Da Lat travel is a must for those who love nature, fresh mountain air, lush pine forests, and radiant flower gardens. Known as the “city of a thousand flowers,” Da Lat travel attracts millions of visitors each year who come for its mild, refreshing climate and to explore the peaceful beauty of this highland city.
In this article, Recago will guide you through all things Da Lat travel and help you plan an unforgettable journey to experience the magic of this city!
About Da Lat
Da Lat, often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” is a charming destination nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands (Lam Dong – Vietnam), known for its cool climate, misty valleys, and vibrant flower gardens. Famous for its French colonial architecture, lush pine forests, and scenic lakes, Da Lat offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore highlights like Xuan Huong Lake, the Valley of Love, and the iconic Crazy House. Ideal for both relaxation and adventure, Da Lat provides an escape from the tropical heat, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat with breathtaking landscapes.
Best seasons to visit | Da Lat Travel
Da Lat is a city of dreams, with each season offering its own unique beauty that enchants all who come. However, to ensure the best experience, it’s wise to choose a season that aligns with your travel goals. Here’s what to expect from Da Lat in each season:
- Spring (January – March): As spring arrives, Da Lat bursts into bloom with cherry blossoms, while many other flowers also show off their colors, turning the city into a lively natural canvas. A spring visit allows you to admire beautiful cherry blossom-lined streets, check in at famous flower gardens, and participate in vibrant flower festivals.
- Summer (April – June): Da Lat remains cool and pleasant in the summer, with temperatures ranging from 18-25°C, perfect for picnics and eco-tourism visits. This season is ideal for exploring waterfalls, pine forests, and other natural attractions.
- Autumn (July – September): Autumn brings fields of wild sunflowers and hydrangeas, cool weather, early morning fog, and gentle rains throughout the day. This is the perfect time to experience a romantic, tranquil Da Lat.
- Winter (October – December): Winter brings a gentle chill to Da Lat, with temperatures sometimes dropping below 10°C. This season is perfect for enjoying hot, comforting dishes, cozying up in cafes, and taking in the mystical beauty of the city shrouded in fog.
Transportation options | Da Lat Travel
When planning your Da Lat travel, choosing the right transportation plays a key role in ensuring a comfortable and convenient trip. As one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations, Da Lat offers various options for reaching the city:
- Airplane: This is the quickest and most convenient way to travel to Da Lat, especially from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Lien Khuong Airport is located about 30km from Da Lat’s center, and you can easily reach the city by taxi, bus, or shuttle service. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways offer frequent direct flights to Da Lat.
- Sleeper Bus: For travelers who prefer a road journey or are coming from nearby provinces, sleeper buses are an economical and popular choice. Companies like Amazing Limousine and Phong Phu VIP Limousine provide high-quality sleeper bus services from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Da Nang to Da Lat, with multiple departure times. The trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by sleeper bus takes about 6-8 hours, making it ideal for overnight travel.
- Car Rental: If you’re traveling with family or friends, renting a private car is an ideal option. This not only gives you flexibility in stopping at scenic spots along the way but also offers comfort and privacy. You can rent a self-drive car or a car with a driver, depending on your needs.
- Motorbike: For adventure seekers, there’s nothing more thrilling than riding a motorbike along the scenic routes to Da Lat. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, via Bao Loc Pass and Prenn Pass, provides unforgettable experiences with breathtaking mountain views. However, make sure to prepare well for the trip, both in terms of health and vehicle readiness, and always follow traffic laws for a safe journey.
Accommodation and resorts | Da Lat Travel
To make the most of your Da Lat travel experience, choosing the right place to stay is essential. Da Lat offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences, including:
Hotels and Resorts
Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel
Located in the heart of Da Lat city (2 Tran Phu, Ward 3), just 300 meters from Bao Dai Palace, Dalat Palace Hotel is set in a private park. This hotel combines classic elegance with modern amenities, promising a premium stay for its guests.
At Dalat Palace, visitors can choose from a variety of room options, with up to 16 room types available. Some options include:
- Superior – High Tea Inclusive: estimated at 3,060,000 VND/night
- Royal Superior – High Tea Inclusive: estimated at 3,430,350 VND/night
- Luxury without Balcony – High Tea Inclusive: estimated at 3,600,000 VND/night
- Luxury with Balcony – High Tea Inclusive: estimated at 4,680,000 VND/night
In addition, Dalat Palace provides a range of amenities for guests, including karaoke, a bar, restaurant, golf course, children’s play area, business service center, event facilities, spa and wellness center, gym, and sauna.
Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa
Located on Le Lai Street, Ward 5, Da Lat, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa offers an upscale retreat for your Da Lat travel experience. This resort provides four main room types catering to various relaxation needs:
Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa có 4 hạng phòng chính phù hợp với nhu cầu nghỉ dưỡng của du khách, gồm:
- Partner Company Room: starting at 2,282,190 VND/night
- Villa Room: starting at 2,749,500 VND/night
- Villa Studio: starting at 3,219,300 VND/night
- Villa Suite: starting at 3,690,000 VND/night
In addition to elegant rooms, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa offers amenities including a coffee shop, minibar, restaurant, BBQ area, karaoke, children’s playground, business center, event facilities, spa and wellness center, gym, and sauna.
Terracotta Hotel & Resort
For those visiting Da Lat, the luxurious Terracotta Hotel & Resort is a must-see. Spread over 17 hectares along Tuyen Lam Lake and located 6km from Da Lat’s center, Terracotta blends contemporary architecture with the romantic scenery of pine forests and mountains, in one of Vietnam’s most temperate climates.
With 240 rooms and 90 lakeside villas, Terracotta Hotel & Resort offers a quality stay for all guests. Here are some room and villa options:
- Standard Twin Room – Basement: starting at 1,440,000 VND/night
- Deluxe Double Room – Rooftop: starting at 1,760,000 VND/night
- Superior Twin Room in Shared Villa: starting at 3,120,000 VND/night
- 3-Bedroom Villa: starting at 11,700,000 VND/night
Terracotta Hotel & Resort provides various amenities to cater to diverse needs, including a picnic area, BBQ area, sports facilities, children’s playground, restaurant, minibar, business center, event facilities, spa and wellness center, and more.
Homestay
Chloe Homestay
Located at 170 Hai Ba Trung Street, Da Lat, Chloe Homestay is conveniently situated just 4.6 km from Xuan Huong Lake and 4.7 km from Yersin Park, making it an ideal choice for those traveling to Da Lat.
Chloe Homestay offers a range of room options to meet visitors’ needs:
- Double Room with Private Bathroom: starting at 412,000 VND/night
- King Room with Garden View: starting at 412,000 VND/night
- Double Room with Balcony: starting at 535,500 VND/night
- Quadruple Room with Shared Bathroom: starting at 824,000 VND/night
Dalat Teepee Homestay
Situated at 54 Ngo Thi Sy, Ward 4, Da Lat, Dalat Teepee Homestay provides a unique experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the fresh mountain air, promising a memorable Da Lat travel experience.
Dalat Teepee Homestay offers various room options:
- Double Room with Shared Bathroom: starting at 425,000 VND/night
- Double Room with Private Bathroom: starting at 671,500 VND/night
- Standard Double Room: starting at 1,181,500 VND/night
Hien Nha Co Hoa Homestay
This charming homestay, located at 32/37 Tran Thai Tong, Ward 10, Da Lat, offers a natural view and an open, refreshing atmosphere—perfect for travelers looking for a comfortable stay on their Da Lat trip.
Hien Nha Co Hoa Homestay provides a variety of room types:
- Double Room with Shared Bathroom: starting at 351,000 VND/night
- Double Room: starting at 402,000 VND/night
- Superior Quadruple Room: starting at 501,000 VND/night
- Family Room: starting at 855,000 VND/night
Top check-in spots | Da Lat Travel
Da Lat is known for its many captivating check-in spots, from breathtaking natural landscapes to unique architectural landmarks. A true Da Lat travel experience wouldn’t be complete without capturing some memorable photos. Join Recago to discover the must-visit places for your trip to Da Lat!
Xuan Huong Lake
Located in the city center, Xuan Huong Lake is considered the heart of Da Lat. With its vast area and tranquil surface reflecting rows of lush pine trees, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walk, cycling, or simply relaxing and enjoying the view. This picturesque lake is also ideal for taking beautiful keepsake photos.
Valley of Love
Approximately 5km north of the city center, the Valley of Love is one of Da Lat’s most romantic spots. Surrounded by lush pine forests and vibrant flower gardens, this place attracts couples and tourists alike for sightseeing and photography. You can rent a swan pedal boat on Da Thien Lake, walk across the love-lock bridge, or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Cau Dat Tea Hill
Located about 25km from Da Lat’s center, Cau Dat Tea Hill is one of the hottest check-in spots for young travelers. The endless green tea hills stretching to the horizon create a magnificent view. Here, you can breathe in the fresh air, tour the over-100-year-old tea factory, and capture stunning photos amidst nature.
Cu Lan Village
This charming village nestled in a pine forest about 20km from Da Lat is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to experience the K’ho ethnic lifestyle. Known for its pristine scenery, traditional stilt houses, and outdoor activities like boating, mountain climbing, and campfires, Cu Lan Village offers relaxation and insight into local culture and traditions.
Da Lat Cable Car
This cable car ride offers a unique way to view the entire city from above. The 2.3km journey from Robin Hill to Truc Lam Zen Monastery takes you over vast pine forests, lush valleys, and the beautiful Tuyen Lam Lake. It’s a fantastic opportunity to capture panoramic photos of Da Lat from a new perspective.
Unique cuisine | Da Lat Travel
Da Lat not only captivates visitors with its beautiful natural scenery but also offers a rich and diverse culinary scene. When you travel to Da Lat, don’t miss these standout specialties:
Oc Nhoi Thit (Stuffed Snails)
Oc Nhoi Thit are a unique and distinctive dish of Da Lat. Cleaned snails are stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, seasonings, and garlic. After steaming, the dish combines the sweetness of the snails with the richness of the meat. This dish is often enjoyed with a sweet-sour fish sauce or chili sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Banh Uot Long Ga (Steamed Rice Cakes with Chicken Giblets)
This popular Da Lat breakfast dish features soft, smooth steamed rice cakes served with flavorful chicken giblets, including heart, liver, gizzard, and young eggs. The giblets are sautéed with onions, pepper, and seasonings for a rich taste. Accompanied by sweet-sour fish sauce and fresh herbs, this dish makes for a delicious, nutritious breakfast.
Banh Mi Xiu Mai (Da Lat Meatball Banh Mi)
Banh Mi Xiu Mai is a perfect combination of crispy bread and tender meatballs. Made from minced pork, often with added mushrooms and spices for depth of flavor, the meatball broth is mildly sweet and aromatic. Served with crispy bread, cucumber, and green chili, it’s ideal for breakfast or as a tasty snack.
Banh Can (Vietnamese Mini Pancakes with rice flour and savory toppings)
Banh Can is a signature Da Lat dish featuring a thin, crispy shell filled with ingredients like minced pork, shrimp, or eggs. Grilled over charcoal, Banh Can has a crunchy outer layer with a soft filling. It’s typically served with sweet-sour fish sauce and fresh herbs, offering a delightful and flavorful experience.
Lau Ga La E (Chicken Hot Pot with É Leaves)
This special Da Lat hot pot features a rich broth infused with é leaves, a unique herb. The broth’s sourness from pineapple and tomatoes complements the sweetness of chicken, creating a warming and nutritious dish. Fresh greens and mushrooms complete the meal, making it both delicious and satisfying.
Ga Nuong Tieu Xanh (Grilled Chicken with Green Pepper Sauce)
Ga Nuong Tieu Xanh has become a trendy dish among young people in recent years due to its unique taste. The chicken is perfectly grilled to retain its tenderness and juiciness, while the green pepper sauce adds a mildly spicy, aromatic layer. Typically served with rice or fresh vegetables, it’s a rich and enticing culinary experience.
Hong Treo Gio (Wind-Dried Persimmons)
Hong Treo Gio are a sweet specialty of Da Lat, made from fresh persimmons dried outdoors in the sun and wind until soft and chewy. This dried treat has a light, sweet flavor and a tender texture, making it a popular dessert or gift for loved ones. Not only tasty, wind-dried persimmons are also packed with nutrients.
Da Lat Wine
Da Lat wine is a signature product of this region, made from grapes grown in the highlands. Known for its light, refined flavor, Da Lat wine is a great accompaniment to meals or a thoughtful gift. Often handcrafted with high quality, Da Lat wine provides a unique tasting experience for wine enthusiasts and this speciality is a perfect gift after your Da Lat travel to your beloved.
Conclusion
A trip to Da Lat is a journey of discovery, not only of the beautiful natural landscapes but also of the rich culture and cuisine of the Lam Vien Highlands. Whether you want to relax amidst lush greenery, enjoy exciting recreational activities, or simply escape the city bustle, Da Lat is ready to welcome you.
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