Complete Da Lat Travel Guide for First-Timers: When to Visit, Where to Stay, Best Things to Do

30 Dec

Complete Da Lat Travel Guide for First-Timers: When to Visit, Where to Stay, Best Things to Do

Nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is a charming mountain city known for its cool climate, pine forests, and romantic landscapes. Often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” this city offers a refreshing escape from Vietnam’s tropical heat and busy cities like Ho Chi Minh City.

In this Da Lat travel guide for first-timers, Prime Travel will help you plan the perfect trip. You’ll get to know when to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and the best things to do in Da Lat. With all of this knowledge, you can navigate your way through this romantic city.

Where is Da Lat?

Da Lat is located in Lam Dong Province, in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, about 300 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Sitting at an elevation of around 1,500 meters above sea level, the city enjoys a cooler climate than most destinations in southern Vietnam.

Surrounded by pine forests, rolling hills, and lakes, Da Lat feels refreshingly different from Vietnam’s tropical coastal cities. This unique setting makes the city acquire a reputation for being one of the most romantic cities in Vietnam.

Da Lat was originally developed by the French during the colonial period as a hill station escape from the heat. This history still influences the city today. You can see the influence through its European-style villas, tree-lined streets, and charming architecture. Besides, Da Lat is also renowned for being a major hub for flower farming, coffee plantations, and fresh produce.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or just relaxing in the city center, Da Lat is worth to pay a visit. It’s less hectic than other big cities in Vietnam, which gives you a break after exploring those vibrant cities.

When to visit Da Lat?

Due to its high altitude, Da Lat’s weather is fairly comfortable year-round. Average daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 24°C, with cooler evenings. This unique weather allows travelers to visit Da Lat in almost any season.

However, each time of year offers a different experience, depending on your travel style and interests. The dry season from November to March is considered the best time to visit Da Lat. During these months, the weather is cool, dry, and sunny, ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and photography.

If you love flowers and the festive vibe of Tet (Lunar New Year), you should aim for January and February. This period is perfect for exploring waterfalls, hiking Langbiang Mountain, or enjoying coffee with scenic views.

The rainy season from May to November might bring occasional showers, which can affect your travel experience. If you don’t mind some rain and prefer fewer crowds, this can be a great time to visit.

Tip: If you want to avoid the crowd, go in March.

How to get to and get around Da Lat?

Getting to Da Lat

There are 2 popular options to head to Da Lat: By airplane and by bus

By airplane

Da Lat’s airport, Lien Khuong Airport, doesn’t have any international flights. Therefore, you have to take domestic flights from some big cities in Vietnam, like Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), etc.

By bus

Another popular way to get to Da Lat is by bus or limousine van, especially from Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang. The price starts from 200.000 VND (from Nha Trang) and 300.000 VND (from Ho Chi Minh City).

Routes	Estimated Travel Times
Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat	7 – 8 hours
Nha Trang to Da Lat	~4 hours
Da Nang to Da Lat	13 – 14 hours

Getting around Da Lat

Getting around Da Lat is relatively easy, thanks to its mild weather. Many popular attractions are located close to each other, making short-distance travel convenient. Walking is pleasant too because roads are generally less busy than in major cities.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are the most convenient options for first-time visitors. They are affordable, easy to use, and ideal for traveling between the city center and nearby attractions. This option is especially suitable for families or travelers who prefer comfort and minimal planning.

For more flexibility, renting a motorbike is a popular choice among independent travelers. However, roads around Da Lat can be steep and winding, so you should be licensed and skilled at navigating through challenging terrain. If you prefer a stress-free experience, book a private car with a driver or a guided tour.

Where to stay in Da Lat?

When booking a tour with Prime Travel, we will try our best to assist you in choosing the most suitable accommodations based on your budget, travel style, and personal preference. Here are some hotels and resorts that we recommend taking a look at when you look for a good stay in Da Lat:

The Note Dalat

Located close to Da Lat city center, The Note Dalat is suitable for first-time visitors looking for something creative and cozy. Its central location makes it easy to explore Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Night Market, and many popular cafés nearby.

Le Soleil Boutique Hotel

Le Soleil Boutique Hotel is a charming accommodation choice for travelers looking for comfort and elegance. Located close to the city center, the hotel offers easy access to many popular attractions nearby. The hotel features stylish rooms with warm lighting, modern amenities, and thoughtful design details inspired by European architecture.

Mercure Dalat Resort

Mercure Dalat Resort is a refined accommodation choice for travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the highlands. Located near Xuan Huong Lake, the resort offers easy access to Da Lat city center while still feeling quiet and secluded.

Merpele Dalat Hotel

MerPerle Dalat Hotel is a modern and comfortable accommodation option located near the center of Da Lat. Because of its location, the hotel is an ideal choice for first-time visitors who are looking for comfort yet luxury with all the amenities needed.

Golf Valley Hotel

Golf Valley Hotel is a comfortable and well-located option for travelers who want to stay close to Da Lat’s main attractions. The hotel offers spacious rooms with modern amenities, large windows, and city or valley views. It’s great for those who are into a quiet atmosphere without being too far from the city center.

Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Dalat

Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Da Lat is a peaceful mountain retreat located beside Tuyen Lam Lake, about 15 minutes from the city center. Surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills, this resort is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, fresh air, and scenic views. Its location makes it especially appealing for couples, families, and guests who prefer a quiet escape in nature.

Mùa Dalat Wellness Hotel

If you want a hotel that is located away from the busy city center, but not too far so you can travel around, Mùa Dalat Wellness Hotel is an ideal choice for you. It is a peaceful retreat designed for travelers seeking relaxation and balance in the cool highlands of Da Lat.

Best things to do in Da Lat

Explore Da Lat City Center & Xuan Huong Lake

Da Lat City Center is the heart of the city, where colonial architecture, local cafés, and relaxed highland vibes come together. The best way to explore this part of Da Lat is to wander around. You’ll find colorful flower shops, small bakeries, French-inspired villas, and the local life along the way.

Xuan Huong Lake, one of the most iconic landmarks in any Da Lat travel guide, is also a good spot to sit back and relax. Early mornings bring misty views and calm reflections, while afternoons are lively with locals exercising or relaxing by the water. You can also take a swan boat, adding a unique experience to your itinerary.

Exploring this area is ideal for travelers who enjoy slow travel and photography. You can stop at nearby cafés overlooking the lake, visit Da Lat Cathedral, or relax in the city’s public gardens. The flat terrain makes it suitable for all ages, including senior travelers.

Whether you visit at sunrise or sunset, Da Lat City Center and Xuan Huong Lake offer a calm, memorable start to your highland journey.

Visit flower gardens & Da Lat Flower Park

Da Lat is often called the City of Flowers, and visiting its flower gardens is one of the most iconic things to do in the city. Thanks to the cool highland climate, flowers bloom year-round, creating colorful landscapes that feel fresh in every season.

The first location destination you can visit is Da Lat Flower Park. Located near Xuan Huong Lake, this is one of the most famous spots to admire this floral beauty. The park showcases hundreds of flower species, from roses and hydrangeas to orchids and rare local varieties.

The park is especially lively during festivals, when seasonal flowers are displayed in full bloom. It is an easy stop within the city center and suits travelers of all ages.

Beyond Da Lat Flower Park, the surrounding countryside is filled with private flower farms and greenhouses. These gardens offer a closer look at how beautiful the nature in Da Lat is.

Discover Da Lat Crazy House

Da Lat Crazy House, officially named Hang Nga Guesthouse, has gained traction among travelers because of its unusual design. Designed by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga, this surreal structure looks more like a dreamscape than a traditional building.

Twisting staircases, tree-like walls, and animal-shaped rooms create a maze-like experience that fascinates first-time visitors. It is often compared to something out of a fairy tale or a Salvador Dalí artwork.

Walking through the Crazy House feels like stepping into a living piece of art. Each corner reveals unexpected details, from spider-web bridges to cave-style corridors. The design breaks all architectural rules, yet feels strangely harmonious with Da Lat’s creative and romantic atmosphere.

Note: Visitors can also stay overnight in themed rooms. You can book it directly through the guesthouse’s contact or via online booking websites.

Chase waterfalls

Da Lat is famous for its refreshing waterfalls, making waterfall chasing one of the most popular things to do in Da Lat. Surrounded by pine forests and cool mountain air, these waterfalls offer a perfect escape from the city. Here are some waterfalls in Da Lat that we think are worth visiting:

Datanla Waterfall: the most well-known, easily accessible, and suitable for first-time visitors who want a light adventure. There are also a lot of activities to do there.
Pongour Waterfall: the “7-level” waterfall that leaves travelers in awe because of its breathtaking scenery.
Elephant Waterfall: well-known for its magnificent and picturesque scenery and is easily accessible.
Other waterfalls: Prenn Waterfall, Lien Khuong Waterfall, Dambri Waterfall…

Most waterfalls can be visited on half-day or full-day tours, often combined with countryside sightseeing. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as paths can be slippery, especially after rain.

Enjoy coffee with a view in the highlands

Da Lat is famous for its cool climate and rich coffee culture, making it a perfect place to enjoy coffee with scenic views. Many cafés are set on hillsides, in pine forests, or overlooking valleys and lakes.

Sitting with a warm cup of coffee, you can enjoy fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings. This experience is one of the most relaxing things to do in Da Lat. It also offers a slower pace compared to busy city attractions.

You can find many types of coffee shops in Da Lat. Here are some recommendations from us so you can choose based on your style:

Lưng Chừng: perched on a hillside, open view to a green valley.
Miền Du Mục: Rustic and artistic, with wide mountain views and wooden décor. Ideal for free spirits and creative souls.
Tiệm Cà Phê Dốc Thị: Located on a slope overlooking the city, great for sunset views and casual photo stops.
Là Việt Coffee: A modern space focused on high-quality local beans, best for coffee lovers.
In The Forest Đà Lạt: Hidden among pine trees, calm and refreshing, suitable for those who want immerse themselves in nature.
Tiệm Cà Phê Túi Mơ To: Famous for flower gardens and soft colors. A favorite spot for couples and Instagram lovers.
Tiệm Cà Phê Nhà Bên Rừng: Cozy wooden house surrounded by forest, great for people who love cottage styles.
Tiệm Cà Phê Cheo Veo: Small but charming, sitting right on a hillside edge. Perfect for watching city lights at dusk.
Dream Garden Da Lat: Open garden concept with colorful flowers and valley views. Ideal for families and easygoing travelers.
The Wilder-nest: Minimalist design with panoramic highland scenery. Best for adventurers who enjoy raw nature and fresh air.

Experience Da Lat Night Market & street food

Da Lat Night Market is one of the must-do activities when traveling to Da Lat. Located near the city center, this lively area comes alive after sunset. Locals and travelers gather here to shop, eat, and enjoy the cool highland air together. The market is colorful, noisy, and full of tempting smells.

You can find everything from warm clothes and souvenirs to fresh fruits and handmade crafts. It is a great place to buy small gifts or simply walk around and feel the local vibe. The night market also reflects Da Lat’s youthful energy, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Walking here is easy, and the area feels safe and welcoming for first-time visitors.

Street food is the real highlight of the Da Lat Night Market. One must-try dish is banh trang nuong, often called Vietnamese pizza, topped with eggs, cheese, and sausage. Grilled rice paper, hot soy milk, and sweet potatoes are perfect for chilly nights. These simple dishes taste even better in the cool weather.

Most food stalls are affordable, making it easy to sample many dishes in one evening. Vendors are friendly and often happy to explain their food. This makes the experience fun, even if it’s your first time trying Vietnamese street food.

Hike to Langbiang Mountain

Langbiang Mountain is one of the most iconic natural landmarks near Da Lat. It sits about 12 kilometers from the city center. The area offers cool weather, fresh pine forests, and wide views over valleys and farms.

This hike is perfect for travelers who enjoy nature, light adventure, and scenic landscapes. There are several hiking routes, from gentle forest trails to more challenging paths. For safety and the best experience, we strongly recommend hiring a local tour guide.

A guide helps you choose the right trail, navigate safely, and understand local stories. They also know the best viewpoints and weather conditions during the hike. With a guide, hiking Langbiang Mountain becomes more enjoyable and worry-free.

Relaxing at Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Da Lat, located about 7 kilometers south of the city center. Surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills, this freshwater lake feels calm and uncrowded compared to central attractions.

The cool air, quiet roads, and wide open views make it ideal for travelers seeking relaxation. Many visitors include Tuyen Lam Lake in their itinerary for a slow and scenic escape. You can enjoy gentle activities like walking along the shore, taking photos, or simply sitting and enjoying nature.

Kayaking and pedal boating are also available, offering a different way to admire the landscape. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit, when the lake is misty, and light reflections are at their best.

Another option to come here is to take a cable car ride from the city center for panoramic views. Tuyen Lam Lake is also home to eco-resorts, wellness retreats, and lakeside cafés, perfect for a peaceful lunch or coffee break.

Visiting a coffee farm

Visiting a coffee farm is one of the most exciting things to do in Da Lat, especially for travelers who love local culture and slow experiences. Thanks to its cool climate and fertile soil, Da Lat is famous for high-quality Arabica coffee grown on gentle hills.

At a local coffee farm, you can walk through green plantations and learn how coffee cherries are planted, harvested, and processed. Farm owners often explain traditional methods alongside modern techniques, making the visit both educational and relaxing.

You can book a half-day tour through K’ho Coffee Farm and Roastery. The price for this tour is 700.000 VND (lunch included).

Taking the Cable Car to Truc Lam Zen Monastery

Taking the cable car to Truc Lam Zen Monastery is one of the most relaxing things to do in Da Lat. The cable car station is located near Da Lat city center, making it easy to include in your itinerary.

As the cabin slowly moves above pine forests, flower gardens, and rolling hills, you can enjoy peaceful panoramic views. This scenic ride offers a gentle break from busy sightseeing and shows why Da Lat is known as Vietnam’s city of nature.

The cable car journey lasts around 12 minutes and covers nearly 2.3 kilometers. It is one of the longest cable car routes in Vietnam. At the end of the ride, you arrive at Truc Lam Zen Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Vietnam.

The monastery sits on Phoenix Hill, overlooking the calm waters of Tuyen Lam Lake. Its traditional architecture blends beautifully with pine trees, gardens, and stone paths. For visitors, this is a gentle way to understand Da Lat’s spiritual and natural beauty.