Nicknamed the Niagara Falls of Vietnam, this charming city should be on your Vietnam bucket list. Read this 4-day itinerary to help prepare for your visit.
Welcome to Da Lat, Vietnam's charming highland retreat! Da Lat's story traces back to the late 19th century when French colonizers recognized its cool climate and fertile soil, deeming it the perfect destination to escape the sweltering heat of the lowlands. As you explore this unique city, you'll encounter remnants of its colonial past, reflected in the elegant French architecture, serene gardens, and enchanting lakes that continue to captivate visitors from around the world.
With the growth of Instagram, Dalat has skyrocketed in popularity with tourists. Sculpture parks are very abundant in this area and offer visitors an opportunity for an abundance of Instagram-worthy photos and videos. When we started our trip, we were unaware of what a sculpture park was. Essentially, it's a nicer way of saying an Instagram park or café. You will find the garden cultivated with trending Instagram themes perfect for your pictures (think Bird's Nests in Bali). This has also worked to drive tourists away as they view them selves as real travelers and they're not doing it for the 'gram. However, we found the area rich with culture and unlimited activities to choose from.
When to visit Da Lat?
Vietnam has a large variety in weather due to it's size, but the best time to visit is from March to April. This will be the peak dry season, when rainfall is low and temperatures are milder. The wet season is considered the ‘off season’, as most travelers do not want to be exploring for days on end in the rain.
Our trip happened to coincide with the wet season, it’s just how it lined up with our parental leave and missing the worst of winter in Canada. The benefits to traveling at this time is less people and lower rates.
How to get to Da Lat?
Getting to Da Lat, Vietnam, is not hard as there are several transportation options catering to different preferences and budgets. If you prefer a faster and more convenient journey, the nearest airport is Lien Khuong Airport, located approximately 30 kilometers away from Da Lat. This airport offers regular domestic flights from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, we flew there from Hanoi.
For a more scen
ic and adventurous approach, you can opt for a bus or private car from various Vietnamese cities, enjoying picturesque views of the countryside along the way. Additionally, train enthusiasts can embark on a memorable rail journey to nearby cities like Nha Trang or Thap Cham and then switch to road transport to reach Da Lat.
How to get around Da Lat?
If you find accommodations in a central area then you should be able to walk to the city center for shopping at the night market, and enjoying the restaurants. However, expect to hire a driver or take a taxi for most attractions and activities.
It is also possible to rent scooters, I would not recommend this as the traffic in Vietnam is unlike anything I've experienced. That being said, if you are walking anywhere you need to be attentive! Sidewalks are used as an expansion of store fronts pushing you to often walk in the road.
Here in Canada, it is the law to yield to the pedestrian. Even if you're jaywalking (crossing not at a crosswalk), the cars will usually stop for you. Do not expect anything like this in Vietnam. Even if you have a walk light, the scooters will not yield.
What to do in Da Lat?
Day 1: Crazy House & Mama Dala
Our Airbnb was around the corner from a bakery so we were able to start our day off with some delicious pastries. Because of the French colonization, Vietnam really has some amazing pastries and breads. After a yummy and sweet breakfast we grabbed a taxi to our first location of the day.
Crazy House or Hang Nga Guesthouse is one of the coolest places we have been able to visit. This unique and whimsical architectural masterpiece is a must-visit in Da Lat. It is only 50,000VND to enter and is a fun experience for all ages. Unfortunately, we didn't find out it was a real guesthouse until we were there or I would have looked into staying at it!
Designed by the Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga to unleash creativity, you can easily spend a few hours here. Crazy House resembles a surreal fairy-tale castle, with its organic shapes, winding staircases, and tree-like pillars. Roam through the maze of rooms and hallways, each representing different themes, and let your imagination run wild as you marvel at this awe-inspiring creation.
After we enjoyed some shrimp pho for lunch, we grabbed another taxi to visit Mama Dala. This is another sculpture park and offbeat café nestled amidst the natural beauty of Da Lat's countryside. Spread over a large area, there are lush gardens and flowers to enjoy while escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city. We wanted to visit here to get some unique photos, we knew it was a very large sculpture park with unique pieces - like a plane!
We were actually the only clients there at the time and the girls working went above and beyond for our visit. They each took one of our phones and followed us around snapping unlimited photos. As a travelling family, it can be difficult to get pictures of all three of us so this was a nice treat. You need to be careful visiting here though, we had a really hard time getting a taxi back into the city. You may want to include this on a full day tour with a driver.
Day 2: Linh Son Pagoda & Pink Church
After how busy our days in Hanoi were, we decided to take it easy in Dalat. You can easily add more locations to your days than we did. After more pastries for breakfast, we walked to Linh Son Pagoda. Vietnam has a lot of unique temples and pagodas, especially with ceramic work. This serene Buddhist temple nestled amidst the lush greenery of Da Lat is still a working monastery, don't be surprised to see monks wandering in their robes
After lunch, we went to visit the famous Pink Church, officially known as the Domaine de Marie Church. This eye-catching French-inspired church stands out with its charming pink color and picturesque surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll around the church's grounds, appreciate the stunning architecture, and capture some memorable photos. The Pink Church is not only a religious site but also a popular destination for tourists seeking tranquility and architectural beauty.
Day 3: Full Tour
After two easier days in Dalat, we were ready for a busy and full day. We had negotiated with a local taxi driver for a full day rate to all the places outside the city we wanted to visit. Our first stop was another unique pagoda, the Linh Phuoc Pagoda. This unique Buddhist temple was built from 1949-1952 using fragments of porcelain, glass, and pottery. One of the most stunning parts of this temple is the 49-meter-long dragon sculpture, a unique feature of this spiritual site - click here to see a video of it!
Next, we went to Kombiland Coffee for breakfast and another photoshoot. This fascinating place started out showcasing vintage kombi (VW to us, Kombinationskraftwagen originally in German) vans and has turned into a cacti sculpture park. These vans grew in popularity around the world with their symbolism for peace & love, a movement that grew from protests surrounding the Vietnam War.
Datanla Waterfall is a must visit for any adventurer, featuring a beautiful cascade and surrounded by lush greenery. You can pay extra to take their Alpine Coaster or enjoy a walk to the waterfall. Unfortunately, no babies are allowed on the Coaster so we walked, the way down is enjoyable, the up was much more work. There are also options for swimming, abseiling, rafting and cliff jumping if you want to seek some thrills.
This 20m waterfall flows through a rocky slope and bounces off large boulders creating a beautiful sight. It's in a preservation forest so you can really enjoy nature.
Another beautiful stop for nature is Ku Du Lich Lang Biang, the gateway to the Lang Biang mountain. Originally, we wanted to visit the base of this mountain and get photos with the sign. However, a guide told us we could take a jeep up top and experience a panoramic view of the city. We were doing really good for time so we decided to add this to our itinerary. If you're up for a bit of adventure, you can opt for a hike instead and witness the mesmerizing sunset over Da Lat.
Our last stop was too brief, and one I recommend you don't miss! The Clay Tunnels are a very unique art gallery, where you almost feel underground. The tunnels are built up around the paths out of clay and there are sculptures and Vietnamese historical scenes carved around you. We even got to see some of the carvers at work which was fascinating.
Day 4: Valley of Love
I highly recommend you plan for an entire day at this location. The Valley of Love really adds to the Niagara Falls vibe of the area adding a romantic and honeymoon vibe. However, it is not only for honeymooners, although families will especially enjoy it. Set in a lush and serene valley there are an abundant of gardens to explore.
You can also hop on a charming swan paddle boat and enjoy a relaxing ride on the tranquil lake. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and gardens as you paddle along the calm waters. This delightful activity offers a unique perspective of the natural beauty that Da Lat has to offer.
We chose to enjoy the buffet lunch offered on location as it is a great way to try a variety of Vietnamese dishes. Feast on the delicious spread and take some time to rest and relax before continuing your adventure.
Bonus:
The night market in Da Lat comes alive as the sun sets, transforming the city's streets into a vibrant hub of activity. Located in the heart of the city, this bustling market offers a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and aromas. Stroll through the colorful stalls, brimming with an array of handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and local products. Sample an array of delectable street food or sit down at one of the restaurants.
