During my month-long adventure through Vietnam, I spent three incredible days in Dalat, and let me tell you - this mountain town completely charmed me. Nestled in the Central Highlands at 1,500 metres altitude, Dalat offers a refreshing escape from Vietnam's tropical heat with its year-round cool climate and misty mornings that earned it the nickname "City of Eternal Spring."
To make the most of activities in Da Lat, it's really great to do activities with a group, whether you arrive with friends or make an extra effort to meet people in your hotel, hostel, on a tour, etc. I'm not saying it wouldn't be fun by yourself, but I think it's more fun in a group - especially when you're racing down mountain slides or playing sardines in the Maze Bar (more on that later!). I was lucky enough to have made a group of friends in Hoi An, and we all travelled to Dalat together.
Contents
- About Dalat
- How to Get to Dalat
- Things to Do in Dalat
- Practical Tips for Visiting Dalat
- Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Dalat
- Conclusion
About Dalat, Vietnam
Dalat feels wonderfully different from the rest of Vietnam. It was founded as a hill station by the French in the early 1900s, so the city still carries an air of colonial charm mixed with Vietnamese mountain culture. Pine forests replace palm trees, and instead of rice paddies, you'll find strawberry farms and coffee plantations sprawling across the hills in this area.
Most travellers spend 2-4 days in Dalat, which gives you enough time to experience the main attractions without rushing. While it's become increasingly popular with domestic tourists, Dalat still feels refreshingly off the main backpacker trail compared to places like Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City.
How to Get to Dalat, Vietnam
Getting to Dalat requires a bit of planning since it's tucked away in the mountains. Most backpackers arrive from either Ho Chi Minh City (about 300km south) or Nha Trang (about 135km east). The journey from HCMC takes 6-8 hours by bus (around 150-250k VND/€6-10), while from Nha Trang it's a scenic 4-hour ride through winding mountain roads (100-180k VND/€4-7).
There's also a small airport with direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, which is perfect if you're short on time or prone to motion sickness on those mountain curves. Pro tip: book your bus tickets at least a day in advance, especially during Vietnamese holidays, and opt for a sleeper bus if travelling from HCMC - you'll appreciate the extra comfort on those long mountain stretches!
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: A Travel Guide to Dalat, Vietnam
Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam
Dalat has a really quirky mix of adventure activities, natural attractions, and downright weird architectural sites. It's known as the place in Vietnam to do adventurous activities like ziplining and canyoning, as well as some cuter activities like go-karting and maze hunting.
Real Life Mario Kart
This was hands down my favourite thing to do in Dalat! You basically race go-karts down mountain roads (they don't go that fast, don't worry) down a twisty turny track. It's not much like Mario Kart, really (don't expect to be throwing shells at each other) besides the brightly coloured cars. They have special helmets that allow you to strap your phone to the top like a telly tubby, which means you can take great videos! I went with a whole group of friends from my hostel and we had a great time.
Datanla Alpine Roller Coaster
I enjoyed the alpine coaster, although it was a bit of an anti-climax as usually they have great views, and this one is kind of contained by a cage, which reduces visibility quite a lot. We'd also read in reviews that sometimes they randomly close early, and this is exactly what happened to us - we arrived at about 10.55am and they wouldn't let us buy tickets because they were closing for servicing at 11am. If you're planning to go, I'd recommend arriving as early as possible, just in case.
Elephant Waterfalls
These spectacular falls are about 30km outside the city, and the journey there is half the adventure. You can hire a motorbike or join a tour to get there. The walk down to the base is quite steep and can be slippery, but getting to stand behind the thundering water is absolutely worth it.
Crazy House
This architectural fever dream is unlike anything you'll see elsewhere in Vietnam. Designed by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga, it's a surreal guesthouse that looks like it sprouted from a fairy tale. The winding staircases and organic shapes make for great photos, but go early to avoid the crowds - it gets packed by midday.
Maze Bar
The Maze Bar in Dalat is basically what you'd imagine; a bar with a maze attached. But, it was so much more impressive and extensive than I had expected. The place is huge, and you can genuinely get completely lost in there! I went with the same group of friends and we played sardines - it was the MOST fun ever!
If you don't know, sardines is basically reverse hide-and-seek where one person hides and everyone else seeks, but once you find the hider, you have to squeeze into their hiding spot and hide with them until everyone's packed in like... well, sardines, and there's only one person left. The bar's multiple levels and hidden corners make it perfect for this game. We also came across a few other groups of people who were playing traditional hide and seek and seemed to be having equal amounts of fun.
Big Buddha at Truc Lam Monastery
The golden Buddha statue at Truc Lam Zen Monastery is truly impressive, but it's the panoramic views over Tuyen Lam Lake that really steal the show. The monastery itself is peaceful and beautifully maintained - a perfect spot for some quiet reflection after all the adrenaline-pumping activities.
Rainbow Slide
The Rainbow Slide in Dalat is something you've probably seen all over social media. It's at Dalat Wonderland and it's a huge, wide wavy slide that you go down in big baskets. It's outside of the city, so you need to take a ride or hire a scooter to go there. I didn't actually go myself, but a few of the people from my group did and they really enjoyed it.
Canyoning Adventures
For proper adventure seekers, canyoning in Dalat is incredible. You'll rappel down waterfalls, slide down natural rock formations, and jump into crystal-clear pools. It's another thing that I didn't do myself in Dalat (I'm not the strongest swimmer), but again, I heard great things about it and I heard it was well worth the money (it's not the cheapest activity in the world).
Egg Coffee at Thi Cafe
After all that adventure, you'll need some caffeine, and Thi Cafe serves the creamiest egg coffee outside of Hanoi. The thick, sweet foam on top is like a dessert in itself, and it's known to be one of the best egg coffees in the whole of Vietnam.
Indian Food at Sagar Indian Restaurant
Oddly enough, Dalat has amazing international cuisine! Sagar Indian Restaurant became our go-to spot after long days of exploring, we loved it so much we actually went twice in a row! We had all been travelling north to south so, as much as I LOVED Vietenamese food, you do need a break from it at some point and this was the perfect moment to do it. We were each paying around 8-9€ to get so stuffed full we could hardly move.
Stay at a "1€ Hostel"
So, because Dalat is a stop that's often skipped by tourists, there is more than one hostel offering stays for 30kVND per night, which is just over 1€. We stayed in one of them for two nights, just to be able to say that we'd done it, and whilst it was basic it was quite a funny experience. It wasn't luxurious but it was surprisingly clean, the only thing I will say is that it seemed as though they were making their profit margins elsewhere (the beers, scooter hire, etc. were above averagely priced) but I don't blame them to be honest.
Chua Linh Phuoc (The Broken Glass Pagoda)
This pagoda is absolutely mesmerising - every surface is covered in intricate mosaics made from broken glass, pottery, and porcelain. The main hall features a 49-metre long dragon sculpture made entirely from beer bottles! It's about 8km from the city centre, and the detail work will blow your mind.
Cable Car to Truc Lam Monastery
There is a cable car ride that takes you from Dalat City to Truc Lam Monastery offers stunning views over Tuyen Lam Lake and the surrounding pine forests. The 20-minute journey is an attraction in itself, gliding silently above the treetops. Once at the top, you can explore the monastery grounds or hike the trails around the lake. It's 80kVND(3€) for a return ticket.
Dalat Night Market
Every evening from around 6pm, the area around Dalat Market transforms into a bustling night market. Hunt for bargains on warm clothes (you'll need them up here!), sample street food like grilled corn and rice paper pizza, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Datanla Waterfall Activities
Beyond just viewing the falls, Datanla offers adventure activities including a highland coaster (different from the Alpine Coaster!), high-ropes, and ziplines. I think they are generally aimed at children or young adults, but can be fun for regular adults, too!
Valley of Love
Yes, it's cheesy. Yes, it's touristy. But the Valley of Love is also kind of wonderful in its over-the-top romanticism. Swan-shaped paddle boats glide across the lake, flower gardens burst with colour, and there are more heart-shaped decorations than you can count. Perfect for couples or anyone who appreciates kitsch!
Langbiang Mountain
For panoramic views of the Central Highlands, head to Langbiang Mountain. You can either hike to the summit (about 2-3 hours) or take a jeep most of the way up. The peak sits at 2,167 metres, and on clear days you can see for miles across the surrounding valleys and coffee plantations.
Clay Tunnel Sculpture Park
This hidden gem showcases intricate clay sculptures depicting the history and culture of Dalat. The highlight is walking through the underground tunnels, where miniature scenes tell stories of the city's past. It's quirky, educational, and surprisingly moving.
Van Thanh Flower Village
Dalat is famous for its flowers, and Van Thanh Flower Village is where many of them are grown. Wander through greenhouses bursting with roses, lilies, and exotic blooms. The best time to visit is early morning when farmers are harvesting - the colours and fragrances are incredible.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dalat, Vietnam
Getting Around Dalat
Dalat's city centre is fairly walkable, but many places to stay and attractions are scattered around the surrounding hills. Grab motorbikes are everywhere and cheap (usually 15-30k VND/€0.60-1.20 for short trips), but for more freedom, rent a scooter for about 120-150k VND/€5-6 per day. The traffic here is much calmer than in bigger cities, so it's not too bad for nervous riders, but I was on the back of a friend's bike the whole time 😂
If you're not comfortable on a motorbike, taxis and ride-sharing apps work well to order cars, too. Many hostels also offer group tours or can arrange private drivers for day trips to waterfalls and other attractions outside of the city.
Best Time to Visit Dalat
Thanks to its elevation, Dalat enjoys spring-like weather year-round, with temperatures hovering between 15-25°C. The dry season (December to March) has the most sunshine, while between April to November you're more likely to see afternoon showers - though rarely enough to ruin your plans. Pack layers regardless, as mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly!
The city gets busy during Vietnamese holidays, especially Tet (Lunar New Year) and summer holidays in June-July. For fewer crowds and lower prices, aim for weekdays in March-May or September-November.
Money & Costs in Dalat
Dalat is refreshingly affordable, even by Vietnamese standards, as you may have guessed from my stay in the 1€ hostel! You can easily get by on 400-600k VND/€16-24 per day, including accommodation, food, and activities. Street food runs 20-40k VND/€0.80-1.60 per meal, while restaurant meals cost 60-150k VND/€2.40-6.
ATMs are plentiful in the city centre, with BIDV and Agribank offering the best withdrawal limits (although we didn't find any completely free ATMs). Credit cards are accepted at hotels and fancier restaurants, but you'll need cash for most activities, street food, and local transport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dalat
Is Dalat, Vietnam worth visiting?
Absolutely! Dalat offers a unique experience compared to the rest of Vietnam - the cool climate, adventure activities, and quirky attractions make it well worth the journey. It's especially refreshing if you've been sweating it out in the lowlands, and makes for a convenient stop in bewteen Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
How to spend a day in Da Lat?
Start with sunrise at Truc Lam Monastery, then head to Crazy House before the crowds arrive. After lunch at the central market, spend your afternoon at either the Alpine Coaster or waterfalls, and end with drinks at Maze Bar. It's a packed itinerary, but doable!
How long do you need in Da Lat?
I'd recommend 3-4 days to properly explore Dalat. Two days covers the main city attractions, while extra days let you venture to waterfalls, try canyoning, or just relax in the cool mountain air. You could squeeze the highlights into 2 days if pushed for time.
Which is better, Da Lat or Nha Trang?
They're completely different experiences! Nha Trang is by the coast and has beaches, water sports, and a party scene, while Dalat provides mountain scenery, adventure activities, and cooler weather. I preferred Dalat's unique character, but beach lovers might disagree. Why not visit both?
Conclusion
Dalat completely won me over with its attractions, even if the city itself isn't the most picturesque. Whether you're racing go-karts through pine forests, exploring fairy-tale architecture, or simply enjoying the cool mountain air, this highland retreat offers something genuinely different from typical Southeast Asian destinations. Just remember to pack some warm clothes and arrive at attractions early - otherwise, you might find yourself locked out of that alpine coaster like I did!