

Explore things to do in Dalat, Vietnam, a city of quirk and charm!
This offbeat hilly town in central highlands of Vietnam, is filled with whimsical yet stunning architecture. Let’s take you through some of the must-visit places in Da Lat.
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Thanks to its pleasant weather and numerous activities, Da lat is becoming an ideal destination for tourists and locals looking to beat the heat.
Stay at least 2 days in Dalat and ensure you soak up this quirky city.
One of the most convenient ways to reach Dalat is by Bus. Several AC sleeper day buses and overnight ones take you there.
Here is a quick snapshot of how you can reach Dalat.
Departure City | Arrival City | Time Taken | Cost in INR |
Nha Trang | Dalat | 3 hours | 975 |
DaNang | Dalat | 15 hours 10 min | 1444 |
Hoi An | Dalat | 12 hours | 1416 |
If you are traveling from further away such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City it is advisable to take a flight to Nha Trang International airport and take a bus from there to Dalat.
Departure City | Arrival City | Time Taken | Cost in INR |
Hanoi | Nha Trang | 2 hours | 6500 – 7500 |
Ho Chi Minh | Nha Trang | 1 hour 15 min | 4000- 5000 |
It is very easy to commute once you reach Da Lat. This is because local travel is very reasonable and fast.
Grab Taxis and Scooter: Download the GRAB app before coming to Vietnam. This can help you book taxis and scooters on the go.
Cost of GRAB taxi: $2-$10
Cost of GRAB scooter: $0.5-$8
You can also rent a scooter and travel at your own place. Scooter rental may cost you around $4 -$5 per day.
There’s much to do in Dalat. This city was colonised by the French from late 1800s to 1954.
During this colonial period, Da Lat was a resort town with several villas built in French architectural style. That is why till date, the buildings and structure have a very strong French appeal in this town.
You can roam the streets of Dalat and absorb this unique mix of French and Vietnamese culture.
Vietnamese Architect Dang Viet Nga built a house in the 1990s that was organic, unconventional & fluid with no structure.
Welcome to Crazy House in Dalat. This guesthouse and tourist attraction is a must visit. Each room in the crazy house has its own quirky theme where you can stay in less than Rs.3000/ night.
The crazy house has several areas including the Garden of Eden, twisted bridges and even an underwater themed room.
Crazy House is in the city of Dalat itself. It’s a short 4 -5 minute bike ride from the main city center.
Visit Clay Tunnel, Dalat, an eccentric park completely made of clay, where random sculptures await you!
This unique attraction is a national record holder in Vietnam, showcasing creativity of local artists and the evolution of the city.
Clay Tunnel is a 30 minute bike ride from the city of Dalat.
A 20 minute ride from Dalat city center brings you to the Linh Phuoc Pagoda, a Buddhist temple renowned for its intricate mosaic artistry.
Every surface of this pagoda, including the walls, ceilings, and even the exterior, is adorned with stunning mosaic work made from broken glass, pottery, and porcelain.
The center piece—a 49-meter-long dragon—stands as a symbol of power and benevolence, inviting contemplation and awe.
As the sun sets, Dalat’s Night Market comes alive with a number of sounds, sights and flavors.
Make sure you wander through the market filled with local produce, handicrafts, and street food delicacies.
Sample traditional Vietnamese dishes like bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper with toppings), bánh xèo (savory pancakes), and fresh seafood skewers.
Haggle with vendors and pick up cheap souvenirs and clothing.
The night market is right at the city center near the lake. With bright lights and loud music, it is hard to miss it.
For a quirky evening experience, head to the Maze Bar—a pub where solving puzzles is as much fun as enjoying drinks.
Read our complete blog on maze bar, how to reach this bar and what exactly goes on there!
Wondering what other cities in Vietnam have such unique places to visit? Don’t miss out our guide to Hue, Vietnam.
With eerie abandoned water park, and 200 year old royal home, make sure you add Hue along with Dalat to your perfect 2 weeks itinerary in Vietnam
This is our personal experience of being shocked by Dalat city.
As we walked around the lake and city center, we witnessed several random buildings with unique shapes.
One of the buildings that was completely abandoned, turned out to be a lively underground mall.
Do not miss super dome structure that is actually a great hang out with tons of shops and eateries.
We highly recommend you to stay in centrally located Mooka’s Home.
This is one of the best hostels for solo travellers and couples.
The private rooms here are huge and one of the best as compared to anywhere in Vietnam.
The hostel is family run with barbeque evenings, community area, great food and lots of entertainment.
Other highly reviewed options for stay in Da lat are:
Trangs Cookery: One of the best restaurants in Dalat, with a wonderfully curated menu.
AnCafe Global: The ambient café has great mocktails. Do try their egg coffee.
BeepPub: Live music and delicious cocktails.
The Fog Bar: Overlooking the lake, a fun place to hang out with friends.
And do not forget to try the local street food across Dalat, especially at the Night Market.
Find fun things to do in Dalat Vietnam right here!
Check out this crazy city with amazing architecture and friendly vibe.
Hello, we are Sam and Aman, Local Backpackers! Welcome to our world of wanderlust and exploration! We are a travel-loving couple who share a passion for discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories.