha Trang and HCMC.
Dalat’s long-distance bus station is 1.5 km south of Xuan Huong Lake and is dominated by Phuong Trang buses that offer free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs and buses to all major regional destinations.
How to get around
Motorbike: The bets way to get around is by motorbike/scooter. Rent is 150,000d to 200,000d per day. It is understandable if you don’t want to drive around yourself, as the roads in Vietnam as not very safe. In this case we highly recommend doing a Easy Rider tour.
Car: Alternatively you can travel by comfortable car. Daily rental (with driver) starts at around $ 50.
Taxi: For within the city you can use taxis. Uses Mai Linh for reliable service.
Itinerary 2 days in Dalat
Day 1
- Visit the Datanla waterfall. Take the roller coaster down.
- Take the cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda.
- Kayak over Tuyem Lam Lake.
- Visit Crazy House Dalat.
- Walk across Dalat Night Market
Day 2
- Do the best thing to do in Dalat: canyoning!
- If you don’t want that, choose something else adventurous, such as trekking, mountain biking or rafting.
- Then relax by the Xuan Huong lake.
- Enjoy a drink at Maze bar.
More tips for traveling in Dalat
Where to go next?
From the city, you can easily reach coastal destinations such as Nha Trang if heading north, or Mui Ne if traveling south, by bus or car. Buses and flights are also available to Ho Chi Minh City. While it is possible to travel directly to Hoi An or Da Nang by bus, these long trips are generally not recommended. Alternatively, flights from Dalat to Da Nang offer a quicker option. You can also extend your journey through the Central Highlands, exploring destinations like Dak Lak, Kon Tum, and Pleiku.
Dalat, Vietnam, with its endless wonders and unique sights, invites you to a truly unforgettable adventure. Prepare your bags and set off on a journey you’ll remember forever!
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