If you’re planning a route through Vietnam, you may be wondering about the best things to do in Da Lat, one of the cities most overlooked by foreign tourism — yet hugely popular with local travelers, especially young Vietnamese couples, who see it as the city of love, choose it for their romantic getaways and consider it one of the most beautiful destinations in the country.
Da Lat sits in the Central Highlands, an area known for its mild climate all year round, which has earned it the nickname “the city of eternal spring”.
Da Lat also surprises with its colonial air and European-inspired architecture. Strolling its streets feels nothing like the usual image of Vietnam, and it’s precisely that contrast that makes it such an interesting stop on your trip through the country.
The city is surrounded by waterfalls, lakes, temples and coffee plantations, with more than enough to see and do to keep you exploring its surroundings for several days without getting bored.
Whether you’re already visiting or thinking of coming soon, here’s our selection of the best things to do in Da Lat — the ones we believe you shouldn’t miss in this corner of southern Vietnam.
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Da Lat: how many days to spend and what to expect
Da Lat is not a city to rush through.
In our view, the minimum is at least two full days to enjoy it calmly and explore both the center and some of its surroundings — and if you’re making the trip out here, our recommendation is to spend at least 3 full days.
How many days for Da Lat?
- 1 day: We don’t recommend it — between arriving and leaving it’s too rushed, and you won’t have time for much.
- 2 days: Ideal if your Vietnam itinerary is tight on time.
- 3 days or more: Our recommendation, especially if you want to soak up its unique atmosphere and explore both the center and the surroundings without hurrying.
What kind of traveler is Da Lat for?
Da Lat is a particularly good fit if you’re after something different from the rest of Vietnam: here you’ll find nature, tranquility and cool temperatures. It’s not a destination of grand monuments or intense nightlife, but it has a very particular atmosphere that makes it ideal for experiencing a different side of Vietnam.
1. Crazy House, the most peculiar place in Da Lat
If there’s one famously odd place in Da Lat, it’s Crazy House.
It’s a cross between a guesthouse, an art gallery and a maze. This peculiar place was created by Dang Viet Nga, a Vietnamese architect who studied in Moscow, and its design is somewhat reminiscent of Gaudí’s creations — allowing for the differences.
Beyond wandering its nooks, terraces and staircases, with lovely views over Da Lat, you can also spend the night there.
- Crazy House opens to the public daily as a tourist attraction, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
- Entrance costs about 80,000 VND (~US$3).
2. Maze Bar, the most surreal bar in Da Lat
Vietnam has plenty of bars, but none quite like Da Lat’s Maze Bar.
Inside, it’s a labyrinth of passageways, caves, staircases and hidden corners (in the Crazy House style) but underground — you can spend a surprising amount of time without bumping into anyone, especially if you go early in the afternoon.
You don’t come here just for a drink — you come to explore, getting (literally) lost across its various levels until you reach the open-air rooftop at the top, with lovely views over Da Lat, especially at sunset.
- Entry is free, but you’re expected to order at least one drink.
- It’s located at 31 Nguyen Chi Thanh street.
- Open daily from 8:00 am to midnight.
3. Xuan Huong lake, the heart of Da Lat
Xuan Huong lake is the nerve center of Da Lat.
Created in 1919 by building a dam, this artificial lake has become a regular meeting point for locals and visitors alike.
Ringed by a path of about 5 km, it’s ideal for a stroll or simply sitting down to watch the world go by.
Along its shores you’ll routinely see couples taking photos, people chatting and groups of friends on swan-shaped pedal boats, which can be rented for about 80,000 VND an hour (around US$3).
4. Da Lat market: from day to night
During the day, Da Lat Market works like a traditional market, best known for its flower stalls and other local products.
From 5:00 pm, the atmosphere changes completely and the place transforms into the Da Lat night market. Dozens of stalls appear selling street food, clothes, souvenirs and all manner of curiosities, making it one of the most interesting spots to visit once night falls.
We can promise you this: visit the night market and you’ll struggle to leave without a Pikachu hat on your head.
5. The Da Lat cable car
The Da Lat cable car is a great option for anyone wanting to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the surroundings, especially if you plan to visit the Truc Lam Zen monastery or Tuyen Lam lake.
The ride connects the city with an area near the monastery, gliding over pine forests and hills — a quintessential Da Lat scene.
- The cable car runs daily from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
- Tickets cost about 100,000 VND one way and 150,000 VND round trip (~US$3.80 and US$5.80).
- Cabins seat 4 people.
- We recommend riding it in the morning or toward sunset, when the views are even prettier.
6. The Truc Lam Zen monastery
Perched on a hilltop just a few kilometers from the city, the Truc Lam Zen monastery is one of the essentials on any visit to Da Lat.
This Buddhist complex of the Zen school was inaugurated in 1994 and is home to a permanent community of monks and nuns. It’s also open to the public, so you can wander its gardens and enjoy the silence — broken only by the sound of other visitors.
- Entry is free.
- To get there, take a Grab or taxi from the center (about 10–15 minutes, 70,000–100,000 VND), or ride the Da Lat cable car for around 100,000 VND one way.
- Open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Modest dress is recommended, as it’s an active place of religious practice.
7. The Da Lat railway station
One of Da Lat’s emblems is its railway station.
Built to overcome the steep climb into the highlands, today it survives as a relic of the colonial era where you can enjoy a pleasant wander around the grounds.
It was originally part of a line connecting Da Lat with Thap Cham. The route included a rack-railway section, though today only a short stretch of conventional track remains in service, as a tourist attraction.
From the station you can ride the 7 km tourist train to the village of Trai Mat, home to the peculiar Linh Phuoc Pagoda, built from ceramic and glass.
- The ride costs about 150,000 VND (~US$5.80).
- Open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
8. Linh Phuoc pagoda
Without a doubt, Linh Phuoc is one of the most beautiful and curious pagodas you can visit in Vietnam.
Built during the 20th century from a mixture of ceramics and glass bottles (mostly beer bottles), it’s a genuine example of sustainable art conceived from recycled materials — which has earned it the nickname “the bottle pagoda”.
- Entry is free.
- Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- It’s easy to reach from Da Lat on the tourist train or by taxi (a 15–20 minute ride).
9. Tuyen Lam lake
Surrounded by pine forests, Tuyen Lam lake is one of Da Lat’s main and best-known lakes, especially among domestic visitors.
Just a few kilometers from the city, it’s ideal for escaping the bustle and reconnecting with nature.
There are several activities available in the area: kayaking and speedboat rides (from about 300,000 VND). You’ll also find a few lakeside cafés, perfect for enjoying the scenery over a Vietnamese coffee.
10. Da Lat’s flower gardens
If there’s one thing Da Lat is famous for, it’s the quantity and variety of flowers that grow across its territory.
Blessed with an eternally spring-like climate, it’s the ideal place for gardens — hence its reputation as the city of love, drawing thousands of young Vietnamese every year with the color of its blooms.
One of the most visited spots to see this floral side is the Da Lat Flower Garden, on the north shore of Xuan Huong lake. Entrance costs about 50,000 VND (~US$2). Every two years the city also hosts the Da Lat Flower Festival, when the whole town fills with floral displays, parades and cultural events.
11. Chase its waterfalls, one of the best day trips around Da Lat
Da Lat’s perch in Vietnam’s highlands means the city’s surroundings are dotted with plenty of waterfalls and lakes to visit during your stay.
Among the best known is Elephant Waterfall (Thác Voi), about 25 km from the center and one of the most photogenic thanks to the sheer force of the water.
A more accessible option is Datanla Waterfall, only 6 km from the center. It’s a more touristy fall, but it features an alpine coaster-style slide to carry you down the slope if you’d rather not walk — and if you’re the adventurous type, you can go canyoning here.
Lastly there’s Prenn Waterfall, where you can walk behind its curtain of water.
If you want to see all three waterfalls in a single day, we recommend doing it on this tour.
12. Visit Da Lat’s coffee plantations
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and Da Lat is one of the country’s main growing regions.
Thanks to the altitude, Da Lat mainly grows arabica coffee varieties, unlike other regions of Vietnam that primarily cultivate the robusta varieties you’ll find in most Vietnamese cafés.
If you’d like to learn more about their differences, and the whole process from harvest to roast, several coffee farms around the city offer guided tours and workshops for a deep dive into the world of coffee.
Highlights include HuyEco Coffee, La Viet Coffee, K’Ho Coffee and our favorite, Son Pacamara.
13. Play real-life “Mario Kart” in Da Lat
One of the most curious experiences in Da Lat is trying its real-life version of “Mario Kart”.
About 30 minutes from the city lies Cao Nguyen Hoa Dalat, a local amusement park where, alongside gardens and panoramic swings, the star activity stands out: the go-kart.
It’s a gravity-powered circuit, no engine involved. You basically launch yourself downhill and control your speed using only the steering wheel and brakes, which adds a fun, mildly competitive edge. It’s ideal if you’re traveling in a group, but going solo is no problem either: they usually organize small heats with other visitors so you can race and put your reflexes to the test.
There are two tracks available:
- Green track (1.5 km): longer and gentler, perfect if you prefer a calmer ride.
- Red track (1 km): more adventurous, with tight corners.
Hours and prices
- Open daily from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Entry costs 150,000 VND for one track or 300,000 VND for both (~US$5.80 and US$11.50).
- To get there, arrange your own transport (about 300,000 VND round trip) or join a tour like this one with transport included.
14. Canyoning at Datanla Waterfall
If you’re after more than viewpoints and charming cafés, canyoning in Da Lat is one of the most complete and thrilling activities in the area.
The route includes various rappels, jumps and river crossings that — we guarantee — will shake out whatever stress you’ve been carrying around.
If you love adventure and want to experience Da Lat actively, this is without doubt one of the best activities to add to your trip.
You can book and read reviews from those who’ve already tried it here.
How to get to Da Lat
The fastest way to reach Da Lat is by plane.
Lien Khuong international airport (DLI) is about 30 km from the city center, with daily flights from destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang.
The flight from Ho Chi Minh City takes about 50 minutes.
From the airport you can take a taxi (about 250,000–300,000 VND) or a shared bus that drops you in the center for around 40,000–50,000 VND.
If you’re coming overland, there are frequent buses from Ho Chi Minh City: the ride takes 6 to 8 hours and costs about 250,000–350,000 VND (~US$10–13). You can also arrive from Nha Trang in about 3 hours from 150,000 VND (~US$5.80).
You can check timetables and book online here.
Where to stay in Da Lat
With so much accommodation available in Da Lat, the hard part is really choosing the one that best fits your needs.
The city offers a wide range of places to stay for every taste and budget.
One of the most appealing options is the chance to stay in the outskirts, surrounded by pine forests, with views over the valleys and the farmland that waters the area. There are many homestays and eco-lodges 4 to 10 km from the center offering extra peace and fresh air.
If you’d rather be close to everything, staying in the center is your best bet. We stayed at The Kadupul Homecation — clean, modern, quiet, and with the warmest hospitality we experienced in all of Vietnam.
Here are three options, one per budget:
Pretty Backpackers House
From 160,000 VND (~€6.05) / night
The best-rated hostel in the city: basic, but at an unbeatable price.
Check availability and prices →The Kadupul Homecation
From 1,000,000 VND (~€37.75) / night
Where we stayed: clean, modern, quiet, and with the warmest hospitality we experienced in all of Vietnam.
Check availability and prices →La Fleur Premium Central Apartment Hotel
From 3,300,000 VND (~€124.55) / night
Spacious apartments right in the center — the best-rated high-end option in Da Lat.
Check availability and prices →
Da Lat in 2 days
Two days in Da Lat is enough to get a very good sense of what this city has to offer. Here’s a sample itinerary for a two-day visit:
Day 1
- Start the day at the central market.
- Stroll around Xuan Huong lake.
- Visit the Da Lat railway station, and if the schedule fits, ride the tourist train to Trai Mat to see the Linh Phuoc pagoda.
- Explore the Crazy House
- Have dinner at the night market, perfect for sampling local street food.
- If you still have energy, spend a while at the Maze Bar — a different way to end the day.
Day 2
- Head out early to visit any of the area’s waterfalls.
- Take the chance to join a guided tour of one of the coffee plantations, like Son Pacamara.
- As the afternoon winds down, hop on the Da Lat cable car and visit the Truc Lam monastery.
✔️ Information reviewed and last updated on February 7, 2026
