Da Lat is a city with various names, from “The Dreamy City” to “The Land of Cherry Blossoms.” So what makes this place special, attracting millions of tourists each year? Let’s explore the travel experience in Da Lat with ICAFAS in this article!
A glimpse of Da Lat – The city of thousands of flowers
Da Lat (Đà Lạt) is a city located in Lam Dong province, on the Lam Vien (Lâm Viên) plateau. It used to be the residence of K’ho ethnic people before becoming known and turning into a famous tourist destination.
Not only does it possess beautiful natural landscapes, but Da Lat is also a paradise of hundreds of vibrant and rare flower species. It’s also home to many impressive French architectural works, which will astonish you.
What is the best time to visit Da Lat?
Da Lat experiences characteristic weather, usually cool in spring and colder in winter. The average temperature ranges from 18 to 21°C, with mist often appearing in the early morning or evening. Therefore, remember to choose appropriate clothing to keep warm when visiting Da Lat!
Admire Cherry Blossoms in Winter and Spring
From late December to February is the time when tourists flock to Da Lat to admire the cherry blossoms turning the city pink. Along the routes of Hung Vuong – Tran Hung Dao, Trai Mat – Cau Dat, and Da Quý are ideal stopping points to admire Da Lat’s cherry blossoms.
Additionally, Da Lat is also filled with colors of purple phoenix flowers, tulips, white ban flowers, mimosa, sunflowers, and many other flowers every spring.
If you’re traveling to Da Lat at the end of the year, make sure to prepare enough warm clothing. You can pack sweaters, wool hats, long coats, padded jackets, and sweaters.
Enchanted by dreamy purple in Da Lat Summer
In the summer, Da Lat is immersed in dreamy purple with beautiful hydrangea flower gardens. If you love this flower species, you can visit hydrangea gardens in Lac Duong, Trai Mat, Dat Set Tunnel, or Cu Lan village for plenty of check-in opportunities and photos!
Don’t forget that summer is also the season of lavender, sunflowers, and dandelions blooming brightly in the streets of Da Lat.
Travelers will be amazed by the exquisite beauty of Da Lat’s hydrangea flowers.
Although the weather in summer in Da Lat is warm, there may be drizzle, so remember to bring an umbrella and raincoat to protect your health! In addition, some necessary items for traveling to Da Lat in the summer include sunscreen, sunglasses, and essential medications.
In summer, tourists can choose lightweight clothing such as T-shirts, jeans, dresses, jackets, and sneakers.
Transportation to Da Lat
Travelers can reach Da Lat using various means of transportation depending on individual preferences and budgets. Below are some common transportation options to Da Lat that you can consider.
By airplane
If you want to save travel time, ICAFAS advises you to choose air travel. Vietnamese airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways operate domestic flights to Lien Khuong Airport, Da Lat.
If you are a foreign traveler visiting Da Lat for the first time, you can purchase a flight ticket to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, then book a ticket to Lien Khuong Airport.
You can choose taxi or bus as transportation from Lien Khuong Airport to downtown Da Lat. Some bus companies operating routes from the airport to Da Lat include Airport Shuttle Bus, Lam Dong Automobile Transport Company, and Phuong Trang Bus Company.
By coach
For budget-friendly travel to Da Lat, taking a coach from Saigon is a suitable option. There are various types of coaches available, catering to all travel needs.
By renting car
There are many car rental services offering travel to Da Lat with a variety of vehicles ranging from 4 to 45 seats. The price of renting a car to Da Lat can range from 3,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND depending on the type of vehicle.
Transportation options within Da Lat
When traveling to Da Lat with a group, it’s convenient to take a taxi for transportation. You can also consider renting a car to explore Da Lat with an average price of around 1,000,000 VND per day for a 7-seater car.
If you’re an adventure enthusiast, renting a motorbike to explore Da Lat will provide convenience, comfort, and excitement. To rent a motorbike in Da Lat, you only need to present your passport or national ID card and pay a deposit as required by the rental shop.
Additionally, taking the bus can be an ideal choice if you want to save costs. However, if you choose to travel by bus, it’s advisable to carry minimal luggage and research bus routes to the tourist destinations you want to visit in advance.
Accommodation in Da Lat
As “the tourism capital “of Vietnam, Da Lat is home to countless homestays, hotels, and guesthouses ranging from luxury to budget options.You can download apps that allow you to book accommodation and review service quality to confidently choose reputable places to stay at reasonable prices.
Here are some suggestions for highly-rated hotels located near the city center: TTC Hotel – Da Lat, Tigon Dalat Hostel, Tulip Hotel, Du Parc Hotel Dalat, etc.
If you are a nature lover, consider staying at homestays to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Da Lat. Lalaland Homestay, In The Pines Homestay, or Củi Homestay are some suitable options.
Travel Tips for Da Lat: Must-Visit Places
Take a look at the comprehensive list of famous tourist destinations in both downtown and suburban Da Lat below!
Downtown Da Lat
Downtown Da Lat is famous for its many interesting attractions that attract millions of tourists each year. From the Da Lat night market to the city’s flower gardens, all will provide you with incredibly wonderful experiences.
Da Lat Night Market is considered one of the busiest markets in Vietnam. Various items such as clothes, agricultural products, and souvenirs are sold here.
Of particular note is the food market area, where visitors can enjoy delicious street food such as grilled rice paper, strawberry shakes, and mixed fruit cups.
Address: 6b Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 1, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Xuan Huong Lake
Located right in the center of Da Lat City, Xuan Huong Lake is an artificial lake shaped like a crescent moon and stretching over 7 km long. Visitors here immerse themselves in the poetic scenery and spacious, fresh air.
Here, visitors can stroll, rent a horse carriage around the lake, or experience paddle boating on Xuan Huong Lake.
Address: Ward 1, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Da Lat Flower Garden
Da Lat Flower Garden attracts a large number of tourists both domestically and internationally thanks to its magnificent scenery with over 300 different flower species. Inside the flower garden, there are various areas such as rose gardens, water gardens, nursery gardens, and dining areas.
Address: 02 Tran Nhan Tong, Ward 8, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Da Lat Railway Station
Completed in 1938, Da Lat Railway Station features a unique French architectural style mimicking the majestic Langbiang Mountain. The railway line is currently about 7 km long. Trains can transport passengers to the final stop, Trại Mát Station, in about 20 minutes. Here, you will have 30 minutes to visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda or Ve Chai Pagoda before returning to the station.
Address: Quang Trung, Ward 9, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Bao Dai Palace
Bao Dai Palace is closely associated with the name of the last king in Vietnamese history. This is where King Bao Dai used it as a vacation and work place throughout his reign. His palaces are built in a distinctly French architectural style.
There are three palaces of King Bao Dai located in Da Lat: Bao Dai Palace 1, Bao Dai Palace 2, and Bao Dai Palace 3.
Bao Dai Palace 1: Tran Quang Dieu, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bao Dai Palace 2: 12 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Bao Dai Palace 3: 1 Trieu Viet Vuong, Ward 4, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Rooster Church (Dalat Cathedral)
The Rooster Church (officially known as Da Lat Cathedral) is the largest church in Da Lat. It is one of the oldest structures in the city, built over 11 years in Romanesque architecture style.
The unique feature of this church is the rooster statue on top of the bell tower, which is nearly 1 meter tall. That’s why locals also call it the Rooster Church.
You can visit the church during worship hours: 5:15 AM and 5:15 PM (weekdays) or 5:30 AM, 7:15 AM, 8:30 AM, 4:15 PM, and 6:00 PM (Sundays) to have the fullest experience.
Address: 17 Tran Phu, Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 5:15 AM – 6:15 AM and 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM (Monday to Saturday). Open all day on Sundays.
Suburban Tourist Destinations in Da Lat
Not only in the city center but also in the suburbs of Da Lat, there are famous tourist destinations with wild and romantic beauty. Remember these places to explore with your family on your upcoming trip to Da Lat!
Cu Lan Village
Originally a village of the K’Ho ethnic people, Cu Lan Village was later transformed into an ecotourism site while still preserving its unique indigenous culture. Situated amidst the primeval forest at the foot of Langbiang Mountain, Cu Lan Village possesses rich and wild natural landscapes.
When visiting Cu Lan Village, tourists can explore the Rong House, Long House, Thang Cu Lan House, Heart Lake, or Warrior Road.
There are also a variety of services and activities here, including camping in the middle of the forest, exploring the lush green forest with off-road jeeps, horseback riding, and rowing.
Address: Suoi Can, Lat Commune, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Linh An Pagoda
Linh An Pagoda is a worthwhile stopover when traveling to the suburbs of Da Lat. The temple is surrounded by vast mountains and forests, attracting many Buddhists and non-believers to visit.
Linh An Pagoda is famous for having the largest Quan Yin statue in Lam Dong province, along with many other unique architectural works. Visitors can also admire the majestic Elephant Waterfall with its steep cliffs.
Address: Ba Dinh Street, Nam Ban Town, Lam Ha District, Lam Dong
Operating hours: Open all day
Cau Dat Tea Hill
Cau Dat Tea Hill or Cau Dat Farm is a tea and coffee plantation established since 1927. The tea hill is about 23 km from downtown Da Lat, so you can take a taxi, rent a car, or ride a motorbike as a means of transportation.
Besides the lush green tea hills stretching endlessly, visitors here can enjoy the fresh air with pleasant temperatures ranging from 13 to 14°C. Especially, there is a container coffee shop on the top of the hill where you can observe the entire tea hill.
Address: Truong Tho Hamlet, Tram Hanh Commune, Da Lat City, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Golden Valley
Located on the Lam Vien Plateau, Golden Valley is about 15 km from downtown Da Lat. The tourist area owns endless pine forests, bonsai gardens, artificial waterfalls, and a quiet space suitable for all outdoor excursions.
Some services available at Golden Valley for visitors include recreational fishing, ethnic costume dressing, outdoor camping, and dining at restaurants.
Address: Lat Dong, Golden Valley Tourist Area, Lat Commune, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong
Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What to Eat and Drink in Da Lat?
Banh mi xiu mai (Meatball Baguette)
Hot baguette served with meatball made from minced meat, seasoned with harmonious spices, always attracts both locals and tourists alike. Eating Da Lat xiu mai baguette in style involves tearing apart the baguette and dipping it into the flavorful sauce.
Banh uot long ga (Steamed Rice Cake with Chicken Heart)
One of Da Lat’s specialties that you must try is banh uot long ga. Soft steamed rice cake mixed with shredded chicken, chicken heart, quail eggs, herbs, and sweet and sour fish sauce will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Grilled Rice Paper
A popular street food loved by many young people, grilled rice paper is sold in alleys throughout Da Lat. The rice paper is grilled on demand with a variety of toppings such as quail eggs, sausages, fried shallots, and cheese.
Banh can
Banh can is a type of cake made from rice flour, molded into round shapes in clay molds. The crispy outer layer of banh can, combined with fillings like quail eggs, chicken eggs, seafood, or meat according to your preference, is usually served with dipping sauce and meatball.
Com nieu (Braised Rice)
If you’re in Da Lat, you must try the rustic dish of braised rice, which embodies the cultural essence of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Firstly, the rice is cooked in clay pots, then enjoyed with braised pork, braised fish, or shrimp paste.
Soy Milk
In the chilly weather of Da Lat, nothing beats enjoying a hot, nutritious cup of soy milk at an affordable price. You can start your day with a delicious cup of soy milk to warm your stomach before embarking on a journey to explore the dreamy city.
Da Lat specialties suitable for gifts
Tourists visiting Da Lat never forget to buy various rich specialties in Da Lat as gifts for their loved ones. These gifts from Da Lat, though simple, carry the cultural essence of the people here.
Dried foods are always the top choice for tourists in Da Lat. You can consider dried artichokes, artichoke tea, dried bananas, dried jackfruit, dried vegetables, etc. These are compact and nutritious gifts for health.
To ensure you buy high-quality products, you should choose dried foods that are carefully packaged with clear labels. Some stores that sell quality products include L’angfarm, Cau Dat Farm, W’r Farmers, and DaLaVi.
Products made from brocade fabric in Da Lat will undoubtedly also be wonderful souvenir gifts. Most of these products are handmade with bright, vibrant colors, preserving the cultural values of Vietnam.
Various types of fruit jams and Da Lat wine are also suitable as gifts. However, foreign tourists should note that these are considered liquids, so you should check the regulations regarding carrying liquids on the plane beforehand!
