Discover 10 Things to Do in Dalat – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Nestled in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Dalat is a charming city that offers visitors a unique experience in the heart of the country. Known for its picturesque scenery, temperate climate, and fascinating history, Dalat has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s colonial-era architecture, hike through pine forests, or simply relax in a cozy cafe with a cup of locally grown coffee, Dalat has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 10 things to do in Dalat, Vietnam, from exploring the city’s quirky attractions to discovering the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

1. Visit the Crazy House

The Crazy House is a unique and quirky attraction in Dalat that is known for its unconventional architecture. Designed by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga, the Crazy House is a series of interconnected buildings that resemble a giant treehouse, with rooms, corridors, and staircases winding their way through the structure.

The Crazy House is meant to be a creative and imaginative space that encourages visitors to explore and interact with the environment. It features a variety of interesting design elements, such as a giant spider web, animal sculptures, and surrealistic paintings.

The history of the Crazy House dates back to the 1990s when Dang Viet Nga, who was trained as an architect in Russia, began designing and building the structure. She drew inspiration from the work of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, as well as the natural landscape of the surrounding area.

Despite its unusual appearance, the Crazy House has become a popular attraction in Dalat, drawing visitors from all over the world. It is also a popular spot for photographers, who are drawn to its surrealistic and whimsical design. Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, or just want to experience something completely unique, the Crazy House is definitely worth a visit.

The entry fee for the Crazy House is around 80,000 VND (approximately 3.5 USD) for adults and 40,000 VND (approximately 1.7 USD) for children. The opening hours are from 8:30am to 7:00pm daily.

2. Take a cable car ride to Truc Lam Pagoda

Truc Lam Pagoda is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on a hilltop overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake in Dalat. The temple was built in 1994 and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the most popular ways to reach Truc Lam Pagoda is by taking a cable car ride from the Robin Hill area. The cable car ride takes approximately 15 minutes and offers panoramic views of the city, the lake, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the area and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

Once you reach Truc Lam Pagoda, you can explore the temple grounds, which feature several beautiful buildings, gardens, and statues. You can also participate in meditation and chanting sessions, which are held daily and open to visitors.

Truc Lam Pagoda is a must-visit attraction in Dalat, offering visitors a chance to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of the region. The cable car ride is an added bonus, providing stunning views of the area and making for a memorable experience.

The entry fee for the cable car ride to Truc Lam Pagoda is around 70,000 VND (approximately 3 USD) for adults and 50,000 VND (approximately 2 USD) for children. The opening hours for the cable car ride are from 7:30am to 5:00pm daily.

The entry fee for Truc Lam Pagoda is around 30,000 VND (approximately 1.3 USD) per person. The opening hours for the temple are from 7:30am to 4:30pm daily.

3. Explore the Dalat Flower Gardens

The Dalat Flower Gardens is a beautiful park located in the heart of Dalat that is known for its stunning collection of flowers and plants. The park covers an area of approximately 7 hectares and features a variety of gardens and displays that showcase the natural beauty of the region.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is the French Garden, which features a beautiful fountain, a hedge maze, and a variety of colorful flowers. Other highlights include the Cactus Garden, the Bonsai Garden, and the Orchid Garden, which features over 300 species of orchids.

Visiting the Dalat Flower Gardens is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the park’s designers. The park is a must-visit attraction in Dalat, particularly for nature lovers and those interested in horticulture and botany.

The entry fee for the Dalat Flower Gardens is around 40,000 VND (approximately 1.7 USD) per person. The opening hours are from 7:30am to 4:00pm daily.

4. Visit the Valley of Love

The Valley of Love is a scenic valley located about 6km from the city center of Dalat. It is a popular destination for couples, with its romantic atmosphere and picturesque views.

The valley features a range of attractions, including a lake where visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats, a flower garden, and a sculpture garden. The valley also has several walking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Visiting the Valley of Love is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region and enjoy a romantic getaway with your partner.

The entry fee for the Valley of Love is around 50,000 VND (approximately 2.2 USD) per person. The opening hours are from 7:30am to 4:30pm daily.

5. Go canyoning

Canyoning is a popular adventure activity in Dalat that involves descending waterfalls and cliffs using ropes, harnesses, and other equipment. It’s a thrilling and challenging experience that requires physical fitness and a willingness to take on new challenges.

There are several places to go canyoning in Dalat, with the most popular being Datanla Falls and Elephant Falls. Datanla Falls is located about 5km from the city center and features a range of waterfalls and pools that are perfect for canyoning. Elephant Falls, located about 30km from the city, is a larger waterfall that offers more challenging canyoning experiences.

Other popular spots for canyoning in Dalat include Pongour Falls and Tuyen Lam Lake. These locations offer a range of canyoning experiences suitable for different skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

If you’re interested in going canyoning in Dalat, it’s best to book a tour with a reputable tour operator. They can provide all the necessary equipment and guide you through the experience, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.

6. Enjoy a cup of coffee at a local cafe

Coffee cafes are popular in Dalat for several reasons. One of the main reasons is the city’s climate and geography. Dalat is located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, which is a region that is ideal for growing coffee due to its cool climate, high altitude, and fertile soil. As a result, the city has a long history of coffee production and is known for producing some of the best coffee in Vietnam.

Additionally, the city’s colonial history and architecture have contributed to the popularity of coffee culture in Dalat. The city was founded by the French in the late 19th century, and many of its buildings and streets still bear a strong French influence. This has led to the development of a unique coffee culture in the city, with many cafes offering a blend of French and Vietnamese coffee styles.

Finally, coffee cafes are popular in Dalat because they provide a cozy and relaxed atmosphere for locals and tourists alike. Many cafes in the city are situated in beautiful colonial buildings or have outdoor seating areas with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. This makes them a perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the city’s unique charm and natural beauty.

Here are some popular cafes in Dalat where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee:

• Cafe Me – 30 Truong Cong Dinh, Ward 1
• Cafe Tho Tam – 56 Truong Cong Dinh, Ward 1
• Cafe Khoi – 66 Bui Thi Xuan, Ward 2
• Cafe Giang – 1B Le Hong Phong, Ward 4
• La Viet Coffee – 7B Tran Quoc Toan, Ward 3

7. Explore the Pongour Waterfall

Pongour Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction located about 50 kilometers south of Dalat. The waterfall is known for its picturesque beauty and is one of the largest in the region, with a height of around 40 meters and a width of over 100 meters.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along a paved pathway that leads to the base of the waterfall, where they can take in the stunning views and feel the cool mist from the cascading water. There are also several viewing platforms located along the pathway that provide great photo opportunities.

For those who want to get closer to the waterfall, there are several small trails that lead to the top of the waterfall and the surrounding cliffs. Visitors can climb up to the top of the waterfall and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Overall, Pongour Waterfall is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and anyone who appreciates the beauty of Vietnam’s natural landscape.

The entry fee is 10,000 VND (less than $1 USD) per person. Opening hours are 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

8. Visit the Dalat Railway Station

The Dalat Railway Station, also known as the Da Lat Train Station, is a historic railway station located in the city of Dalat in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The station was built during the French colonial period in 1932, and is known for its unique Art Deco design and ornate details.

One of the most striking features of the station is its brightly colored, tiled roof, which is shaped like the wings of a bird. The interior of the station is just as impressive, with intricate wooden details, elegant archways, and vintage steam engines on display.

The Dalat Railway Station is not only a beautiful and historic building, but it also played an important role in the development of the region’s transportation infrastructure. The railway line connected Dalat to other cities in Vietnam, and was used to transport goods and people for many years.

Today, the station is no longer used for transportation, but it has been preserved as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the station’s interior, learn about its history, and take photos of the unique architecture and vintage steam engines on display. Overall, the Dalat Railway Station is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

Visitors can purchase their tickets at the entrance of the station, and then explore the building’s interior and exterior at their leisure. Inside the station, visitors can see the vintage steam engines on display and learn about the history of the railway line and its role in the development of the region.

The entry fee is 40,000 VND (approximately $1.70 USD) per person. Opening hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

9. Take a boat ride on Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake is a large, man-made lake located in the heart of Dalat, Vietnam. The lake is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and is known for its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

One of the most striking features of Xuan Huong Lake is its shape, which is reminiscent of the crescent moon. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, and is flanked by walking paths that offer stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains.

Visitors to Xuan Huong Lake can enjoy a variety of activities, including boat rides, cycling, and jogging.

There are several boat rental services located around the lake, where you can rent a boat for a fee. You can ask around or check online for a list of rental services. There are different types of boats available for rent, including rowboats, paddle boats, and motorboats. You can choose the type of boat that best suits your preferences and needs.

There are also several cafes and restaurants located near the lake, where visitors can relax and take in the beautiful scenery.

One of the most popular times to visit Xuan Huong Lake is in the early morning, when the lake is shrouded in mist and the air is cool and crisp. The lake is also a popular spot for watching the sunset, as the colors of the sky and the water create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere.

Overall, Xuan Huong Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Dalat. Its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and variety of activities make it one of the most popular and beloved destinations in the city.

10. Experience the Dalat Night Market

Dalat Night Market is a bustling market in the center of Dalat, Vietnam. Here you can find a variety of goods such as souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and food. At the market, you can sample a range of local foods such as banh mi, grilled meat skewers, and hotpot. The market is also a great place to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly vendors. Be sure to bring cash as many vendors may not accept credit cards. Additionally, be prepared to bargain as prices are often negotiable.

Opening hours: The market usually opens around 5 pm and runs until 11 pm or midnight. However, the exact hours may vary depending on the season and day of the week.
Address: The market is located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, near the central area of Dalat. You can easily find it by asking locals or using a navigation app.