Thanks to its higher elevation (1,500 meters or almost 5,000 feet above sea level), Da Lat makes the perfect mountain retreat to escape from the heat and humidity of Saigon and the nearby coastal towns. The central highland city first became popular among the French colonists. Today visitors can still find many French architectural remains here. Today the city is best suited for leisure, cultural, and golf travel.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Da Lat is by flight. Our recommended full-service carrier, Vietnam Airlines, offers daily flights from:
- Hanoi (HAN) with 2-3 flights/day,
- Danang (DAD) with 1 flight/day, and
- Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) with 3-4 flights/day
Da Lat’s Lien Khuong airport is scheduled to reopen from August 19 after almost six months of undergoing renovation. For those looking for international flights to Dalat via the abovementioned major airports, visit our list of direct flights to Vietnam from Europe.
Another common option is to travel by road from Nha Trang, which takes about 5-6 hours.
Where to stay
Travelers interested in the history must not miss out on Dalat Palace Heritage (five-star) or its four star sister Du Parc Hotel. Both hotels are located right in the heart of the city center with history dating back to the early 1920’s and 1930’s respectively.
Dalat Palace Heritage hotel was the city’s very first hotel and holiday complex back in the day. For those looking for a trip back in time to experience how the French and wealthy Vietnamese use to vacation, this is an ideal option. The Victorian style hotel is also attached to the Dalat Palace Golf Course, making it easy for a proper play-and-stay holiday in the heart of the city.
Photo credit: Dalat Palace Heritage
A 10-minute walk from Dalat Palace Heritage is Du Parc Hotel. This four-star property offers the French colonial experience with a friendlier budget. When the French were occupying Vietnam, this hotel hosted lower-ranking officials. One of our favorite features of Du Parc Hotel is the birdcage elevator conveniently located in the hotel lobby.
Photo credit: Dalatreview
Those wanting newer and more modern hotels can choose among TTC Hotel Premium – Dalat, Grand Mercure, or Hotel Coline.
If your clients want a proper tropical mountain retreat experience they can seek more scenic peace and quiet by staying out of town in the Tuyen Lam Lake area. Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam is our number one recommendation, especially for golf travelers as it’s also part of the Swiss-bel Tuyen Lam Golf Course. Another option is Terracotta Hotel & Resort.
Photo credit: Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam
What to do
Don’t let the city label fool you when considering Dalat. Despite its status, the city still offers a slow-paced feel.
It is home to three golf courses: Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam, Dalat Palace Golf Club, and The Dàlat at 1200. Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam ranks first place in our recommendation thanks to its remote location, landscape, and accommodation accessibility. Dalat Palace Golf Club comes second place and is ideal for golfers who prefer playing and staying in the city while also experiencing the property’s rich history. Opt for a third round at The Dalat at 1200 if your clients are looking for an extra round while visiting this lovely city. Check out this sample Vietnam golf itinerary featuring Dalat.
Photo credit: Swiss-bel and Dalat Palace Golf Club
Dalat and its broader surrounding province, Lam Dong, are known for its coffee plantations. Coffee enthusiasts are recommended to take a coffee tasting tour while visiting Dalat.
A wander around Xuan Huong Lake perfect for travelers whose priority is to be centrally located within the city while still having nature access. Meditation lovers can seek solitude with a visit to Truc Lam Zen Monastery. History geeks should not miss out on the Bao Dai Palace III, where the very last King of the Nguyen Dynasty (also the last of Vietnam’s feudalism era) used to resign along with his wife, the infamous Queen Nam Phuong, and children. Crazy House – Hang Nga Villa with its funky designs will sure take visitors through a trip of imagination while wondering what inspired the architect. The Dalat night market is the ultimate people watching spot for curious travelers wanting a closer look to how Vietnamese locals spend their evenings.
Photo credit: Canva
For nature lovers, a day trip hiking around the LangBiang Mountain is highly recommended. The valley’s name comes from a folk love story of the local K’Ho tribe. Visitors needing accessibility assistance can opt for the Jeep sightseeing tours or the cable car option to get a broader view of the mountain. Travelers can also learn more about the local tribes by immersing themselves in the cultural experiences in the LangBiang complex. Last but certainly not least, if your clients want an adrenaline boost, why not try paragliding?
Photo credit: Vietnam.vn
Include Dalat in your Central Vietnam offers so that your clients can experience the vast variety of Vietnamese cultures. Contact us at info@itsvietnam.com for more information or further customization of our sample tour.
New to Vietnam as a destination? Perhaps start with our visa guide and let us know if you have any questions!