By Vy Truong- Product expert

General Information

Dalat, located in Lam Vien plateau with 394,64 km² wide, is the provincial city of Lam Dong province in the Central Highlands, Vietnam. This area used to be the residence of Lach, Chil, and Sre from Co Ho ethnic groups. In the late 19th century, following the recommendation of Dr. Alexandre Yersin, who had come to explore Dalat in 1983, Governor-General Paul Doumer decided to choose Lam Vien plateau to build resorts for French in Indochina. In the first half of the 20th century, the French had planned and built up a charming city with villas, offices, hotels and schools. From a remote destination, Dalat has become a tourism and education center of Indochina at that time. Experiencing the ups and downs of two wars and the difficult period of the 1970s and 1980s, Dalat is now a populous city, playing a central role in the economic and cultural values ​​of Lam Dong province.

With an altitude of about 1500 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains and forest flora, Dalat has a mild and refreshing climate. The city is regarded as a European architectural of the 20th century because of its long history and valuable architectural heritage. The rich natural and human resources have made Dalat one of the famous destinations in Vietnam, attracting millions of tourists each year. Dalat is also a center of education and scientific research, a city of diverse religions, hundreds of temples, churches, monasteries, a rich agricultural area with vegetable and flower products. Thanks to the mild climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and rich architectural heritage, Dalat is also known by many other names such as "The City of Mist," "The City of Thousand Pines," "Cherry Blossom Country" or "Little Paris."

Love Valley, a popular attraction in the North of Dalat

Best time to travel to Dalat

You can visit Dalat all year round, unlike many seasonal destinations due to the beauty of each season. You can freely choose the most suitable time for your trip to Dalat.

If you want to see cherry blossoms blooming around Xuan Huong Lake, the time from February to April when spring comes will be the best time to admire flowers. The Purple phoenix flowers in the streets also begin to bloom brilliantly to catch the sunshine in the gentle spring.

In the summertime, the rain suddenly comes and will go quickly. Visiting Dalat this time, tourists will be astonished by the beautiful sceneries of Dalat. The torrential rains in August will increase the attractiveness of the waterfall. The sound of water pouring from Pren waterfall, Pongour waterfall, Dambri waterfall, etc., will mesmerize people.

Traveling to Dalat at the end of the year, from October to December, you will have a chance to admire clouds floating in the blue sky, blooming flowers under the sunshine. The wildflowers shimmering in the wind, the mimosa flowers stretching along the hill looks like a picture. There are many other colorful types of flowers, such as white cabbage field, sunflower garden, velvet rose garden, mead field, etc.

How to get to Dalat

You will have some ways to reach Dalat, including by plane, by coach or by motorbike. There's always a better option depending on your departure location.

By airplane

You can reach Dalat from major cities/airports, including Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat airport), Hanoi (Noi Bai airport) and Da Nang. Dalat's airport, Lien Khuong, is 30 kilometers south of the city center. All local carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Jet Star have daily flights to Dalat.

You can choose to go to the city center by taxi or by the airport bus. Mai Linh Taxi, Phuong Trang Taxi and Thang Loi Taxi are some of the reputable brands you can choose. You can also select the airport bus to the city, which will take you 45 minutes.

By coach

For those who want to save money or sightseeing on the way to Da Lat, the bus will be an appropriate choice. However, it will take you more time to travel to Dalat. You can choose to go from Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, which are some main starting destinations chosen by tourists.

Regular open buses run between Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City; Dalat to Mui Ne and Dalat to Nha Trang. 

By motorbike

Motorbike is also the right choice for those who love experiencing, sightseeing and want to save cost. From Saigon to Dalat, it will take you about seven to ten hours to cover 300 kilometers.

Where you should go when traveling to Dalat

Dalat is well-known for beautiful natural waterfalls, mountains, lakes, hills and many other attractions associated with the history and spiritual culture. Let's find some featured spots you should not miss when you have the intention to travel to Dalat.

Waterfalls

Dalat has varieties of waterfalls. Some of the most popular and attractive waterfalls in Dalat include Pongour Waterfall, Prenn Waterfall, and Datanla Waterfall.

Pongour Waterfall

One of the most attractive destinations in Da Lat that visitors want to explore is the Ponguor waterfall. The waterfall is also known as a "seven-story waterfall" because it flows through a 7-story stone system with an altitude of nearly 40 meters. The ancient forest of 2.5 ha surrounds the Pongour Waterfall with rich and diverse flora and fauna ecosystem.

The waterfall is about 50 kilometers from Dalat city, which you can access through the Highway 20 from Ho Chi Minh city. To explore the waterfall, you will have two ways to get to the foot of the fall. The main road is a long and gentle slope, easy to go while the second road is shorter but higher steps. This road is only suitable for those who love adventure and want to increase their fun.

Going down to the foot of the fall, you will be overwhelmed by the magnificence and majestic sceneries of Pongour Waterfall at the height of 30 meters. The sound of a stream of water tumbling down from above into a significant lake echoes in the mountain.

You can visit Pongour Waterfall in both rainy and dry seasons. No matter what season you come, you still have a chance to admire the water falling from above, touching in the stone. You will feel that you are immersing yourself in the magnificent picture of nature. Especially when you wake up early and come to enjoy the waterfall in the sunrise, you will catch up with the charming scenery of the sunlight shining on the water, the sound of birds around and the sound of water collided with rocks.

Due to the majestic beauty, the famous spring festival in Dalat always happens in Pongour Waterfall. The festival takes place in January of the lunar calendar with lots of traditional games and cultural rituals of indigenous people. Joining this festival, you can see the beautiful folk dances of ethnic people living there and enjoy the melody of gongs.

Let's go there and enjoy the atmosphere on your own!

Prenn Waterfall

Prenn Waterfall is another waterfall you should take time to visit. This waterfall is only 10 kilometers from the city center, lying under the foot of Prenn Pass. The road to the waterfall is quite easy to go, you just have to drive through the 20 route along Lien Khuong highway.

Prenn Waterfall impresses tourists by the mild and peaceful feeling it gives tourists. The waterfall is nearly 10 meters high and 20 meters wide; therefore, it is not as a rumble as other waterfalls in Dalat. Water slowly pouring, birds singing and wind blowing create a magnificent scene of nature.

Prenn Waterfall is not only a sightseeing destination. Visiting Prenn Waterfall, you can freely follow the trails, the sidesteps to come to see orchid gardens and pine gardens. Besides, you can take part in some activities such as sport boating on the stream, using cable cars across the waterfall and sightseeing the view from above. Joining some folk games and activities of local people will be a memorable experience on the trip. They include a crossbow, arrows shooting and drinking straw liquor with unique taste and way to enjoy.

Datanla Waterfall

Canyoning with the 20 high meters waterfall

Datanla is one of the biggest waterfalls in Dalat. Its location is in the middle of Prenn pass, about 10 kilometers from the city center. Like Prenn Waterfall, to get Datanla Waterfall, you can follow the 20 route along Lien Khuong highway. The road is easy to find, and it will not take much time to get the attraction.

Coming to the waterfall, you will be astonished by the poetic landscape. To see the fall's full beautiful view, you will have to climb the steep stairs with lots of sidesteps. Although it takes time, you will have a memorable experience.

Besides sightseeing, you will have a chance to join the adventurous games only found in Datanla Waterfall. They include roller coaster ride, high rope course, and kayaking through the fall.

Roller coaster ride

The roller coaster system in Datanla is the only system in Dalat. The coaster is 1000 meters long, running along the mountain. Adjusting the speed and enjoy the mysterious and poetic beauty of the pristine landscape is one of the experience you cannot miss when visiting Datanla.

Canyoning

This activity has six different levels in ascending levels of difficulties. There are some challenges, such as water abseiling, zipline across the fall down to the river, water sliding, real canyoning with the 20 high meters waterfall, 7 high meter jump and the climax "washing machine": waterfall abseiling. 

When you start playing, you will be guided carefully by the guide to ensure safety. After fishing the training, you will begin with a simple game in the first and second levels and gradually upgrade to a harder level. Let's challenge yourself and check your physical strength with these exciting activities.

Kayaking through the fall

Kayaking is not as adventurous as these two above activities. However, it also attracts lots of people to join. You will be trained some necessary skills and provided with protection cloth before doing kayaking.

Here is our pick for the top 5 exciting activities at Datanla Waterfall in Dalat.

Lakes

Dalat is also famous for its beautiful and poetic lakes. Xuan Huong Lake and Tuyen Lam Lake are two most impressive lakes in Dalat.

Xuan Huong Lake

Located in the center of the city, Xuan Huong Lake, with the crescent shape is a symbol of Dalat. Coming to the lake, you can take a walk and enjoy the sceneries around. Besides, you can choose to take the horse cart, bike, or a duck pedal around the lake for sightseeing.

Xuan Huong Lake has made a deep impression on any tourists coming by its jade green water all year round. Surrounding the lake, you can see the pine forests and lawns and the flower garden at the end of the lake, attracting a lot of tourists coming and enjoy the flowers only found in Dalat.

Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is about 6 kilometers from the city center; therefore, the road is quite easy to go. With the width of more than 350 ha, the lake is the most extensive freshwater lake in Dalat. The lake has many oases, surrounded by pine forests. Visiting the lake, you will be overwhelmed by the immense natural beauty. Tuyen Lam lake is a blend of rivers and streams, mountains, and hills together with the primary forest.

Coming to the lake, you should take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery around the lake, go camping at the lake to admire the sunrise, conquer the peak of Pinhatt Mountain, right next to Tuyen Lam lake, sail to see maple leaves, do fishing and so on.

History and spiritual culture attractions

Besides beautiful natural landscapes, you will also be impressed by the history and religious culture attractions in Dalat. They include the Bao Dai Palace and Truc Lam Monastery

Bao Dai Palace

King Bao Dai has lots of palaces in many parts of the country. One of the places with most of his villas in Dalat. In Dalat, the King owns three luxurious mansions, and all of them are popular tourist destinations.

Palace I is located on a romantic pine hill, about 4km southeast of the city center. It has ancient beauty, majesty, and elegance. Palace II is a luxurious palace, a magnificent castle with 25 rooms sophisticatedly and delicately decorated. It is located on Tran Hung Dao Street, 2km from the city center and you can enjoy the scenery of Xuan Huong Lake from a distance from there.

Palace III is also known as Bao Dai Palace. It's about 2 km from the center of Dalat, on a pine hill at Trieu Viet Vuong street. Bao Dai Palace is a beautiful French architectural complex. The large building is in the middle of the pine hill, surrounded by an elegant flower garden, with a serene, harmonious lake. Palace III is among favorite places to visit in Dalat. Coming here, you will be amazed at the perfect combination of contemporary architecture and beautiful nature.

Truc Lam Monastery

Dalat's Truc Lam Monastery is the largest monastery in Vietnam. It is 5 kilometers south from the city center on the Phoenix Mountain. The monastery is suitable for those who want to find an idyll place.

Coming to the monastery, you will be astonished by the architectural work right next to Tuyen Lam lake. From Tuyen Lam Lake, you can follow the small path with 140 stone steps to penetrate the vast pine forests to the monastery above. Entering the main hall of the monastery, you will see the simple but have important Buddhist meanings worship layout. The ceiling of the main room is covered with bright glazed tile roofs. The roofs bend elegantly, which is a feature of Vietnamese architecture.

The favorite highlight of this Truc Lam monastery is the flower garden in front of the main hall. You can find many precious flowers in this beautiful flower garden such as Thien Dieu, Sim Australia, Phu Dung, etc. All types of flowers are collected and grown by monks and nuns inside the interior.

Let's take a trip to Truc Lam Monastery and create your memories here.

Dalat Railway Station

Visiting Dalat Railway Station, you will be amazed by its combination of communal house architecture in the Central Highlands and France's classical architecture.

From Dalat Railway Station, you can admire the three triangular spikes representing the three majestic Lang Biang peaks. What impresses visitors is not only the architectural blend but also in the train tracks of the station with serrated shape, the unique cog in the world.

Currently, the train only serves visitors to explore the mountain town. Although the train speed is slow, this is an opportunity for you to feel the beauty of Dalat.

Dalat flower garden

In the valley of Doi Cu, Dalat Flower Garden is nearby the northern bank of Xuan Huong Lake. You have already had a chance to admire different flower types here from the entrance of the garden.

There are over 300 types of flowers, from familiar blossoms such as daisy, rose, and gladiolus. You can see some other species of flowers such as orchids, mimosa, azalea, etc. blooming all year round.

This flower garden is the largest and most complete flower showroom in Dalat. You will be satisfied with the hand of artisans who have carefully take care of those flowers.

Cu Lan Village

Cu Lan Village is about 20 kilometers from the city center, located in a small valley. Cu Lan impresses tourists by its names. It's a type of tree and animal in the Red Book of Vietnam.

Besides, tourists love the small wooden houses hidden in the vast green pine forest along a small stream leading into the village. During your visit, you can join some outdoor activities such as flying kites, climbing mountains, fishing, or jeep racing.

In addition to the above attractions, Dalat has many other places that you should discover on your own. Let's take a trip to Dalat and explore this charming city by yourself!

Accommodation in Dalat

You will have a lot of accommodation choices in Dalat from small local boutique hotels to luxury resorts. We recommend some of the favorites below.

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat is among the most elegant resorts in Dalat, amidst among the fresh pine hills. The rooms are fully-equipped villas in the middle of the slope with the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and WC. Staying in this resort, you will have a comfortable and relaxed time with sport and entertainment activities like golf, tennis court, gym, etc.

Du Parc Dalat Hotel

The highlight of the hotel is the rooms being decorated and designed in Oriental tradition with beautiful views. All Du Parc Dalat Hotel rooms are fully equipped with luxurious, modern interiors, hardwood floors, elegant colors, which are suitable for all types of guests, giving you comfortable accommodation.

Du Parc Hotel Dalat has a large restaurant with views of Dalat's beautiful city with thousands of blooming flowers. The restaurant will serve customers with delicious meals with an extensive menu of local and international specialties. With warm and hospitable staff, you will feel satisfied and quickly enjoy yourself exploring this exciting city!

Terracotta Hotel Resort & Spa Dalat

This resort is located in the Tuyen Lam Lake area, owning an airy space with views straight to the lake. The architecture of the resort has the features of modern Western design, which is suitable for the lake's landscape.

Handspan Travel Indochina also uses many other smaller boutique hotels and even some homestays in town. There's always a good choice for all types of budgets. Please contact our travel experts for suggestions. 

 

Hereinbelow please find our suggestions for the activities you can do in Dalat:

- A guide to a classic day tour in Dalat

- The 4 best mountain biking tours in Dalat

- The 3 best trekking tours in Dalat

- The 4 best outdoor adventures in Dalat