Dalat: Complete Guide to the City of Eternal Spring

Often nicknamed the city of eternal spring, Dalat boasts a cool and comfortable climate year-round that contrasts with Vietnam’s hot and humid landscapes. This city of flowers, green meadows, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls attracts many Vietnamese visitors, particularly for their honeymoon trips.

This green gem of nature is located at approximately 1,500 meters altitude. It is an ideal place for hiking and outdoor activities. You will be captivated by the surrounding fauna. The region is truly an invitation to discovery surrounded by pine forests and colorful flowers!

Moreover, the city’s infrastructure is a blend of East and West influenced by French colonization, which adds to its charm. European visitors might almost mistake it for a European city.

Dalat is a refreshing stopover that delights history, culture and nature lovers. We provide you here with our best tips and information for your visit to Dalat during your trip to Vietnam.

A Bit of History

The region was discovered in 1891 by explorer Alexandre Yersin. During a major expedition crossing rivers and tropical forests, he discovered the site and the excellent climate of what would become Đà Lạt.

The city is also called “Little Paris” because of its villas with French architecture and its replica of the Eiffel Tower built by the telephone company!

Indeed, in the past, when Dalat was still under French colonization, French officials had the project of establishing this city as “Little Paris”. An ideal seaside resort and an education center for colonial life in Indochina. The place was far from their homeland – distant France – so the idea was to bring France to them. Thus, Dalat was the capital of the Indochinese Federation during World War II.

Dalat was fortunate to remain relatively spared from the devastation of the Vietnam War. Its main involvement was in the Tet Offensive during which South Vietnamese military police units faced Vietnamese troops, resulting in the deaths of many soldiers. Thanks to its limited involvement in the war,

Dalat preserved much of the French influence and architecture that gives it its European charm. Over time, Vietnamese buildings were added alongside, bringing the city a unique style.

Dalat: Vietnam’s Honeymoon Capital!

City of Dalat

The city is a major attraction for tourists and especially for newlyweds, as Dalat is known as Vietnam’s honeymoon capital. The city center retains its European charm with picturesque cafes and small boutiques. The landscape outside the main city is equally charming with pine forests, rolling peaks and numerous lakes.

Throughout Dalat you find fabulous flower gardens, an atmosphere that makes it one of the most romantic places!

Where is Dalat Located?

Dalat is located in central Vietnam, 293 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.

The city of Dalat is 278 km from the city of Bien Hoa; 1,481 km from the capital of Hanoi and 293 km from Ho Chi Minh City; 205 km from Nha Trang. If you take the mountain pass road, it takes only 3 hours to reach the city of Nha Trang.

How to Get to Dalat?

From Hanoi, the most convenient way is to fly. Lien Khuong Airport (DLI IATA) is located 30 km south of the city. It is connected by a modern two-lane highway offering scenic views. There are daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Vinh and Hue.

There is no train to Dalat, so you can also travel by car or bus. Daily buses connect Nha Trang (4 hours travel) and Ho Chi Minh City (6 hours travel). Check bus schedules and fares.

Bus and car are quite safe and practical, but require a fair amount of time. However, you can enjoy beautiful scenery along the way.

Dalat Map

dalat-vietnam

Dalat Weather

The best time to visit Dalat is between December and March. During this period the beautiful flower gardens are in full bloom. Temperatures during this time of year are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming and walks.

However, visiting Dalat remains very pleasant at any time of year.

10 Ideas for Visiting and Activities in Dalat

Walk Around Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake is located in the city center and is considered the heart of Dalat. A walk around the lake is a good activity for your first discovery of the city. There are buildings with original architecture to discover all around and you can enjoy the fresh air.

Around the lake, there are two types of trees considered the symbols of Dalat: cherry trees and willow trees.
Starting from the Christmas period, cherry blossoms bloom around the lake bringing a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. This reminds visitors of spring in Northern Vietnam.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is located in Trai Mat village a few kilometers from Dalat. To get there, an original way is to take the train from Dalat station to Trai Mat village. The journey takes only 25 minutes and trains run regularly.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is a magnificent Buddhist sanctuary. Most of the walls are covered with beautiful mosaics. Completed in 1952, the pagoda is often called the broken glass pagoda. This is because of the 49-meter-long dragon head at the entrance. It was meticulously reconstructed from 12,000 glass bottles. The main hall consists of two rows of tiled mosaics and there are also numerous complex mosaic bas-reliefs depicting Buddhist stories.

On the walls and ceilings mythical creatures are depicted from thousands of small pieces of terracotta, porcelain and broken glass. In front of Linh Phuoc Pagoda stands a 37-meter-high bell tower, considered the tallest in Dalat.

Valley of Love

Located 6 km north of Dalat city center, the Valley of Love is a picturesque place consisting of hills with a lake in the center. The place is an opportunity for a romantic escape for residents and tourists. Originally, the French named the region the Valley of Love in 1930, because of its peaceful setting and vegetation. The name was changed to Valley of Peace under the reign of King Bao Dai, and in 1953 it was changed once again to its current name.

Upon entering, you see a large golden statue showing a couple exchanging wedding rings. There are other statues and expressions of love scattered throughout this large 242-hectare valley.

The green hills surrounding the lake are covered with magnificent pine forests. Flower beds and colorful gardens line the pedestrian paths that lead around the lake and through the forest to Vong Canh Hill. You can enjoy a beautiful view once you reach the top.

Hike to Lang Bian Mountain

Lang Bian Mountain

Peaceful walks in nature along forest trails (or numerous other adventurous hikes for experienced hikers) are another way to discover the beauty of this region. Dalat is rich with numerous natural sites where you can find animals and birds. Some hikes can lead you to caves, waterfalls, lakes, volcanic peaks, minority villages, suspension bridges and agricultural lands.

Among these, the hike to Lang Bian Mountain (about 12 km north of Dalat city center) is one of the most popular day hike destinations. The mountain peaks at 2,400 meters altitude. Three or four hours are undoubtedly necessary to reach the summit. There is a path that will lead you through strawberry fields, vegetable greenhouses and a coffee plantation. If you’re worried about getting lost, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly residents you meet along the way!

Hiking in Dalat is quite easy and simple. Many people simply rent a bicycle and use a local map. Warm clothes, a raincoat, sunscreen and insect repellent are generally necessary.

Datanla Waterfall

Located 5 km from Dalat city center, the Datanla tourist site covers 312 hectares in the midst of preserved forests. Here you can enjoy numerous fun activities and breathtaking natural scenery.

At the base of the waterfall, Datanla stream flows slowly through the cliffs then cascades down. It is situated between two vertical cliffs more than 40 meters high. Tourists can walk to the waterfall or take a roller coaster to the site for 45,000 dong!

If you have a small appetite during your visit, there is a restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices.

Tuyen Lam Lake

About twenty kilometers from the city center, Tuyen Lam Lake, near the famous Truc Lam Monastery. A bucolic landscape leads you to an oasis covered with flowers and surrounded by scenery both picturesque and fascinating. In the surroundings, small stilt houses are hidden among the pine forests. In spring, the road is adorned with beautiful flowers.

A peaceful stretch of water in the midst of mountains, surrounded by trees and silence describes the place. An idyllic setting to sunbathe and breathe pure air… You can enjoy a ride in a sampan or canoe on this lake. You will encounter many fishermen on its shores.

Truc Lam Pagoda is a Zen Buddhist monastery that you can visit on this occasion. Located on top of a hill surrounded by pine forests, an easy walk through nature leads you there. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the pagoda features elegant architecture. Inside the main hall, there is the statue of Buddha Shakya. Outside, a large bell is hung. Built in 1994, it is a beautiful well-preserved building. Apart from the fresh air and the sound of bird song, there is no noise – monastic silence reigns!

Bao Dai Summer Palace

Located about 2.5 km south of the city center, Bao Dai’s summer palace is a must-see complex.

The palace was built from 1933 to 1937 under the dynasty of King Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam’s feudal court. Intended as a retreat for King Bao Dai and his royal family to escape the summer heat, but after 1950, during French colonization, the palace took on an administrative role.

Visiting this 2-story structure, travelers will have the opportunity to discover the life of the royal family. Through 25 rooms and their furnishings. The ground floor is the king’s workspace. It consists of the office, guest chamber and reception hall. On the upper floor is the living space of the king and his family. The king’s room also features a magnificent balcony. Called the moon observation balcony for the king and queen.

Furthermore, visitors can explore a variety of different gardens. There is a garden of giant cacti, orchid fields and displays of roses, mimosas and hydrangeas. There are also finely trimmed topiary displays throughout the park. The park entrance welcomes visitors with a floral composition in the shape of an arch comprising hundreds of impressive flower pots.

Night Market in Dalat

Dalat’s night market offers what appears to be an infinite number of food stalls. They spread through the streets around Nguyen Thi Minh Khai. Offering numerous local dishes at affordable prices. Some of the most popular include traditional rice noodles, banh mi and Vietnamese pizza (grilled rice paper with a variety of toppings).

The market attracts large crowds in the evening – some for the food, some for the atmosphere and some to perform or watch street artists. Hip-hop dancing, roller skating and jianzi and various games take place in the open spaces of the market. Although freshly prepared food is at the heart of the night market, other items including textiles, traditional clothing, flowers and fresh produce are also available.

Dalat’s night market is located in the heart of Dalat city, just a five-minute walk from Xuan Huong Lake. Open daily from 5pm to 10pm.

Dalat Flower Garden

A must-see in Dalat, this 7,000 m² park is located at the end of Xuan Huong Lake about 2 km from the city center. This former Bich Cau flower garden has been renovated and renamed the city flower garden. Visitors can enjoy the largest selection of flowers in Dalat. It is also an attractive attraction during the annual flower festival, with hundreds of species such as: hydrangeas, mimosas, roses, as well as other imported species like daffodils or lilies.

This natural museum particularly houses a stunning orchid garden and a garden with thousands of African cacti.

Prenn Waterfall

Prenn Waterfall is located at the foot of Prenn Pass, 10 km from the city of Dalat. It is considered the gateway to Dalat. In ancient times, there was a Prenn village upstream of the stream, so the waterfall bears the name Prenn.

The site covers an area of 160 hectares, of which the pine forest and old trees represent 90% of the area. The site has been restored and features numerous facilities. There is even a cable car for a beautiful view of the surroundings.

You can also see ostriches and elephants. You will even be offered the chance to ride on their backs. We don’t particularly support this type of activity. But we mention its existence nonetheless.

Food in Dalat

Dalat’s mild temperatures allow the cultivation of fruits and vegetables that would not survive in other regions of Vietnam. Here, artichokes, strawberries and avocados are delicious local specialties. A sweet treat that takes advantage of fruits grown here is ice cream made from fresh avocados and strawberries.

Banh Trang Dalat, Vietnamese pizza is an original snack. Thin round sheets of rice paper are heated on the grill. They are topped with a mixture of onions, eggs and shrimp. Once the egg mixture has cooked into a fluffy omelet, the whole thing is served with a sweet and spicy sauce.

pizzaviet

Banh Can is another delicious street food. You can find it in numerous stalls. These light and fluffy rice flour cakes are filled with delicate quail eggs. They are then topped with freshly chopped onions. The mixture is poured into a mold and cooked until they puff up into delicious bite-sized treats.

A more unusual product from Dalat is locally produced wine, known by the name of Vang Dalat. It is made from a blend of Phan Rang grapes. The city produces a range of different varieties that are sold nationally and internationally. The techniques used to make the wine aim to produce an accessible yet delicious European-style wine.