10 Best Things to do in Dalat

The list of  things to do in Da Lat includes a mix of natural and man-made attractions, all showcasing the hill town's rich history.It was once a popular retreat among French colonial rulers. Da Lat's vast forests and waterfalls now attract nature lovers and adventure seekers from all over the world. 

Experience the local culture by visiting beautiful pagodas, ethnic villages and royal structures. The well-preserved French villas and chalets are perfect for honeymooners and romantic getaways. Some attractions are far from Dalat city, but  local buses, motorbike taxis and tour operators offer affordable tours. Read on for a comprehensive guide to Da Lat's most popular attractions.

What are the best things to do in Da Lat?

ELEPHANT FALLS

Elephant Falls is named after locals who discovered a large rock formation resembling  an elephant's head. The tiered waterfalls near Nam Bang village are relatively quiet  most days due to their remote location. You can reach it by local bus that departs from Dalat city center between 6am and 6pm. 

 It takes about 45 minutes to reach the waterfall, but  ask your driver to stop at That Voi (Elephant Waterfall) instead of Nam Bang. From there it's a 5 minute walk to the main entrance. You have to pay a small fee to enter the falls, and  annual celebrations such as Tet and Chinese New Year usually double the fee.

• Location: Gia Lâm, Lâm Hà District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

VALLEY OF LOVE

Dalat's Valley of Love has rolling green hills, beautiful gardens and picnic areas. Located five kilometers north of downtown Dalat, the park is frequented by young locals who enjoy jogging, biking and pedal boating on weekends. 

 There is also a hiking trail that leads to Von Canh Hill with colorful views of Da Thien Lake and the Valley of Love. Due to its popularity, if you don't like crowds, it is highly recommended to avoid major holidays and consecutive holidays in Da Lat.

• Location: 3-5-7 Đường Mai Anh Đào, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 7.30 am to 5 pm
• Hotline: +84 263 3821 448

LINH PHUOC PAGODA

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is one of the most famous pagodas in Vietnam as it has the  tallest bell tower in Vietnam. His 20-minute drive from downtown Dalat, the place is home to a 49-meter-long dragon statue  made from his 12,000 recycled beer bottles, which is why many locals visit. The bottle calls him pagoda. 

The main hall is decorated with colorful paintings depicting the life of Buddha. The famous bell tower reaches 37 meters high and you can write your wish on a small piece of paper, stick it in the center of the bell and ring it three times  to be accepted by Buddha.

• Location: Trai Mat, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

BAO DAI SUMMER PALACE

The Bao Dai Summer Palace is a converted museum that offers a glimpse into the life of Vietnam's last emperor. Built in 1933, the building still retains many original furnishings, as well as royal portraits and sculptures. 

 The publicly accessible parts  are the imperial chamber, the study and bedroom, her dining room, and the empress' chamber. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside the building. But the  Art Deco architecture and exterior lush gardens make for an impressive snap.

• Location: 1 Đường Triệu Việt Vương, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 7 am to 5.30 pm

DA LAT FLOWER GARDENS

Located on the north side of Xuan Huong Lake, Dalat Flower Garden covers an area of 7,000 square meters. Known for its wide variety of colorful flowers and plant species, Dalat is he one of the city's most popular attractions. 

Established in 1966, Dalat Flower Garden grows about 300 species of flowers, including orchids, hydrangeas, roses, pansies, mimosas and peach blossoms. With flowers blooming in all four seasons, the garden is beautiful no matter when you visit. You can also purchase beautifully arranged bouquets in the garden.

• Location: 2 Đường Phù Đổng Thiên Vương, Phường 8, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

PONGOUR FALLS

At 20 meters high and 100 meters wide, Pongour Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Vietnam. Located 45 km southwest of Da Lat city, many tour operators offer day trips to the waterfall, but it can also be reached by bus or motorbike taxi. There is a small entrance fee, and there are many stalls selling  snacks and drinks, making it a popular  spot for late afternoon picnics among locals. 

 Adventurous travelers often climb  and swim on all seven levels of Pongour Falls, though some parts are very slippery, so try only  if you are in relatively good health. 

• Location: Thôn Tân Nghĩa, Đức Trọng District, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
• Hotline: +84 96 209 68 39

CRAZY HOUSE

Da Lat's Crazy House  is a whimsical building designed in 1990 by Soviet-trained Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga. Actually Hanga He is called Guest House & Art Gallery, but travelers and locals call it  Crazy House because of its strange concept and tree-like shape. 

The house has a  dozen rooms, each with its own  theme. There are also winding tunnels, ladders and concrete sculptures of wildlife

• Location: 03 Đường Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66000, Vietnam

DA LAT RAILWAY STATION

Dalat Railway Station is a scenic building in the  French Quarter of the mountain town. Built between 1935 and 1938, the station features stained-glass windows, three pitched roofs, and a Japanese steam locomotive on 10 miles (16 km) of rack track. 

 Visitors can embark on his short  7 km drive to Trai Mat Village along the historic track, enjoying relaxing countryside views along the way. Trains run daily, with about 5 departures throughout the day.

• Location: Quang Trung, Phường 9, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 7 am to 6 pm

DOMAINE DE MARIE CHURCH

Domaine de Marie Church is a Catholic convent built in the 1940s. Inspired by her 17th-century cathedral in Normandy, France, the building features pink limestone walls, stained glass windows and a 10-foot statue of the Virgin Mary. This church is also home to the Roman Her Catholic Nuns of Charitable Mission. There is an orphanage for children with disabilities that you can support by donating, volunteering, or buying souvenirs from the gift shop. 

 Domaine de Marie Church is located along Ngo Quyen Street, a 10-minute drive from Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat city centre.

• Location: 1 Ngô Quyền, Phường 6, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 670000, Vietnam

DATANLA WATERFALLS

Datanla Waterfall is one of Dalat's most popular attractions and offers many fun activities. Just a 10-minute drive from Dalat city, this area is packed with locals on weekends. 

 You can climb hills and swim in crystal clear waters, but the highlight here is the Alpine roller coaster. Enjoy an exhilarating ascent and descent to the base of Datanla Waterfall. If you get hungry during your visit, there are restaurants that serve authentic Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable prices.

• Location: QL20 Đèo Prenn, Phường 3, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66000, Vietnam
• Opening hours: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
• Hotline: +84 263 3533 899