Da Lat, Vietnam: Top 26 Places to Visit
Da Lat is a rare city in Vietnam with favorable year-round weather conditions. It is situated at a higher elevation than other areas, so the climate here is always cool, fresh, and maintains an ideal temperature that most people appreciate. Thanks to these advantages, tourism in Da Lat has developed early and is beloved by a large number of domestic and international travelers. In this article, let’s explore Da Lat and places to visit when you come here with SVietnam Travel.
Overview of Da Lat
Da Lat is a beautiful city located in Lam Dong province of Vietnam, situated at an elevation of about 1,500 meters above sea level. Consequently, the year-round temperature here remains at an average of 18-25 degrees Celsius, with clean air and a very pleasant climate. The biological diversity of the forest ecosystem plays a crucial role in the tourism landscape, especially the Da Lat pine forest. Along with rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests, Da Lat has created a compelling attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
Due to its ideal weather conditions, Da Lat has long been renowned as a tourism hub in Vietnam, well-suited for leisure, ecotourism, conference tourism, sightseeing, and honeymoon getaways.
Read more: Da Nang, Vietnam: 14 Places to Visit & Things to Know
Best Time to Visit Da Lat
From January to April is the spring season in Da Lat, where the city becomes vibrant and colorful, adorned with a multitude of flowers such as cherry blossoms, white daisies, and purple phoenix flowers. This is also a beautiful time to visit Da Lat.
From May to September is the peak season for domestic tourism, so Da Lat can get quite crowded during this time. It’s also the rainy season, so it’s advisable to carry an umbrella when going out.
From October to December is the cold season in Da Lat, with fewer domestic tourists, but an increase in international visitors. This marks the most beautiful time in Da Lat when the weather is less rainy, and many types of flowers start to bloom, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.
To learn more about the best time to visit other cities in Vietnam, see Best Time To Visit Vietnam
Transportation to Da Lat
By Plane
Da Lat has Lien Khuong Airport, making it quite convenient for travel. If you’re departing from distant cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, or Can Tho, it’s advisable to choose this option. The airfare is also reasonably priced, at around $50.
By Car
If you’re traveling a relatively short distance, approximately 150 kilometers or less, you can opt for a car or motorcycle for an exciting experience. However, you’ll have to tackle some challenging and potentially dangerous mountainous roads along the way.
Best Places to visit in Da Lat
Historical and Spiritual Sites in Da Lat
Domaine de Marie Church
Located on Mai Anh Hill, Domaine de Marie Church is also known as Mai Anh Church. It is a complex of architectural structures consisting of the main prayer house and two rows of Vinh Son Charity Convent.
The church is designed and built in the 17th-century European style, without a bell tower, and its lighting system is made of stained glass. Domaine De Marie is famous for its vibrant pink-brown color, standing out amidst the garden of hydrangea flowers planted abundantly on the church grounds.
Address: 1 Ngo Quyen Street, Ward 6, Da Lat City.
Rooster Church
The Rooster Church is another distinctive feature of Da Lat with its antique French architecture, bearing Western influences. It is called the Rooster Church due to the large rooster-shaped ornament at the top of the bell tower, adding a unique touch to its design. The church is open 24/7, making it convenient for tourists to visit. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of classical European architecture, take a stroll in the church grounds to breathe in the fresh air, and meet the local parishioners to hear stories about this ancient church.
Address: 15 Tran Phu Street, Ward 3, Da Lat City.
Samten Hills Dalat
Samten Hills Dalat is a complex of Buddhist cultural architectural structures created by the hands of artisans from Nepal through ancient artistic practices. All the patterns and drawings here carry profound and mystical meanings. This place is not only a place of worship for Buddhist followers but also a serene spiritual destination sought after by many travelers looking for balance between the modern and tumultuous world and the anxieties of life.
Address: Kambute Hamlet, Tu Tra Commune, Don Duong District, Lam Dong
Linh An Pagoda
Linh An Pagoda is located on Ta Nung Pass, about 30km from the center of Da Lat City. The pagoda is one of the tourist attractions in Da Lat that draws many tourists and Buddhists who come to worship and admire the scenery. Here, you will be amazed by the main hall, which is as large as 1,400m2. Inside the temple, there are many large and beautiful Buddha statues, including a massive and beautiful statue of Quan Yin. If you are fortunate, you may even crawl inside a giant lotus flower or climb onto the palm of Bodhisattva’s hand.
Address: Nam Ban Town, Lam Ha District, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Bao Dai Palace
Bao Dai Palace is closely associated with the life of the last king of the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, these palaces have become famous tourist destinations in Da Lat, attracting visitors from both domestic and international locations who come to explore and learn about history. The Bao Dai Palaces in Da Lat feature opulent French architecture. Despite the historical ups and downs, all three Bao Dai Palaces (1, 2, 3) still exist to this day. When you visit, besides admiring the unique architecture, you can also enjoy picturesque photo opportunities.
- Palace 1: 01 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
- Palace 2: 12 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
- Palace 3: 01 Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Ward 4, Da Lat City, Lam Dong.
Entertainment Destinations for Young People
ZooDoo Animal Park
ZooDoo Animal Park is nestled in the midst of lush pine forests, about 40km from the center of Da Lat City. This place offers a pristine natural environment and pleasant weather year-round. If you are curious about animals like kangaroos, miniature horses, sheep, or Alpaca camels, then you should visit ZooDoo Animal Park. It’s a newly opened tourist attraction developed in the style of an Australian open zoo, which is quite interesting.
Address: Da Nhim Commune, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong
Lumiere Light Garden
Lumiere Light Garden is one of the newest tourist spots in Da Lat that is gaining the attention of young people. It is an artistic light exhibition space that incorporates cutting-edge technology into highly impressive light displays. Lumiere Da Lat attracts visitors with the creativity of art installations combined with modern technology.
Address: 222B Mai Anh Dao Street, Ward 8, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Puppy Farm
Puppy Farm is located approximately 8km from the center of Da Lat City. Here, they raise hundreds of different dog breeds such as Huskies, Alaskas, Corgis, and more. This is one of the newest tourist attractions in Da Lat that attracts many animal lovers. Visitors to the puppy farm not only get to admire various dog breeds but also have the opportunity to pet and cuddle with them. Additionally, there are strawberry fields, tomato gardens in greenhouses, and flower gardens for tourists to explore, experience fruit picking, and take photos.
Address: Camly Street, Ward 7, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Sunset Viewing Points, Scenic Views
Langbiang Mountain
Often referred to as the heart of Da Lat, from the summit of Langbiang Mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of Da Lat City, admire the grandeur of the highland’s natural beauty, and savor moments of relaxation in the beautiful scenery of Da Lat.
The Radar Hill area is also a choice for many tourists. You can rent a jeep or hike to reach the hilltop. On Radar Hill, there are many attractions such as flower gardens, ornamental plants, cafes, an observatory, horseback riding, and more. Additionally, you can explore Ong Mountain and Ba Mountain by hiking through the pine forest. This mode of transportation may be adventurous but is sure to provide you with unforgettable memories.
Address: Lac Duong Town, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province.
Robin Hill
Robin Hill, located on the picturesque Prenn Pass, is one of the famous tourist destinations in Da Lat, offering a breathtaking and expansive view, ideal for admiring Da Lat’s beauty from above. There is also a cable car system over 2km long. Taking a cable car ride from Robin Hill to Truc Lam Zen Monastery takes approximately 12 minutes. While riding the cable car, tourists can enjoy panoramic views of Elephant Mountain, Tuyen Lam Lake, vibrant flower gardens, vast mountains, and beautiful hidden ancient villas.
Address: 1 Dong Da Street, Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
The scenery here is quite similar to Sapa. You can check it out at: Sapa, Vietnam: 9 Places to Visit & Things to Know
Thien Phuc Duc Hill
Thien Phuc Duc Hill is known as the “cloud hunting paradise” of Da Lat city. It is located approximately 8km from the city center of Da Lat. When visiting this tourist spot in Da Lat, tourists can experience overnight camping, explore strawberry gardens, go cloud hunting, admire sunsets, sunrises, and take photos with the nearby solitary pine trees.
Address: Ward 7, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Cau Dat Tea Hill
Cau Dat Tea Hill, a tourist destination in Da Lat, is located in the city’s outskirts. This place always has a cool climate and offers a romantic setting with lush green tea gardens. The tea hill provides tourists with various exciting experiences such as touring tea factories, becoming a tea picker, harvesting tea leaves, cloud hunting, enjoying delicious beverages at the container coffee shop, and plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.
Address: VHF5+WJ6, QL20, Xuan Truong, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Da Phu Hill
When mentioning the beautiful cloud-hunting and sunset viewing spots in Da Lat, Da Phu Hill is a must-mention location. It is situated approximately 12km from the city center. This spot is perfect for panoramic views of the city with its distinctive greenhouses, garden areas, and beautiful pine forest views. Camping overnight at Da Phu Hill is also a fantastic experience, where you can watch sunsets, enjoy the starry night sky, and in the early morning, go cloud hunting and witness the sunrise in the chilly atmosphere of Da Lat.
Address: Ward 7, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Famous Flower and Strawberry Gardens in Da Lat
The Florest
The Florest is one of the new tourist destinations in Da Lat, with an area of up to 60 hectares. It is one of the largest flower gardens in Da Lat, located in the Tà Nung area. Here, you can find various typical Da Lat flowers such as dahlias, white begonias, purple moss, asters, Japanese chrysanthemums, and more. The vast flower garden creates a vibrant landscape, resembling the romantic European meadows. It’s also a favorite spot for young couples to take wedding photos.
Address: Ta Nung Commune, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Van Thanh Flower Village
Da Lat is known as the most famous place for flowers in Vietnam, both in terms of quality and quantity. Among them, Van Thanh Flower Village is the oldest and most famous flower village in Da Lat. When you visit here, you can explore many types of flowers with a wide range of colors. If you’re looking for a place to experience Da Lat’s beautiful flowers, this is a must-visit.
Da Lat Strawberry Gardens
Da Lat is also famous for its strawberry cultivation in Vietnam, supplying strawberries to the entire local market. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to explore strawberry gardens in Da Lat. In addition to strolling through the gardens and picking strawberries, you can also enjoy them on-site or purchase some to take home.
- Japanese BFarm Strawberry Garden: 09 An Ton, Ward 5, Da Lat City, Lam Dong.
- Mrs. Thao’s Strawberry Garden: 162 Thanh Mau, Ward 7, Da Lat City, Lam Dong.
- Hiep Luc Strawberry Garden: 144B Vong Lam Vien, Ward 8, Da Lat City, Lam Dong.
- 88 Thanh Mau Strawberry Garden: 88 Thanh Mau, Ward 7, Da Lat City, Lam Dong.
Beautiful Lakes and Waterfalls in Da Lat
Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyen Lam Lake is the largest artificial lake in Da Lat. Situated amidst a stunning pine forest, this pristine space has become an ideal spot for camping, recreation, and relaxation for tourists. When you visit Tuyen Lam Lake, you can experience activities such as boating, paddle boating, fishing, overnight camping, or taking Instagram-worthy photos amidst the picturesque scenery.
Address: Zone 18 of Tuyen Lam Tourism Area, Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Xuan Huong Lake
Located in the city center, Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat is often referred to as the city’s emerald gem. The tranquil lake with clear water is surrounded by beautiful flower beds and lush green grass, adding to the romantic beauty of the city of a thousand flowers. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll around the lake, rent a swan boat, enjoy coffee while admiring the view, and more.
Address: Ward 1, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Suoi Vang Lake
Suoi Vang Lake is located in Lac Duong District, about 12 km north of the city center of Da Lat. Visitors can participate in activities such as boating, fishing, enjoying the fresh air, and camping, which can be quite enjoyable.
Address: Dankia Hamlet, Lat Commune, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province.
Pongour Waterfall
Pongour Waterfall is one of the most majestic waterfalls in Da Lat, standing at a height of 40 meters, spreading across 7 tiers, and spanning nearly 100 meters in width. If you visit during the 1st lunar month, you may also have the opportunity to participate in the unique Pongour Festival of the K’Ho people.
Address: Tan Nghia Hamlet, Ninh Gia Commune, Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province.
Datanla Waterfall
Datanla Waterfall is located in the middle of Prenn Pass, with a height of over 20 meters. This is an ideal stop for those who love exploration, adventure tourism, and outdoor activities. The Datanla waterfall tourist area offers visitors various exciting activities such as cable car rides over the waterfall, rock climbing to conquer the top of the waterfall, forest slides, ziplining through the forest, and boating past the waterfall.
Address: Highway 20, Prenn Pass, Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Prenn Waterfall
Prenn Waterfall is situated at the beginning of Prenn Pass, about 10 km from the center of Da Lat. It is recognized as a National Cultural and Historical Site by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism since 2000.
The Prenn Waterfall tourist area is a complex with many attractive tourism products, including paddle boating, riding elephants, riding ostriches, and more. Visitors can also participate in various group activities such as visiting the zoo, visiting the orchid garden, and enjoying other group activities.
Address: Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Elephant Waterfall
Elephant Waterfall in Da Lat, also known as Lieng Rowoa Waterfall, is another noteworthy destination. For adventure enthusiasts, Elephant Waterfall is a top choice in Da Lat. At Elephant Waterfall, you can test your hiking skills by climbing the 145 stone steps attached to the treacherous mountainside while listening to the roaring sound of the waterfall. At the base of the waterfall is the Bat Cave, located 50 meters below ground level. The mouth of the cave is filled with many tree roots and intertwined vines, and as you descend deeper, you will feel the chill from the waterfall and the earth, making the exploration journey even more exciting.
Address: Gia Lam Commune, Nam Ban Town, Lam Ha District, Lam Dong Province.
The Valley of Love
The Valley of Love is a large tourist area located approximately 5 km from the center of Da Lat. This place has seen significant infrastructure investment with various fee-based entertainment and sightseeing areas. It would take you a whole day to explore this tourist area completely. The Valley of Love is particularly suitable for couples who enjoy photography.
Address: 5-7 Mai Anh Dao Street, Da Lat City.
Cu Lan Village
Cu Lan Village is nestled in the majestic mountains and is home to the K’Ho ethnic people. It is one of the tourist destinations in Da Lat that attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists who come to enjoy leisure activities, explore, and learn about the unique culture of the K’Ho people. The village offers a beautiful landscape with picturesque mountains, lush pine forests, the sound of flowing streams, and year-round blooming flowers that will make you feel comfortable. It’s also an ideal place for team-building activities.
Address: Suoi Can Hamlet, Lat Commune, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province.
Lam Vien Square
Lam Vien Square is located in the center of Da Lat, making it a popular tourist destination. It seems that almost every first-time visitor to Da Lat makes a stop at Lam Vien Square. This place is famous for two iconic architectural structures: the Artichoke Flower and the Wild Sunflower.
Address: Tran Quoc Toan Street, Ward 1, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
Da Lat Cuisine
Because the weather here is always cool, grilled dishes are highly favored. Specifically, dishes like thinly sliced pork or beef grilled on charcoal stoves are popular. Here are some restaurants specializing in these dishes:
- Thit nuong ngoi Xua – 427/3 Phan Dinh Phung, Da Lat City.
- Thit nuong ngoi Cu Duc – 6A Nguyen Luong Bang, Ward 2, Da Lat City.
- Thit nuong ngoi Cu Tay – 35 An Duong Vuong, Ward 2, Da Lat City.
In addition, the dishes “Banh mi xiu mai” (meatball sandwich) and “Com nieu Da Lat” (Da Lat clay pot rice) are also popular choices for many tourists. Here are some places to consider:
- Com nieu Nhu Ngoc – 19/8 Ho Tung Mau, Da Lat City.
- Com nieu Da Lat Huong Viet – 41 Suong Nguyet Anh, Ward 9, Da Lat City.
- Com nieu Nhu Ngoc – 6 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Lat City.
For delicious “Banh mi xiu mai” (meatball sandwich) in Da Lat, you can visit:
- Banh mi co Suong – 14 Anh Sang, Ward 1, Da Lat City.
- Banh mi Ha – 137 3 Thang 2 Street, Da Lat City.
- Banh mi xiu mai BH – 16 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Da Lat City.
Enjoying coffee in Da Lat
Da Lat has many beautifully designed cafes with a variety of beverages. You can visit some of the following cafes for a great experience:
- Kokoro Cafe: 45 Dang Thai Than, Ward 3, Da Lat.
- Cafe Đen: Da Chien hill, Ward 11, Da Lat.
- Maybe Blue Coffee: 5 Le Hong Phong, Ward 4, Da Lat.
- Me Linh Coffee Garden: Village 4, Ta Nung, Da Lat.
- La Viet Coffee: 200 Nguyen Cong Tru and 4D Tran Quy Cap – Da Lat.
Notes when visiting Da Lat
- Choose restaurants that have received good reviews to ensure quality and reasonable prices.
- If you need a taxi, choose taxi companies with a large number of vehicles on the road, or use the Grab app for convenience.
- Don’t be swayed by invitations to strawberry farms, as they may lead you to areas with high prices.
- Check the weather forecast so you can bring the necessary items for your trip.
Conclusion
Indeed, Dalat has many places worth visiting, and we have grouped them based on their common characteristics to make it easier for you to choose. With such a peaceful and romantic atmosphere in Dalat, you will surely have extremely relaxing and enjoyable moments when you come here with your loved ones. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, or contact our travel advisors to plan your Vietnam trip.
