Nestled in Vietnam's Central Highlands at an elevation of 1,500 metres, Dalat (or Da Lat) offers a refreshing escape from the typical heat and humidity found elsewhere in Vietnam. It has a year-round spring-like climate, which is why this charming city of around 230,000 people has earned the nickname "City of Eternal Spring."
Located about 300 kilometres northeast of Ho Chi Minh City (a 6-8 hour drive or quick 50-minute flight), Dalat was originally developed as a retreat for French colonials seeking relief from the sweltering temperatures of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City).
When I went to Dalat earlier this year, I immediately noticed how different it felt from other Vietnamese cities I'd been to. The combination of pine forests, flower gardens, and a large lake in the city centre creates an almost European ambiance that's unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. Add in the cooler climate (temperatures typically range from 15-24°C year-round), and you'll understand why Dalat remains a popular holiday destination for Vietnamese locals and increasingly for international travellers seeking something beyond Vietnam's coastal hotspots.
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Which Areas to Stay in Dalat, Vietnam
Unlike Hoi An or Hanoi which have bustling, quite distinct tourist quarters, Dalat has a more dispersed and almost suburban feel to it. This surprised me at first, and I kept waiting to discover the "backpacker district" where all the hostels would be clustered together, and we'd say "damn, I wish we'd chosen a hostel around here", but it simply doesn't exist in the same way.
From a budget traveller's perspective, this scattered layout presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, there's no obvious neighbourhood where you should book your hostel for maximum convenience and a minimum amount of money spent on transport. On the other hand, you have more diverse options and potentially a more authentic experience no matter where you stay.
Nearly all the interesting sights, from the famous Crazy House to the peaceful Tuyen Lam Lake, require some form of transport to reach comfortably. We ended up renting scooters (about 100kVND or 4€ per day) which was perfect for getting around the attractions. For those not comfortable on two wheels, Grab is widely available and really affordable (both Grab bikes and Grab cars).
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Best Hostels in Dalat, Vietnam
Dalat has a growing backpacker scene, and there are several hostels catering to budget travellers. Here are some of the best hostels in Dalat based on my experience and recommendations from friends I met throughout my travel in Vietnam.
Dalat Family Hostel
"What's the cheapest place you've ever stayed?" is a common question among backpackers, and thanks to Dalat Family Hostel, I now have a definitive answer. When a traveller we met in Hoi An told me about a 30kVND (1€) per night hostel in Dalat, my curiosity was piqued. How bad could it be? I just *had* to find out.
It was about as basic as you'd expect a one euro hostel to be, and surprisingly clean. It was quite clear that they were making their profit margins in other areas, with higher prices for drinks, scooter rental, and even a charge if you wanted to use the hostel facilities before check-in time (which, usually, you can do for free in hostels).
Despite these quirks, I kind of enjoyed this odd place to stay, and I just loved the novelty of saying that I'd spent a euro on a hostel.
Would I recommend it? If you're the type of traveller who collects stories rather than comfort, absolutely. If you prefer your accommodation with luxuries like personal space and reliable hot water, this one is definitely not for you!
Tigon Dalat Hostel
At 78kVND (3€) per night, Tigon Dalat Hostel represents what many backpackers consider the sweet spot in budget accommodation: inexpensive enough to keep your trip affordable, but with standards that don't make you question your life choices.
Located about 2km from the city center (which honestly doesn't matter much in sprawling Dalat), Tigon has built a solid reputation among the backpacker community. I heard from several travellers that they had comfortable beds and consistently hot water, as well as a lively common area where you can meet other travellers.
The staff are known for being incredibly helpful with arranging tours and transport. They also offer motorbike rental directly from the hostel, which is convenient for exploring Dalat and its surroundings.
Kim Cuong Hostel
Kim Cuong Hostel is a hostel aimed at digital nomads, known for its reliable WiFi and comfortable work spaces.
At 104kVND (4€) for a dorm bed or 260kVND (10€) for a private room, it's priced slightly higher than the bare-bones options but has tremendous value for anyone who needs to stay connected. You cannot possibly complain at paying 4€ for a hostel dorm! The cherry on top is their terrace with panoramic city views, which several digital nomads described as "the perfect Zoom background to make your colleagues jealous."
While it lacks the social atmosphere of party hostels, Kim Cuong organises weekly "coworking dinners" where remote workers can network and socialise.
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Non La Guest House
Non La Guest House is smaller and more intimate than some of the other hostels, which can be perfect if you're looking to escape the backpacker bubble a bit and have a more authentic experience. The owners can provide great local tips about places to visit that aren't in the guidebooks.
What I heard from fellow travellers is that the place has a homey atmosphere, with the owners going out of their way to make guests feel welcome.
Dorm beds at Non La Guest House start at around 104-130kVND (4-5€) per night, which is still very budget-friendly considering the location and quality.
Amigo Homestay Dalat
If you're looking for something with a bit more character than a standard hostel, Amigo Homestay came recommended by several people I met along the way. Located about 1.5km from the city centre, this place offers both dorms and private rooms in a beautiful house with garden views.
The homestay aspect means you get more of a local experience, with home-cooked meals available and friendly hosts who can show you around Dalat from a local's perspective. Prices start around 156kVND (6€) for a dorm bed, which is a bit more than the ultra-budget options but still very reasonable for what you get.
What makes Amigo Homestay unique is the peaceful environment – it's set away from the main roads, so you don't get the traffic noise that can be an issue in some of the more central hostels. The garden is a lovely place to relax after a day of exploring, and the hosts go out of their way to create a family atmosphere among guests.
King Kong Hostel Dalat
King Kong Hostel has become something of a legend among backpackers in Vietnam. Located about 1km from the city centre, this hostel has made a name for itself with its social atmosphere and quirky decor.
Dorm beds start at around 104kVND (4€) per night, and they also offer private rooms. The hostel is clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and hot showers – things that aren't always guaranteed in budget accommodation.
What sets King Kong Hostel apart is their communal activities. They offer family dinners every night for about 78kVND (3€), which are a great way to meet other travellers. They also organise group tours to some of Dalat's attractions, which can be a good option if you're travelling solo and want to split transportation costs.
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FAQs About Dalat, Vietnam
How many days are enough in Dalat?
Based on my experience, I'd recommend spending at least 3 days in Dalat to properly explore the city and its surroundings. This gives you enough time to visit the main attractions like Xuan Huong Lake, Dalat Flower Gardens, and the quirky Crazy House, as well as take a day trip to some of the waterfalls or coffee plantations in the area. If you're interested in outdoor activities like hiking or canyoning, consider extending your stay to 4-5 days.
Where is the best place to book hostels?
I found that booking.com and Hostelworld were the most reliable platforms for booking hostels in Dalat. These sites give you the ability to read reviews from other travellers and compare prices across different hostels. However, it's worth noting that sometimes booking directly with the hostel (either through their website or by emailing them) can get you a slightly better rate, especially for longer stays.
Is Dalat worth going to?
Absolutely! Dalat offers a completely different experience from the rest of Vietnam, surrounded by beautiful natural attractions, from waterfalls and lakes to flower gardens and coffee plantations. And for adventure seekers, activities like canyoning and hiking provide an adrenaline rush in stunning settings. While it might not be as polished or tourist-oriented as places like Hoi An, that's part of its charm – you get to experience a more authentic side of Vietnam.
Why is Dalat famous?
Dalat is famous for several reasons. It's famous in Vietnam for its colonial influences, beautiful scenery, and mild climate. It's also known amongst the Vietnamese for flower gardens, coffee production, and architecture. Dalat is also known amongst international and western tourists for some unique attractions like the "Crazy House" (Hang Nga Guesthouse), the Maze Bar, and Mario Kart go-karting experience.
Conclusion
Dalat offers a refreshing change of pace from Vietnam's bustling coastal cities, with a cooler climate, beautiful scenery, and unique adventure activities that are abundant enough to attract just about anyone.
Whether you choose the basic but social environment of Dalat Family Hostel, the peaceful setting of Amigo Homestay, or the traveller-friendly atmosphere of King Kong Hostel, you'll find that these budget accommodations provide a great base for exploring all that Dalat has to offer.