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Top Things to Do in Da Lat

By Ruby ZhaoUpdated Jan. 15, 2024

Da Lat is located 1,500 meters above sea level on the Langbian Plateau. Its high altitude, cool climate, and natural beauty first drew the French colonialists there in the 20th century.

Now, it has become a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. A temperate climate and fertile soil also earned Da Lat the name "city of eternal spring".

Walking along the streets, you can smell the pines, see the flowers, breathe the fresh air, and drink in the stunning pastoral scenery.

PS: Vietnam has eased its travel restrictions from March 16, 2022. All travelers are exempt from quarantine to visit Vietnam now as long as you're fully vaccinated

Visit the Crazy House Like an Elf

Recommended length of visit:one to two hours

Crazy House has unique architecture and is a bizarre house in Vietnam. Several buildings and guest houses, cafes, and art galleries with a special design comprise this house.

It's a very wacky place, which is pretty cool, with caves, winding corridors, winding staircases, quirky furniture, and large animal statues. When you enter, you will feel like an elf living in the trees.

There is a section under construction, but it's actually interesting to see how additions are built.

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Take the Old Train in Da Lat Railway Station

Recommended length of visit: half a day

The Da Lat Railway Station, built in the 20th century and designed by French architects, is reputed for being the highest station, the oldest station (together with Hai Phong Railway Station) in Vietnam, and for having steam locomotives.

This bright orange station with a classic European style is outstanding. Take pictures of the fantastic architecture and an ancient steam locomotive, and then you can take the train to the station in Trai Mat. When the train stops at this small peaceful town, you can stroll around the local market and Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

Take the Cable Car to Truc Lam Temple

Recommended length of visit: half a day

Da Lat's cable car is 2,300 meters in length from Robin Hill to the Truc Lam Temple, 1,600 meters above sea level. From the cable car, you can enjoy the spectacular highland mountain forest, a beautiful world of flowers, and the misty landscape.

With mist around you, getting out of the cable car you will feel that you are in heaven, just like the god in the Truc Lam Temple.

This temple is one of the three largest monasteries in Vietnam. There are four sections: an outer house, the training house, the internal house for monks, and the internal house for nuns. Chanting monks, colorful gardens, and majestic Buddha statues will make you feel peaceful.

Take a Boat Trip on Xuan Huong Lake

Recommended length of visit: one to two hours

Xuan Huong Lake, lying in the center of the city of Da Lat, has become the heart and symbol of Da Lat.

Taking a boat trip in this serene place, you will have the impression that you have just arrived in a European country: it has a calm and pure atmosphere, poetic scenery, a big lake reflecting like a mirror, and flowers everywhere.

You can also take a stroll along the banks or just sit down, relax, and watch twilight fall during sunset. It's also the best place in Da Lat for photographers to catch romantic images.

Take the Toboggan Coaster to Datanla Falls

Recommended length of visit: half a day

Datanla Falls is hidden in the primeval forest. You can take a walk into the woods, enjoying peaceful moments and feeling at ease all the way to the fall. .

Alternatively, you can take the toboggan coaster to the site. This 1,000-meter-long winding slope is a unique slide in Da Lat. It takes you just two minutes to travel from the top to the bottom. You should not miss this exciting activity.

At the foot of the waterfall is the area known as Death Canyon, which attracts tourists with adventure games, such as conquering the cliffs and descending the waterfalls by rope. If you like challenges, you should try these activities.

Visit Bao Dai's Summer Palace in the King's or Queen's Clothes

Recommended length of visit: one to two hours

Bao Dai's Summer Palace, built in 1933, was used as a summer villa by Emperor Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam.

There are living rooms, work rooms, 25 bedrooms, and kitchens in the palace. The whole interior is original and extravagant. Seeing what wealth was like in former times and what items or living styles the residents had will be exciting.

What's more, wearing the royal clothes, sitting on the throne, and taking some pictures as souvenirs will be fun.

Visit Domaine de Marie Church

Recommended length of visit: one to two hours

Domaine de Marie Church is a lovely church, which is pink in color. It features the blended architecture of France and the Central Highlands in Vietnam. In the church, you can hear the touching story of the church founder, see the well-planted backyard, visit the spacious and airy hall, and even take pictures inside.

If you visit the church, you can also buy some handmade articles, which have been made by orphans or poor people.

This place encompasses all the Da Lat heritages: it is peaceful, silent, has pines, is located atop a hill, and makes you feel as though you are stepping back into the past.

Go Shopping and Taste Street Food in the Central Market

Recommended length of visit: two hours to half a day

In Da Lat, the Central Market is a premier place to go for a shopping spree. In the daytime, the market sells items including vegetables, cotton, flowers, fruits, souvenirs, and wool goods. At dusk, the market building itself closes down, and the night market stalls sprout up around it.

When visiting Da Lat Market, walking around the night market in the cool climate, breathing in a mixture of fresh air and the smell of food, and tasting the delicious local food is an unforgettable experience.

Visit Vietnam with Asia Highlights

Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Vietnam. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodations and activities that best suit your requirements.

Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today!

10-Day Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta

13-Day Vietnam Classic Wonders with Sapa

14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Tour

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