Planning a trip to Da Lat and wondering whether to go independently or book a tour? Let’s dive into the typical costs for both options so you can confidently budget your adventure to Vietnam’s “City of Eternal Spring.”
✈️ Cost of Getting to Da Lat
Depending on your starting point, budget, and preferences, you can choose various ways to reach Da Lat. Here’s how transportation prices break down:
By Plane
Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, and Pacific Airlines all offer flights to Da Lat from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
- Average one-way ticket: 600,000 – 1,900,000 VND/person
- Prices vary by departure city, airline, and how early you book.
By Bus
For budget travelers, buses are an affordable option:
- From Hanoi: 600,000 – 700,000 VND/person
- From Ho Chi Minh City: 170,000 – 230,000 VND/person
- From Nha Trang: 100,000 – 150,000 VND/person
By Train
Da Lat has no train station. If you want to travel part of the way by train, you’ll ride to Nha Trang, then transfer to a bus to Da Lat.
- Train fare: 60,000 – 2,000,000 VND/person (depending on seat or sleeper class)
🚕 Getting Around Da Lat
Once in Da Lat, the easiest and cheapest way for two people to explore is by motorbike:
- Rental cost: 100,000 VND/day for a manual bike, or 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day for a scooter
- Fuel cost: About 60,000 VND/day
If you’re not confident navigating Da Lat’s steep roads, consider taking taxis:
- Short trips (<20 km): ~11,500 – 13,500 VND/km
- Longer distances (>20 km): ~9,000 – 10,000 VND/km
🏨 Cost of Accommodation in Da Lat
Accommodation prices in Da Lat vary widely depending on your style:
Hotels
- 3-star hotels: 550,000 – 800,000 VND/room/night
- 4-star hotels: 1,000,000 – 1,200,000 VND/room/night
Homestays
Perfect for budget travelers, homestays typically range:
- Double room: 300,000 – 500,000 VND/night
Another great option is booking a Da Lat combo package, which bundles round-trip flights and hotel stays for significant savings.
For a 3-day, 2-night trip, expect to spend about 1,500,000 VND/person on transport and accommodation alone.
🏞️ Entrance Fees for Attractions in Da Lat
Da Lat is famous for countless beautiful and budget-friendly attractions. Many sights are free, while others have modest entrance fees.
Here’s a quick look at popular spots and ticket costs:
| Destination | Entrance Fee |
|---|---|
| Lam Vien Square | Free |
| Da Lat Milk Farm | Free |
| Linh An Temple | Free |
| Linh Phuoc Pagoda | Free |
| Truc Lam Zen Monastery | Free |
| Windmill Bakery | Free |
| Tuyen Lam Lake, Showroom | Free |
| Da Lat Dried Flower Showroom | Free |
| Da Lat Railway Station | 5,000 VND/person |
| Datanla Waterfall | 30,000 VND/adult, 15,000 VND/child |
| Langbiang Mountain | 30,000 VND/adult, 15,000 VND/child |
| Secret Garden Studio | 50,000 VND/adult, 25,000 VND/child |
| Clay Tunnel (Sculpture Tunnel) | 60,000 VND/adult, 40,000 VND/child |
Typically, you can visit about 4 places per day, making sightseeing costs around 200,000 VND/person/day if you choose a mix of free and low-cost destinations.
🍲 Food Costs in Da Lat
One of the best parts of visiting Da Lat is tasting its delicious and affordable cuisine! Here’s what you might spend:
- Local dishes (pho, noodles, banh mi): 20,000 – 40,000 VND/meal
- Street snacks (rice paper, avocado ice cream, soy milk): ~20,000 VND each
- Hotpots and grilled dishes: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/meal for two people
- Coffee shops: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/drink depending on location
Average daily food cost: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/person
Local Food Recommendations
Here are a few delicious stops you shouldn’t miss:
- Trang’s Chicken Wet Cake – 15F Tang Bat Ho, Da Lat
- Shumai Bread – 26 Hoang Dieu, Da Lat (at the Tran Nhat Duat intersection)
- Wooden Restaurant Beef Hotpot – 1/29 Hoang Dieu, Ward 5, Da Lat
- Chicken Hotpot with Basil – No. 5, 3/2 Street, Da Lat
💰 Total Estimated Cost for 2 People
For a 3-day, 2-night trip, expect to spend approximately:
- 2,700,000 – 3,000,000 VND/person
This estimate covers transportation, accommodation, meals, and attractions but doesn’t include shopping, souvenirs, or unexpected expenses.
🎟️ Package Tour Costs for 2 People
If you prefer a more relaxed trip without planning every detail, a Da Lat package tour might be for you.
- Standard 3-day, 2-night tours: ~3,000,000 VND/person
- Includes hotel, meals, local transport, and entrance fees
- Combined Nha Trang – Da Lat tours: ~7,000,000 VND/person
- Includes flights, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing
Booking a tour can save time and sometimes money, especially if you’re new to Da Lat or prefer a hassle-free experience.
💡 Money-Saving Tips for Your Da Lat Trip
- Book flights and hotels 1–2 months in advance for the best prices.
- Pack light and share checked luggage if flying.
- Eat at local spots rather than upscale restaurants.
- Focus on free or low-cost attractions to stretch your budget.
Traveling to Da Lat can be as affordable or luxurious as you wish. Hopefully, this guide helps you plan a memorable and cost-effective getaway for two!
