When we decided to travel to Dalat as part of our journey through Vietnam, we did it based on a single reason: the promise of cool, mountain weather.
We didn’t care about the things to do in Dalat – not the city sights or waterfalls or tours or food – we just wanted to escape the heat.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
We did worry about what to do in Dalat once we got there…and we were surprised by what we found!
Sightseeing in Dalat, Vietnam
The good news is that there are plenty of Dalat attractions to see, even if some of the sights are a bit out of town. After our tour of the Vietnam Central Highlands, we had two full days to explore.
We created a route to tour the city and mostly used our own two feet to get around. We have included a Dalat, Vietnam map to help other travelers find their way to the top Dalat things to see.
Save, Bookmark or Pin our Dalat Travel Guide to plan your Vacation to Vietnam!
Best Things To Do in Dalat, Vietnam
Dalat was not exactly the quaint, isolated mountain town we thought it would be. It’s a bustling city filled with honking scooters and many other tourists. Yet, there are pockets of tranquility and nature.
Attractions in Dalat are spread out, but most are within an easy stroll from the center. For us, the best feature was exactly what we went there to find: The comfortable temperatures.
That said, we highly recommend that travelers seek out the following Dalat attractions.
#1 Cable Car in Dalat
While the cable car provides a quick and economical way to get from the city to the Truc Lam Monastery and Religious Complex, we were most interested in the ride itself.
Seriously, even if we were not going to the monastery, we would have gone out of our way to take the 20-minute ride on the Dalat cable car.
The mile-plus-long ride transports you high above the pine trees, offering riders stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. The cable car station is on Robin Hill, which is an easy walk or short taxi ride from the city center.
#2 Truc Lam Pagoda
Like in any Vietnam city, visiting temples is one of the top things to do in Da Lat – and the best temple is Truc Lam Pagoda.
The Dalat Zen monastery is located just across the street from the Cable Car Station. Featuring numerous temples, manicured gardens and an outdoor meditation area, the entire complex sits atop a hill.
Despite the many people visiting, the expansive grounds were quiet and the mountain setting added a touch of serenity that some of the other pagodas we’ve visited have lacked.
As we were walking through the gardens admiring the flowers, the skies exploded in a torrential downpour sending us running for cover.
For 15 minutes we observed the monks running from one building to the next and watched the puddles around our feet transform into tiny streams.
Unlike most rainstorms that can put a damper on outdoor activities, this one was refreshing and surreal.
#3 Xuan Huong Lake
The long kidney bean-shaped Xuan Huong Lake is a peaceful refuge from the busy city. Located just east of the center, the large lake has a 4.5-mile circumference trail that is ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Our favorite time to walk along the path was in the evenings when we could watch the sunset reflecting on the water. You can also rent swan paddle boats.
#4 Dalat Flower Garden
Much larger than we anticipated, the Dalat Flower Park was slightly neglected during our visit (perhaps it was just the season), but still offered plenty to see.
Highlights for us were the colorful flower beds and Bonsai trees. However, we were bewildered by the odd shrubs sculpted into animal shapes. The gardens feature several fountains and a small lake where we found a few locals fishing.
#5 Hang Nga Crazy House
There are no two ways about it: the Hang Nga Crazy House is called crazy for a reason. This wild (yet unfinished) house/hotel is like Alice in Wonderland meets Salvador Dali in Candy Land.
The imaginative architecture features fairytale nature and steep, winding stairways. Some of the buildings are designed to look like tree trunks with rooms hidden inside.
Each hotel room has a name – such as Kangaroo, Tiger and Ant and Gourd – and are decorated to convey the name’s theme.
Visitors are allowed to freely roam the grounds and get lost in the maze of interconnecting stairs and passageways. We spent a couple of hours peeking into rooms and climbing narrow stairs.
Although it feels like a theme park, it really is a hotel. You can book a stay in any of the themed rooms – which has to be one of the most unusual places to stay in Dalat. Read reviews!
#6 Old Dalat Train Station
The French Cremaillere Train Station is one of the top places to visit in Dalat for a look at colonial-era architecture.
The art-deco Dalat Railway Station was built in the 1930s. The design represents local culture alongside the fashionable looks of the time.
The tracks were an engineering feat (designed by Swedish engineers) and run 50 miles between Dalat and Thap Cham. However, the railway was mostly destroyed during the Vietnam War.
Although the historic architecture of the station is a Dalat tourist attraction in itself, our trip to the station had more to do with actually riding a train.
A short section of the track – just over 4 miles long – reopened in 1991. Steam trains run to the nearby town of Trai Mat, where there is a local produce market and the famous Linh Phuoc Pagoda.
Making the trip in an old train carriage is one of the top Dalat, Vietnam things to do – especially for kids and train enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, when we arrived, we were told that the mid-day train wouldn’t be running as there weren’t enough people!
#7 Dalat Daytime Market
Markets are fascinating places to learn about the local culture and customs. The daytime Dalat markets carry an array of produce, meat and beautiful flowers.
Much more visually appealing than other markets we had visited in Vietnam, the Dalat market is full of vibrant colors and carefully crafted displays.
Most impressive are the flowers. Vendors create striking floral arrangements, which we feel are one of the top things to see in Dalat.
#8 Dalat Night Market
We were dazzled by the Dalat Night Market, perhaps even more so by the setting up of the night market!
We watched as entire restaurants were constructed (kitchens, tables, tents and chairs) along the main street beginning in the late afternoon.
Pop-up shops were stocked to the brim from the contents of a single, large bin. Every inch of sidewalk space was eaten up by merchandise and food by the time it was dark.
The Dalat food on offer is grilled fresh and spectacular scents waft through the air. Anyone searching for where to eat in Dalat should head to the Night Market!
Small food stands piled with grilled corn-on-the-cob, sweet potatoes and eggs spill into the street and creep up steep staircases.
Clothing vendors – selling everything from name-brand knock-offs to cliché t-shirts – fill in the spaces in between the local cuisine.
Dalat Map
Sightseeing in Dalat is easier if you have a plan of what to see! Use this Google Map for our Dalat tourist map online.
More Things To Do in Dalat & Travel Tips
Looking for more Dalat things to do? One of these Dalat day tours might be just what you are searching for!
Countryside Tour
During our Dalat trip, we took a full-day tour to the countryside. The small-group tour included visiting a small-town market and a K’Ho village.
Read about our Vietnam Central Highlands Secret Tour, which is led by the comical Mr. Rot.
Top Tip: He also runs Mr. Rot’s Secret Hotel, which offers affordable rooms near the city center. Check reviews and book your stay!
Waterfalls in Dalat
The region’s topography and wet weather mean there are numerous waterfalls! The Elephant Waterfall is the most famous. Those interested in solely chasing waterfalls can do so on this tour.
Dalat Canyoning and Trekking
Hike, zipline and abseil on an adrenaline-packed adventure tour through the Central Highlands. Find out more!
How To Get to Dalat, Vietnam
Dalat can be reached by plane, car, bus or motorbike. We took a flight from Hoi An (Da Nang Airport) and flew on to Phu Quoc (via HCMC). Travelers can find the best deals on flights on SkyScanner.
Dalat Hotel Accommodations
When we were deciding where to stay in Dalat, we considered many factors – most importantly, price and location.
Budget: Villa Pink House
We chose to stay at Villa Pink House, which sits is a lush garden just a 10-minute walk from the center of town and offers incredibly affordable accommodations.
The staff was absolutely amazing; very accommodating and helpful in translating when we needed to communicate with a hotel in Hoi An.
The room was larger than we expected and had a small balcony that we opened to let in the mountain air (there is no A/C, but we didn’t need it!).
Luxury: Dalat Palace
The 5-star Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel offers world-class luxury in a historic colonial-era dwelling. In addition to the tennis courts and spa, there is a French restaurant on-site that serves high tea.
What You Will Need in Dalat
The weather in Dalat is unpredictable. Be sure to pack a travel umbrella and packable rain coat for your Dalat trip!
If you are walking to the sights you will need good travel shoes. I prefer these by Columbia and Kris likes Merrell trail shoes.
Don’t forget a camera! We carry a Canon Rebel. You’ll also want a great day bag to tote all your essential travel items in!
Consider coverage and check prices for travel insurance for your trip on World Nomads!
Visiting other Top Destinations in Vietnam? Super! Be sure to get ready with our detailed guides to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hue, HCMC and Ninh Binh!
Start planning your trip to Vietnam! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
