Where is Da Lat Vietnam?

Da lat is one of the top tourist destinations in Vietnam. Once a colonial French vacation town, it has a romantic atmosphere and is nicknamed The City of Flowers. It’s no wonder people flock to this southern Vietnamese city for its stunning mountain views, expansive lakes, and rows of pretty flowers. Da Lat is 6 hours north of HCMC (Saigon) and 4 hours south of Nha Trang. 

As you drive your motorbike along the deep valleys, high peaks, and rolling hills, you might catch yourself suddenly enamored by the beauty all around you. Like most cities in Vietnam, Da Lat is a super affordable getaway. Here are the best things to see in Da Lat, Vietnam. 

What to see in Da Lat, Vietnam

In this quaint town, there is no shortage of culturally rich attractions as well as outdoor activities. Although I only stayed in Da Lat for one night, we managed to squeeze in as many sights as possible! My favorites were the Central Night Market and Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Keep reading!

1. Visit the Hills and Tea Plantation

Check out Cau Dat Tea Hill for a relaxing & picturesque outing in Da Lat. Make sure to try the Banh Trang Trung or “Vietnamese pizza” after exploring the tea hills. 

2. See Central Square

At the central square, you can find the two landmark statues of Da Lat – the Ar Ti So and Sunflower dome (pictured above). The artichoke-shaped coffee shop, Doha Cafe, is a symbol of this fertile city filled with greenhouses. We didn’t get coffee here though because the windows are very dark, and it’s probably overpriced. 

3. Visit a Strawberry Farm 

Visiting a strawberry farm is a wholesome, sentimental activity that reminded me of my childhood. When I was younger, we had a little garden in our huge backyard. We grew mostly tomatoes & bell peppers, but for some reason could never successfully grow strawberries. I remember my Dad telling me they were a fickle fruit that required the perfect temperature and amount of sunlight – Da Lat’s has the goldilocks climate for them! There is something special about farm-to-table eating, especially when you pick the fruit yourself!

Address: Vuon Dau Tung Nguyen, 73 Tây Hồ, Phường 11, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng

P.S. Vuon means farm in Vietnamese, so if you want to visit any farm just look out for signs with Vuon. 

4. Pray at Linh Phoc Pagoda 

At this beautiful pagoda, the walls are decorated with thousands of pieces of colorful ceramic & stones. You can write your wish and have it added to the huge gong, which you ring three times. After writing your wish, hand it to the old lady by the gong, light an incense and say a prayer. I found this experience so touching and enlightening.

Bonus tip: Eat at the delicious Nha Hang Chay or Vegetarian restaurant on-site at the padoga. Try the tasty com chay or veggie rice.

5. Shop at the Central Night Market

I was very impressed by the extent of produce available at the Central Market in Da Lat. There were avocados abounding, little pumpkins of varying colors, and hundreds of bright red strawberries. This is hands down one of the best markets I’ve seen in Southeast Asia.

6. Try Grilled Sweet Potatoes & Corn 

You can find some tasty local food in Da Lat, and pictured are grilled sweet potatoes which were pricey ($4 for two) but worth it! Wrapped in foil are hard-boiled eggs and as you can see, charred corn.

I also tried Lau Ga for the first time, chicken hot pot, which was super delicious chicken soup with noodles & mushrooms. Talk about comfort food.

If you feel lost when it comes to local food, do read my article, A Newbie’s Guide to Vietnamese Food, to guide you through eating in Vietnam!

7. Drink Hot Soya Milk 

Da Lat is famous for its unique-tasting, delicious soy milk! People have told me they’ve driven for hours just to have it. It has a really smooth texture and sweet taste.

8. Ride A Swan Boat 

Xuan Huong Lake is the main lake in the city center that will surely catch your eye as you drive or walk past. What I noticed were the romantic, kitschy swan-shaped paddle boats floating past. It reminded me of the paddle boats in Herman Park in my hometown of Houston, Texas.

9. Relax at a Coffee Shop 

This coffee shop has impressive mountain views and a lack of crowds. It’s the kind of place you could sit and relax for hours. I recommend trying the hot Cacao or Cafe Sua (milk coffee). Notice how the back walls are entirely made of glass windows, giving an open & breezy feel.

Da Lat Vietnam Hotels

1. The Budget Option: Motel Thao Uyen

Motel Thao Uyen is 20 minutes out of the center, which may only make sense if you have a motorbike or plan to rent one. The views are amazing in this area as well as the starry night sky. I imagine it could be very romantic – staying in a cabin with your partner bundled up in blankets and looking up at the stars.

It’s a humble, local hotel where you may be the only guests & have the whole place to yourself! They were very chill and even let us grill dinner in our room. Prices from their website:

300 k / room 1 bed ($13)
400 k / room 2 bed ($17)
550 k / room 3 bed ($24)

Address: Xuân Trường, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng

2. The Homestay Option: Xuan Truong Dalat Cafe

If you’d rather stay at a homestay, you are spoiled for choice in Da Lat. You can check out this one which is on the same street as the motel mentioned above. It’s peaceful, quiet, & has jaw-dropping views.

Address: Cau Dat Hamlet – Xuan Truong Commune – small cafe along the way to Cau Dat

3. The Retreat Option: Zen Cafe Lakeside

Since I’ve lived in Vietnam a few months now, some coworkers and friends have also been to Da Lat and always recommend this place! It’s nearby to one of the many beautiful lakes in Da Lat and seems super relaxing.

Address: Khu Đào Nguyên, Hồ Tuyền Lâm, Tp. Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng

4. The Hostel Option: Cozy Nook 

According to the Broke Backpacker, this is the best hostel in Da Lat! They offer free breakfast, a social vibe, and a comfy place to rest your head at night. Since I was traveling with a group of coworkers, I didn’t check out any hostels as per my usual style of travel. But there’s always next time, right? 

What to Wear – Da Lat Vietnam Weather 

Unlike other parts of Vietnam, Da Lat gets really cold! Especially at night, it can get as low as 10°C (50°F) so it’s important to bring a good jacket, scarf, and jeans.

During the day, however, it’s a balmy sunny and 75 (25°C) as we say in the States. Since the temperature varies, be sure to pack layers.

Sample Packing List:

• 2 long sleeve shirts
• 2 pairs jeans
• 2 pair leggings
• 2 sweaters
• 1 t-shirt
• 1 warm jacket
• 4 pairs socks & underwear
• 1 pair of Tennis shoes or boots
• 1 warm scarf
• Sunglasses
• Face mask
• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste
• Towel

How to Get to Da Lat Vietnam

Option 1: Motorbike

Da Lat is 3-4 hours from Nha Trang & about 7 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.

Warning: your butt will hurt if you choose this option! But you will be greatly rewarded by breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rolling hills.

I recommend a reliable automatic bike like the Honda Airblade (125 ccs) or a manual bike that you feel confident driving. Honestly, I don’t feel confident enough to drive long distances so I was happy being a passenger on this trip.

Driving a motorbike in Vietnam is a bit like walking a tightrope: when trucks or buses pass by you have a very small part of the road to tread upon. So tread lightly! And bravely.

Option 2: Bus Phuong Trang 

If you don’t have the ability or desire to get to Da Lat by bike, a bus will work just as well.

I personally love bus journeys because first of all, I’m short so legroom isn’t an issue and second, it’s usually a very chill, carefree way to travel – you can sleep or stare out of the window all you want.

Wrapping it Up

That’s all for my recommendations on Da Lat Vietnam. I usually avoid places that are popular on the tourist trail, but sometimes a place is popular for a reason. And Da Lat is one of those places that steal both your heart and your gaze. I will definitely be back soon.

What are your thoughts on Da Lat Vietnam? Please share in the comments below!