Explore Dat Lat

Da Lat (Vietnamese: Đà Lạt) is the capital of Lam Dong province, located on the Lam Vien plateau at an altitude of 1,500m above sea level. With a relatively cool climate and a system of waterfalls, lakes, and vast forests…a trip to explore Da Lat will definitely bring you unforgettable experiences. Let takes a look at this travel guide for more details.

What is the most ideal time to explore Da Lat?

Dalat’s climate is cool all year round thanks to its geographical location in the highlands of the Central Highlands. January to April is spring, so the mountain town is colorful with many flowers such as cherry blossoms, white roses, purple poinciana… Furthermore, it’s dry season at this time of the year so the best ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, swimming, wandering…enjoy pleasant weather, beautiful and romantic landscapes.

May-September is summer and also the peak time for tourism when tourists everywhere escape the heat as it’s the hot season of many other areas in Vietnam. However, this is the rainy season in Da Lat, so people always have to carry raincoats or umbrellas.

October-December Dalat is in the dry and cold season. Visitors on this occasion will have the opportunity to see wild sunflowers blooming brightly, pink grass hills shimmering in the morning dew or the sight of clouds covering the mountains and hills in the suburbs. 

How to get here?

Most tourists from the Northern provinces and Ho Chi Minh City choose to fly directly to Da Lat with Vietjet or VietnamAirline. However, the Southern and Middle regions can travel by bus or car. It would be quite connivence, especially when you traveling with a group, to book a private car to Da Lat, as the bus or car can stop on the way, and easy for sightseeing things as well.

From Ho Chi Minh City, beside traveling by airplanes, the most economical way to travel is the tourist bus. There are many buses, depart almost every hours from HCMC, and the ticket cost from from 270,000 VND/way. And here are some of bus companies that we recommend for your trip to explore Da Lat: Dien Linh, Kumho Samco, Long Van, Futa bus…

Futa bus – one of the famous bus company to Da Lat

In Da Lat, tourists rent motorbikes, cars, taxis or use booking car/bike apps to move between attractions. Motorbike rental price from 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day. Private car with a driver cost starts from 1,000,000 VND/day.

Explore Da Lat – Where should you go?

Most famous Da Lat tourist destinations are concentrated in the city center area. According to our experience traveling to Da Lat, these are all familiar places but still attractive with their own beauty

Famous natural destinations

Da Lat is famous for many stunningly beautiful destinations that attract tourists. Let’s take a look at some of the city’s beautiful, poetic attractions. This is home of the most charming waterfalls, valleys, lakes…  in the Central Highlands, associated with beautiful legends, along with the wild and majestic look, promise to give visitors an enjoyable experience. 

Dambri waterfall

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

Furthermore, surrounding the waterfall is a primeval forest with hundred kinds of plants, Dambri waterfall, Dasara fall, Daton fall, a fossil plant cave, an animal zoo. 

Tourists can visit these tourist spots by horse, tramcar, elevator, and roller coaster. Location: Village 14, Drambi Ward, Bao Loc city. 

Pongour waterfall

Located in Tan Nghia town, Duc Trong district, 50km from Da Lat city, also known as Thien Thai waterfall. Pongour has a 7-story waterfall with the huge rocky chasm, wide, full of green moss, terraced falls and surrounded by a primeval forest with an area of about 2.5 hectares with diverse and rich vegetation, animals living.

Tourists from all over often come here to visit, 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. 

Cam Ly waterfall

Cam Ly waterfall is the closest waterfall to the center of Da Lat city. The entrance is located between 57 – 59 Hoang Van Thu Street.

The stream of the waterfall is about 10m high, although not high, but the water flow is strong and not less 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 green pine forest, many kinds of flowers and trees that always green all year round. 

Beside Xuan Huong lake or Langbiang mountain, the waterfall has become the indispensable symbols of Da Lat city and has been mentioning in many poems and songs.

Dalanta waterfall

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 pathways, through lush foliage, leading down through many ‘levels’ of the falls. The cascading waterfalls 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 adventure sports. Datanla waterfall tourist area offers visitors many exciting fun activities such as climbing stone steps to conquer the top of the waterfall, a roller-coaster, cable car and go along the stream to come to Prenn bridge or exciting whitewater rafting. 

Prenn waterfall

Prenn waterfall is located at the foot of Prenn Pass which is 10 km far from Da Lat city. It is also the gateway of Da Lat. From its 9m of height, the water flows down over a cliff of basalt rock 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 has been equipped with the cable – car, suspension bridge, stilt – house, showroom, souvenir shop, restaurant. Futhermore, tourist can participate many folk games and interesting activities including elephant and ostrich rides.

There is also a small zoo – a home of elephants, tigers, bears, deer, monkeys, python, peafowl, etc. In 2000, Prenn waterfall has been recognized by The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and granted a national historic and cultural relic.

Elephant Waterfall

The waterfall is also known as Lieng Rowoa waterfall, located approximately 25 km southwest of Da Lat with a height of about 30 meters and a width of 15 meters. Elephant waterfall is the most dramatic in the province. Unlike most of Lam Dong’s other waterfalls, Elephant waterfall does still keep it nature without any manmade.

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, there are mysterious caves such as Hang Doi (Bat cave), located at a depth of 50m above the ground with an entrance has many tree roots and vines crisscrossing each other, Hang Gio (Wind cave) always create a highlight for visitors who want to explore.

Jraiblian Waterfall

Hidden in the serene mountains of Ta In forests is a majestic Jraiblian Waterfall. The waterfall is located in Ta In commune of Duc Trong district, outskirt of Dalat city. It was also called Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last emperor (1913-1997), 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 fall in Lam Dong.

The massive volume of water straight from the top of the vertical wall of volcanic rock to the bottom stream, making it a raw scene and quite overwhelming sensation of nature. Jraiblian waterfall is definitely an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy pure nature. 

Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong lake is a symbol of Da Lat located in the city center which has a crescent shape. This is an artificial lake with approximately 5km circumference, and 25 ha wide. The lake has long been famous for immerse pine forests, green lawns, wonderful flower gardens. The surface of the lake is smooth and crystal, reflecting the charming scenery of Dalat city with pine forest. With the romantic views, Xuan Huong Lake has been reputed to be a romantic place, a dreaming tourist attraction and a dating rendezvous of loving couples as well. 

It is also a favorite rendezvous for tourists who love walking,using stagecoach, double bikes, duck riding… to visit and explore the lake and surrounding area.

Da Nhim Lake

Da Nhim lake also known as Don Duong Lake, located in the town of Dran, Don Duong district, Lam Dong province. It is 36 km far from Dalat city to the South – East. All view Da Nhim lake is the great combination of mountain, lake and cloud which create a great scenery for the province, attract many tourists.

Coming to visit natural beauty of Da Nhim lake, tourist also have the opportunity to learn about the Da Nhim hydropower plant was built right on the lake, built from 1962 to 1964.

Nearby is another tourist attraction: the Ngoan Muc Pass – one of the largest passes in Vietnam. Tourists can go hiking, horseback riding, jeep driving along the red dirt road lead 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 resort with the most resorts. It is surrounded by primeval pine forests and green-shaded oases scattered throughout the lake, providing a charming, poetic scene true to a mountain town. This is the largest freshwater lake in Lam Dong with an area of 350 hectares.

Tuyen Lam is an ideal spot for picnic or camping by the lake to enjoy the cold air nearby Da Lat. Besides enjoying the nature scenery around the lake, tourist can participate in recreational activities such as boat ride to enjoy the lake view, spiritual travel at Truc Lam Zen Monastery, climbing, fishing and especially setting up a tent with provided equipment, and enjoying an evening BBQ party with friends.

Dankia Lake

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

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

Than Tho Lake

The lake is situated on a high hill in the middle of a tranquil pine forest, creating the quiet peaceful feelings, which attracts numerous tourists who love to explore romantic natural landscapes.

Along with the folk unfinished love stories such as story of Mai Huong – Hoang Tung in the 18th century, story of the pine hill with 2 graves…, the harmonious characteristics of Than Tho Lake have increasingly attracted tourists as a fascinating venue. This is a place associated with a touching but also tragic story about a couple’s love, and is the favorite coordinates of couples when coming to explore Da Lat. 

Tourist can walk on the green lawns, watch the pine silhouettes down the lake surface or ride a horse around the lake like a true nomad.

Valley of Love

Located 5km from the center of Da Lat city, with an area of ​​up to 140ha, Vally of Love is  one of the most romantic tourist spot attracting tourists, especially newly-married couples, come to visit in Lam Dong. The scenic green hills surrounding the lake are covered in gorgeous pine forests, create a romantic view, especially when you standing from the tracks lead to Vong Canh Hill. 

It is an ideal place to organize outdoor activities such camping, barbecue party… and enjoys many other interesting games such as horse riding, duck riding, jeep, paint gun, tandem biking…

Address: 3 – 5 – 7 Mai Anh Dao Street, Ward 8, Da Lat. 

Mountain Langbiang

The mountain is listed as “the roof of Da Lat”. The mountain is 2,169m above sea level. At the foot of Langbiang Mountain is a tourist area with beautiful rustic architecture and full amenities for the leisure of tourists. The Langbiang is attracting visitors by exciting adventure: 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 car. 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, Lac Duong town, Lac Duong District.

Famous spiritual tourist destinations in Da Lat

Many people come to Da Lat to find peace, the temples or churches in the city are spiritual places that convey faith, suitable for people to find peace after busy, hard days with life. make a living.

St. Nicholas Cathedral, Da Lat

The St. Nicola Cathedral, also known as the familiar name of Con Ga (Chicken) 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 direction with an overall cross-shape 65m long, 14m wide and reaching the top of the bell tower is 47m hight.

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

Address: 15 Tran Phu Street, Ward 3, Da Lat city, Lam Dong.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is located in Trai Mat, Da Lat city, 8 km from the center of Da Lat city, on Highway 20. Completed in 1952, Linh Phuoc pagoda is also know as Ve Chai Pagoda as the 49-metre-long dragon’s head at the entrance gate was meticulously pieced together from 12,000 broken glass bottles and pieces of pottery. In front of Hoa Long Vien is a 36-meter-high tower, hanging the heaviest bell in Vietnam – 8,500 kg in weight.

 Beside the bell tower stands an 18-metre-high golden statue of Bodhisattva, which is decorated with over 600,000 flowers. In addition, this place also has a display house for 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. Going through these 18 levels of hell, people will experience many things in life about the philosophy of good and good, how to treat people, how to live kindly.

Truc Lam Zen Monastery

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

Right outside is a majestic tower inside hanging a large bell 1.98 m high and weighs 1.1 tons above engraved with poems by “Truc Lam Dau Da”. Truc Lam Zen Monastery does not only has an ancient and magnificent beauty like other temples but also hides many mysteries of the spiritual world.

Domaine de Marie, Da Lat

The Domaine de Marie Church, also known as Vinh Son church, is an architectural cluster consisting of a chapel and two rows of Bac Ai Thanh Vinh Son monastery with a total area of ​​12 hectares. The church is located atop a hill in Da Lat. It is built in a style reminiscent of 17th Century French architecture. However, this church has it special and different from the classical churches of Europe.

The roofs of the church have their origin from the design of Nha Rong – a typical style of stilt house in Central Highlands of Vietnam. Another example of the interaction is the 3m-high-statue of Mary, created by a French architect, but resembles the image of a Vietnamese woman. In general, the two competing styles has creates an absolutely creative and intrigue complex.

Address: 01 Ngo Quyen, District 6, Da Lat city.

Linh An Pagoda

Linh An Pagoda is a sacred pagoda located in the middle of the majestic mountains and forests of Da Lat. With traditional architecture and a typical peaceful, quiet space, this place attracts tourists from all over to seek purity and peace of mind. Linh An Pagoda is located on Ta Nung Pass, about 30km from Da Lat city center. Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the main hall, which is 1,400 square meters wide. Inside, there are many large and beautiful Buddha statues 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 Town, Lam Ha District.