Where to Stay in Dalat, Vietnam

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, Dalat should absolutely be on your list. Tucked away in the Central Highlands of Vietnam at an altitude of about 1,500 metres, Dalat offers a refreshing escape from Vietnam's typically humid climate. Dalat has a population of around 230,000, but it's surprisingly spread out despite being much smaller than other Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, which makes deciding where to stay in Dalat a little more difficult.

Dalat is approximately 300km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and is often used as a stop in bewteen Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City for anyone travelling by bus (to go direct is around a 24 hour bus drive, which is clearly not for the faint hearted!).

Often called 'The City of Eternal Spring', Dalat boasts a cooler climate year-round, which is one reason why it became a popular retreat during French colonial times – and why it's still a favourite holiday destination for Vietnamese locals today.

I went to Dalat with a group of friends I'd met in Hoi An, and it was immediately different from other Vietnamese cities I'd been to. The combination of French colonial architecture, pine forests, flower gardens, and a massive lake in the city centre gives Dalat a unique character that feels almost European at times. But where should you stay in Dalat to make the most of this highland gem? After spending several days exploring, I've put together this guide to help you find the perfect place to stay in Dalat.

Which Areas to Stay in Dalat
Best Hostels in Dalat
Best Hotels in Dalat
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Dalat

Which Areas to Stay in Dalat, Vietnam

Unlike many popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, Dalat is quite a large, spread-out city that feels more industrial and less touristy, especially when it comes to Western visitors (it's quite popular with Vietnamese tourists). During my time there, I didn't feel like there was a specific area that seemed especially busy or that felt like the obvious "centre" where all tourists congregate.

One of the first things I noticed about Dalat is that, much like with other cities in Vietnam, you need to have your bearings to get around effectively. The city is quite sprawling, and many of the attractions are actually located outside the main urban area. Xuan Huong Lake forms something of a focal point in the city, with many hotels and guesthouses clustered around its shores, but don't expect a compact tourist district like you might find in Hoi An or Hanoi's Old Quarter.

With the group of friends I'd met in Hoi An, we rented scooters and found this was by far the best way to get around, as a lot of the activities are a drive out of the city. The famous flower gardens, Tuyen Lam Lake, and many of the best viewpoints require transportation. If you're not comfortable riding a scooter, don't worry - Grab was surprisingly reliable in Dalat, so you can also get around using Grab cars or Grab bikes if necessary. Just be prepared for the fact that you'll likely be taking transport frequently rather than walking everywhere!

🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: A Travel Guide to Dalat, Vietnam

Best Hostels in Dalat, Vietnam

During my stay in Dalat, I had what I can only describe as an "interesting" hostel experience. Here are some recommendations based on both my experience and places my friends stayed at and enjoyed:

Dalat Family Hostel

We stayed at Dalat Family Hostel on recommendation from another traveller we'd met in Hoi An. We specifically wanted to experience what it would be like to stay in a 30kVND (1€) per night hostel - and let me tell you, it was certainly an experience!

The hostel wasn't bad per se, but it was very, very basic (which, really, is the best you can expect for a euro). I could have high-five the person in the bed next to me (and I was on the top bunk, which somehow made it feel worse) and we had some questionable roommates during our stay. The bathrooms were functional but nothing special, and the common areas were minimal.

We'd all booked separately, so I was very happy to have been put in a room with a friend from the group I was travelling with. That made the experience much more comfortable. If you're on an extremely tight budget and don't mind the basics, it's an option - but be prepared for what you're getting into.

Tigon Dalat Hostel

I didn't personally stay at Tigon Dalat Hostel, but it came highly recommended by a traveller I met who spoke very highly of it. This hostel is a little further out of the city centre (about 2km from Xuan Huong Lake), but as I mentioned earlier, you kind of have to drive everywhere in Dalat anyway, so the location isn't a major drawback.

What makes Tigon stand out is that while it's still budget-friendly (around 104kVND or 4€ per night for a dorm bed), it seemingly offers better facilities than the ultra-cheap options. You'll find clean rooms, decent bathrooms, and friendly staff who can help you plan activities around Dalat.

Non La Guest House

Non La Guest House sits in a good location near Xuan Huong Lake and offers a mix of private rooms and dorms at reasonable prices. 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.

The dorm beds start at around 104-130kVND (4-5€) per night, which is still very budget-friendly considering the location and quality. The common area is a great place to meet other travellers, and they offer motorbike rental directly from the guesthouse, which is convenient for exploring Dalat and its surroundings.

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 in Vietnam. 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 Dalat 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.

🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: 20 Best Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam

Best Hotels in Dalat, Vietnam

If hostels aren't your thing or you want to treat yourself to a bit more comfort during your stay in Dalat, there are plenty of great hotel options to choose from:

Hana Dalat Hotel

Hana Dalat Hotel is really good value for money, with a central location near Xuan Huong Lake. The rooms are spacious and clean, with rates starting around 650kVND (25€) per night for a double room. What stands out about this hotel is the stunning view of the city and surrounding hills from the higher floors.

The hotel also has a restaurant serving both Vietnamese and Western dishes, and the staff can help arrange tours and activities around Dalat. If you're planning to visit attractions like the Dalat Flower Gardens or Dalat Palace Golf Club, this hotel puts you in a convenient location for both.

Sweet Lavender Hotel

Sweet Lavender Hotel has become something of a Instagram hotspot due to its charming French-inspired decor and beautiful garden area. Located close to Dalat Market and about a 10-minute walk from Xuan Huong Lake, it's well-positioned for exploring the city centre on foot.

Rooms start from around 780kVND (30€) per night, and each one is uniquely decorated with a mix of Vietnamese and French colonial style elements. The hotel also has a great breakfast menu and a cozy café area where you can plan your day's activities.

Hotel Du Ciel

If you're looking to splurge a bit, Hotel Du Ciel offers a luxury experience with incredible panoramic views of Dalat. Located on a hillside about 2km from the city centre, this hotel combines French colonial architecture with modern amenities.

The rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished, with rates starting from around 1,300kVND (50€) per night. The hotel also features a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, and a terrace where you can enjoy the cool Dalat evenings. While it's a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, the tranquil setting and stunning views make it worth the extra distance.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Dalat

How many days are enough for Dalat?

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 Tuyen Lam Lake, as well as take a day trip to some of the waterfalls or coffee plantations in the area.

What is the Centre of Dalat?

Xuan Huong Lake is generally considered the centre of Dalat, with many hotels, restaurants, and shops clustered around it. The area around Dalat Market (Chợ Đà Lạt) is also considered central and is bustling with activity, especially in the evenings. However, unlike other Vietnamese cities, Dalat doesn't have a clearly defined tourist centre or old quarter - the attractions are spread throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Which ward to stay in in Da Lat?

Ward 1, which includes the area around Xuan Huong Lake and Dalat Market, is generally the most convenient area for tourists to stay. This central location puts you within walking distance of many restaurants, cafes, and shops. Ward 3, which includes the area around Dalat Flower Gardens, is another good option, especially if you want to be close to one of the city's main attractions. Ward 8, which encompasses the French Quarter with its colonial villas, is perfect if you're interested in the architectural heritage of Dalat.

Which is better, Dalat or Da Nang?

This is a bit like comparing apples to oranges - Dalat and Da Nang offer completely different experiences (and they are quite far from each other, too, Da Nang is closer to Hoi An). Dalat is a highland city with a cool climate, known for its flowers, strawberries, coffee, and outdoor activities like hiking. Da Nang, on the other hand, is a coastal city with beautiful beaches, warmer weather, and a more international vibe.

If you're looking for a beach vacation with plenty of nightlife and water activities, Da Nang would be your better choice. But if you prefer cooler weather, beautiful mountain scenery, and a more laid-back atmosphere, you'll likely enjoy Dalat more. Ideally, if your schedule allows, visit both!

Conclusion

Dalat offers a refreshing change of pace from Vietnam's bustling coastal cities, with its cool climate, beautiful scenery, and unique blend of Vietnamese and French colonial influences. When it comes to accommodation, you have options ranging from ultra-budget hostels at 26kVND (1€) per night to luxurious hotels with stunning views for 1,300kVND (50€) or more. Whichever area or accommodation type you choose, I'd highly recommend renting a scooter or using Grab to get around, as many of Dalat's attractions are spread out across the city and surrounding countryside.