Nestled high in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat is one of the country’s most unique destinations. Often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat is famous for its cool climate, pine forests, colourful flower gardens, and romantic lakes. Unlike Vietnam’s bustling coastal cities, Da Lat feels calm and refreshing, with crisp mountain air and rolling hills that almost resemble parts of Europe.
Originally developed as a hill station by the French in the early 20th century, the city still carries a charming blend of French colonial architecture, Vietnamese culture, and natural landscapes. Whether you’re visiting for adventure, photography, food, or simply a relaxing escape from Vietnam’s tropical heat, there are plenty of things to see and experience.
Below are some of the best things to do in Da Lat.
Walk Around Xuan Huong Lake
At the heart of the city, Xuan Huong Lake is one of the most iconic landmarks in Da Lat. The crescent-shaped lake stretches across the centre of town and offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets nearby.
A leisurely walk around the lake is one of the simplest but most enjoyable things to do in Da Lat. Early mornings are especially beautiful when mist hangs above the water and locals come out to exercise, jog, or enjoy coffee by the shore.
Visitors can rent bicycles, ride swan-shaped paddle boats, or simply relax at one of the many cafés overlooking the lake. Sunset is particularly atmospheric as the surrounding pine trees reflect on the water.
If you choose to walk the entire route, keep in mind that its size can be rather deceiving. The entire walk (speed-dependent) can take over an hour. You might begin your stroll, and after 10 minutes, you might experience a slight optical illusion where it seems like you’re not too far from the curve that will loop you around to the other side, but the more you walk, the farther and farther it seems to get.
You will, of course, eventually make it, but if you’re not expecting it, you might make it to the curve and realise you have a long way left to go.
Visit the Crazy House (Hang Nga Guesthouse)
One of the most unusual attractions in Vietnam, the Crazy House is an architectural masterpiece that looks like something straight out of a fantasy film.
Designed by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga, the building resembles a giant tree with twisting tunnels, organic shapes, and surreal staircases. There are no straight lines anywhere in the structure, giving it a dreamlike appearance.
Visitors can wander through narrow bridges, cave-like rooms, and rooftop viewpoints while exploring the complex. Some sections also function as hotel rooms, making it possible to stay overnight inside one of the most unusual buildings in the world.
Even if you’re not staying there, exploring the Crazy House is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Da Lat, although you might need to be a little bit fit, as walking up the narrow stairs can be surprisingly challenging and takes the wind out of your sails. It’s also rather narrow, so if you’re a little on the bigger side, you might find it even more challenging.
Explore Da Lat Flower Gardens
Da Lat is known as the flower capital of Vietnam, thanks to its cool climate and fertile soil. The Da Lat Flower Gardens, located near Xuan Huong Lake, showcase hundreds of species of flowers grown throughout the region.
Visitors will find colourful displays of roses, hydrangeas, orchids, and many other varieties arranged in elaborate patterns. The gardens are especially vibrant during the Da Lat Flower Festival, which takes place every two years and attracts visitors from across Vietnam.
The gardens are also a popular photography spot, making them a great place to capture Da Lat’s famous natural beauty.
Discover the Waterfalls Around Da Lat
The countryside surrounding Da Lat is filled with dramatic waterfalls hidden among the pine forests and mountains.
One of the most popular is Datanla Waterfall, located just outside the city. Visitors can reach the falls by hiking through the forest or by riding the famous alpine coaster, which winds down the hillside through the trees.
Another impressive waterfall is Elephant Falls, known for its powerful cascade and rugged surroundings. For those willing to travel slightly further, Pongour Waterfall is often considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in southern Vietnam, with wide, multi-tiered rock formations.
Exploring these waterfalls offers a great opportunity to experience the natural landscapes around Da Lat.
Ride the Da Lat Cable Car to Truc Lam Monastery
For one of the best views in the region, take the Da Lat Cable Car from Robin Hill down to Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
The ride glides over pine forests, valleys, and farms before reaching the peaceful monastery complex overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake. The temple grounds are beautifully landscaped with bonsai trees, gardens, and quiet meditation spaces.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious sites, though not high, the views from the cable car alone make this one of the most rewarding experiences in Da Lat.
However, the top end of the Da Lat Cable Car doesn’t have much to offer, so if, like me, you visited the bottom half first, you might be a little disappointed with the lack of, well, anything other than a few vegetable statues at the top end.
Wander Through Da Lat Night Market
As evening arrives, the streets around the city centre transform into the lively Da Lat Night Market.
This is one of the best places to experience local street food and browse small stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, and handmade goods. One of the most famous snacks here is bánh tráng nướng, often called “Vietnamese pizza,” made from grilled rice paper topped with egg, cheese, and herbs.
You’ll also find grilled meats, soy milk, sweet potatoes, and hot snacks perfect for Da Lat’s cool evenings.
The night market captures the lively atmosphere of the city and is a great place to interact with locals. But keep in mind that it is extremely busy and quite claustrophobic. You won’t be packed like a sardine, but you will need to side-step your way around the huge crowds taking pictures and browsing, and a few motorbikes honking their horns as they try to get to and from work.
Visit the Historic Da Lat Railway Station
The Da Lat Railway Station is widely considered one of the most beautiful train stations in Vietnam. Built during the French colonial era, the station features distinctive Art Deco architecture with colourful stained-glass windows and three pointed roofs inspired by the nearby mountains.
Although most of the historic railway network no longer operates, visitors can take a short scenic train ride from Da Lat to the nearby village of Trai Mat with a vintage, diesel-powered tourist train. The train features old-fashioned carriages with wooden seats and, as of late 2024, includes the “La Reine” luxury option, travelling past flower farms and pine forests. The journey passes through green countryside and farms before reaching Linh Phuoc Pagoda, a temple decorated with intricate mosaics made from broken ceramics.
Enjoy Coffee With a View
Da Lat has developed a reputation for its creative café culture. Thanks to the cooler climate and beautiful scenery, many cafés are designed to maximise views of the surrounding valleys and pine-covered hills.
Popular spots include hillside cafés where you can watch clouds roll through the valleys below. Many cafés also grow or roast their own beans, allowing visitors to try some of Vietnam’s famous coffee in a relaxing setting.
Spending a slow afternoon enjoying coffee while looking out over the mountains is one of the most relaxing ways to experience Da Lat.
Da Lat offers a completely different side of Vietnam compared to the busy cities or tropical beaches found elsewhere in the country. With its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and unique architecture, the city feels more like a peaceful mountain retreat than a typical Southeast Asian destination.
From walking around Xuan Huong Lake and exploring the surreal Crazy House, to chasing waterfalls in the surrounding countryside and sampling street food at the Da Lat Night Market, the city offers something for every type of traveller.
Whether you’re visiting for photography, nature, culture, or simply to escape the heat, Da Lat remains one of the most charming and memorable destinations in Vietnam.
