Explore Lam Dong

Lam Dong has rich natural beauty, with waterfalls interspersed among mountains, hills, valleys, and primeval forests. In 2025, Lam Dong will have an additional 190 km of sea route from Da Chet Cape (bordering Ca Na in Khanh Hoa) to Binh Chau alluvial land (now in Ho Chi Minh City), offering a wider range of tourism options for the province.

General information about Lam Dong

Lam Dong borders Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa to the east and north, Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City to the south, and Cambodia to the west. Following the 2025 merger, Lam Dong has become a “super province” with the largest area in the country, encompassing the former provinces of Lam Dong, Dak Nong, and Binh Thuan, totaling 24,233 km².

Tourism is one of Lam Dong’s economic spearheads, with prominent destinations being Da Lat, Bao Loc, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, and Gia Nghia.

What’s the best time to visit Lam Dong?

With terrain stretching from the coast to the Central Highlands, Lam Dong has diverse climates. The South Central Coast – Central Highlands region, influenced by the tropical monsoon climate that varies with altitude, has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is from May to November, and the dry season is the remaining months. The average temperature ranges from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the weather is mild and cool year-round.

The coastal terrain of Lam Dong province is mainly low hills and coastal plains. Located in the equatorial tropical monsoon climate zone, this place is sunny, windy, and arid, with two distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season typically runs from May to October, and the dry season from November to April of the following year. However, for many years, the rainy season has been concentrated from August to October.

How to get here?

Lam Dong has sufficient roads, railways, airways, and waterways, but roads and airways currently play the primary role.

Airways

Lien Khuong International Airport is located in Duc Trong commune, adjacent to National Highway 20, approximately 30 km from Da Lat city center. Direct flights from Da Lat to domestic cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, by airlines including Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. Lien Khuong currently welcomes international flights to and from Seoul (South Korea) by Jeju Air.

Roadways

National Highways 1A and 20 cross Lam Dong Province, a route with varied terrain, including plains and plateaus, with Bao Loc Pass and Mimosa Pass at altitudes of up to 1,500 m, and numerous bridges. In addition, several other national highways pass through the province, including 27, 55, and 38.

Buses to Dat Lat and Bao Loc from Ho Chi Minh City depart from Mien Dong (Eastern) bus station or from bus company offices, such as Phuong Trang, Thanh Buoi, and Kumho. Travel time ranges from 4 to 7 hours. Ticket prices range from 250,000 VND one way. From Da Nang, buses to Lam Dong take 12-15 hours, and one-way tickets cost 300,000 VND.

Phuong Trang – a popular bus company to Lam Dong.

Bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to the neighboring area of ​​old Dak Nong, departing from Mien Dong (Eastern) bus station of bus companies such as Dai Nghia, Duyen Ha, Hoang Long, cost from 150,000 – 200,000 VND per person. Buses departing from Hanoi to Dak Nong cost 800,000 VND (including two meals). Travel time is about 6 hours from Ho Chi Minh City and about 30 hours from Hanoi.

Buses depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne and Phan Thiet, including Kumho, Phuong Trang, Minh Nghia, Lien Hung, Manh Hung, Long Van, and limousine vans such as Trong Thuy, Hoang Vu, and Nam Hai. Ticket prices range from 180,000 VND to 250,000 VND one way.

Railroad

Muong Man Station, Ham Thuan Nam District, is a stop on the North-South railway lines. Trains SE 1-2, SE 3-4, SE 5-6, SE 7-8 or SPT, SNT… all stop at this station. Train fares range from 145,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND one-way, depending on the train type, seat/bed type, and departure point.

Accommodation in Lam Dong

The old Lam Dong’s accommodation areas are mainly concentrated in Da Lat and Bao Loc, along with some eco-tourism areas. In Da Lat, there are many accommodation options, from budget motels to famous 5-star resorts. Visitors can choose to stay in the center or on the outskirts, such as the Tuyen Lam Lake area. Room rates range from about 200,000 VND per night to 6 million VND per night.

In Bao Loc, there are not many high-end resorts like Da Lat; accommodation areas are usually 3-star or lower, such as small hotels, homestays, and motels, located in the city center. Room rates range from about 200,000 VND to 1.5 million VND per night. In the Madagui eco-tourism area, or tourist attractions in Lang Biang – Da Lat, homestays are a reasonable choice.

There are many accommodation options in the Gia Nghia area. Robin Hotel, Ngoc Thuong, Dak Nong Lodge, and Sunrise Hotel are highly rated on booking websites. Prices range from 300,000 to nearly 1.5 million VND per night. Some famous homestays and farmstays in Gia Nghia include Yumin Farmhouse, Hoa Dat Garden, and Ngo Gia Trang. In Dak R’Lap District, there is Molly Home. In Dak Mil, there is Montagnards Home Farm. Prices range from 150,000 to 1 million VND per night.

If you go in a large group, you can stay in the Ta Dung tourist area or the Phuong Van Farm to feel immersed in nature. Ta Dung lake is a destination considered as “forest in the city” with green space of forests, coffee gardens, and green vegetable gardens, fruit trees.

Hotels in tourist centers such as Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, and Phu Quy Island offer a variety of accommodation options, from homestays and budget hotels to high-end resorts. In Mui Ne, coastal resorts are concentrated along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, including The Anam, Sailing Club Resort, Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa, Pandanus Resort, The Cliff Resort and Residences, and Centara Mirage Resort. Double room rates range from about 1 million VND to 10 million VND per night. Smaller motels and hotels are located in alleys, mainly along Huynh Thuc Khang Street, extending toward Hon Rom, with prices under 1 million VND.

Adam Resort Mui Ne (source: booking)

Phu Quy Island has invested in developing numerous new accommodation options, including motels, hotels, homestays, and small-scale resorts. Many resorts feature beautiful designs and offer impressive photo angles for young people, such as Queen Sea Resort, Roman Resort Phu Quy, Coco Villa, and Villa Bien Xanh. Room prices range from about 300,000 VND to more than 1 million VND per night.

Sightseeing in Lam Dong

In the past, when mentioning Lam Dong, people immediately thought of the cold Da Lat, Bao Loc tea hills, pine forests, waterfalls and cool green ecological spaces. But now, Lam Dong officially has a sea, stretching from Mui Ne, Ham Tien, Ke Ga, and La Gi to Tuy Phong. Not only does it have pristine landscapes and traditional fishing villages, but this coastal area also preserves the Cham Pa cultural heritage, coral reef ecosystems, and natural sand dunes. Let’s review the details together.

Dreaming cites and urban areas

Da Lat

Da Lat was once the capital of Lam Dong Province, located on the Lam Vien Plateau at an elevation of 1,500 m above sea level. About 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City, with a cool climate year-round, it is an ideal resort for visitors seeking to escape the heat of the Southern region.

Da Lat has many destinations and experiences to explore. In the city center, there are the city flower garden, the hydrangea garden in Trai Mat, the lavender garden at Tuyen Lam Lake, Van Thanh flower village, Da Lat market, Xuan Huong lake, the valley of love, Langbiang peak, and the golden valley. Outside the city, there are Da Phu hill, Datanla waterfall, Tuyen Lam lake, Thien Phuc Duc, Cau Dat tea hill, and Hon Bo peak.

Bao Loc City

Bao Loc (formerly known as B’lao, a small city) is located in the southwest of Lam Dong province, on the Di Linh plateau. Bao Loc is a popular destination among tourists for its natural beauty, cool climate, and low crowds.

Bao Loc is located at an elevation of 900 m above sea level and features diverse terrain, including high mountains, steep hills, and valleys. Early morning is when the whole city seems to be shrouded in mist. In addition, Bao Loc is a strong hub for tea cultivation and production and is the capital of the silk industry.

Phan Thiet and Mui Ne

Phan Thiet is an old city in Binh Thuan province (now Lam Dong province), divided into four main areas: the center, Mui Ne, Ke Ga Cape, and Rom Islet. From any of these four points, visitors can continue exploring other famous places in Phan Thiet.

Phan Thiet is a stopover for swimming and relaxing in Mui Ne. Therefore, visitors only need to stay in the city for a maximum of 2 days, visiting famous places such as Doi Duong Sea Park, Phan Thiet water tower, Duc Thanh school relic site where President Ho Chi Minh taught, Van Thuy Tu palace where there is the largest whale skeleton in Southeast Asia, Ong Hoang tower, Po Sah Inu tower, Ong Dia rock beach…

Mui Ne is a strip of land stretching into the sea in Phan Thiet, a renowned tourist destination in the former Binh Thuan province (now Lam Dong province) and across the country. The name Mui Ne comes from fishermen, who called it “mui” for a cape jutting into the sea and “ne” for a place to avoid storms. In 2018, Mui Ne was recognized as a national tourist area.

This place is famous for its long, blue beaches and beautiful sand dunes. Bau Trang is a destination not to be missed when visiting Mui Ne, offering the chance to watch the sunrise, slide down sand dunes, ride ATVs, sightsee, and take photos. Mui Ne has many beautiful resorts along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Coastal Road and nearby routes. Tourist services here are comprehensive. Mui Ne is also a popular destination for international visitors.

Scared temples and pagodas

Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda

Linh Quy Phap An is a famous pagoda in Lam Dong, located in Bao Lam 3 commune, about 20 km south of Bao Loc center. The pagoda attracts tourists and Buddhists due to its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. From Da Lat, it takes visitors about 2 hours to travel to the pagoda.

The pagoda is most beautiful on cloudy days. Walking barefoot on the cool courtyard of Quan Chieu Duong, where monks perform ceremonies, visitors will feel like they are lost in a fairyland. The most notable area everyone will likely remember is the grounds and the gate to heaven beneath the main hall. The gate to heaven is a distinctive feature of the pagoda, modeled on the Japanese Torii, and is highly distinctive and novel. There are 3 gates to heaven arranged in 3 directions: 1 in the center and 2 on either side. This arrangement balances the landscape and helps the place blend into the vast space between the mountains and hills. Therefore, this place is also called “The Pagoda in the Clouds” or “The Gate of Heaven”.

Van Thuy Tu

The communal house was built in 1762 by local fishermen to worship Lord Whale, who locals believe protects fishermen from bad weather and the dangers of the sea.

The house has been displaying and preserving skeletal remains of whales, fishing boats, conical hats, antique bronze bells, terracotta statues, incense tables, and authentic artifacts since the Nguyen Dynasty.

However, the most attractive feature for tourists at Van Thuy Tu is the largest and longest gray whale in Vietnam, measuring 22 meters and well-preserved for more than 100 years.

An annual festival is held on June 20 of the Lunar calendar to pray for smooth sailing, good weather, and a bountiful fishing harvest. Van Thuy Tu was recognized as a national treasure in 1996.

Van Thuy Tu is located on 54 Ngu Ong Street, Phan Thiet Ward.

Co Thach Pagoda

Co Thach Pagoda, also known as Hang Pagoda or Da Co Pagoda, is located on the beach of Lien Huong commune, 100 km north of Phan Thiet. The pagoda is located on a mountain slope 64m above sea level. This Buddhist architectural complex comprises a hermitage, temple, and cave, built in a scattered, continuous pattern adjacent to the rocky caves, covering more than 2,000 m².

Each cave worships a Buddha, a Bodhisattva, or a monk. Inside the cave, at the Co Thach Pagoda established by monk Bao Tang, there are many other statues of monks and ancestral tablets honoring people who contributed to the temple’s establishment.

The pagoda was built in the mid-19th century. Initially, it was a small temple with wooden walls and a leaf roof. After many restorations, the temple is not only larger and more spacious but also recognized as a national monument and scenic spot in 1996.

After visiting the temple site, you can proceed to Ca Duoc, a multicolored rocky expanse that stretches for nearly 1km along the coast. Recently, a new Co Thach tourism village was built, featuring many attractive small houses for both tourists and pilgrims.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

The St. Nicola Cathedral, also known as the Con Ga (Rooster) Church, is an ancient Catholic church in Lam Dong. There are five masses every Sunday. It was designed in the style of Roman Catholic churches, with a European orientation, and features a cross-shaped plan, measuring 65m long, 14m wide, and reaching a height of 47m.

To highlight the church, the architect installed 70 Medieval-style stained-glass panels on the wall to illuminate the cathedral’s interior and create a distinctive aesthetic.

Address: 15 Tran Phu Street, Xuan Huong – Da Lat ward.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is located in Xuan Truong – Da Lat ward, 8 km from the center of Da Lat, on Highway 20. Completed in 1952, Linh Phuoc pagoda, also known as Ve Chai Pagoda, features a 49-metre-long dragon’s head at the entrance gate, meticulously assembled from 12,000 broken glass bottles and pottery fragments. In front of Hoa Long Vien is a 36-meter-high tower that houses the heaviest bell in Vietnam, weighing 8,500 kg.

 Beside the bell tower stands an 18-metre-high golden statue of the Bodhisattva, decorated with over 600,000 flowers. In addition, the site features a display house showcasing gems, ancient porcelain, and fine art wood.

In addition to admiring the unique architecture, tourists and Buddhists also have the opportunity to learn about the 18 levels of hell. By going through these 18 levels of hell, people will learn about the philosophy of good and evil, how to treat others, and how to live kindly.

Truc Lam Monastery

The Truc Lam Monastery is located on Phung Hoang Mountain, next to Tuyen Lam Lake, about 7 km from Da Lat. The monastery covers ​​24 hectares and was founded on April 8, 1993, and completed on February 8, 1994. This is considered the largest monastery in the country, both in terms of space and congregation size. In the main hall, only worship Buddha Shakyamuni holding lotus branches.

Right outside is a majestic tower, inside of which hangs a large bell 1.98 m high and weighing 1.1 tons, engraved with poems by “Truc Lam Dau Da”. Truc Lam Monastery not only has ancient, magnificent beauty like other temples, but also conceals many mysteries of the spiritual world.

Domaine de Marie, Da Lat

The Domaine de Marie, also known as Vinh Son Convent, is an architectural cluster comprising a chapel and two rows of the Bac Ai Thanh Vinh Son monastery, covering a total area of 12 hectares. The convent is located atop a hill in Da Lat. It is built in a style reminiscent of 17th-century French architecture. However, this church has distinctive features and differs from European classical churches.

The church’s roofs derive from the Rong style, a typical stilt-house design in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Another example of the interaction is the 3m-high statue of Mary, created by a French architect, which resembles a Vietnamese woman. In general, the two competing styles have created an absolutely creative and intricate complex.

Address: 01 Ngo Quyen, Cam Ly-Da Lat ward.

Linh An Pagoda

Linh An Pagoda is a sacred pagoda located in the heart of Da Lat’s majestic mountains and forests. With its traditional architecture and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, this place attracts tourists from around the world seeking purity and peace of mind. Linh An Pagoda is located on Ta Nung Pass, about 30km from Da Lat center. Upon arrival, you will be overwhelmed by the main hall, which measures 1,400 square meters. Inside, there are numerous large, beautiful Buddha and Guanyin statues.

In addition, Linh An Pagoda also has a notable architectural work, the most prominent one at Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat and the 70m high statue of Avalokiteśvara – one of the tallest statues in Vietnam; the special Tinh Thanh garden, which contains nearly 500 white statues of Avalokiteshvara, of the same shape, about 3 meters high, Maitreya Buddha statue was built with a height of 12.5 meters, a width of 6.5 meters and a surface of horizontal up to 9m.

Location: Ba Dinh Street, Nam Ban – Lam Ha commune.

Unique architectures

Tran Le Xuan Palace

Tran Le Xuan Palace is a complex of three villas, built in French architectural style, located at 2 Yet Kieu Street, Cam Ly – Da Lat ward. During the First Republic of Vietnam, this building served as the resting place for the families of Tran Le Xuan and Ngo Dinh Nhu. After Ngo Dinh Nhu and his brother, President Ngo Dinh Diem, were assassinated, and Tran Le Xuan lived in exile, this project became a tourist destination.

Tran Le Xuan Palace includes three villas:

• Bach Ngoc Villa: an entertainment place of Tran Le Xuan’s family and high-ranking officers during the First Republic period.
• Hong Ngoc Villa: Tran Le Xuan built a plan for his father, Mr. Tran Van Chuong.
• Lam Ngoc Villa: Tran Le Xuan’s family’s weekend getaway.

The entire villa area is over 13,000 square meters. Bach Ngoc Villa features a heated swimming pool. Behind the Lam Ngoc villa is a Japanese flower garden. Lam Ngoc Villa also has an escape tunnel and shelter.

Hang Nga Villa

Hang Nga Villa (also known as Crazy House) is a guesthouse in Da Lat, located at 3 Huynh Thuc Khang, Xuan Huong-Da Lat Ward, with a campus of nearly 2,000 m². This house is famous for its special architectural style.

Hang Nga Villa comprises many buildings, guest houses, cafes, and art galleries, all with a distinctive style. The building’s interior includes caves, winding hallways, winding staircases, quirky furniture, and large animal statues. There are no straight lines or angles, and everything appears as if it has been melted at high temperatures and then frozen into a grotesque shape.

Between the buildings are tree stumps, gnarled tree roots made of concrete, and giant spider webs made of wire. There is a small tea room inside a large Giraffe statue. The rooms are named Gourd, Kangaroo, Bear, Bee,… Rooms can be booked for regular overnight stays. Currently, each year, “Crazy House” welcomes about 100,000 visitors, most of whom are foreigners. 

Bao Dai Summer Palace

This is the Third Mansion of Bao Dai Emperor, which served as his summer palace. Bao Dai Palace III is a two-story mansion situated on a hill in the Love Forest. It has front and back flower gardens. It was built from 1933 to 1938. The ground floor was reserved for the Emperor’s working space, while the upper floor was the living space for the entire royal family. The latter comprises a library, an entertainment room, and a large dining room.

In addition, the palace contains valuable, well-preserved artifacts, including Hue royal antiquities, a large white bust of Bao Dai, and an engraved glass map of Vietnam.

Address: 01 Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Xuan Huong – Da Lat Ward.

Da Lat Railway Station

It is an attractive tourist destination that reflects Lam Dong’s cultural values, in general, and the local people’s, in particular. The Da Lat Station was designed by the French in 1932 and opened in 1938. Largely unused during the Vietnam War, the line was gradually dismantled after the North Vietnamese victory in 1975.

However, it was returned to a limited level of service in the 1990s. To date, a 7 km section of the line between Da Lat Railway Station and the nearby village of Trai Mat has been restored and returned to active use as a tourist attraction. 

Address: 01 Quang Trung Street, Xuan Huong – Da Lat ward.

Clay tunnel

The Clay tunnel, also known as the Da Lat sculpture tunnel, is one of the world’s largest underground sculpture works. This place has become an attractive destination in Da Lat for domestic and international visitors to visit and stay. The tunnel is more than 2km long.

The tunnel’s design and context are centered on two main themes: the history of Da Lat City’s formation and a humanistic, educational, and cultural narrative. Many famous architectures of Da Lat have been recreated, such as: Linh Son Pagoda, Rooster church, Da Lat railway station, Da Lat market, two strange Basalt red soil houses… all are sculpted with clay. 

Address: Xuan Huong – Da Lat ward.

Nature & Wildlife areas

Bidoup Nui Ba National Park

The Bidoup Nui Ba National Park is located in the center of Lam Vien Plateau, in Lac Duong commune, 35 km from Da Lat city. It is known as the “Roof of the Central Highlands”. The name of the park is a combination of the two highest peaks of Lam Vien Plateau, Bidoup (2,287 m) and Nui Ba (2,167 m). This is one of the largest national parks in Vietnam. In 2015, the park was designated as part of the Langbiang Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Tourists coming to Bidoup – Nui Ba often trek long distances and camp in the forest to enjoy nature. In addition, there are eco-tours, 2-3 km walking tours along biodiversity routes, birdwatching, frog spotting, and photo opportunities.

Ke Ga Cape and Ke Ga lighthouse

Ke Ga Cape is also known as Khe Ga Cape in Tan Thanh commune. Ke Ga is a collection of uniquely shaped rocks arranged in the shape of a chicken’s head. This is a cape jutting out of the East Sea about 40 km southwest of Phan Thiet. 

Ke Ga Cape is a small island about 500 meters off the mainland, commonly known as Ba Islet. At high tide, Ke Ga is an island surrounded by the blue sea. But when the tide recedes, a strip of sand will reveal a connection between Ke Ga Cape and the mainland.

The cape features a lighthouse, which the Vietnam Record Book has confirmed is the tallest and oldest in Vietnam. According to maritime history in this area, Khe Ga Cape is considered an extremely dangerous position of the sea from Phan Rang to Vung Tau.

In previous centuries, many merchant ships passed through this area but were lost due to inaccurate coordinates and navigation.

Hence, within 2 years (1897-1899), the French surveyed and built the lighthouse to support their military transport and foreign merchant ships. Inside the lighthouse, there are 183 spiraling steel steps leading to the top of the lighthouse. A large 2,000W light was visible for 22 nautical miles (approximately 40 kilometers).

Not only does it have a rock garden, but Ke Ga also has pristine beaches with clear blue water. The best time to explore this place is around 17 pm, when the sun sets, as the scenery is particularly beautiful. Canoes used for guest pickup and drop-off will also stop operating after this time. Visitors to Ke Ga Cape typically stay only during the day, staying at budget hotels and motels in Tan Thanh commune.

Ta Cu Mountain

Ta Cu Mountain is located along National Highway 1A in Ham Thuan Nam commune, 28km south of Phan Thiet. This is a climbing site at an elevation of 649m above sea level. The scene here is pristine, marvelous, with identical mountains.

There are two ways to go up Ta Cu Mountain: spend more than 2 hours hiking through the verdant rainforest or take a 15-minute cable-car ride to reach the top.

Set atop Ta Cu Mountain, Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda stands at an altitude of over 400m and features several towers, Buddhist statues, and caves amid ancient green trees.

The main attraction is a 49m-long, 7m-high statue of a reclining Buddha, one of the most distinctive and largest in Southeast Asia. It was constructed of reinforced concrete, covered with white lime, and set on a stone base, leaning against the mountain.

The statue was begun in 1963 and was finally completed after 4 years; it has since become a favorite destination for tourists and Buddhist pilgrims.

Bau Trang (White lake)

Bau Trang is the name of a freshwater lake about 35km from Mui Ne in Hoa Thang commune. Bau Trang is divided into 2 parts by a crossing sandhill. The local people called the smaller one Bau Ong (Male lake) and the larger one Bau Ba (Female lake).

Bau Ba is also known as Bau Sen (Lotus Lake) because the lotus covers the entire lake. Lotus plants are planted by residents for seed harvesting. However, the lotus cultivation in this area makes the landscape more unique. Bau Trang remains an unspoiled, highly worthwhile destination for travelers to Mui Ne. The best time to explore Bau Trang is early in the morning, when you will not only have a chance to hunt for great photos but also admire the wonderful scenery.

Lang Bian Mountain

Lang Bian Mountain is often referred to as “the roof of Da Lat”. The mountain is 2,169m above sea level. At the foot of Langbiang Mountain is a tourist area featuring beautiful rustic architecture and full amenities for tourists’ leisure. The Langbiang is attracting visitors with exciting adventures: climbing and conquering the peak. It takes around 4 hours to reach the top of the mountain.

Another way to reach the top is by renting a jeep. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the foggy city in the distance.

The address of the Langbiang mountain tourist area is: No. 305 Langbiang Road, Langbiang – Da Lat ward.

The best beaches and islands

Phu Quy Island

Phu Quy Island, also known as Thu Island, is located about 120 km southeast of Phan Thiet’s center. In addition to the main island, there are many small islands around Phu Quy. On the main island, there are many beautiful landscapes, most of which remain wild, allowing tourists to explore them in a few days. Notable attractions: Bai Nho, Ganh Hang, Cao Cat peak, Trieu Duong bay, lighthouse…

The best time to visit Phu Quy Island is from December to June of the following year. This is the period when the sea is calm, the wind is light, and it is easy to move on the sea. To reach Phu Quy Island, you must take a boat, which takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the type of boat. Currently, the island offers a full range of accommodation, dining, and entertainment services to meet tourists’ needs.

Co Thach beach

Co Thach is a beach in Lien Huong commune, 90 km from Phan Thiet city and 300 km from Ho Chi Minh city.

On the beach, there are still many shimmering, rustic rocks of many colors, large and small, stacked naturally and formed over time (also called Ca Duoc and affectionately known to tourists as the seven-color rock beach).

Usually, mid-March is when the moss is at its peak, complemented by natural sunlight, creating a picturesque landscape. Surrounding this rock beach is a smooth, golden-sand beach called Bai Tien.

Mui Ne Beach

Located 22km northeast of Phan Thiet, on Route 706, Mui Ne is both a fishing village and a popular tourist destination in Lam Dong Province. Mui Ne is endowed with sweeping sand dunes and beautiful rows of palm trees. There are pristine, unspoiled beaches and imposing landscapes untouched by human exploitation; the water is clean and blue, and the sun is rarely obscured by clouds.

The beautiful sand dunes have long been a creative subject of photographs and paintings. Also worth visiting in this area: Suoi Tien (Fairy Spring), the Ong Hoang Building, the Poshanu Cham Tower, and Mui Ne Fishing Village.
 

Famous Waterfalls

Lieng Nung Waterfall

Lieng Nung Waterfall is located in Dong Gia Nghia Commune, about 9 km from Gia Nghia center in the direction of National Highway 28. The waterfall features a distinctive structure: a 35 m-high cliff with a large cave arch that protrudes, where the water flows into the Dak Nia Stream.

The cave arch’s ceiling is made of hexagonal rocks arranged side by side. The cave arch is surrounded by vibrant vegetation, creating a magical space. Surrounding the waterfall is a wild natural landscape with pristine forests and many ancient trees providing shade. Notably, the area around the waterfall is home to the indigenous Mnong and Ma ethnic minority communities.

Pongour waterfall

Pongour Waterfall, also known as Thien Thai Waterfall, is located in Duc Trong commune, 50km from Da Lat. Pongour features a 7-story waterfall with a large rocky chasm, wide, terraced falls, and a surrounding primeval forest covering about 2.5 hectares, with diverse, rich vegetation and wildlife. Tourists from around the world often visit here to take pictures and have fun.

The waterfall is also a popular picnic spot in the late afternoons, so if you want to experience the falls without too many tourists, try to visit during the middle of the day. Coming here on the full moon day of the first lunar month, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the unique Pongour festival of the K’Ho people. .

Dambri Waterfall

Dambri waterfall is one of the highest and most magnificent waterfalls in Vietnam, located about 20km from Bao Loc. This is an impressive waterfall with clear, cold water cascading off the mountains and spilling over a rocky escarpment, dropping 70 metres into a large pool before continuing to flow down the valley.

At the foot of the waterfall, a magnificent scene unfolds before you, the cascading water rushing down, its white foam refreshing your soul. In addition to the scenery and peaceful atmosphere at Damri Waterfall, you can participate in a range of outdoor activities and enjoy entertainment.

Furthermore, the waterfall is surrounded by a primeval forest with 100 plant species, including Dambri Waterfall, Dasara Fall, Daton Fall, a fossil plant cave, and an animal zoo. 

Datanla Waterfall

Datanla Waterfall is situated in the middle of the Prenn mountain pass, approximately 5 km from Da Lat. This is the most touristy and developed of all the falls in Lam Dong. It has an excellent pathway, through lush foliage, leading down through many ‘levels’ of the falls. The cascading waterfalls fall to the ground before disappearing through layers of marble scattered in the small stream.

Datanla Waterfall represents the wild and majestic beauty of the Central Highlands mountains and forests. This place is an ideal stop for those who love to explore and participate in adventure sports. Datanla Waterfall tourist area offers visitors a range of activities, including climbing stone steps to reach the waterfall’s top, a roller coaster, a cable car, a stream walk to Prenn Bridge, and whitewater rafting.

Cam Ly Waterfall

Cam Ly Waterfall is the closest waterfall to the center of Da Lat. The entrance is located between 57 – 59 Hoang Van Thu Street. The waterfall’s stream is about 10m high, though the overall height is low; the flow is strong yet gentle, especially during the rainy season. The waterfall flows gently through boulders, and it looks like the hairstyle of a girl.

The waterfall is surrounded by a green pine forest, a variety of flowers, and evergreen trees. Besides Xuan Huong Lake or Langbiang Mountain, the poetic scenery of Cam Ly has inspired many poets, writers, and musicians. Because of its gentle, poetic charm, Cam Ly Waterfall is also an ideal location for wedding or commemorative photos.

Prenn Waterfall

Prenn waterfall is located at the foot of Prenn Pass, which is 10 km from Da Lat. It is also the gateway to Da Lat. From a height of 9 m, the water flows over a basalt cliff, creating a majestic natural beauty. The tourist area is also a pine forest and primitive trees that make up 90% of the area. The tourist site features a cable car, a suspension bridge, a stilt house, a showroom, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant.

Furthermore, tourists can participate in a range of folk games and activities, including elephant and ostrich rides. There is also a small zoo that houses elephants, tigers, bears, deer, monkeys, pythons, peafowl, and more. In 2000, Prenn waterfall was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and granted a national historic and cultural relic.

Elephant Waterfall

Elephant Waterfall, also known as Lieng Rowoa, is located approximately 25 km southwest of Da Lat and has a height of about 30 meters and a width of 15 meters. The Elephant Waterfall is the most dramatic in the province. Unlike most of Lam Dong’s other waterfalls, Elephant Waterfall remains in its natural state, without any human-made modifications.

Over the years, the water has eroded the escarpment to create a cave-like overhang, from where you can get up close, literally, under the falls, while staying (relatively) dry. Behind the waterfall are mysterious caves, such as Hang Doi (Bat Cave), located 50m above the ground, with an entrance lined with tree roots and vines. Hang Gio (Wind Cave) is always a highlight for visitors seeking to explore.

Jraiblian Waterfall

Hidden in the serene Ta In Forests is the majestic Jraiblian Waterfall. The waterfall is located in Ta Hine commune, outskirt of Dalat city. It was also called Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last emperor (1913-1997), a waterfall as it was the resting place of numerous hunting trips of the emperor. At around 80 metres high and over 100 metres wide, this is also the biggest and most spectacular waterfall in Lam Dong.

The massive volume of water cascading from the top of the vertical volcanic rock wall to the stream below creates a raw, overwhelming natural scene. Jraiblian waterfall is definitely an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy pure nature.

Beautiful lakes

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake is a symbol of Da Lat, located in the city center and crescent-shaped. This is an artificial lake with a circumference of approximately 5km and a width of 25 ha. The lake has long been known for its vast pine forests, green lawns, and beautiful flower gardens. The lake’s surface is smooth and crystal-clear, reflecting the charming scenery of Dalat city with pine forests. With its romantic views, Xuan Huong Lake is renowned as a romantic destination, a dreamy tourist attraction, and a popular spot for couples to meet. 

It is also a favorite destination for tourists who enjoy walking, taking stagecoaches, riding double bikes, and duck-riding to explore the lake and surrounding area.

Da Nhim Lake

Da Nhim Lake, also known as Don Duong Lake, is located in D’ran commune, Lam Dong province. It is 36 km southeast of Dalat city. The view of Da Nhim Lake is a great combination of mountains, lake, and clouds, creating a scenic landscape for the province and attracting many tourists.

Visiting Da Nhim Lake’s natural beauty, tourists can also learn about the Da Nhim hydropower plant, which was built on the lake from 1962 to 1964.

Nearby is another tourist attraction: the Ngoan Muc Pass, one of the largest in Vietnam. Tourists can hike, horseback ride, or drive a jeep along the red-dirt road that leads to the Valley of Love. It’s also an ideal place for camping with your family members and friends.

Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is known as a tourist destination with numerous resorts. It is surrounded by primeval pine forests and green-shaded oases scattered across the lake, creating a charming, poetic scene typical of a mountain town. This is the largest freshwater lake in Lam Dong, covering 350 hectares.

Tuyen Lam is an ideal spot for a picnic or a lakeside camping trip to enjoy the cool air near Da Lat. Besides enjoying the natural scenery around the lake, tourists can participate in recreational activities such as a boat ride to take in the lake view, spiritual travel at Truc Lam Zen Monastery, hiking, fishing, and, especially, pitching a tent with provided equipment, and enjoying an evening BBQ with friends.

Dankia Lake

Situated about 20km northwest of Da Lat center, Dankia Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes, with a capacity of about 20 million cubic meters. The lake has long been supplying fresh water and electricity to Da Lat city, particularly through the Ankoret plant, the first hydroelectric plant built in Vietnam (1943).

The Dankia Lake impresses tourists with the marvelous scenery of high mountains, pine forests, and pure water flows bending around romantic hills, creating a wonderful painting before the eyes of visitors. In the Dankia-Suoi Vang area, visitors will be drawn by the natural beauty of Golden Valley, Ankroet Waterfall, and Suoi Vang Dam. In addition, the ethnic minorities in Lat Village continue to maintain their traditional customs. This is also an ideal site for ethnological tourism.

Valley of Love

Located 5km from the center of Da Lat, spanning up to 140ha, the Valley of Love is one of the most romantic tourist spots in Lam Dong, attracting visitors, especially newlywed couples. The scenic green hills surrounding the lake are covered in gorgeous pine forests, creating a romantic view, especially when you stand on the tracks that lead to Vong Canh Hill. 

It is an ideal place to organize outdoor activities such as camping and barbecue parties, and to enjoy other activities such as horse riding, duck riding, jeep rides, paintball, and tandem biking.

Address: 3 – 5 – 7 Mai Anh Dao Street, Lam Vien – Da Lat ward. 

Eco-tourism areas

Dray Sap Tourist Area

Dray Sap – Gia Long Cultural Eco-Tourism Area (Dray Sap Tourist Area) is located in Nam Da Commune, about 110 km from Gia Nghia.

This tourist area is located in a special-use forest and features several famous rapids and waterfalls, including Dray Sap Waterfall, Gia Long Waterfall (also known as Upper Dray Sap Waterfall), Trinh Nu Waterfall, and Dray Nu Waterfall. Accommodation services are diverse, ranging from Ede longhouses to semi-detached houses, with the mushroom house system featuring thatched roofs, creating a sense of closeness and coziness.

You can visit the zoo to see many species, including deer, antelope, ostrich, bear, tiger, snake, and lion. In addition, visitors can enjoy camping, cycling in the forest, rowing, and visiting special-use forests.

Madagui Eco-tourism Area

With its natural beauty, Madagui Eco-tourism Area is an alternative choice for visitors who have been to Da Lat many times. Madagui has rich vegetation, including a forest with more than 50 bamboo species, within Cat Tien National Park. The air in Madagui forest is always cool and fresh. Here, visitors can participate in a range of adventurous activities, including rock climbing, ziplining, horse racing, kayaking, and paintball.

In addition, the Madagui eco-tourism area is a place for families, groups of friends, and colleagues to camp, build a fire, and enjoy a BBQ. You can also rent a room for an overnight stay here.

Museums

Traditional musical instrument exhibition

Located in N’Jrieng village, Dong Gia Nghia commune, more than 9 km from Gia Nghia center on National Highway 28 towards Da Lat, Lam Dong.

Here, you will find about 60 musical instruments from ethnic groups around the world. Each instrument has its own sound, and most are made from stone and animal bones. Among those nearly 60 ancient musical instruments is the Dak Kar lithophone of the M’Nong people, which is nearly 3,000 years old. This is the “soul” of the exhibition house’s musical instrument.

According to M’Nong beliefs, the lithophone is a thread connecting people and the spiritual world, closely linked to the cultural and spiritual life of the indigenous people of Dak Nong. The Dak Kar lithophone was also chosen as one of the symbols of the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark.

Duc Thanh School

Duc Thanh is the name of a school founded by patriotic scholars in Phan Thiet in 1907 in response to the Modernisation Movement led by Phan Chau Trinh, Tran Quy Cap, and Huynh Thuc Khang. Duc Thanh School is a source of pride for local residents, as Nguyen Tat Thanh (later President Ho Chi Minh) stopped there to teach briefly before going abroad in 1911.

The main structure of the school consists of 2 large wooden houses used as classrooms, a small house for reading, discussion, and meetings, and the boarding house where he and his pupils lived.

To date, the school still has many precious objects closely associated with teacher Nguyen Tat Thanh, including a desk, an ink slab, a sofa, a carambola tree that Thanh cared for in his free time, and a nearby brick well.

In 2014, the Vietnam Record Association recognized Duc Thanh school as one of the top ten historical vestige sites in commemoration of Nguyen Tat Thanh, which attracts the largest number of tourists.

Address: 39 Trung Nhi Street, Phan Thiet ward.

Markets

Dak R’Mang Market

For a long time, Dak R’Mang market in Dak Nong has always been a familiar meeting place for the Mong ethnic people living here, every Sunday. This is also one of the unique markets in the Central Highlands, clearly showing the cultural life of the Mong people living here. Explore Dak R’Mang market, visitors will experience and discover interesting things about the culture, cuisine and life of the Mong people, along with countless interesting activities that can only be found here.

The market opens only 1 time in a week, selling all kinds of goods, from brocade, household items, medicinal herbs, production tools to specialties such as corn wine.

Dalat Night Market

Dalat Night Market, also known by the curious name “Ghost Market”, is a destination not to be missed when visiting the “city of flowers”. Initially, the market was just a place where people stopped by for dinner and a rest after a day of work. Later, this place gradually became an indispensable tourist destination every night. From 17 pm, the stalls began to set up. From around 19 pm onwards, the market entered its busiest time, lasting until late at night.

When mentioning Dalat Night Market, you cannot miss the bustling rows of stalls selling everything from clothes, agricultural products, fruits to handicrafts and souvenirs. This is a place where you can both shop for yourself and easily choose specialties of Dalat to bring back as gifts.

Historical and cultural relics

Ancient village of the Ede people

About 90 km from Gia Nghia center, in the direction of Dak Lak, Buon Buor village, Cu Jut commune, was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as the oldest Ede village in the Central Highlands in 2008.

Buon Buor village is located along the Serepok River. Over the centuries, people have maintained long-standing customs such as brewing rice wine, crafting traditional musical instruments, weaving daily necessities from bamboo, and weaving brocade. You will admire the beauty of traditional stilt houses; meticulously hand-woven brocade products represent the culture of the Ede people; join in the gong dance. You can also attend ancient rituals, including a housewarming ceremony, a Kpan procession, a new rice celebration, and a brotherhood ceremony.

Poshanu Tower

Poshanu Tower or Po Sah Inu, also known as Pho Hai Cham Tower, is a group of tower remains of the ancient Cham Kingdom, located on Ba Nai hill, Phu Thuy ward, 7km away from the center of Phan Thiet and about 13km from the center of Mui Ne town. It was built more than 1,200 years ago to worship Shiva, a revered Hindu deity. However, there are only three towers remaining (the main tower, the medium tower, and the small tower).

This tower was built follow Hoa Lai architectural style – one of the ancient art styles of the Cham Kingdom.

Although it is only a small tower, it embodies the essence of the ancient Cham’s architectural techniques and decorative arts, creating majesty and mystery. In 1991, this relic was designated a national architectural monument by the Vietnamese government.

Po Dam (Po Tam) Tower

Po Dam, or Po Tam, refers to a group of Cham towers in Lac Tri village, Lien Huong commune. This tower was built to worship King Po Dam, also known as Po Kathit (Pan La Tra Duyen) of the Cham people. The tower’s construction date is unknown, but by comparing art styles, archaeologists have tentatively identified the Po Dam tower as of the same age as the Hoa Lai-style towers (old Ninh Thuan province, currently Khanh Hoa province), possibly at the end of the 8th or the 9th century. However, compared with Champa’s history, Po Dam’s reign is 1433-1460.

Following the legend of the Cham people, there was a challenge between King Klong Garai and Po Dam (who was then the mandarin), who built the tower first, and Po Klong Garai won. The construction techniques and architectural elements of the Poshanu Tower are similar to those of the Poshanu Tower; both belong to the Hoa Lai art and architectural style. Po Dam Tower was an annual ritual and a worship area for the King of the Cham people. Po Dam Tower was designated a National-level architectural monument by the State in 1996.

Po Klong Moh Nai Temple

Po Klong Moh Nai was the last Cham King, who ruled at the beginning of the 17th century. The Po Klong Moh Nai Temple, also known as Bac Binh Temple, is located on a hill near National Highway 1A in Luong Son Commune, 60km north of Phan Thiet.

Three statues in dark blue stone depicting Po Klong Moh Nai and his two wives, along with numerous other meticulously carved statues, remain in the temple. There is a collection of precious articles that belonged to King Po Klong Moh Nai and other Cham kings. More than 100 original, rare, and precious objects are on display at this exhibition in Hong Thai Commune, about 60 km north of Phan Thiet.

The most remarkable items are the gold jewellery and the clothing (royal coats and boots) of King Po Klong Moh Nai and Queen Popia Sorn. The collection features well-developed handicrafts (sculpture and carving) by the Cham people. 

Cuisine – Specialties of Lam Dong

Traditional dishes of indigenous peoples are highly diverse, often combining multiple ingredients and reflecting community solidarity. Most dishes are prepared by boiling or grilling, and soups are made with bitter, spicy flavors and colors that are full of natural harmony.

Chicken hotpot with lemon basil leaves

Lemon basil leaves are also known as hoary basil, Thai lemon basil, or Lao basil. They have a stronger aroma than purple perilla and are often grown in sandy soils in the Central region. People use perilla leaves to prepare many dishes, including chicken hotpot. Currently, chicken hotpot with lemon basil leaves is popular across the country, and Da Lat is the “holy land.”

The dish features a clear, sweet broth, chewy, fragrant chicken, and mushrooms and bamboo shoots infused with flavor. Chicken hotpot with perilla leaves is a must-try when visiting Da Lat.

Bamboo steamed rice & grilled meat

Bamboo-steam rice is a favorite dish and is always present at local festivals and entertainment. The main ingredient is sticky rice. After soaking, the rice is placed in bamboo tubes and boiled in running water. The bamboo tubes containing sticky rice are either burned over a fire or buried in charcoal. When the rice is cooked, people split the burnt outer layer, revealing the white core.

Bamboo-steam rice is accompanied by grilled meat, also from livestock and poultry, but it is often prepared in a distinctive way. Most of the ingredients are not marinated, skewered, and grilled over charcoal, or put in bamboo tubes and grilled. This preparation method takes less time and is convenient for trips to the forest and fields. When eating, people often dip it in salt and chili.

Grilled catfish from the Serepok River

The Serepok River flows through old Dak Nong (now Lam Dong province) and supports many catfish species, the most popular being the red-tailed catfish.

Catfish can be prepared in many ways, including grilled, braised, made into patties, steamed, stir-fried with garlic, or cooked into porridge. Among them, grilled catfish over hot coals is an attractive dish. The fish is wrapped in forest leaves before being grilled, dipped in salt made from lemongrass, green chili, and forest leaves. Grilled catfish served with bamboo rice offers a distinctive flavor of traditional Dak Nong cuisine. This is one of the Top 100 Vietnamese specialties in 2020 and 2021.

Fish Hotpot

The main ingredient of the dish is fresh fish, usually anchovies, scads or mackerel. After being deboned, the fish is blanched in boiling water, rinsed with lemon juice to remove the fishy odor, and then marinated with spices and arranged on a plate. In addition to fresh fish, the menu includes fried eggs, boiled meat, raw vegetables, mango, and cucumber. All are cut into strips and placed on banana flower petals, spread evenly around the fish plate to create a flower shape. Next to the tray of ingredients are vermicelli and hot broth.

There are two ways to enjoy hot pot. First, diners eat the fish without dipping it in the broth; they just pour in peanut fish sauce, add grilled rice paper, and mix well. The second option is for those who want it cooked. Blanch the fish, scoop the boiling broth into a bowl, add other ingredients, and enjoy.

Moon crab

This is a must-try dish on Phu Quy Island and in the coastal areas of Tuy Phong District. The moon crab has many dark red circles on its back, mixed with bright pink. In the past, moon crabs were quite abundant, but natural crabs are becoming increasingly rare, so if you want to buy them, you have to order in advance.

The crab meat is sweet, chewy, and fragrant; the crab shell is crispy, soft, and can be bitten with your teeth. The crab is most delicious during the full moon. This is the opposite of other crab species; the meat is often spongy during this period. In addition to moon crabs, king crabs are also a specialty of the Tuy Phong, Phu Quy area.

Seafood salad

Mui Ne is known for its fish and horn snail salads. Fish salad is made from white sardines (Sillaginidae) and served with raw vegetables, vermicelli, and a special dipping sauce. The salad salad also cannot lack spices such as lettuce, green cabbage, sliced ​​green banana, and fresh vermicelli served with.

Sand monitor lizard

A specialty of the Mui Ne sand dunes, this reptile resembles a lizard but is larger. Sand monitor lizards live in caves and emerge onto the sand dunes in the morning to forage.

Sand lizards can go without drinking water for a long time and grow well in hot environments, so they are also called the king of sand dunes.

The meat of sand lizards is white, sweet, fatty, and soft. Some delicious dishes made from sand lizards: grilled, steamed, sausage, porridge… 

Quai Vac cake

The cake is quite similar to Hue tapioca flour but smaller. The crust is made from filtered flour, and the filling is made from fresh shrimp and stir-fried pork belly. Sweet and sour fish sauce, made with high-quality Binh Thuan fish sauce and hot chili, is what makes Banh Quai Vac unique.

Quai Vac, sprinkled with fried onions, coated with onion fat, and drizzled with sweet-and-sour fish sauce, is a delicious, nutritious, and inexpensive snack popular in Binh Thuan.

Can cake

Can cake is a rustic, simple, but extremely attractive dish from Binh Thuan. Rice flour is mixed in proportion, poured into an ungreased clay mold, and baked, resulting in a smoky aroma and a hot, crispy bottom. The cake is served with sweet fish sauce or braised fish sauce, blending the flavors of the sea.

Hot soy milk

Like in many other places, Da Lat soy milk is also prepared very simply. Soybeans will be soaked, pureed, then filtered to get water, and finally boiled. Some shops will add sugar, milk, or pandan leaves to create a special flavor.

However, when the weather is cold, there’s nothing better than a cup of hot, fatty bean milk. Soy milk is often served with cakes… for a warm late-night meal.

Grilled rice paper

Also known as Vietnamese pizza, grilled rice paper originated in Da Lat and is a popular snack for tourists. As the name suggests, rice paper is placed on a charcoal stove, covered with sausage, pork floss, eggs, vegetables, sauces, and chili sauce on top, and then grilled. When the cake is cooked, fold it and enjoy.

What’s to buy as a gift?

Old Lam Dong is a highland with a cool climate and fertile soil, well-suited for agricultural development. Therefore, there are many Lam Dong specialties to choose as gifts when traveling here. They are delicious, cheap, and the quality is clean, beyond question. Popular Lam Dong specialties to buy as gifts include: artichokes, strawberries, Laba Bananas, dried fruits (sweet potatoes, taro, jackfruit, kiwi, pineapple, artichokes…), Da Lat wine, Bao Loc tea, Chu Ru wine, coffee, Dak N’rung pepper, durian….

In particular, after the province’s merger, the province has more specialties from the sea, notably dried squid, dried shrimp, dried fish, fish sauce, contributing to making your trip to explore Lam Dong more meaningful.

Source: collected by An

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