Cu Lan Village, Da Lat: A Dreamy Cultural Destination
Cu Lan Village in Da Lat is like something out of a fairytale, offering a lush, green landscape, clean, refreshing air, and captivating cultural and tourism activities. Visiting this village promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we explore this cultural gem and discover the must-do activities when traveling to Cu Lan Village’s ecological site.
Overview of Cu Lan Village, Da Lat
Cu Lan Village is nestled at the foot of Langbiang Mountain, approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Da Lat’s city center. Spanning around 30 hectares within a vast, pristine forest, the village was established in the 1960s and is predominantly inhabited by the K’Ho ethnic group.
Cu Lan Village is not only a tourist destination with breathtaking natural landscapes, but also a place to experience and learn about the traditional lifestyle and culture of the K’Ho people, one of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. With its untouched beauty, Cu Lan Village has been recognized as one of the six most beautiful ancient villages in Vietnam and has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a cultural tourism site in Da Lat.
Since officially welcoming visitors in mid-2011, Cu Lan Village has quickly become a popular destination in Da Lat, thanks to its distinctive and unique charm. Here, visitors can engage in various activities such as camping, participating in traditional folk games, enjoying local highland cuisine, and exploring nature through walking tours or jeep rides.
Read more: Nha Trang, Vietnam: 14 Places to Visit & Things to Know
How to Get to Cu Lan Village
Cu Lan Village is located in Suoi Can Hamlet, Lat Commune, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province, about 25 km from Da Lat city center, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
If you depart from Da Lat Market, take Tran Quoc Toan Street, turn onto Dinh Tien Hoang Street, then continue to Nguyen Cong Tru, turn right onto Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street, and finally onto Ankroet Road. From there, proceed straight for another 10 km along DT722 Road to reach Cu Lan Village. The route is quite straightforward, with wide, paved roads suitable for both motorbikes and cars.
Read more: Hoi An, Vietnam: 15 Places to Visit & Things to Know
Best Time to Visit Cu Lan Village
The best time to visit Cu Lan Village is from September to April. This is the dry season in Da Lat, with cool weather and minimal rain. However, you can visit at any time of the year to enjoy the unique charm of each season.
Read more: Mui Ne Beach, Vietnam: Top 11 Things To Do
Things to Do at Cu Lan Village
Rafting
A visit to Cu Lan Village wouldn’t be complete without trying your hand at rafting. The village features a jade-colored lake in the center, where visitors can test their rafting skills. This activity is particularly enjoyable for families, couples, and groups of friends.
The rafts are crafted from bamboo and rattan into large rectangular shapes. Participants use a bamboo pole to slowly paddle to the center of the lake. For added fun, you can bring along a fishing rod to experience fishing from the raft amidst the tranquil scenery of rolling hills and clear blue skies. Just thinking about it brings a sense of relaxation and joy, doesn’t it?
Mountain Climbing at Cu Lan Village, Da Lat
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, mountain climbing at Cu Lan Village is a must-try experience. The hills here are not too steep and are relatively easy to navigate, making them suitable even for first-time trekkers.
At the summit, you’ll be greeted by stunning village views that resemble a picturesque painting. You can immerse yourself in the vast natural landscape, breathe in the fresh air, and let go of life’s stresses.
Exploring Cu Lan Village by Off-Road Jeep
If you’ve ever experienced riding a jeep over the sand dunes of Mui Ne, then you should definitely try exploring Cu Lan Hill by jeep. This option is perfect for those who don’t want to hike but still want to fully explore this unique village.
By choosing the off-road jeep tour, you’ll be driven by locals who will take you through the rich red basalt hills and refreshing streams. The diverse natural scenery of Cu Lan Village will surely satisfy your adventurous spirit!
Estimated price: 100,000 VND per person.
Overnight Camping in Cu Lan Village
This is a great activity if you want to experience camping without having to prepare all the complicated equipment. As one of the popular camping spots in Da Lat, Cu Lan Village offers tent rental services for overnight stays in designated grassy areas.
Each tent is 12 square meters, accommodating up to 10 people. The tents are equipped with insulated mats, raised 20 cm off the ground. You will also be provided with sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows to ensure a memorable, yet comfortable and safe camping experience.
Bonfire and Gong Culture Exchange
Cu Lan Village in Da Lat is renowned for the resonant sounds of gongs and the lively traditional dances that reflect the distinctive mountain culture. For larger groups of visitors, an unforgettable experience is organizing a bonfire late at night. Everyone gathers to sing and share joy through the traditional gong melodies. This is a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the rich life and culture of the local community.
Taking Photos in Traditional Ethnic Costumes
When visiting Cu Lan Village, you can try on the traditional attire of the K’Ho people. This experience not only gives tourists a deeper understanding of the local culture and spirit, but also offers the chance to capture beautiful photos, preserving memories in these distinctive outfits.
Participating in Traditional Folk Games
When visiting Cu Lan Village in Da Lat, you’ll have the chance to join in on a variety of exciting traditional folk games such as archery, horseback riding, bamboo pole jumping, stilt walking, and dart throwing. Some of these activities may come with an additional fee, so it’s a good idea to check the prices beforehand.
What to Eat at Cu Lan Village
When it comes to food, Cu Lan Village won’t disappoint with its wide variety of culinary options. From traditional dishes of the K’Ho ethnic group to more modern fare, the restaurants and cafes here serve a diverse range of meals. Many of the dishes are made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, harvested directly from the surrounding area.
Additionally, you can enjoy the village’s special forest-brewed rice wine, or even take part in cooking classes to learn how to prepare simple yet delightful local dishes.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices for Cu Lan Village
Cu Lan Village is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week. It is recommended to visit in the morning to have more time for activities and to make travel more convenient.
Cu Lan Village Ticket Prices (Reference)
- Adults: 60,000 VND per person
- Children under 1.2 meters: Free
Additionally, there are separate fees for other services such as team-building activities, bonfire events, jeep tours, traditional costume rentals, horseback riding, fish releasing, and more.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Cu Lan Village
- Clothing: Bring clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Swimwear: Bring swimwear if you plan to swim in the stream.
- Safety regulations: Follow safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities to ensure your safety and that of others.
- Accommodation: You can choose to stay at a traditional stilt house homestay or an eco-resort. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Escaping the bustling, polluted streets of the city to explore Cu Lan Village will allow you to reconnect with nature, breathe in fresh air, and immerse yourself in the tranquil, picturesque environment—leaving all of life’s worries behind.
If you’re planning a trip to Da Lat or Vietnam, don’t hesitate to contact SVietnam Travel for the best advice and special early booking offers.
