Things to do in
Da Lat
Da Lat – the “City of Eternal Spring” has charming French colonial architecture and a cool mountain climate, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and art. Visitors can explore its rich culture and nature. Da Lat is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure in the Vietnamese highlands.
Historical & Cultural Insights
Da Lat Cathedral
Admire this Catholic cathedral’s unique gingerbread house-like architecture built during the French colonial period.
Truc Lam Pagoda
Immerse in the tranquility of this Zen Buddhist monastery surrounded by lush forests and gardens.
Linh Son Pagoda
Visit this neighborhood pagoda for stunning views and a glimpse into local religious practices.
Lam Ty Ni Pagoda (Mad Monk Temple)
Discover this serene monastery featuring an art gallery run by a Zen Buddhist monk.
Visit a Museum
Explore Dalat’s rich cultural tapestry from the comprehensive Lam Dong Museum, showcasing local history and culture, to the iconic Dalat Railway Station Museum and the architecturally fascinating Crazy House, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s heritage.
Nature Lovers
100 Roofs Cafe
Lose yourself in the whimsical world of the 100 Roofs Cafe, a maze-like venue with an enchanting rooftop garden. Its unique architecture and hidden nooks make it a fascinating exploration and a perfect place for coffee with a view.
Bao Dai’s Summer Palace
Explore the elegance of Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, where history and architecture merge. Stroll through its beautifully maintained gardens, offering a glimpse into the luxurious life of Vietnam’s last emperor.
Lake of Sighs
Delve into the myths surrounding this picturesque lake, “Hồ Than Thọ,” ideal for tranquil boating or romantic horseback rides along its shores. Its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views make it a perfect spot for relaxation.
Explore Coffee Plantations
Visit local coffee plantations in the heart of Vietnam’s coffee country to learn about the bean-to-cup process. Enjoy guided tours, sample freshly brewed varieties, and soak in panoramic views of the plantations—a must-do for coffee enthusiasts.
Flower Festival
Immerse yourself in Da Lat’s vibrant Flower Festival, showcasing the city’s rich floral bounty. Wander through endless fields of blooming flowers, from hydrangeas to wildflowers, reflecting Da Lat’s title as the “City of Flowers.”
Visit Waterfalls
Da Lat is home to several breathtaking waterfalls, including Elephant Waterfall, Pongour Waterfall, and Datanla Waterfall. Trek through lush landscapes to discover these cascading wonders, each offering unique photo ops and a refreshing escape.
Leisure & Lifestyle
Dalat Train Cafe
Relax in a railway carriage cafe decorated with pictures of famous trains worldwide.
Central Market
Enjoy local street food and shop for souvenirs at this bustling market.
Visit the Valley of Love
A theme park popular for its picturesque photo spots, swan boat rides, and quirky wax museum.
Vuon Anh Sang Lumiere
Snap photos at this fascinating light exhibit with themed rooms and art displays.
Clay Tunnel
Explore this artist’s dream park with a path lined with expertly sculpted clay pieces.
Relax at Your Hotel
Take a moment to unwind and savor your Dalat hotel‘s exceptional hospitality and beauty. Whether in the city’s heart or the tranquil countryside, enjoy serene views, luxurious amenities, and a peaceful ambiance unique to Dalat.
Dine out
Enjoy a delicious collection of restaurants in Dalat, from local foods to Italian and international cuisine.
Savour Tasty Cuisine
Try delicious Vietnamese pizza and other affordable dishes in Dalat, including hot pots and stuffed snails. Try some of the best food in Dalat.
Active & Creative Activities
White river rafting
Embark on a white water rafting journey down the Langbian River near Da Lat. Navigate class II and III rapids amidst Vietnam’s captivating rural scenery, offering an adrenaline-packed adventure and a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.
Horseback Riding
Experience the highlands differently by riding through pine forests and open valleys. It’s a leisurely way to enjoy the outdoors and see parts of the countryside that are less accessible by foot.
Rock Climbing
The rugged terrain around Da Lat is ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts. There are spots suitable for beginners as well as experienced climbers, offering a variety of challenges.
Kayaking and Paddle Boating
Xuan Huong Lake and Tuyen Lam Lake offer serene kayaking and paddle boating settings. These activities provide a peaceful way to enjoy the natural beauty of Da Lat and its surrounding areas.
Golfing
Da Lat’s cool climate and picturesque settings make it a prime destination for golfing. The city boasts several world-class golf courses, offering challenging play with incredible views.
Paragliding
Paragliding is a must-try for a bird’s-eye view of Da Lat’s stunning landscapes. Launch from mountain tops and soar over the rolling hills and lush valleys in a truly exhilarating experience.
Mountain Biking
With its varied terrain and scenic landscapes, mountain biking in Da Lat is a fantastic way to explore the countryside. There are trails for all skill levels, winding through pine forests and past tranquil lakes.
Canyoning
Da Lat is renowned for its canyoning adventures, offering a thrilling combination of rappelling down waterfalls, sliding through natural water slides, and leaping into crystal-clear pools.
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Submit Your PlanFAQs: Things to do in Da Lat
Absolutely! Da Lat is a unique destination in Vietnam, known for its mild climate, scenic landscapes, and vibrant flower gardens. The city’s history, culture, and architecture also set it apart from most places in Vietnam.
Da Lat is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a romantic getaway.
Canyoning in Da Lat is an exhilarating experience, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. It combines hiking, swimming, abseiling, and cliff jumping, offering an unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning natural landscapes of Da Lat. It’s widely regarded as one of the top adventure activities in Vietnam for those up to the task.
Da Lat is often called “the Paris of Vietnam” due to its French colonial architecture, cool climate, and charming natural scenery. The city’s famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower replica at the Dalat Railway Station, and its overall romantic ambiance are all the more reason for the comparison.
Top attractions in Da Lat include:
- The Crazy House
- Xuan Huong Lake
- Dalat Flower Gardens
- Bao Dai Summer Palace (aka King Palace)
- Datanla Falls
- Linh Phuoc Pagoda
- Valley of Love
- Truc Lam Pagoda
- Cremaillere Railway Station
- Dambri Falls
Da Lat’s mild climate makes it ideal for outdoor adventures year-round, and visitors often enjoy outdoor activities like:
- Hiking in Lang Biang Mountain
- Mountain biking around Da Lat’s outskirts or in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.
- Exploring or even canyoning at waterfalls like Elephant Falls, Datanla Falls, or Dambri Falls.
- Enjoying the scenic beauty of local lakes like Xuan Huong Lake or Tuyen Lam Lake.
- Countless other outdoor adventures in and around the city.
Yes, Da Lat is home to several historical sites, including:
- Bao Dai Summer Palace, showcasing the last emperor’s lifestyle.
- Rooster Church.
- Cremaillere Railway Station, known for its unique architecture.
- Samten Hills, a buddhist monestary.
These sites offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s colonial history and cultural heritage.
Yes. Family-friendly activities in Da Lat include:
- The cable car ride to Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
- A stroll around the Dalat Flower Gardens.
- Petting and riding horses near Xuan Huong Lake.
- Riding the swan paddle boats on Xuan Huong Lake.
- Visiting ZooDoo Animal Park about 40 km from Dalat’s center.
Touring Crazy House, a surrealist “fairy tale house” built on a hill in Da Lat.
Some great Dalat day trips include:
- An excursion into the tranquil countryside of Cau Dat Tea Plantation.
- The adventurous trek to Lang Biang Mountain.
- An Easy Rider motorbike tour that will take you to many popular Dalat attractions like Elephant Falls, local pagodas, and mushroom farms on the outskirts of the city.
- A Dalat canyoning tour for the more rugged travelers out there.
A day of trekking in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.
Da Lat is often called “the Paris of Vietnam” and has a lot of sites and activities considered to be extremely romantic, including:
- Walking or biking through The Valley of Love.
- Pedaling the swan boats on Xuan Huong Lake with a bottle of Dalat Wine bought at a shop on the lakeside.
- Strolling through the Dalat Flower Garden.
Returning to the golden age of romance at Bao Dai Summer Palace.
