Da Lat seems to be the opposite of what we imagine when we think of Vietnam and the oppressive and sticky tropical heat.
Since French colonial times, Da Lat has been a popular holiday destination. The French used to travel to Da Lat, fleeing the heat of Saigon and other Vietnamese cities during the hot and humid seasons to enjoy average temperatures between 15°C and 24°C.
Today, the city has kept a European atmosphere. During your trip to Da Lat, you can then find old French holiday homes mixed with a touch of Vietnamese, slightly kitsch. Many call it "Le Petit Paris" and the city even has a mini-replica of the Eiffel Tower. Da Lat is famous for its wide variety of flowers, vegetables and fruits as well as for its countless natural sites.
Trip to Da Lat - What to visit?
Tuyen Lam Lake. Located 6 km south of Dalat city center, it is considered the most beautiful lake in southern Vietnam. The place is surrounded by green pines. It is an ideal place for lunch or camping while enjoying the peace.
You can enjoy many activities such as fishing.
Pongour Waterfalls. Located about 50 km from Da Lat, Pongour is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in the province.
Tip: To avoid being charged 30 USD and more per person for an organized tour, rent a motorcycle (5 USD) or, with four other people, rent a private car with driver for one day (75 USD).
Good to know: While traveling to Da Lat, you can also enjoy an excursion to the Elephant Waterfall, another beautiful waterfall to discover!
Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Also called Dragon Pagoda, it has a unique architecture. Its entire surface is covered with mosaics. The walls, ceilings and statues of mythical creatures are made of thousands of small pieces of broken terracotta, porcelain and glass..
Trip to Da Lat - Activities
Visit the artichoke and strawberry plantations. Da Lat has the largest artichoke growing area in the country. Da Lat artichoke is world famous. The harvest season for this edible flower is from May to July. During this period, you can get the best artichokes at the best price.
Artichokes can also be dried and processed into tea bags. Artichoke tea is renowned for its benefits: weight loss effects, anti-inflammatory. It also helps to avoid bladder, liver and kidney infections. The locals are also used to putting artichokes in the hotpot (soup).
For many years, strawberries have been one of the specialties associated with Da Lat. They are often offered as a gift to his parents and friends. The cold climate of the Da Lat mountains is conducive to the cultivation of these bays. This has long been one of the main activities of the local population. Picking strawberries is a popular activity for tourists traveling to Da Lat!
The night market. You will find an infinite number of stalls. You can find many Vietnamese specialities at an affordable price, but also flowers, souvenirs, clothes. The market is very attractive and people appreciate the food, the atmosphere, the shows (hip-hop, roller and jainzi dance, activity that looks like badminton but played at the foot).
Trip in Da Lat - Where to eat?
Nem Nūing Dūng Lōc.
In this friendly place, you can taste nem nūng, one of the specialties of Da Lat, which are fresh spring rolls, to roll yourself.
Address: B14 Hoang Van Thu Street, Da Lat, Vietnam
Open: 11am-11pm, daily
Price: VND 30,000 ($1.5) for a dish
Da Quy Restaurant.
The restaurant offers Vietnamese cuisine in a pleasant setting. Most popular Vietnamese dishes are on the menu. Da Quy also serves local wine, which is worth testing.
Address: 49 Truong Cong Dinh, Da Lat, Vietnam
Open: 9am-11pm, daily
Price: $$$-$$$$ for a dish
Liên Hoa Bakery.
This bakery is an institution, not to be missed during your trip to Da Lat! It is filled with all kinds of bakery products. Here you can find the famous Vietnamese baguettes (bánh mì).
Address: 15-17 3 Thang 2 Street, Da Lat, Vietnam
Open: 6am-9pm, daily
Price: VND 12,000 ($0.5) to VND 20,000 for a bánh mì
Ms Tâm’s Bánh Tráng
Every night, this old lady starts cooking the bánh tráng, known as the "Vietnamese pizza": a sheet of rice cooked with the toppings you choose.
Address: Alley between numbers 32 and 34 3 Tháng 2 Street
Open: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. daily
Price: between $1 and $3 for a dish
Trip in Da Lat - Where to stay?
Low budget ($): Redhouse Backpacker Hostel
Located in a very quiet area, the hotel offers several low cost accommodation opportunities. The staff is very welcoming.
Prices from $12 for a double room.
Average budget ($$): TTC Hôtel Premium Dalat
Located right next to the central market, you can explore the amazing fruit, flower, meat and clothing stalls every night. The place is located near major sites such as Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Cathedral and Summer Palace, all located less than a kilometre away.
Price from $40 for a superior double room.
Bu dget High ($$$$$): Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa
Located in the rural highlands of Dalat, you can take hikes around, explore the local countryside and above all enjoy breathtaking views from your hotel room. Each villa is furnished with a fireplace and a private terrace. Prices vary from $120 to $160 for one night to 2.