Looking for best things to do in Dalat Vietnam? 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.
Indeed, best things to do in Dalat would ideally make your stay up to 2-3 days. 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 a 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.
Dalat offers plenty of enjoyable activities for up to 2-3 days. Here are must-experience highlights to expect when visiting Dalat.
Where exactly is Dalat located in Vietnam?
To introduce Dalat and some of the top activities to do while visiting , let’s address the question: Where exactly is Dalat located in Vietnam?
Dalat, 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.
Dalat is quite different from anywhere else you’ll visit in 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.
Explore popular experiences in Dalat – See what travelers like to do, based on attractions to visit
16 Best things to do in Dalat Vietnam 2025 including Attractions & Activities
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.
Visit the Hang Nga Crazy House – Dalat Vietnam must see
The Dalat crazy house, or the locally 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.
Ride Dalat’s 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.
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.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery – Meditation Center in Dalat Vietnam
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. It wouldn’t be unexpected if this area undergoes further development to boost tourism in Dalat in the upcoming years.
Ride Robin Robin Hill Cable Car in – Best Thing to do in Dalat Vietnam
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.
The Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery Station is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from Datanla Waterfall, making it feasible to visit both attractions in a single day if you’re already in the area. Alternatively, if you arrived at Datanla Waterfall by taxi, you can walk to Truc Lam Monastery Station, though the 40-minute walk is not particularly scenic.
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.
Shop in Dalat Night Market – One of Vietnam’s most interesting
Dalat’s night market 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 Dalat night 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.
Sights & Attractions in Dalat Vietnam
Bao Dai’s Summer Palace
The art deco-influenced Bao Dai’s Summer Palace was constructed in 1933 and was one of three palaces Bao Dai kept in Dalat. The decor has not changed in decades, except for the addition of Ho Chi Minh’s portrait over the fireplace, but the palace is filled with artefacts from decades and governments past and is extremely interesting.
Crémaillère Railway Station
Dalat’s pretty Crémaillère Railway station is now largely decorative. Railway enthusiasts and its a major yet well-worth-a visit tourist attraction in Dalat that will be interested in the old locomotives on display, including a Japanese steam train.
Cuong Hoan Traditional Silk Centre
A fascinating place to visit is Cuong Hoan Traditional Silk Centre in Nam Ban village, near the Elephant Falls. Here you can see every part of the miraculous process, from the live silkworms spinning out their precious cacoon, to the vats where they’re boiled up and the threads separated, to the loom where the shimmery cloth is woven. You can even sample the cooked grub – they taste kinda nutty.
Dalat Cathedral
The gingerbread-style Dalat Cathedral was built between 1931 and 1942 for use by French residents and holiday-makers. It may not be a best things to do in Dalat, however, the cross on the spire is topped by a weathercock, 47m above the ground. The church itself is rarely open outside of mass times.
Dalat Flower Gardens
An unusual sight in Vietnam, the Dalat Flower Gardens were established in 1966. Flowers here include hydrangeas, fuchsias and orchids. Most of the latter are in special shaded buildings to the right of the entrance. All in all it’s a very nice and well-kept cross section of Dalat foliage, along with some crazy kitsch topiary.
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. Dalat University was founded as a Catholic University in 1957 by Hué Archbishop Ngo Dinh Thuc (the older brother of unpopular South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, with the help of Cardinal Spelman of New York. It was seized from the church in 1975 and reopened two years later as a state-run institution.
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 are pleased to show visitors around and tell you more about tourist attractions and places of interest or explaining the work they do for orphans, the homeless and handicapped children. A shop sells handicrafts made by the children and nuns. Mass is celebrated in the large chapel, Sun to Fri.
Du Sinh Church
The Du Sinh Church was built in 1955 by Catholic refugees from the north. The four-post, Sino-Vietnamese steeple was constructed at the insistence of a Hué-born priest of royal lineage. The church is on a hilltop with beautiful views in all directions, making this a great place for a picnic.
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.
Linh Son Pagoda
Built in 1938, the Linh Son Pagoda is a lovely ochre-coloured building that fuses French and Chinese architecture. The giant bell is said to be made of bronze mixed with gold, its great weight making it too heavy for thieves to carry off.
Useful travel information for visiting Dalat, Vietnam
Is Dalat worth visiting for tourists?
Visitors found Dalat to be unexpectedly delightful and thoroughly enjoyable and well worth a visit. In addition, it’s a favored spot among local tourists and a popular honeymoon destination, which lends it a lively and inviting atmosphere. From its vibrant night market and diverse dining options to the scenic Xuan Huong Lake and numerous waterfalls, zen monasteries, and popular tourist attractions, Dalat offers a variety of experiences.
If your itinerary allows a longer trip, Dalat makes it a worthwhile stop to your journey between southern and central Vietnam.
What is the best time to visit Dalat?
Whats weather like in Dalat? The optimal best time to visit Dalat is during the dry season from December to March, during these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and enjoying its natural beauty.
Additionally, the dry season coincides with the blooming of flowers, adding to Dalat’s natural charm. If you prefer fewer crowds and less touristy season, consider visiting in the shoulder months of April-May or September-November, as the weather remains favorable with occasional showers.
However, Dalat can get crowded during public holidays and weekends, especially with domestic tourists, so planning your visit accordingly can help you avoid the busiest times.
Dalat itinerary: How Many days do you need?
How much time do you need in Dalat? well, this is pretty much depends on your travel itinerary and the places of interests you will add into your travel list, however, tourists, add something between 3 nights to 2 nights to cover all the things to do and the attractions to visit.
If you’re adding 3 days, you can have some free time to relax and chill at some of the best cafes in Dalat. Therefore, we would recommend spending 2-3 days exploring Dalat, depending on your preferred pace and the activities you wish to experience while visiting Dalat.
How to get to Dalat, Vietnam and go around the city for sightseeing?
Getting to Dalat, Vietnam is straightforward despite its somewhat secluded position. You can choose from various mods of transportation and the options including flights, buses, or motorbike rides, by al means, there’s a suitable choice for every preference and budget. There are daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City landing to Lien Phuong airport in Dalat.
In addition, there are taxis and buses from the airpot taking passengers to the city center around the clock.
Dalat Lam Dong bus station is connected to other cities, everywhere in Vietnam by bus, with regular services from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang, Hoi An and other major cities. The duration of the bus journey varies depending on the distance and route.
For motorbike lovers and those seeking adventure, a motorbike can be rented in Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang and ridden to Dalat. The journey, which showcases Vietnam’s countryside, may take several hours. In addition, there are also options to travel across Vietnam by motorbike on a famous Vietnam Motorbike Tours
Alternatively, a private car with a driver can be hired from Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang to Dalat, offering greater comfort and flexibility albeit at a higher cost compared to other transportation options.
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