Things to know about Da Lat
Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong province, located on the Lam Vien plateau at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level. It is about 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City and has a cool climate all year round, making Da Lat an ideal resort destination, helping visitors escape the heat of the South.
Best time to visit Da Lat
Da Lat’s climate is cool all year round thanks to its geographical location in the highlands of the Central Highlands.
January-April is spring, so the mountain town is brilliant with the colors of many kinds of flowers such as apricot blossoms, white ban flowers, purple phoenix flowers…
May-September is summer and also the peak tourist season when visitors from all over come to escape the heat. However, this is the rainy season in Da Lat, so everyone has to always bring a raincoat or umbrella when they go out.
October- December is the dry and cold season in Da Lat. Visitors coming this time will have the opportunity to see the golden wild sunflowers blooming, the pink grass hills shimmering in the early morning dew, or the scene of clouds covering the mountains and hills on the outskirts.
How to get to Da Lat
Most tourists from the northern (Hanoi) and north-central provinces choose to fly directly to Da Lat. The southern and south-central regions can travel by plane or by bus
You can check for the bus from HCM to Dalat HERE. The most economical way to travel is by night sleeper bus, which will arrive in Da Lat early in the morning.
What to do in Da Lat
Embrace the magic of dawn and go cloud hunting. As the first rays of light peek over the horizon, you’ll embark on a journey to witness a breathtaking spectacle – a sea of clouds illuminated by the rising sun. This tour isn’t just about the sunrise though. You’ll also visit scenic spots like the Cau Dat Green Tea Hill and explore local farms, offering a glimpse into the agricultural heart of Da Lat. Book HERE or HERE
Visit puppy farm: Got to cuddle with all sorts of adorable breeds, from fluffy pugs to playful corgis. The farm even had beautiful flower gardens and a strawberry patch, making it a delightful and wholesome experience. Book Puppy Farm or Zoodoo
Try adventure activities: Soaring through the canopy on the Datanla zipline was exhilarating – the rush of wind and scenic views were unbeatable. Then, to balance the adrenaline, I kayaked on the calm waters of Tuyen Lam Lake, enjoying the peaceful serenity and stunning mountain backdrop. It was a perfect day blending excitement with tranquility. Book Datanla zipline HERE or HERE and Kayaking HERE
Explore King Bao Dai’s Dinh complex: A trip to Da Lat wouldn’t be complete without exploring King Bao Dai’s Dinh complex. You can start with Dinh I, a majestic mansion nestled on a pine hill, offering a glimpse into the king’s taste for European architecture. Dinh II, a luxurious castle-like structure, will impress you with its 25 intricately decorated rooms. Finally, Dinh III, also known as the Bao Dai Summer Palace, awaits with its French architecture, elegant gardens, and refreshing lake, providing a serene escape into the life of the last emperor of Vietnam.
Camp in Bidoup National Park: promises an adventure deep into the Vietnamese wilderness. Imagine waking up to a symphony of birdsong, surrounded by towering pines and emerald valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The days are filled with trekking through the jungle canopy, encountering exotic flora and fauna, and potentially even spotting the elusive langur monkeys. As twilight paints the sky, gather around a crackling campfire, sharing stories and enjoying a delicious meal prepared under a blanket of stars.
What to eat in Da Lat
Bánh ướt lòng gà: The bánh ướt is made fresh to order, and the chicken gizzards are cooked perfectly. The dish is served with a variety of dipping sauces, including a spicy nước mắm (fish sauce).
Address: 15F Tăng Bạt Hổ Street| 6:30am to 11:30am
Bánh mì xíu mại: The xíu mại here are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and they are cooked to perfection. The bánh mì is also fresh and crispy, and the overall combination is simply delicious.
Address: 26 Hoàng Diệu, Ward 5
Banh can (mini pancake) was introduced to Da Lat from other regions, and is not too difficult to prepare. The cake is made from rice flour, but it becomes special and leaves an impression on diners when the cake filling is transformed with many different flavors.
Address: 27/44 Yersin
Where to stay in Da Lat
Depending on their budget and preferences, visitors can choose from guesthouses, homestays, hotels, resorts, and luxury villas. Guests who like to shop and eat in the city should choose to stay near the center, but for those who love nature and avoid the hustle and bustle, book a room in the suburbs.
My curated list: MerPerle Dalat Hotel, Terracotta Hotel & Resort Dalat, Goldient Boutique Hotel, New Century Hotel Dalat
More affordable choices: Len’s Hotel, The Luxe Hotel Dalat, La Vie En Rose 2 Hotel