Dalat - Discovering Vietnam

Travelling to Dalat

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Dalat, a pretty good destination in Vietnam (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Dalat and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Dalat, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Vietnam, here's everything to know about Dalat for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Dalat

Dalat is a city located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and is nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring" for its mild weather all year round. It is surrounded by pine forests, hills, and lakes, which make it a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. The city has a unique French colonial architectural style and is known for its flower gardens, tea and coffee plantations, and waterfalls. Other popular attractions in Dalat include the Crazy House, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, and the Dalat Market. Additionally, the city is known for its delicious local cuisine, including dishes such as banh mi, nem lui, and bun bo Hue.

What to visit in Dalat

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Dalat, Vietnam with a brief description: 1. Valley of Love: A popular spot for couples and photographers. It's a beautiful valley with a lake, flower gardens, and walking paths. 2. Xuan Huong Lake: A serene lake in the heart of Dalat. You can take a boat ride, bike around the lake, or lounge on the grassy banks. 3. Dalat Flower Gardens: A stunning garden with more than 300 varieties of flowers, including many rare and exotic species. 4. Crazy House: A unique and unusual guesthouse that looks like a large treehouse with twisted hallways and interesting architectural details. 5. Lang Biang Mountain: A mountain located about 12 km from Dalat. It's a great spot for hiking and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. 6. Bao Dai Summer Palace: An historic art deco palace that was built for the last emperor of Vietnam. It's now a museum with a collection of artifacts from the former royal family. 7. Prenn Waterfall: A 10-meter high waterfall that plunges into a small pool. You can take a cable car to get a view of the falls from above or hike down to the base for a closer look. 8. Lam Vien Square: A bustling square in the center of Dalat with shops, restaurants, and street performers. 9. Dalat Railway Station: A historic art deco railway station that was built in 1932 by French architects. 10. Elephant Waterfall: A 30-meter high waterfall located about 25 km outside of Dalat. It's surrounded by lush forests and is accessible via a short hike. These are just a few of the many attractions that Dalat has to offer. Each location provides a unique and memorable experience to tourists who are looking for a variety of things to see and do in this beautiful area of Vietnam.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Vietnam, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Dalat.

When to go on holiday to Dalat

The best time to visit Dalat in Vietnam is typically between November and March when the weather is cooler and drier. During these months, you can enjoy a comfortable temperature ranging from 15 to 24 degrees Celsius with lower humidity making it easier to travel around. However, keep in mind that accommodation prices might be slightly higher due to peak tourist season. If you prefer to avoid crowds, you could consider visiting between May and October, although be ready for heavier rainfall during these months.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Dalat

There are several ways to get to Dalat, Vietnam: 1. By plane: The Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is located about 30km from Dalat. It offers daily flights to and from major cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang.
2. By bus: There are several bus companies that operate daily buses from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, and other cities to Dalat. The bus journey takes around 6-8 hours, depending on the starting point.
3. By motorbike: If you're an adventurous traveler, you can rent a motorbike and ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat. The journey takes around 7-9 hours, depending on your route.
4. By private car or taxi: You can hire a private car or taxi from Ho Chi Minh City or other cities to Dalat. This option gives you more flexibility and comfort, but it can be more expensive than other ways.
I recommend booking your transportation in advance to avoid any inconvenience during your trip.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Dalat, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Dalat

Here are some typical foods to try when visiting Dalat, Vietnam: 1. Bánh Tráng Nướng (Grilled Rice Paper): A popular street food in Dalat, the grilled rice paper is topped with a mixture of egg, minced meat, dried shrimp, scallion oil and mayonnaise.
2. Bánh Canh (Thick Noodle Soup): A local specialty which is sold in most of the food stalls and restaurants in Dalat. The broth of this soup is prepared with shrimp, crab, pork bones and fish sauce.
3. Xôi (Sticky Rice): Xôi is a Vietnamese traditional dish served as a dessert or a snack. In Dalat, it's made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and mung beans.
4. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich): The Dalat version of the sandwich is famous for its crispy and crusty baguette, filled with pork pate, char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), cucumbers, carrots, daikon, and cilantro.
5. Chè (Sweet Soup): Chè is a Vietnamese sweet dessert soup made with various types of beans, fruits, and tapioca pearls. The Dalat version is served with coconut milk, ice, and sometimes jelly.
6. Nem Nướng (Grilled Pork Patties): Nem Nướng is a popular Vietnamese grilled pork sausage that is packed with flavor and served with a variety of vegetables and dipping sauces.
7. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crispy Pancake): Bánh Xèo is a crispy pancake made with rice flour, turmeric powder, coconut milk, pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It's served with lettuce leaves and dipping sauce.
8. Cà Phê Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee): A classic, strong and aromatic Vietnamese coffee served cold over ice with sweetened condensed milk. A must-try in Dalat!
You can find general info about typical foods in Vietnam here.

Is Dalat an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other destinations in Vietnam, Dalat can be considered relatively expensive. However, it is still affordable for most tourists. Prices for accommodations, food, and transportation are generally higher compared to other cities, but still cheaper than many other tourist destinations around the world. It's also possible to find cheaper options if you research and plan your trip carefully.

Where to find accomodation in Dalat

Dalat has several areas with accommodation options to choose from, depending on your preferences. Some of the popular areas include: 1. Dalat City Center: This area has a wide selection of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to all budgets. It is a great location if you want easy access to the city's attractions and activities.
2. Tuyen Lam Lake: This area is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. There are many resorts and homestays nestled around the lake, offering stunning views and a peaceful retreat.
3. Lang Biang Mountain: If you're looking for an adventure, consider staying close to Lang Biang Mountain. This area is popular for trekking and hiking, and there are several accommodation options nearby.
4. Dalat Night Market: For those who love to shop and explore local markets, staying near the Dalat Night Market area is a good choice. There are many affordable hotels and guesthouses situated in this neighborhood.
Overall, there are many great areas to choose from when looking for accommodation in Dalat, Vietnam, depending on what you are interested in exploring.
You can check hotel prices at Dalat here:
Booking.com

Is Dalat a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Dalat is generally a safe place for tourists. However, it is always important to take general safety precautions while traveling such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding displaying expensive items in public, and keeping your valuables secure. It is also important to research potential scams or common tourist-targeted crimes in the area and take measures to avoid them. Overall, with proper precautions, Dalat can be a safe and enjoyable destination for tourists.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Vietnam here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Dalat.

What type of travelers will enjoy Dalat the most?

Dalat is a destination that caters to a variety of travelers. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find the beautiful scenery and cool climate of Dalat an ideal location. Young people looking for fun can enjoy a range of thrilling activities like adventure sports, exploring the countryside, and enjoying the nightlife in Dalat.
Families visiting Dalat can explore the city's diverse culture by visiting museums and historical landmarks. Additionally, there are plenty of family-friendly activities such as horseback riding, hiking and biking, and visiting the nearby waterfalls. The city also has many parks and gardens that provide the perfect setting for a family picnic.
Overall, Dalat offers something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for travelers of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

How to get around Dalat

In Dalat, you can use several forms of transportation to move around the city, such as taxis, motorbikes, bicycles, or walking. Taxis are the most convenient way to get around, but they can be more costly. Motorbikes are also a popular choice, and there are many rental shops available. Bicycles are a more eco-friendly option, and you can rent them almost everywhere. Walking is also an excellent way to explore the city and its attractions, as many places are within walking distance of each other.

What to see around Dalat

Sure, here are some places you can visit in a day trip from Dalat: 1. Pongour Waterfall: This majestic waterfall is located about 50 km from the city and is regarded as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.
2. Langbiang Mountain: You can trek or take a jeep up this mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
3. Elephant Waterfall: Located about 30 km from Dalat, this waterfall is named after a rock that resembles an elephant.
4. Datanla Waterfall: This waterfall is located just 5 km from the center of Dalat and is known for its natural beauty and hiking trails.
5. Bao Dai's Summer Palace: This palace was the summer residence of Vietnam's last emperor and is a beautiful example of French colonial architecture.
6. Truc Lam Temple: This peaceful Buddhist temple is located near Tuyen Lam Lake and is famous for its architecture and tranquil surroundings.
7. Tuyen Lam Lake: This lake is just a short drive from Dalat and is surrounded by lush pine trees. You can go kayaking, boating or just take a leisurely walk around the lake. I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
For every travel information about Vietnam you can click here.

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