What is Da Lat Most Famous For?
Our list of the best things to do in Da Lat offers a mix of natural and manmade landmarks, all of which showcase the hill town’s rich history. Once a favourite retreat among French colonials, Da Lat’s expansive forests and waterfalls now attract nature lovers and thrill-seekers from around the world.
You can experience the local culture by visiting breathtaking Buddhist pagodas, ethnic villages and royal structures, while well-preserved French villas and chalets are ideal for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Some attractions are far from Da Lat City, but there are plenty of local buses, motorcycle taxis and tour companies offering excursions at reasonable rates. Read on for our comprehensive guide on the most popular attractions in Da Lat.
1.Valley Of Love
The Valley of Love in Da Lat features rolling green hills, beautiful gardens and picnic spaces. Located 5 km north of Da Lat City Centre, local youths often visit the park during weekends to enjoy jogging, cycling and paddle-boating.
There’s also a walking path leading to Von Canh Hill, which overlooks Da Thien Lake and Valley of Love’s colourful landscape. Due to its popularity, we highly recommend avoiding major holidays and long weekends in Da Lat if you’re not a fan of crowds.
2.Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Linh Phuoc Pagoda is one of the best-known pagodas in Vietnam because it features the country’s tallest bell tower. A 20-minute drive from Da Lat City Centre, many locals call it the Bottle Pagoda as there’s a 49-metre-long dragon statue that’s made with 12,000 recycled beer bottles on the grounds.
Meanwhile, the main hall contains colourful paintings depicting the life of Buddha. The famous bell tower reaches 37 metres in height, and you can write your wishes on a small note and stick it to the centre of the bell, before ringing it 3 times for Buddha to receive it.
Meanwhile, the main hall contains colourful paintings depicting the life of Buddha. The famous bell tower reaches 37 metres in height, and you can write your wishes on a small note and stick it to the centre of the bell, before ringing it 3 times for Buddha to receive it.
3.Bao Dai Summer Palace
The Bao Dai Summer Palace is a refurbished museum that offers a look into the life of Vietnam’s last emperor. Built in 1933, it’s still furnished with many original fittings, as well as portraits and sculptures of the royal family.
The parts that are open for the public are the emperor’s throne room, office and bedroom, dining room and the empress’s quarters. Sadly, photography is not allowed inside the building. However, the exterior’s Art Deco architecture and lush gardens make for impressive snapshots.
4.Da Lat Flower Gardens
The Da Lat Flower Gardens can be found on the northern side of Xuan Huong Lake, covering an area of 7,000 square metres. As Da Lat is well known for its variety of colourful flowers and plant species, the park is one of the town’s most popular attractions.
Established in 1966, the Da Lat Flower Gardens grow some 300 types of flowers, including orchids, hydrangeas, roses, pansies, mimosas and peach blossoms. As some of these flowers blossom throughout the year, the gardens are always beautiful, no matter when you visit. You can also buy beautifully arranged bouquets at the gardens.
5.Pongour Falls
Pongour Falls are among the largest waterfalls in Vietnam, standing 20 metres in height and 100 metres in width. Located 45 km southwest of Da Lat City, many tour companies offer day trips to the falls, but you can also get there by bus or motorcycle taxi. Admission costs a small fee and there are plenty of stalls selling light snacks and drinks here, making it a popular late-afternoon picnic spot among locals.
Adventurous travellers often climb up and swim in all seven tiers of Pongour Falls, but some parts are very slippery, so only attempt this if you’re relatively fit.
6.Crazy House
The Crazy House in Da Lat is a whimsical structure designed by Dang Viet Nga, a Soviet-trained Vietnamese architect, back in 1990. It’s actually called Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, but travellers and locals refer to it as Crazy House because of its bizarre concept and tree-like shape.
The house has a little over a dozen rooms, each with its own unique theme. There are also winding tunnels, ladders and concrete sculptures of wildlife.
7.Da Lat Railway Station
Da Lat Railway Station is a quaint structure in the hill town’s French Quarter. Built between 1935 and 1938, the station features colourful glass windows, 3 high-pointed roofs and a Japanese steam train that runs along 16 km of cog railway tracks.
Visitors can hop on for a short ride of 7 km, following the historic line to Trai Mat Village, and enjoy relaxing countryside views along the way. The train departs every day, with about 5 departures throughout the day.
8.Domaine de Marie Church
Domaine de Marie Church is a Catholic convent dating back to the 1940s. Taking inspiration from 17th-century cathedrals in Normandy, France, it features pink limestone walls, stained glass windows and a 3-metre-tall statue of the Virgin Mary. The church is also home to the Roman Catholic nuns of the Mission of Charity. There’s an orphanage for disabled children, which you can support by donating, volunteering or purchasing souvenirs at the gift shop.
Set along Ngo Quyen Street, Domaine de Marie Church is a 10-minute drive from Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat City Centre.
9.Datanla Waterfalls
Datanla Waterfalls are among the most visited attractions in Da Lat, where you can enjoy plenty of fun activities. Just a 10-minute drive from Da Lat City, the area can get rather crowded with locals during the weekend.
You can hike up the hills and swim in clear waters, but the highlight here is the alpine coaster ride. Enjoy a thrilling ride up and down towards the base of Datanla Waterfalls. If you’re feeling peckish during your visit, there’s a restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices.