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Da Lat is a wonderful hilltop destination which is 300 kilometers from Saigon. It's easy to get to this hilly escape with a six-hour bus or 50-minute flight trip from Saigon.
The height of 1,500 m above sea level gives Da Lat cool and pleasant weather all year round. The city is covered by vast pine hills and varied colors of flowers, which will make you fall in love for the first time. The flower density has given Da Lat another name: "city of a thousand flowers".
Not only beautiful landscapes, but Da Lat also features ancient and western buildings worth a visit. Some can be mentioned are train station, university, churches, etc.
Da Lat is a special place with some interesting "no" such as no traffic light, no police standing at traffic junctions, no pedicab, no staying up late...
Morning in Da Lat
Surrounded by mountains and forest flora, Da Lat has a year-round temperate mountainous climate. The coldest day in the winter is not lower than 10 degrees Celsius and the hottest day in the summer is not higher than 31 degrees.
With this particular weather, you can plan a trip to Da Lat at every time of the year because each season has its beauty.
From January to March, the temperature fluctuates between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. During this time, the ground and plants here are covered with hoarfrost. These tiny ice crystals make for incredible photos of this area.
Together with the moderate temperature, the sky is quite clear and the wind speed is slow. This is a great time to go out on a sightseeing trip. The city is lively with many lush trees and blooming flowers.
In every corner of the city, from the roadsides to around the hillsides, hundreds of flowers spray their colors that light up the whole city. You will see pink color the most because this is the blooming season of cherry blossoms, a special flower of Da Lat.
Not only cherries, but this time is also the blooming season of dandelions and the crop time of artichokes. Da Lat's special artichoke tea is a must-try.
January is quite cold so you should wear it in layers to keep warm and easy to tuck away a few layers if you get hot.
Purple phoenix flowers in Da Lat
Summer in Da Lat starts in April and ends in June. Unlike the extreme heat in Saigon, Da Lat has an easy summer with romantic rain and fog across the valley. During this time of year, the average temperature is between 24 and 31 degrees Celsius.
At night, the entire city is covered with a light fog which creates a nostalgic mood. Fog is a common weather condition in the summer. Short rainfalls are also expected at noon and evening around May and June but the rain is not intense.
If you set out for a day trip, you should bring a raincoat or an umbrella. It is easy to buy them from the vendors on the road in the center of Da Lat. A disposable raincoat costs you no more than 1 USD.
Summer is the season of colors with various flowers covering every corner of the city. Lavender, Pampas grass, Purple Phoenix, hydrangea, and so on stretch all over the street. This is also the season of peach and avocado fruits which are extremely delicious.
Coffee shops are another highlight of Da Lat. Beautiful cafes are easily found in the city center, on the hillside, or inside the pine forest. It is so relaxed to sit in a forest café, sip a cup of coffee, and listen to music on rainy days.
July – September is the off-season in Da Lat because it rains heavily almost all day. The heavy and long periods of rain result from the southwest monsoon. The temperature is also between 24 and 31 degrees Celsius like in the summer but you will feel cooler due to the humidity.
Rains, though not a good condition for walking around, bring a feeling of romance. It is very nice to go to a coffee shop and drink some coffee while watching the rain pouring down the windows. Similar to the summer, a raincoat or an umbrella are must-have items if you go out for sightseeing.
Autumn is the season of the beautiful mustard flower. The white color of the flower covers the vast gardens of Da Lat. You can also find corners of Da Lat flamed by the orange color of persimmon and enjoy the sweet taste of these fruits.
Da Lat winter begins in October when the humidity gradually reduces. This month is still wet due to some rains from the weakened southwest monsoon.
From November, the northeast monsoon winds sweep through the city making for dry weather. The average temperature of this season is between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. Cool and dry weather is very suitable for tourism.
Winter is a colorful season of Da Lat with many flower blossoms. Covering both sides of the mountain road is the yellow color of a wild sunflower. If you row a boat across Tuyen Lam Lake, you will see red maple leaves.
Ride a bike up to the hills, you will see a vast area of pink color from pink grass and mountain ebony. Hills of white buckwheat flowers are also good sightseeing and check-in sites.
Planes
To save time, the plane will be the optimal choice. Da Lat has Lien Khuong airport which is 30 km south of the city center. You can take the flights of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar to travel to the dream city.
At the airport, you can take a taxi with prices around 250-300,000VND to move to the city. Also, you can choose an airport bus to Da Lat city for 40-50,000VND, it takes 45 minutes to arrive.
Lien Khuong Airport Da Lat
Coach
For those who want to save money or enjoy sightseeing on the way to Da Lat, a passenger car will be the right choice. It will take you 6 hours each way.
You can go from Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City as the main starting points.
Motorcycle
Motorbikes are also a good choice for young people who like to travel in an experiential style, take the dust, and save money. It takes about 9-10 hours to move from Saigon to Da Lat by motorbike.
Although it takes quite a bit of time and energy, this will be an interesting experience to discover many beautiful scenes along the way.
Da Lat has quite steep turns, motorbikes will be more suitable for moving and exploring every corner of the city. Riding a motorbike also helps you take the initiative in your journey, the rental price is 100,000VND/day.
The rental place is at the gate of Da Lat Market, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, or Bui Thi Xuan Street. Most of the hotels in Da Lat have motorbike rentals so you do not need to worry about this.
If you are traveling in large groups, a taxi is a good option, more appropriate and time-saving.
12 km from the city center, located in Lac Duong town, Lang Biang is the tallest of the three peaks in Da Lat. 2,169 m above sea level, Lang Biang offers sweeping panoramic views across the highlands.
For Western travelers, this mountain is the most attractive place for soaking in nature and trekking. However, conquering the top of Lang Biang on foot can be slightly challenging. You may get winded due to the 4 km steep climb but the trek is worth the challenge.
Conquer Lang Biang Peak
There is a path leading you through the forest, strawberry fields, veg greenhouses, and a coffee plantation. The uphill trek takes 2-3 hours, depending on your fitness level.
The climb is quite hard and sweaty so be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Comfortable footwear, a raincoat, or a jumper are necessary. The weather gets cooler and windy as you hike up.
There is another easier way to conquer the peak is by taking one of the old Russian jeeps. Each jeep carries 4 passengers at a time so if you are not in a group, you can share with other guests to save money.
At the summit, there is a coffee and crafts shop to get some rest and more silly photo opportunities. Panoramic views across the Vietnamese highlights are available if it is not foggy.
The railway station is an attractive tourist site containing many cultural values of Da Lat. Completed in 1938, the station then became one of the finest feats of colonial engineering in Vietnam.
Da Lat railway station is a stunning piece of architecture. It is a harmonious combination of the French style and the cottage style of Central Highlands' ethnic minorities.
The railway station is no longer in operation but only serves tourists on the route from the city to Trai Mat. Get off at Trai Mat station, you can stroll around, and visit a local market nearby or Linh Phuoc pagoda.
Da Lat Flower Gardens are located 2 km from the city center, on the northern side of Xuan Huong Lake. The Flower Gardens are the origin of Da Lat's nickname "the city of flowers". Founded in 1966, the gardens now house more than 300 different kinds of native and exotic flowers.
The gardens are the displays of beautiful flora in the world. Right from the entrance, you are greeted with an arch-shaped flower arrangement made from hundreds of flowerpots. Here you can see a giant cactus garden, fields of orchids, roses, mimosa flowers, and hydrangeas. Throughout the park are finely-trimmed topiaries.
In the middle of Da Lat Flower Gardens is a calm lake where children can paddle around in swan boats. Walking up the flower-adorned stairs, a unique vantage point of the gardens opens your eyes.
Visit Famous Waterfalls
Pongour Falls: the biggest falls in Da Lat, which is located in a deserted area, 40 km from the city center. On April 13, 2000, Pongour Falls was recognized as a national-level beauty spot.
This 7-story waterfall has a height of ~40 m, spreading over 100 m, surrounded by rich and diverse vegetation. Here you will feel the breath of the mountains and forests of Da Lat.
Da Lat Pongour Falls
In Lunar January, many festivities are held here, which attracts thousands of people. Gong performances, buffalo stabbing, rice cooking contests, Thai dancing, and folklore games are highlights. The atmosphere of spring is also an occasion for young boys and girls to date each other.
Prenn Falls: Located at the foot of Prenn Pass, Prenn waterfall is the gateway of Da Lat, 10 km far from the city. The falls cover an area of 160 ha, 90% of which is made up of pine forest and primitive trees.
There are many interesting activities you can join here. The best ones among them are elephant and ostrich rides. Imagine how exciting it is to pass through unspoiled creeks, lakes, and green forests on the back of a humble elephant or an ostrich. The animals are well-trained and very friendly to humans.
Some other things to enjoy here are the cable car, suspension bridge, stilt houses, and huts on the trees. Folklore music performances, games, and boat rowing are also good to try.
On a hillside to the East of the waterfall, you see the complex of Au Lac Temples worshipping Hung Kings. The complex includes the lower (Ha), the middle (Trung), and the upper (Thuong) temple.
The only way to conquer the temples is through stone steps from the lower temple to the upper temple. The way is not an easy task but the magnificent overview of the outskirts of Da Lat and the elephant mountain make it worthy.
Prenn waterfall was recognized as a Cultural historical heritage in 1998. On March 10, the Death anniversary of Hung King and festive activities like Bac Ninh folk songs, Thai dancing, and K'ho gong performances are held here.
Datanla Waterfall: located at the foot of Da Lat pass, 5 km from downtown Da Lat. The falls cover an area of 312 ha amidst the preservation forests.
With 7 floors of rock mountains, the waterfalls bounce down forming layers of white foam. The water flows down the foot of the falls, through mossy rocks to a deep hole between two 40-m-high cliffs.
From the waterfall top, tourists can walk or take the roller-coaster down the site. Those who love adventure activities can try cliff climbing, forest discovery, or canyoning.
Together with Prenn waterfall, Datanla was recognized as a Cultural historical heritage in 1998.
Cam Ly is the central falls in Da Lat which is 2 km from the city center. Cam Ly Falls flows through a range of granite rocks of only 10 m high but still very strong.
Unlike other falls that are located far from the center, Cam Ly Falls is found next to the crowded residential area. Then just a few steps out of the city, people can leave the bustle behind and be in harmony with the peaceful natural wonders.
The waterfall is associated with the surrounding pine hills creating a beautiful natural landscape. There, tourists can go for a walk or take a horse ride to explore the falls and take nice photos.
Not only a cultural-historical heritage but the poetic image of Cam Ly has also been honored and goes into the poetry associated with the image of Da Lat.
Elephant Waterfall is 25 km southwest of Da Lat with a height of about 30 meters and a width of 15 meters. The waterfall is named after a giant rock that is in the shape of an elephant's head.
The waterfall is attractive as you can get up close to its thunderous flows, which is a delight for all senses. It, however, can be a bit tricky. You need to descend a steep and slippery path of stone steps.
Elephant Waterfall
The path can be quite trampled and congested but this will take you only a few minutes. The top right of the falls offers a great spot for photo hunting.
Squeeze through the water layer to get underneath the falls, you find a small cave which is a habitat of bats. Trying to avoid wet from the splashed waters is all part of the fun.
Xuan Huong Lake
Xuan Huong Lake and its crescent shape is the indispensable scene that contributes to the unique romantic beauty of Da Lat. Its location in the city center and peaceful natural appearance attract a lot of tourists, especially at sunset and dawn.
The crescent lake stretches for ~ 7 km through the City flower garden, Yersin Park, and Cu Hill. The lake is not only for relaxation after hiking but also for capturing the moment of the natural beauty of Da Lat.
It is a great experience walking around the lake in the romantic and cool climate in the early morning and evening. You can also look for twin bikes for rent, duck riding, and cafes by the lake to enjoy some quiet moments.
Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyen Lam Lake is 6 km to the South of Da Lat and has a water surface of 350 ha. The lake offers fresh air, a tranquil atmosphere, and a diversified natural landscape. This eco-tourism site is a great place for sightseeing, camping, mountain climbing, trekking, or boating.
The way to Tuyen Lam Lake is through a zigzagging road along the mountainside to Phoenix Summit. On the road you find the beautiful famous Truc Lam Zen Monastery standing in open nature. The quietness of hills and mountains here helps you feel free from everyday worries and brings your soul back into a peaceful state.
The Dankia Lake - Golden Stream
Dankia Lake - Golden Stream is famous to tourists for its wonderful scenery just like a fairyland. With the peaceful atmosphere and the location of ~15 km from the city center, this place appears as an ideal picnic spot.
Golden Stream area is attractive to tourists for the quiet and beautiful background of water and immense flora. The area includes 2 lakes Dankia and Ankroet which were created by Ankroet dams crossing the Da Dung River. Dankia with its capacity of ~ 20 million cubics of water is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Da Lat.
The Dankia Lake - Golden Stream
The path to Golden Stream is a beautiful winding road running between two rows of straight pines. Entering the area, visitors will see a peaceful valley full of immense lawns. The green pine forests stretch to the foothills of Lang Biang Mountain.
Next to the lake stands a white waterfall named Ankroet, also known as a 7-story waterfall. The wide waterfall is a great site for relaxed and comfortable moments with nature.
Than Tho Lake
6 km to the northeast of the city center we find a beautiful natural tourist attraction named Than Tho Lake. The peaceful atmosphere, romantic landscapes, and stunning scenery are the highlights of the lake.
Than Tho Lake is located by the winding road leading to the hills. Surrounding the lake are tranquil pine forests with green lawns and colorful flowers beneath. The green lawns make for a good ground for picnics or camping. The calm water is like a flat mirror reflecting the poetic scenery around.
Not only the beautiful scenery, the entertaining internal space of Than Tho Lake is also attractive. On the winding road stands some carthorses which can be exciting transport to move around. Couples or kids can rent a duck boat to enjoy the calmness of the lake.
The Valley of Love is a picturesque valley of rolling hills with a romantic lake as its centerpiece. Located 5 km from the center, with an area of up to 140ha, the site has always been a getaway for locals and tourists coming to Da Lat.
As its name, the Valley of Love is a valley of romance and peace, which is the overall theme of the site. Throughout the site are statues and expressions of love. The most impressive one is a large golden statue of hands exchanging rings.
Surrounding the central lake are scenic pine forest hills. Couples or families with kids can hire swan-shaped paddle boats to enjoy a peaceful time. There is a path lined with colorful flower beds and gardens leading around the lake. The path runs through the forest up to Vong Canh Hill where you have a panoramic view of the valley.
The site is large; the paths go up and down so it requires energy and strength to explore the whole park on foot. You can choose to move around in other relaxing ways such as horse and carriages or train-shaped vehicles.
Cu Lan is a peaceful village nestled in a forest at the foot of Lang Biang mountain, home to the K'Ho ethnic group. The village attracts tourists with its vintage stilt houses, fresh air, and warm-hearted people.
The name of Cu Lan is after a local plant that flourishes between the rows of pine trees. Cu Lan is also the Vietnamese name of a sloth living near the village.
The village is located in Lac Duong District, 20 km from Da Lat city center. Here, visitors can walk along small paths winding around the small stilt houses. Bamboo bridges, though rush, lead you to fields of meadow violet, purple violet, and yellow daylilies.
It is also a nice experience to take a jeep to explore the hillside roads. Other activities include kite flying, hiking, fishing, and gong performances.
In the middle of the village is a large lake where you can go boat rowing to see the reflection of houses and trees on the water's surface. On holidays, this lake serves as a course for boat races.
The lonely pine tree offers a good spot for those looking for something romantic, tranquil, and peaceful. This is one of the most favorite natural attractions in Da Lat, a perfect photo opportunity for tourists. This place is also very suitable for camp trips, and overnight picnics with friends, and family.
The destination appears with a big pine tree standing alone in the middle of an empty field by the bank of Golden Stream Lake. Feeling the fresh air of the mountain, and being alone in a peaceful space will bring you a new and younger energy source.
Dream Hill (so-called Mong Mo Hill) attracts visitors by its peaceful pine forests. The park has many places you can visit to admire the picturesque scenery of nature. The Golden Waterfall flows down a rocky heaving stream from a height of 10 m. The ancient Vietnamese house dates back to 300 years ago. The bust of musician Trinh Cong Son is found among pine trees.
You can stay overnight at the Bungalows with luxury amenities and have meals at the restaurant of Happy. Mong Mo Hill also offers tent camping and organizes campfires. Highland traditional music is performed daily from 3 to 10 pm at the request of visitors.
The Summer Palace (also known as Palace III) is the most popular of the three Bao Dai palaces in Da Lat. Built from 1933 to 1938, this is where the last king's family of the Nguyen dynasty lived and worked.
The ground floor was the working space of the king; the upstairs served as the home of the whole royal family. The living space comprises bedrooms, a library, an entertainment room, and a dining room.
Bao Dai Summer Palace is now a museum displaying many valuable artifacts. A large white bust of Bao Dai, sculptures of the royal family, and an engraved glass map of Vietnam are well-preserved in the palace. There is a studio where you can rent some royal clothes and take photos with the royal items and background.
Tran Le Xuan Palace includes 3 beautiful villas named Hong Ngoc, Lam Ngoc, and Bach Ngoc, and an evergreen Japanese garden in an area of 13,000 m2. Tran Le Xuan Palace is a display of the formation and development of Da Lat.
This is also a place to exhibit complete information about Vietnam's maritime sovereignty in the East Sea. With many important documents and information, the palace became National Archives Center IV in 2008.
Surrounded by an administrative area, Tran Le Xuan Palace is a bit "hidden" to tourists. Thus, this place is quite deserted compared to emerging tourist destinations. The villas' beauty and historical value are worth visiting.
Each villa in the palace has its design and highlights. Bach Ngoc Villa owns a modern heated swimming pool overlooking the foggy city. Lam Ngoc villa is located in the Japanese garden with a colorful flower gate as beautiful as the European villas. It is even equipped with a shelter and a private escape tunnel. Hong Ngoc offers a panoramic view of beautiful Da Lat city.
The most beautiful place in this palace is probably the Japanese flower garden. The garden especially has a lake designed into an S-shaped map of Vietnam. The large garden and cared green lawns create an impressive Western feeling for any visitor.
Inaugurated on March 19, 1994, Truc Lam Da Lat Zen Monastery was voted among the top 10 tourist destinations in Da Lat. The Zen Monastery attracts people for the charming scenery and tranquil space! This is an ideal place for those who are looking for something peaceful.
Da Lat Truc Lam Monastery is located on the top of Phung Hoang Mountain, only about 5 km from the city center. Leans its back on the mountain, the monastery has a straight view of the romantic Tuyen Lam Lake.
Visit Truc Lam Da Lat Zen Monastery
Surrounding the monastery are pine forests with pleasant and cool air all year round. On the campus stands a bell tower boasting a panoramic view of the majestic Phung Hoang mountain.
Coming to Truc Lam, you are immersed in a peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of life. That is the Outer Institute, where visitors find their ego and calm their minds.
To visit Truc Lam, visitors can use the cable car from Robin Hill to the top of Phung Hoang Mountain. When taking the cable car, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of Da Lat mountains and forests.
Located on Tran Phu Street, the cathedral is the largest church in Da Lat. The church was built in 11 years according to the project of pastor Celeste Nicolas. This is one of the most typical and ancient works of Da Lat left by the French.
Da Lat Cathedral's official name is St. Nicola Bari Cathedral. The church is so-called the Cock Church for the rooster standing on the top of the main bell tower. The cock is 0.66m long and 0.58m high.
The ground of the church is in the shape of a cross which is 65m long and 14m wide. With a height of 47m, from the bell tower, every corner of the city can be seen. The main door of the church faces Lang Biang Mountain.
Lam Vien Square is on the bank of Xuan Huong Lake, a famous tourist destination in Da Lat. The square is well-known for its 2 unique architectural works inspired by artichoke flower buds and wildflowers - two symbols of Da Lat city. They are designed with fancy glass, attracting young people to come here to check-in.
Lam Vien Square is considered the heart of Da Lat, also the highlight of the city of flowers. The whole square consists of 4 large building blocks of theater, park, square, and commercial service area. The surrounding campus is decorated with many outstanding fresh flowers of Da Lat.
Only 3km from the city center, Van Thanh Flower Village will make you overwhelmed by its splendid scenery. The village terraced fields are mainly set up on hills, but the flowers are still growing very well.
See the Largest Flower Village in Da Lat
Van Thanh grows many kinds of flowers, but the most famous is the rose, which is extremely diverse in color. Roses planted here are mostly grafted from wild rose stems, with new buds imported from other countries.
In addition to flowers, in Van Thanh village, there are also vegetable and fruit gardens such as gardens of giant pumpkins, tomatoes, eggplants, strawberries...
Me Linh is a small plantation in the mountainous countryside near Da Lat. This place is very popular with Robusta and Moka coffees. But the most special is pure weasel coffee.
Me Linh Coffee Garden is openly designed, ensuring you a full 360-degree view. Right at the foot of Me Linh Coffee Garden is a small coffee farm in front of Cam Ly Dam Lake. Enjoying a cup of coffee of the right quality in a space like this is nothing better.
At the cafe, you can learn how a cup of mink coffee is made. Choosing a glass of mink coffee without sugar, without ice will help you feel all the essence of this drink. Different from the usual bitter taste, mink coffee has a distinct, rich taste of musk.
Thong Da Lat Coffee Shop: located at 90 Bui Thi Xuan, the cafe is inspired by the tree nurseries in Da Lat. This is the place to inspire, and nurture the dreams of young people, a place for friends to meet.
The An Cafe owns 5 separate zones, with an area of 200m2. The An Cafe is a must-visit destination in Da Lat for those who love nature and want to experience Da Lat in the closest way. The most special thing about An Cafe is that you can see vegetables in every corner of the shop, from the small outside garden to the shelves, and tables.
It's Vietnamese: a cafe for fans of clean coffee. Here you will be able to see with your own eyes the process of making a cup of coffee from the clean coffee beans. The air is always filled with the aroma of the coffee, bringing a wonderful, indescribable feeling.
Buy Da Lat Specialties as Gifts
Da Lat has many things that you can take away as souvenirs. Da Lat wine is loved by many people. Many types of jam from vegetables, fruits, and flowers here are the most common things to buy as gifts. Artichoke tea, oolong tea, and coffee are all specialties that you and your family would love. You can buy them at Da Lat market, L'angfarm, or specialty shops.
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 flowers in the morning give you a feeling of spring.
When the sun is high, enjoy the light and explore mountain roads, you are in the summer.
The autumn comes when the rain falls, a nice time to sit in a coffee shop and watch the world go by. Late at night with grilled sweet potato and some hot soy milk, it is wintertime. This special Da Lat is waiting for you to come and find out for yourself.
Hope the article brings lots of useful information to you. Wish you all good health and happiness, I hope to see you soon in Vietnam, especially Da Lat.
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