Nestled on the Lam Vien Plateau at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong Province, located about 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Thanks to its cool climate year-round, Da Lat is an ideal escape from the Southern heat, offering refreshing breezes and romantic landscapes.
The Best Seasons to Visit Da Lat
Da Lat’s climate is pleasantly cool throughout the year due to its highland location. Depending on the season, the city wears a different charm:
🌸 January – April (Spring): The city bursts into color with blossoms like cherry apricot, orchid trees, and purple phoenix flowers. This is one of the most photogenic times to visit.
☀️ May – September (Summer): The peak tourist season, when people flock here to escape the heat elsewhere in Vietnam. However, this is also the rainy season, so pack a raincoat or umbrella.
🍂 October – December (Dry & Cool Season): A favorite time for travelers seeking romance. During these months, you’ll see dazzling yellow wild sunflowers, pink grass hills glistening with morning dew, and mesmerizing seas of clouds rolling over the hillsides.
Getting to Da Lat
✈️ Flights
- Hanoi – Da Lat: from 900,000 VND/one-way
- Da Nang – Da Lat: from 1,000,000 VND/one-way
- Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat: from 500,000 VND/one-way
- Can Tho – Da Lat: from 1,100,000 VND/one-way
🚌 Buses
From Ho Chi Minh City, the most budget-friendly option is an overnight sleeper bus that arrives in Da Lat by early morning. Tickets start at 270,000 VND/one-way.
Getting Around Da Lat
Once in Da Lat, travelers can rent:
- Motorbikes: from 120,000 VND/day
- Self-drive cars: from 700,000 VND/day
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also widely available for short trips or longer excursions.
Where to Stay in Da Lat
Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses and cozy homestays to luxury resorts and elegant villas. If you love vibrant streets, shopping, and nightlife, choose a stay near the city center. Prefer tranquility and nature? Book a room in the outskirts for a peaceful retreat.
Glamping is a rising trend in Da Lat, perfect for travelers wanting to stay close to nature while enjoying modern amenities. Top spots include Twin Beans Farm, CampArt #Aunt Jen, and Dalat Camp.
Top Attractions in Da Lat
Historical & Architectural Sites
Da Lat’s story began in 1893, when Dr. Alexandre Yersin first set foot on the Lam Vien Plateau. The French arrived in the early 20th century and transformed Da Lat into a European-style resort town, leaving behind architectural gems that remain iconic today:
- Da Lat Railway Station (with a charming tourist train route)
- Central Highlands Institute of Biology (Biological Museum)
- Tea Museum in Cau Dat
- Da Lat Pedagogical College
- Da Lat Cathedral
- Domaine de Marie Church
Explore the elegant palaces from the reign of Emperor Bao Dai, including Palace I, II, and III, or wander through unique sites like Hang Nga Crazy House, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda, and Lumiere Light Garden.
Natural Attractions
Nature lovers will fall in love with Da Lat’s countless outdoor wonders. Plan day trips or longer adventures to:
- Bidoup Nui Ba National Park
- Tuyen Lam Lake
- Datanla Waterfall, Prenn, Elephant, Pongour Waterfalls
- Suoi Vang Lake
Cloud hunters and photographers should head to Da Phu Hill, Thien Phuc Duc Hill, Trai Mat, Cau Dat Tea Hill, or Hon Bo Peak for breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
Families traveling with kids can explore:
- Zoodoo Zoo
- Dog Farm
- Chika Farm
For floral beauty, don’t miss:
- Da Lat Flower Garden
- Hydrangea gardens in Mat Camping Area
- Lavender fields at Tuyen Lam Lake
- Van Thanh Flower Village
What to Eat in Da Lat
Da Lat’s cool climate makes it a perfect destination for hot, hearty meals and unique local treats. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Banh Uot Long Ga (Steamed Rice Sheets with Chicken Salad)
Unlike typical versions served with grilled meat, Da Lat’s Banh Uot is paired with shredded chicken and chicken giblets. It’s fragrant, tender, and drizzled with a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour fish sauce.
Banh Mi Xiu Mai (Bread with Meatballs)
A popular breakfast choice, featuring warm, crusty bread served with juicy pork meatballs in a savory broth, garnished with scallions, chili oil, and a touch of pork fat.
Banh Can (Mini Pancakes)
Imported from other regions but transformed in Da Lat. These tiny rice flour pancakes come with various fillings and are best enjoyed with dipping sauces and fresh herbs.
Grilled Rice Paper (Vietnamese Pizza)
A local street-food favorite. Rice paper is topped with eggs, cheese, pâté, dried beef, and mayonnaise, then grilled over charcoal until crispy. It’s sliced up and served hot with chili sauce—a must-try snack!
Ga La E Hotpot (Chicken Hotpot with Basil)
Originally from other regions but beloved in Da Lat. Tender chicken, mushrooms, crunchy bamboo shoots, and fragrant basil simmer in a clear, flavorful broth—perfect for chilly evenings.
Aside from these specialties, wandering Da Lat’s markets and city streets will introduce you to countless other delights, like crab soup, sticky rice, avocado smoothies, soy milk, Bun Rieu (crab noodle soup), Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), and nem nuong (grilled pork sausage).
Coffee Culture in Da Lat
Da Lat is a true haven for coffee lovers. The city not only grows some of Vietnam’s finest coffee beans but also offers countless cafés with charming interiors, creative brews, and stunning views. From hip modern cafés to vintage French villas, every coffee spot in Da Lat has its own story to tell.
Discover the Romance of Da Lat
With its year-round cool climate, rich history, stunning natural scenery, and irresistible cuisine, Da Lat promises memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re strolling through flower gardens, sipping coffee above a sea of clouds, or indulging in street food by the night market lights, this mountain city is sure to steal your heart.
