Discover the Charm of Dalat: 10 Must-See Attractions in Vietnam's Central Highlands

Da Lat is a city located in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, known for its cool climate and beautiful landscapes. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its picturesque lakes, waterfalls, and forests, as well as its French colonial architecture.

Some popular attractions in Da Lat include:

• Xuan Huong Lake: This artificial lake is located in the center of the city and is a popular spot for walking and picnicking.
• Valley of Love: This scenic valley is located on the outskirts of the city and is known for its romantic atmosphere and beautiful views.
• Prenn Waterfall: This waterfall is located in a lush, green valley and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
• Lang Biang Mountain: This mountain, located on the outskirts of the city, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.

Whether or not Da Lat is worth visiting depends on your personal interests and preferences. If you enjoy outdoor activities and appreciate beautiful landscapes, then Da Lat may be worth visiting.

The market is worth a visit for Dalat wine, preserves and candied strawberries. Be sure to go upstairs, as the second floor houses food stalls which make for a tasty and cheap meal. Dalat Palace Golf Club is the oldest and perhaps most beautiful course in the country. During the week, it is almost deserted, making you feel like you’ve got the whole course to yourself.
Dalat is also famous for its numerous waterfalls and lakes. Most impressive is the 30m Pongour Waterfall. Located 45km from Dalat, it is a bit of a hike and due to an upstream dam, it has slowed to a trickle. In the dry season, you can take in the view from atop a vertigo-inducing cliff.

Getting there

There are several ways to get to Dalat by plane, bus, or train:

1. By plane: The nearest airport to Dalat is Lien Khuong Airport, which is located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to your hotel or other destination in Dalat.
2. By bus: There are several bus stations in Dalat, including the main bus station located in the city center. Buses run regularly between Dalat and other major cities in Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Hue.
3. By train: The nearest train station to Dalat is located in the city of Thap Cham, which is about an hour's drive from Dalat. From Thap Cham, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to your hotel or other destination in Dalat.

It is a good idea to research your transportation options in advance and to book tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak travel times. It is also recommended to arrange transportation from the airport, bus station, or train station to your hotel or other destination in Dalat in advance to ensure a smooth and convenient arrival.

What to see and do in Dalat

There are many things to see and do in Dalat, Vietnam. Some popular attractions in Dalat include:

• Lakes: Dalat is home to several beautiful lakes, including Xuan Huong Lake, which is located in the center of the city and is a popular spot for walking and picnicking.
• Waterfalls: There are several waterfalls in and around Dalat, including Prenn Waterfall and Datanla Falls, which are popular spots for swimming and picnicking.
• Forests: Dalat is surrounded by beautiful forests, and there are several nature reserves and national parks in the area, such as Lang Biang Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.

Cultural activities in Dalat include visiting temples and learning about the city's history. Some popular temples to visit in Dalat include Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and Linh Phuoc Pagoda. You can also visit Bao Dai's Summer Palace, which was the former summer residence of Vietnam's last emperor and is now a museum showcasing the history and culture of the region.

Outdoor adventures in Dalat include hiking, biking, and other activities. There are several trails and routes in the surrounding area that are suitable for different skill levels, and you can also arrange guided tours or activities, such as rock climbing or zip lining.

Must-See Attractions in Dalat

Dalat, located in Vietnam's Central Highlands region, is a beautiful and picturesque city known for its cool climate and stunning landscapes. It is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of attractions to suit a variety of interests. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in Dalat. Here are 10 must-see attractions in Dalat that you won't want to miss:

1. Xuan Huong Lake: This artificial lake is located in the center of the city and is a popular spot for walking and picnicking. Created by a dam in 1919, this banana-shaped lake was named after a 17th century Vietnamese poet known for her daring at tacks on the hypocrisy of social conventions and the foibles of scholars, monks, mandarins and kings. The lake can be circumnavigated along a 7km sealed path that leads past several of Dalat’s main sights, including the flower gardens, golf club and the Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel. It is a poetic site, attracting both tourists and lovers in Dalat.
2. Valley of Love: This scenic valley is located on the outskirts of the city and is known for its romantic atmosphere and beautiful views.
3. Prenn Waterfall: This waterfall is located in a lush, green valley and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
4. Lang Biang Mountain: This mountain, located on the outskirts of the city, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.
5. Dalat Flower Gardens: These beautiful gardens feature a wide variety of flowers, including roses, marigolds, and orchids.
6. Hang Nga Crazy House: This unique architectural attraction is also known as the "Crazy House" and features imaginative and surreal design elements.
7. Datanla Falls: These falls are located in a scenic valley and are a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.
8. Bao Dai's Summer Palace: This palace was the former summer residence of Vietnam's last emperor and is now a museum showcasing the history and culture of the region. Known as Palace Number 3, Bao Dai’s Summer Palace was used as a retreat by the family of King Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam. Built from 1933 to 1938, the cube-like art deco exterior angled away from the entrance point, disguises the true size of the palace, which contains 25 rooms built within the colonial architectural framework. The ground floor contains the public rooms for visiting dignitaries, including a large formal dining room and library. Upstairs are the private living quarters of the family, including the bedrooms of the King, Queen, Princes and Princesses. The palace is surprisingly simple, showing the modest lifestyle of the King.
9. Lam Ty Ni Pagoda: This beautiful pagoda is located on the outskirts of the city and features intricate carvings and colorful decorations.
10. Dalat Cable Car: This cable car offers scenic views of the city and surrounding area and is a popular attraction for tourists.

Besides, you can also consider visiting other famous attractions such as:
Truc Lam Monastery - Located on Phung Hoang Mountain, Truc Lam Monastery sits 5km out of Dalat, near Tuyen Lam Lake. It is best accessed by cable car. As a functioning Zen centre, the inner part of the monastery is closed to the public, so that the monastic practitioners can practice without distraction. The monastery is quite simple, but sits amidst beautiful scenery, with views of the lake, and surrounding mountains.
The Cathedral - Built in 1931 in the style of the Roman Church, with the bell tower reaching 47 meters, it is Vietnam’s Central Highlands most interesting and well-known Christian centre. It was originally built for use by French colonial residents and holiday-makers alike. The Cathedral was funded by donations gathered by Father Nicolas, the Catholic priest of Dalat. The church itself is rarely open outside of mass times. Mass is held at 5.15am and 5.15pm Monday to Saturday and 5.15am, 7.00am, 8.30am, 2.30pm and 4.00pm on Sundays.
The old railway station - Built in 1943, the recently renovated Dalat Railway Station has a quaint art deco style, with Vietnamese architectural elements. The interior features the original ticket windows. There is an original wood-burning steamer train on the tracks at the rear of the station. Originally the track ran 84 kilometers, linking Dalat with Thap Cham in Ninh Thuan Province and due to the vertical elevation, 17 kilometers of the track was a cog system, to prevent sliding. A seven kilometer section of the line has been restored, with a newer Japanese train running to the tiny village of Trai Mat.
Tuyen Lam Lake - 5km south of Dalat, Tuyen Lam Lake rates as the biggest lake in the area, covering 320 hectares. Because of its various sources, Tuyen Lam is known as the lake where rivers, springs and forests meet. Kayaking tours of the lake are available, but need to be booked prior. Elephant rides through the beautiful pine forest are also available here.
Central market - Sitting in the city centre, the central market represents the heart of Dalat. Local fresh produce such as artichokes, dried fruits, vegetables and lots more are available here throughout the day, and in the evening the roads around the market are closed to traffic and the market spills on to the surrounding streets.
XQ Embroidery Village - Even if embroidery is not your thing, the artworks at XQ Village will impress. What appear to be detailed paintings are actually hand embroidered works, delicately stitched on site. Laid out like an art gallery, XQ offers the finest examples of Vietnamese embroidery.
Lat Village - At the base of Mount Langbiang is the village of the Lat ethnic minority, a local hill tribe from whom Dalat takes part of its name. There are a few hamlets known as the Lat Village. The closest, 12km north of Dalat, have seen frequent visitation and retain little authenticity, although it is possible to visit a traditional house and hear local stories from an older Lat gentleman. Seventeen kilometers south of Dalat is Dinh An village, also Lat. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the concrete chicken statue. Bear in mind this is a poor area and the people are trying their hardest to make ends meet.

Last updated on 2022-12-19 09:03:06.