9 Unmissable Experiences in Da Lat

Everyone should visit Da Lat at least once in their life. This land knows how to make travelers linger with a beauty that blends classic and modern charm, majestic nature, and lively city life. So do you know where to go and what to do in Da Lat? Join To Ong to explore the must-try experiences when visiting Da Lat.

1. Take photos at famous landmarks

Visiting Da Lat without stopping by Lam Vien Square would be a big miss. Here, you can take photos with the giant artichoke bud and wild sunflower structures. These two works are made from eye-catching blue and yellow glass. Inside the wild sunflower and artichoke bud are coffee shops and bars serving visitors. At night, the two structures stand out under bright lights and the lively city atmosphere. They have become symbols of a modern, youthful Da Lat.

The giant artichoke bud in Da Lat (photo: collected)

“Hong Kong beside Da Lat” is a check-in spot that young travelers love. In reality, it is simply a pedestrian bridge crossing the road. Below it is a busy market with a view of multi-story buildings. The bridge is simple, with white tiles matching the iron railings. The surrounding houses have an old look reminiscent of Hong Kong in the 1960s and 1970s. In contrast to the bridge’s modest appearance, the two stairways leading up to it are painted in many vivid colors. Dress in vintage or retro style, and you can get striking photos here.

2. Admire beautiful lakes and waterfalls

Da Lat is blessed with many beautiful lakes and waterfalls. From Lam Vien Square, you can look out and see lovely Xuan Huong Lake. The lake has a crescent shape and is beautiful at any time. It reflects the color of the sky like a mirror: sometimes deep blue, sometimes misty, and sometimes glowing gold like the sunset.

Xuan Huong Lake reflecting the sky (photo: collected)

Than Tho Lake is also a very attractive destination, with scenery like a painting. The lake is wide, clear, and calm beneath pine trees. When you visit, try horse riding, paddle boating, exploring Two Graves Pine Hill, and camping.

Da Lat has countless waterfalls, and each has its own beauty. Prenn Waterfall has a hidden bridge behind it, letting you feel the fresh spray up close. Pongour Waterfall has 7 majestic tiers. Cam Ly Waterfall has a graceful charm. All of them are waiting for your visit.

3. Visit farms and flower gardens

Da Lat is a paradise of farms. There are many farms where you can experience a farmer’s day, such as Da Lat Milk Farm, Vinamilk Organic Milk Farm, Cau Dat Farm, Frenzy Farm, and more. Here, you can take photos, try milk, and take care of farm animals. In particular, most of these farms offer free entrance.

Of course, you should not miss the strawberry gardens and European-style pumpkin gardens. At strawberry farms, you can pick ripe, juicy strawberries by hand. After harvesting, you can buy some to take home as gifts. When you visit a pumpkin garden, you may be surprised by the enormous size of the pumpkins. One pumpkin can weigh up to 30kg, just like Western Halloween pumpkins.

A ripe strawberry garden (photo: collected)

If you love the romance of endless flower fields, visit Van Thanh Flower Village. This is the oldest and largest flower village in Da Lat, only 3km from the city center. Covering up to 200 hectares, countless blooming flowers will leave you amazed. You will also have the chance to learn how local farmers care for flowers and hear their everyday stories. Visit Van Thanh Flower Village in the final months of the year, when many flowers are grown for the Da Lat Flower Festival and Lunar New Year.

4. Check in at churches and pagodas

Da Lat is where European and Asian architecture intertwine, especially at religious sites. Catholic churches such as Domaine de Marie Church and Chicken Church are already very famous. Both were built during the French colonial period and feature classic European architecture.

Chicken Church, also known as Da Lat Cathedral (photo: collected)

Linh Son Pagoda, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, and Truc Lam Zen Monastery are also good choices for those seeking peace. Their architecture is unique, with carved details and refined statues that feel both intricate and grand.

5. Take the train from Da Lat Station to Trai Mat

Da Lat Station was built in 1932 to transport goods on the Phan Rang – Da Lat railway. It has an old-world charm, with a railway designed in the Swiss style. The station also preserves the oldest steam locomotive in Vietnam. After many wartime changes, the station was restored to serve tourism. Today, visitors can take a train from Da Lat Station to Trai Mat. The distance from the station to Trai Mat is 7km. The train moves slowly so passengers have time to enjoy the scenery. Through the window, you can see peaceful houses, vegetable gardens covered with white tarps, and vibrant flower villages.

Da Lat Railway Station (photo: collected)

6. Stop by Cu Lan Village

Cu Lan Village with beautiful Central Highlands scenery (photo: collected)

Cu Lan Village is 20km from Da Lat City, a traditional Vietnamese-style village set among pine forests. Its name comes from the Cu Lan plant, which grows in the area. The village is also home to animals with big round eyes that share the same name. It has pretty wooden houses, ponds, streams flowing gently, and a peaceful setting. Visitors can camp, explore the old forest by Jeep, or experience the culture of the local K’ho people.

7. Visit historical sites

Emperor Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam’s feudal dynasty, had 3 palaces in Da Lat. These villas were used for rest and are all grand and elegant.

The Tran Le Xuan Palace was the retreat of the family of this former first lady. Under the Republic of Vietnam regime, the residence fully reflected the power and luxury of its owner. It includes 3 large villas, a swimming pool, and a Japanese-style garden built at Mrs. Xuan’s request. Today, the site is the National Archives Center IV, preserving more than 35,000 rare Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks.

8. Try sauna and hot spring bathing

You do not need to go to South Korea or Japan to enjoy a sauna and hot spring bath; you can do it right in Da Lat. Sauna bathing raises body temperature, which may help cleanse the body and refresh the skin. Hot spring bathing allows mineral components to relax the body and support healthy-looking skin. Both are ways to treat yourself after stressful working days.

9. Trek Langbiang

Panoramic view of Da Lat from Langbiang (photo: collected)

If you want to experience wild nature, try trekking tours in Da Lat. One of them is the journey to conquer Langbiang Mountain. This mountain is 12km from Da Lat City and belongs to Lac Duong District. Its 2,167m summit, often covered in clouds, is a challenge for adventure lovers. The best time to trek Langbiang is from late winter to early spring, from November to February of the following year. You can see cherry blossoms blooming around the city. The weather is also drier then, making the journey safer.

 

A trip to Da Lat will never be boring because there are countless activities to experience. If you plan to visit this land of flowers, prepare a specific itinerary for yourself. To Ong hopes these shares give you many ideas for exploring Da Lat.

 

Suggested reading:

See To Ong Adventure’s Bidoup Nui Ba Trekking Tour

Reasons to experience trekking Bidoup Nui Ba

Protecting tech gear on trekking trips