Dalat Vietnam: The Complete Travel Guide to Vietnam's Mountain City

When I visited Dalat, Vietnam, in February 2025, I was immediately struck by how different it felt from the rest of the country. Dalat is definitely a less touristy place to visit on your trip to Vietnam, and is often used as a pit-stop between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, but I think it's seriously underrated. This mountain city is nicknamed "The City of Eternal Spring" due to its mild climate year-round, and it was originally built as a French hill station to escape the heat of southern Vietnam.

With its pine forests, cooler temperatures, and quirky attractions, Dalat offers a refreshing change of pace from Vietnam's coastal cities and bustling metropolises. Plus, it's one of the few places in Vietnam where you can find locally grown strawberries and artichoke tea – random, but true.

An Intro Guide to Dalat
How to Get to Dalat
Where to Stay in Dalat
Weather & Best Time to Visit Dalat
How to Get Around Dalat
Things to Do in Dalat
Where & What to Eat in Dalat
Best Bars in Dalat
Prices and Money in Dalat
FAQs About Travelling in Dalat

An Intro Guide to Dalat Vietnam

Dalat is the kind of place where you can pack most activities into a couple of days if you don't have much time and want to get everything done, or there's plenty to spread across 3-4 days if you prefer a more relaxed pace. There's not much to do in the city itself - all of the activities are outside of the city and require a little travel.

Dalat has become known as the adventure capital of the Central Highlands, offering everything from alpine coasters and "Mario Kart" style buggies to the famous rainbow slide and canyoning experiences, making it a playground for adrenaline junkies and casual thrill-seekers alike.

How to Get to Dalat Vietnam

Dalat is kind of in the middle of nowhere, so you're likely to take an overnight bus to get there (or a very long day bus). When I travelled there from Hoi An (which is quite a likely journey for you if you're going north to south), the journey was quite bumpy. Most of us got very little sleep, and at the back of our bus quite a few people got motion sickness, so come prepared if you're prone to that!

There is an airport in Dalat (Lien Khuong Airport), but it primarily serves domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. For budget travellers, buses remain the most popular option. If you're travelling south to north, you'll likely arrive straight from Ho Chi Minh City, which is about a 7-8 hour journey, or from one of the beach towns on the south coast like Mui Ne or Nha Trang.

Where to Stay in Dalat Vietnam

Dalat doesn't have a clearly defined tourist district, so accommodation options are scattered throughout the city. Many travellers choose to stay near Xuan Huong Lake, which puts you within walking distance of the night market and several restaurants. For budget travellers, there are numerous hostels offering dorm beds for as little as 30kVND (1€) per night – which is what I paid!

I convinced a group of people I'd met in Hoi An to stay in the 1€ hostel because it felt like it would be an adventure, and another traveller I'd met had told me that it was nice. Nice might have been a slight overstatement, but it was clean enough! You can't complain too much when you only paid a euro.

If you're looking for something more comfortable, there are plenty of hostels that do not cost 1€, and mid-range hotels that are great value for money. For a bit of luxury, consider staying in one of the restored French villas that have been converted into boutique hotels. They usually feature beautiful gardens and offer a peaceful retreat from the city.

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Weather & Best Time to Visit Dalat Vietnam

Dalat's altitude (about 1,500 meters above sea level) gives it a distinctly cooler climate than most of Vietnam, earning it the nickname "The City of Eternal Spring." When I went in February, temperatures were pleasantly mild, hovering around 20-25°C during the day and dropping to about 10-15°C at night (so bring a jumper).

The dry season (December to March) is generally considered the best time to visit, with clear skies perfect for outdoor activities. The rainy season peaks between June and October, with daily afternoon showers that can disrupt hiking and sightseeing plans. That said, the rain brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, so there is a trade-off.

How to Get Around Dalat Vietnam

Dalat is not a very walkable city - there's no real "centre" nor really a tourist centre, and it's quite spread out with many attractions located outside the city limits. For this reason, me and the group of people I'd met in Hoi An decided to rent scooters, and I'd really recommend this approach if you're comfortable riding one.

Most activities are outside of the city, so you will have to travel by scooter or car no matter where your hostel is. Scooter rentals typically cost around 150kVND (5.5€) per day, but if you're travelling in groups it also isn't expensive to get Grab cars everywhere. Grab bikes are also available, but I really only recommend these for getting around the city, I don't recommend them for longer rides (such as to and from the attractions outside of Dalat).

Things to Do in Dalat Vietnam

Dalat offers an eclectic mix of natural wonders and quirky attractions that make it unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. The Datanla Waterfall is a must-visit, where you can take an alpine coaster down to the falls for a thrilling ride through pine forests. I also absolutely loved the Mario Kart style downhill go karting, and we had a great time playing sardines (reverse hide-and-seek) in the Maze Bar, which is probably the most underrated thing to do in Dalat.

For nature lovers, exploring the surrounding highlands offers countless hiking trails of varying difficulty. We spent one day hiking around Lang Biang mountain, which provided spectacular panoramic views of the city and countryside. The Truc Lam Pagoda and nearby botanical gardens are also worth visiting for their tranquil atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.

Don't miss the night market in downtown Dalat, which comes alive after dark with street food stalls and vendors selling everything from warm clothing (which you might need!) to strawberry jam and dried fruits that the region is famous for.

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Where & What to Eat in Dalat Vietnam

While Dalat has its share of local Vietnamese cuisine, we actually found ourselves drawn to the international food scene during our stay. There was an amazing Indian restaurant called Sagar Indian Cuisine that we ended up going to two nights in a row because we loved it so much (and, because everyone was close to the end of their time in Vietnam, we had already tried plenty of the local cuisine).

Don't leave without trying the local specialties though – artichoke tea is surprisingly delicious, and a visit to the Weasel Coffee Farm is interesting, and whilst the way they make the coffee is unique, it just tasted like coffee to me.

Best Bars in Dalat Vietnam

Dalat isn't known for wild nightlife like you might find in Ho Chi Minh City, but it does have a few standout spots for evening entertainment. The absolute highlight of Dalat for me was the Maze Bar (100 Roofs Café).

With the friends I'd made in Hoi An, we had heaps of fun here drinking and playing sardines, and it was one of the best nights of the trip. From the front of the bar it looks quite small and unassuming, but beyond the façade is a huge labyrinth of tunnels, stairs and holes that lead to nowhere.

Most bars in Dalat close relatively early by Southeast Asian standards (around midnight), but that suited us fine after days packed with activities. For a more relaxed evening, there are several cafés around Xuan Huong Lake that transform into laid-back bars in the evening, serving local beer and wine made from Dalat's own vineyards.

Prices and Money in Dalat Vietnam

Dalat is generally very affordable, even by Vietnamese standards. We stayed in a 30kVND (1€) hostel per night – it was fine and clean but you definitely get what you pay for! Most other hostels in Dalat were just 90-120kVND (3-4€), which is still incredibly cheap.

Food was similarly budget-friendly, with local meals costing around 40-60kVND (1.5-2.2€) and even our fancy Indian dinner came in at 200kVND (7.5€) per person including starters, mains and a drink.

Most activities were reasonably priced too, with entrance fees to attractions like the Crazy House costing just 50kVND (1.8€). The exceptions were the canyoning and zip lines at the adventure park which were quite expensive, over 1 million VND (40€+), but it's worth it if you're into activities like canyoning and zip lining.

As for handling money, we didn't find any free cash machines while we were here. The cheapest one we found was AgriBank which charged 22kVND (less than a euro) for a withdrawal up to 3 million VND. Most places didn't take card, so it's essential to carry cash with you, especially when heading out to attractions outside the city.

FAQs About Travelling in Dalat Vietnam

How many days is enough for Dalat?

I'd recommend at least 2-3 days in Dalat. You could squeeze the main attractions into two full days if you're in a rush, but having three days like we did allows for a more relaxed pace and the flexibility to adjust plans around weather conditions. If you're into hiking or want to explore more of the surrounding countryside, adding a fourth day would be ideal.

Is Dalat worth visiting?

Absolutely! Dalat offers a completely different side of Vietnam compared to the coastal cities and busy urban centers. The cooler climate, unique architecture, and adventure activities make it a refreshing change of pace. It's particularly worth visiting if you're traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and central Vietnam, as it breaks up the journey nicely.

Which is better, Dalat or Da Nang?

They're very different experiences! Da Nang offers beautiful beaches and easy access to Hoi An, while Dalat provides mountain scenery and a cooler climate. If you're looking for relaxation and coastal vibes, Da Nang might be your preference. If you want adventure activities and something a bit different from the typical Vietnam experience, Dalat would be better. Ideally, include both in your itinerary if time allows.

Which is better, Dalat or Nha Trang?

Nha Trang is primarily a beach destination with a more developed tourist infrastructure and nightlife scene, whilst Dalat has a lot of unique and outdoorsy activities to try. Nha Trang tends to attract more resort-style tourism, while Dalat appeals to those seeking outdoor activities and a more local experience. I personally preferred Dalat's unique character and cooler climate over Nha Trang's beach scene, but again, they offer completely different experiences.

Conclusion

Dalat turned out to be one of the unexpected highlights of my trip through Vietnam. Its temperate climate, distinctive architecture, and range of activities make it a worthwhile addition to any Vietnam itinerary. Whether you're zipping down an alpine coaster, getting lost in the Maze Bar, or simply enjoying the mountain scenery, Dalat offers a refreshing alternative to Vietnam's beaches and bustling cities.

What I appreciated most about Dalat was how it felt less touristy than many other destinations in Vietnam, allowing for more authentic interactions with locals and a glimpse into a different side of Vietnamese culture. The French colonial influence creates an interesting blend of European and Vietnamese aesthetics that you won't find elsewhere in the country.