Things to do in Dalat Vietnam

Dalat, Vietnam, combines natural beauty, French colonial charm, and rich cultural experiences. Top Dalat attractions include the surreal Crazy House, the intricate Linh Phuoc Pagoda, and the peaceful Truc Lam Monastery. Moreover, travelers can relax by Xuan Huong Lake, wander through coffee plantations, and sample local delicacies. Whether you’re into architecture, food, or nature, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Dalat for a memorable visit.

Is Dalat, Vietnam worth visiting?

Yes, definitely worth a visit as Da Lat ranks among the top highland tourism cities in Vietnam. If you enjoy cool weather, scenic lakes, waterfalls, vibrant flower gardens, and delicious street food, this charming destination won’t disappoint. Moreover, to truly soak in the atmosphere and explore its highlights, you should plan to spend around four days here. Whether you’re into nature, local eats, or relaxing vibes, Da Lat travel offers something for every kind of visitor.

The city of Dalat is the jewel of the Vietnam south Central Highlands. Compared to the cool climate and alpine-like environment with other cities, Dalat, makes it one of the most delightful cities to visit in Vietnam. Dalat in addition is a good base for trips into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil.

Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is decorated with beautiful art works and you should be visit it. Make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery as well, this, nicknamed the Crazy House by locals. It’s a counter-cultural gem created by artist and architect Mrs Dang Viet Nga (known as Hang Nga).

Firstly, if you’re planning  for one month-long trip in Vietnam, there is a chance to visit Dalat (often written Da Lat by locals). Initially, Dalat would be a planned stop between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, and many visitors may not know much about it before going to Vietnam. However, tourists who ending up here, will definitely have an amazing time.

Where’s Dalat on the map of Vietnam?

Let’s address the question: Where exactly is Dalat located in Vietnam?

Situated in southern Vietnam between Ho Chi Minh City and the beach town of Nha Trang, was initially developed by the French in the early 1900’s as a resort destination. Remnants of its colonial past endure in the form of European-style architecture and tourist-focused places to see.

The lively city is anchored by the expansive Xuan Huong Lake and enveloped by picturesque countryside and cascading waterfalls. It’s an ideal destination, especially if you seek to break up a journey from southern to central Vietnam.

You would almost be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into the French Alps in springtime. This was certainly how the former colonists treated it – escaping to their chalets to enjoy the cooler climate.

The French feel is compounded by a radio mast shaped like the Eiffel Tower and the local bohemian artists’ predilection for swanning around in berets. Dalat is small enough to remain charming, and the surrounding countryside is blessed with lakes, waterfalls, evergreen forests and gardens.

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Dalat, Vietnam: 16 things to do & Activities

Firstly, Dalat is not on everyone’s itinerary, this is because the city is not include on must see destination in Vietnam (many of you may disagree on this), still Dalat is a very beautiful, i love the house design and cities of Dalat and however, if you’re planning to visit it, here is the top things to do to keep you stay for at least few days.

1. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Xuan Huong lake

Xuan Huong Lake, dominates the center of Dalat and serves as a scenic hub of the city. Visitors can take a walk through the peaceful parkland area surrounding the lake and go local and rent swan pedal boats to enjoy on the lake, and there are charming cafes on either side near the downtown area. Surrounding the lake are pleasant walking paths ideal for a leisurely hour-long stroll. On a pleasant day, grab a Banh Mi and bring it along for a relaxing picnic on one of the benches along the way.

2. Visit Hang Nga Crazy House

Known as the Hang Nga guest house, a perfect combination of Dalat’s bohemian tradition and its taste for kitsch, Hang Nga Crazy House is a guesthouse in the form of a giant surreal artwork and of course, its one of the most see attractions in Dalat Vietnam.

The architecture is Gaudi-meets-Alice in Wonderland and cannot easily be described: there are caves, giant spider webs made of wire, concrete tree trunks and scary-looking animals with glowing red eyes. Yes it’s tacky, and exceedingly commercialised, but many are astounded to find such a countercultural construction in Vietnam.

Visitors have the option to stay overnight in one of the rooms or simply pay a visit to explore its unusual maze of rooms and designs. When unoccupied, the guest rooms are accessible for viewing from their doorways. Each room exhibits a unique charm reminiscent of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” featuring curvy walls and furniture crafted from logs. The overall ambiance is delightfully eccentric and extravagant, making it a fun and whimsical experience to explore.

3. Ride Datanla New Alpine Coaster

The closest waterfall to Dalat, and a highly recommended one to visit, go early as there are a usual crowds of both locals and tourists flocking to the Datanla. The Datanla waterfall is located within 7 KM south of the town and it is considered as one of the main fun things to do in Dalat. To visit, you’ll need a round ticket that costs you 100k VND.

A longer, recently installed mountain rollercoaster (prices: adults/children round trip 150,000/80,000d) operates nearby, just a short distance away. or you can just take a walk and or hop on a rail ride to reach the beautiful yet pretty modest cascade.

While the waterfalls at Datanla are striking, the entire site is predominantly occupied by crowds of tourists. If you’re seeking solitude in nature, you might be disappointed. Nevertheless, don’t be discouraged, as it remains an enjoyable tourist attraction in Dalat.

3.1 Choose between riding a coaster and hiking

A highlight of Datanla is riding the alpine coaster! Each car accommodates two adults or can be ridden separately. The coaster winds through the forest, descending to the bases of Waterfall 1 and 2. It can gain speed, but you have control over the car’s pace with brakes! While the scenery is jaw dropping, the ride would also be incredibly enjoyable things to do in Dalat.

Many visitors recommend taking the hiking trail to Waterfall #3. The trail is moderate in length and initially follows a stream downstream. Eventually, you’ll come across a small shrine located at the top of the waterfall. However, the waterfall itself isn’t visible from this point – to get a proper view, you’ll need to hike down the steep hillside.

The path can be challenging, but the effort is worthwhile. At the base, there’s a shaded area where you can relax and enjoy the waterfall’s scenery. Datanla waterfall from this point is more picturesque than the first two, and fewer visitors make the trek here.

4. Truc Lam Zen Monastery [Meditation Center]

An ideal place for meditation, the Truc Lam Zen Monastery Dalat perched above Truc Lam Lake and its considered one of the chill attractions to visit when in Dalat, amidst 23 hectares of preserved alpine forest, stands the Truc Lam Monastery zen complex. The focal point here is the Truc Lam Pagoda, the main hall of the complex.

While access to certain buildings is restricted, visitors are welcome to leisurely wander the serene landscaped grounds. Admission is free, but visitors are required to dress modestly, covering their knees and shoulders. Complimentary sarongs are available at the entrance for those needing appropriate attire during their visit.

While Truc Lam Lake presents a picturesque view from higher vantage points, there has been a minor construction activity at ground level. In addition, there are several local restaurants along the lake’s shore and boat rentals available for lake outings. This area will likely undergo further development to boost tourism in Dalat in the upcoming years.

5. Ride Robin Hill Cable Car

The ~2 km cable car travels from Robin mountain with stunning views over the town and the Truc Lam lake and the zen monastery.

The cable car from Robin Hill in Dalat to Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery includes stations at both ends. Tickets cost 80,000 VND for a round trip and 60,000 VND for a one-way trip returning from Truc Lam Monastery to Dalat city.

In addition, taxis are readily available outside Datanla Waterfall for transportation to Truc Lam Monastery, where you can purchase a one-way ticket for the cable car ride back to Dalat city.

6. Shop in Dalat Night Market

This is a major draw and it is among the best things to do when visiting Dalat, especially on weekends, when groups of local tourists arrive by big tour buses just to walk and or shop around.

The market sprawls over a considerable area with numerous stalls offering clothing, shoes, and a variety of food. While it may not rival some of the vibrant markets in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An, however, the atmosphere at Dalat market is undeniably enjoyable.

Visitors gather on the steps overlooking the heart of the market, where lively music sets the scene for a festive and memorable evening. The night market located in Nguyen Minh Minh Khai street, just a few minutes walk from the lake.

In addition to the night market and shopping activities, there are food stalls just at every corner which makes the night market a great place to sample some of the Dalat’s best street foods.

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Tourist places & attractions in Dalat, Vietnam

Dalat attractions are a way to keep you appreciate the city of flower, here i have listed some of the must see, plus, some of the less visited so visitors refer and choose the favorite places while in the town.

7. Bao Dai’s Summer Palace

Builders constructed the art deco–influenced Bao Dai’s Summer Palace in 1933 as one of three palaces Bao Dai kept in Dalat. The decor remains largely unchanged for decades, except for the addition of Ho Chi Minh’s portrait over the fireplace. The palace features fascinating artefacts from past decades and governments, making it an extremely interesting place to visit.

8. Crémaillère Railway Station

Dalat’s pretty Crémaillère Railway station is now largely decorative. Railway enthusiasts will enjoy visiting this major tourist attraction in Dalat, where they can see old locomotives on display, including a Japanese steam train.

9. Cuong Hoan Traditional Silk Centre

Cuong Hoan Traditional Silk Centre in Nam Ban village, near Elephant Falls, offers a fascinating place to visit. Here, you can watch every step of the silk-making process—from live silkworms spinning their cocoons, to workers boiling them in vats and separating the threads, to weavers creating shimmering cloth on traditional looms. You can even sample the cooked silkworms—they taste surprisingly nutty.

10. The Dalat Cathedral

French residents and holiday-makers constructed the gingerbread-style Dalat Cathedral between 1931 and 1942. Moreover, while it may not rank among the top things to do in Dalat, the cross on its spire stands out—topped by a weathercock positioned 47 meters above the ground. The church itself is rarely open outside of mass times.

11. Dalat Flower Gardens

An unusual sight in Vietnam, the Dalat Flower Gardens opened in 1966. The gardens feature a colorful variety of flowers, including hydrangeas, fuchsias, and orchids. Moreover, most orchids grow in specially shaded buildings to the right of the entrance. Overall, the gardens showcase a well-maintained cross section of Dalat’s foliage, enhanced by playful and quirky topiary displays.

12. Dalat University

Dalat’s climate has made it something of an education centre; before air-con it was one of the few places in Vietnam where it was possible to study without working up a sweat. Hué Archbishop Ngo Dinh Thuc, with support from Cardinal Spelman of New York, founded Dalat University as a Catholic institution in 1957. However, the government took control of the university in 1975 and reopened it in 1977 as a state-run institution.

13. Domaine de Marie Convent

The pink tile-roofed structures of the hilltop Domaine de Marie Convent, constructed between 1940 and 1942, were once home to 300 nuns. Today the remaining nuns support themselves by making ginger candies and selling the fruit grown in their orchard. The French-speaking nuns happily guide visitors around, share insights about tourist attractions, and explain their work supporting orphans, the homeless, and children with disabilities. Moreover, a shop offers handicrafts made by the children and nuns. The large chapel holds Mass from Sunday to Friday.

14. Du Sinh Church

Catholic refugees from the north built Du Sinh Church in 1955. Moreover, a Hué-born priest of royal lineage insisted on constructing the four-post, Sino-Vietnamese steeple. The church is on a hilltop with beautiful views in all directions, making this a great place for a picnic.

15. Lam Dong Museum

The hill-top Lam Dong Museum, housed in a lovely French-style villa, displays ancient stone artefacts and pottery as well as costumes and musical instruments of local ethnic minorities. It was once the abode of Nguyen Huu Hao, the richest person in the Go Cong district of the Mekong Delta and the father of Vietnam’s last empress.

16. Linh Son Pagoda

Built in 1938, Linh Son Pagoda showcases a beautiful blend of French and Chinese architecture with its ochre-colored design. Moreover, legend claims the giant bell contains a mix of bronze and gold, and its immense weight has deterred any attempts to steal it.

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