Dalat is one of the best kept secrets of Vietnam. While most of the tourists visiting Vietnam follow the usual Ho Chi Minh – Da Nang – Hanoi route. Thus, escaping Dalat. We didn’t. And as we stepped into this beautiful hill town, it looked nothing less than a fairyland! Dalat is calm and composed. Where life takes a slow pace. And things are rooted in nature. We had a 2 days Dalat trip itinerary planned for ourselves. Wherein, we explored quiet a few places to see in Dalat. Enjoyed it’s moderate climates. And had some of the most beautiful evening strolls around it’s central lake, of all our Vietnam trip days.
Here’s a list of top 10 things to do in Dalat Vietnam. That you can enjoy while visiting Dalat –
Top 10 things to do in Dalat Vietnam
#1 Datanla Waterfalls and it’s roller coaster ride
Datanla Waterfall is one of the most famous and accessible waterfalls near Đà Lạt, offering not just natural beauty but also a variety of adventure activities. It’s a favorite among families, couples, and thrill-seekers alike. It is located 6 km south of the main city of Dalat. What makes Datanla Waterfalls a must visit among the 10 things to do in Dalat Vietnam is the thrilling roller coaster ride that will take you through winding paths all the way down to the waterfalls.
A visit to Datanla Waterfalls can take anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on what time of the day you arrive here and what all you plan to do. There are 2 different roller coaster rides. And if you are not comfortable taking one of them, you can as well walk down to the waterfall. Which will obviously take more time. We visited the Datanla Waterfalls towards the evening around 3:30pm on a weekday. And we didn’t find it crowded at all. Here’s my recollection of visiting Datanla Waterfalls in Dalat.
Adventure activities like rappelling down cliffs and waterfalls, jumping into pools, sliding down rocks are also available to enjoy at Datanla Waterfalls.
How to reach Datanla Waterfalls
You can book a grab taxi to reach the Datalan waterfalls from the Dalat main town.
Entry Fee to Datanla Waterfalls
~INR 2000 per person.
Please see that entry fee to the waterfalls is separate from the roller coaster ride. As you can choose whether to take the roller coaster ride or not. There are also two different ticket counters for the two. While you get the entry ticket to the waterfalls at the main gate. But you will get the roller coaster ride ticket inside. Card is accepted, but sometimes there might be difficulty in the transaction due to network issues.
If you would like to skip the lines then book this ticket to the Datalan Waterfalls along with roller coaster ride.
#2 Visiting the Elephant Waterfalls Dalat
Approximately 30 m high and 15–40 m wide on the Cam Ly River, the Elephant waterfall is a roaring, curtain-like waterfall amid lush greenery with stunning elephant-shaped boulders at its base. One needs to descend about 145 mossy steps carved into rock to reach here. The trail can be slippery. So, definitely wear good traction shoes. And be extra careful when traveling with elderly or kids at this location due to the terrain. There are bat caves hidden behind or beneath the waterfall lies a cave inhabited by bats—about 50 m deep, surrounded by vines. The pristine beauty of the Elephant Waterfalls makes visiting here a mustS among the 10 things to do in Dalat Vietnam.
How to reach Elephant Waterfalls
You can either take a taxi from the main town or even a local bus. The route is very scenic. And the drive takes around 45 mins to reach here.
Some insider tips on visiting Elephant Waterfalls
- Visit early morning, dry-season, for the best views and safer trail
- Wear non-slip footwear, carry light rain gear—trail gets misty and slippery
- Near the entrance are small eateries, souvenir shops, and a cozy cliff-side café
#3 The Crazy House Dalat – best among top 10 things to do in Dalat for kids
Located right in the heart of the Dalat city, the Crazy House Dalat is a must visit. Especially when you are traveling with kids. My elder kid had nothing short of a blast at the Crazy House Dalat. And she still cherishes the memories. Maybe it even surpassed the thrill and enjoyment that she had last year visiting Legoland Dubai, on our 6 days trip to Dubai.
Read : Going crazy spending half a day at the Crazy House Dalat Vietnam
So, what really is the Crazy House Dalat. Well, it is surreal, organic maze of rooms, tunnels, bridges, and staircases—think Gaudí meets Dalí meets Alice in Wonderland! Designed by architect and artist Đặng Việt Nga, this free-spirited, expressionist structure breaks all architectural norms—no right angles, just flowing natural forms. The name “Crazy House” was embraced by Nga after early visitors’ reactions. Overall, the Crazy house resembles a giant tree, complete with sculpted animals, mushrooms, spider webs, caves, stalactites, stalagmites, and surreal color splashes.
There are 10–13 uniquely themed rooms, each shaped like a tree trunk and named after animals or plants—e.g., Kangaroo, Tiger, Eagle, Ant, Bamboo, Bear, Gourd. Inside, handcrafted furniture and built-in features reflect the room’s theme: one room has a kangaroo with glowing eyes, another has a fireplace in a literal kangaroo pouch—complete immersion.
Timings of the Crazy House Dalat
~8:30 AM–6:00 PM
How to reach the Crazy House Dalat
Since it is located right in the city, you can easily get either a local bus or a Grab taxi to the Crazy House Dalat.
Entrance Fee of Crazy House Dalat
Adults: ₫60–80 k (~₹200–270)
Children might be free for shorter duration or they may be charged half the adult ticket price.
You can skip the line and book the crazy house Dalat tickets online here .
Can I stay at the Crazy House Dalat
Yes! You can stay at the Crazy House Dalat. I am sure my younger kid is going to do it next time if we happen to visit here again.
There are 10–13 guest rooms, priced between INR 2k-3k in the Crazy House Dalat. Where you can stay. The rooms are simple, yet artistic: fireplaces, minimal furniture, no TVs or AC (that’s by design—to feel close to nature). I guess the main factor is to stay for the vibe rather than the facilities when you spend a night at the Crazy House Dalat.
#4 Take some of the best pictures at Valley of Love Dalat
A charming mix of natural beauty, romantic spots, and fun activities. That’s what we get at the Valley of Love Dalat. Things to enjoy here include a boat ride on the Da Thien lake lake surrounded by natural beauty all around. The boating experience is very similar to what you could enjoy in India on your trip to Ooty, or a trip to Kodaikanal. Or, even on the Nainital Lake like how we did while spending a day in Nainital.
You can also enjoy the iconic “ring-exchange hands” statue welcomes couples in the park. Or, enjoy the panoramic viewpoints on the Paradise hills which are reached by stairs or tram, offering wide-angle views. For kids, there are several activities at offer. Including Wax museum, giant chess, flower exhibits, VR games, playgrounds. And for the adults there is Glass bridge, zipline, high-ropes, SUP/kayak, gongs, gondolas, even off-road jeeps and motorboat rides. Also, cultural performances are common in the premises of the Valley of Love Dalat from time to time.
Overall, the area is vast. And it can easily take around half a day to explore it fully.
Timings of Valley of Love Dalat
8:30 AM–5:00 PM daily
Tickets to Valley of Love Dalat
Adults/children > 1.2 m: INR 780
Kids : INR 390
Optional Add‑ons:
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Buffet meals: ~300–330k VND
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SUP/kayak, glass bridge, cultural shows, gondola, etc. vary from 50k to 500k VND
How to reach the Valley of Love Dalat
Valley of Love is located outside the main town of Dalat, Vietnam. But, again, you can take a grab taxi for Valley of Love Dalat. Or, you can combine a trip of Valley of Love Dalat along with a trip to Datalan waterfalls as both are in the same direction from the town of Dalat. Here’s a tour to the Valley of Love Dalat that I recommend.
#5 Pay a visit to Linh Phuoc Pagoda Dalat
Linh Phuoc Pagoda, built between 1949–1952 and significantly renovated in the 1990s by Venerable Thích Tam Vi, is located about 8 km northeast of Đà Lạt’s center at 120 Tự Phước Street, Trai Mat, Ward 11. Its nickname “Ve Chai” (scrap/bottle pagoda) comes from the vast use of recycled materials—broken glass, pottery, porcelain, and thousands of beer bottles—mosaic-tiled throughout the site.
The pagoda is known worldwide for it’s architectural genius. Which include 49 m dragon sculpture made from ~12,000 beer bottles that coils through the gardens and around a Maitreya Buddha statue. While it also boasts of a 37 m seven-tier bell tower, the tallest temple tower in Vietnam, housing an 8.5-ton bell cast in 1999. The bell-chiming ritual is popular among visitors seeking blessings. Overall it hosts 17 m statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva made from over 600,000 everlasting flowers—a record in Asia. While the main hallway is adorned with intricate cobblestone mosaics and bas-reliefs depicting stories from Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra. There is a 18-level “Hell” tunnel (~300 m long) presenting vivid, immersive scenes of karmic retribution from Buddhist lore!!
Now, can you even think of skipping a visit to Linh Phuoc Pagoda when planning your top 10 things to do in Dalat Vietnam?
General information on visiting the Linh Phuoc Pagoda Dalat
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Opening Hours: Around 7–8 AM to 5 PM daily .
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Entrance Fee: Free
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Dress Code: Modest attire expected—respectful clothing advised
- Getting here: You can book a guided trip to Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Or, simply take a Grab taxi. For historical sites like these, I will recommend a guided tour. Which will also help you understand the history of the pagoda. And the significance of it’s architectural details.
#6 Visit the Dalat Flower Park
The Dalat Flower Park lies right next to the Xuan Huong Lake. And as such you can easily reach here by a Grab taxi or even by walk from nearby areas. It is roughly Roughly 7,000 m², showcasing over 300 flower species—roses, orchids, hydrangeas, bonsai, African cacti, mimosas, and exotic imports. Amongst the flowers it has many “Fairytale” spot inspired by Vietnamese folklore with cute photo setups. Although you must have seen botanical gardens and flower gardens at most of the other places you visit. Like the Gardens by the Bay Singapore. Or some of the best gardens on a trip to India. But, what makes the Dalat Flower Park really special is the Night food court hosted right at the entrance to the park that remains open all through the day. (open ~5 PM–5 AM) with local snacks, live music, and cultural performances.
The months of winter, december to february are best to visit the Dalat Flower Park. As it blooms with flowers at that time of the year. And also hosts flower festival.
#7 Boating on the Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyền Lâm Lake is a serene oasis nestled in the pine-covered hills just 6–7 km south of Đà Lạt—completely free to enter and spanning around 320–350 ha, making it the city’s largest freshwater reservoir . It boasts of tranquil, mirror-like waters reflecting lush pine forests and misty valleys. Just like the Dawki River in Meghalaya and it’s surroundings. And that makes it a favorite spot for photographers, early-morning walkers, and lovers.
There are several options to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the Tuyen Lam Lake. But you can also have some thrilling experiences. The activities on offer include boating, kayaking, hiking and trekking around the lake along with overnight camping. Fishing and elephant rides as well. Here’s some tours to the Tuyen Lam Lake for you to check out:
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Other general information on Tuyen Lam Lake
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Opening hours: 24/7, but most activities run from ~8 AM to ~5 PM
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Transport: 15–20 minutes via motorbike, taxi, car, or bike. Cable car option through Robin Hill to Trúc Lâm
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Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light, calm water; dry season (Nov–Jun) ideal
#8 Visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Dalat
The Lam Zen Monastery is a serene Zen Buddhist retreat perched atop Phương Hoàng Mountain, about 5 km south of downtown Đà Lạt. Constructed between 1993–94 under the guidance of Zen Master Thích Thanh Từ, this monastery is part of the traditional Vietnamese Trúc Lâm lineage. It’s located very near to Tuyen Lam Lake, in a very tranquil surrounding. To reach here, you can either walk or take a cable car that leads you through lush forest, past a triple-arched gate and a climb of ~222 stone steps to reach the main hall. The main hall itself is a Zen-style architecture with curved tiled roofs and glazed woodwork; houses a 2 m Buddha and bodhisattvas on lion and elephant mounts.
How to reach Lam Zen Monastery Dalat
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By Cable Car: 12‑minute journey from Robin Hill station, offering panoramic views of pine forests and the lake. Round-trip fares are around 100 k VND (1‑way: 80 k) for adults
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By Road: A peaceful drive via Prenn Pass and National Road 20, or a ~15–20 min taxi/motorbike ride from Đà Lạt center
Visiting Info
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Open Daily: ~5 AM to 9 PM; entry is free
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Dress Code & Manners: Respectful attire required. Photography inside the main hall is discouraged, and quiet contemplation is appreciated
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Meditation & Retreats: Drop-in visits welcome, and meditation programs are available—check with monks for scheduling
I will personally recommend visiting here early in the morning. When it is completely devoid of crowd. And the surrounding nature is at it’s best, waking up fresh.
#9 Take a historical trip to Bao Dai’s Summer Palace
The Bao Dai’s Summer Palace in Dalat is a place where Art‑Deco meets peaceful, modest design in a two-storey, pavilion set among gardens. The ground floor of the palace consists of Royal office, reception rooms, dining hall—venues for official affairs. While the upper floor has Private quarters with “Moonlight Balcony”, the queen’s room, and bedrooms for Bao Dai’s children (each themed by color, e.g. yellow for the eldest prince). Overall, highly impressive are the preserved furnishings that include royal busts of Bao Dai & Khải Định, a glass-etched map of Vietnam (gifted in 1942), royal portraits, hunting trophies, and more.
There are 25 rooms to explore in total. Stepping into the lives of the last royal family. One can also dress in period attire (king, queen, soldier) for fun photo ops with horses and props—small fee applies.
Visitor Info
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Opening Hours: Daily: 7 AM–11 AM & 1:30 PM–4 PM (some sources say until 5 PM)
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Admission: ₹25–80, children often free or discounted at half price depending on the age
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Notes: Remove shoes or wear provided socks; extra charge for photography inside
- You can take a grab taxi to reach here.
#10 Explore the hiking trails on Lang Biang Mountain
As Dalat is located in the hills there are several hiking trails to take around the main town at a short distance of ~5-10km from the town of Dalat. Particularly famous are the ones on Lang Biang Mountain. These mountains are located around 12km north of Dalat. They have several trail options including the main path via pine forest or quieter side paths through farms and coffee plantations. Round-trip is 10–14 km, typically 5–6 hours of trekking with steep bits near the summit. And the difficulty level is usually moderate to difficult.
You can as well ride on a horse back or paraglide in the region. Finally, there are many popular place to camp atop the peak under the stars here as well. And that’s why we couldn’t resist putting it on the list of top 10 things to do in Dalat.
Other places to Visit in Dalat Vietnam
If you have time at hand, you can explore the Dalat Night Markets. Although, not as popular as the night markets of Ho Chi Minh City, or the night market which you visit on a trip to Hoi An, the night market of Dalat have plenty to check out. These primarily include Souvenirs, locally made handicrafts and fabric items. Also, Dalat is like the Switzerland of Vietnam when it comes to dairy and milk. Everywhere, you will see ” Dalat Milk ” adorning and dominating the milk section in supermarkets of Vietnam. You can take a trip to the Dalat milk farm. To see the whole process of how cows are bred and milk extracted in sustainable ways. Also, Dalat has a lot coffee farms and plantations around. You can as well take a trip to a coffee plantation in Dalat. I am sure it will remind you of your trip to Coorg and Chikmagalur back home in India.
More resources to check
A complete tour package including multiple Dalat attractions
Dalat Private transfer to / from Nha Trang
City sightseeing in Dalat on double decker bus
More information on visiting Dalat Vietnam
About Dalat
Đà Lạt is a picturesque hill station in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, known for its cool climate, pine-covered hills, vibrant flower gardens, colonial-era architecture, and laid-back vibe. Often called “The City of Eternal Spring,” Đà Lạt is a refreshing escape from Vietnam’s tropical lowlands. It is located at an altitude of about 1500m from sea level. And thus, enjoys a moderately pleasant climate all through the year. The town is a blend of Pine forests, rolling hills, lakes (like Tuyền Lâm), and waterfalls (like Datanla & Elephant Waterfall) along with French Villas and French architectural style churches.
How to reach Dalat
By air, you can fly into Dalat airport from any of the main cities of Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. You can book your tickets directly from Vietnam Airlines or VietJet website.
Dalat doesn’t have a rail route coming up to the town. But, Nha Trang is a good option to reach by rail. There are overnight trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. Then you can take a 3 hours scenic road trip between Nha Trang and Dalat. Or, you can also take a road trip from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat like we did . But while the roads from Nha Trang to Dalat are in excellent condition. But the roads between Ho Chi Minh and Dalat are almost non-existent. It was definitely a bone-breaking 6 hours journey from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat. If you want to take a road trip to Dalat, you can book this taxi from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat. Or, this ride from Nha Trang to Dalat a day in advance.
Where to stay in Dalat
There are plenty of options of all budget ranges to stay in Dalat. You can browse this complete list of hotels in Dalat and select one as per your budget and requirement. For a unique stay experience, I suggest staying either in a French Villa or a Glamping tent. We stayed in Dalat Wind Hotel Dalat. It was a basic hotel. Since, we booked our stay very last moment, this was the best option we could get. Although it was very economical stay. But a few points to note are that the family room that we stayed in had no ventilation, no AC. So, once the balcony doors were locked at night, there was lack of ventilation in the room. Also, there is no restaurant in this hotel. Although there are many at walkable distance around the hotel.