What to do in DaLat

Are you wondering about all the things to do in DaLat?! Good for you, this city, MY FAVORITE IN THE COUNTRY, is worth it for the nature surrounding the town, the food at local street stalls and the cafés with sunset views. You don’t need a big budget: I spent around 15 USD a day living there for three months. The nights are cool, so a sweater or a light jacket is enough. And the city has its share of tourist traps: I’ll tell you which ones I’d avoid.

Why I’m Writing This After 3 Months and Not 3 Days

Most Da Lat guides are written for someone spending a weekend. I stayed half a year, tried a hostel, a homestay and a studio apartment, got around on foot and by Grab bike, and lived through the rainy season. That lets me tell you things you won’t find in a two-day itinerary. I arrived in Da Lat with no idea about anything, just for the weather, and two days later I FELL IN LOVE and ended up choosing this city as my base in the country.

Things to do in DaLat

When to Visit Da Lat and What to Pack

Da Lat sits at about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level and has a cooler climate than the rest of the country. According to climate data, February and March are the best months, and September and October are the toughest. The figures in the table are historical averages from a climate source, not my own measurements:

My experience: I stayed almost half a year, and the first two months coincided with the rainy season.

What to pack: it wasn’t that cold, but at night it’s worth having a sweater or a light jacket. I had come straight from the heat of Thailand, so I had to buy sweatpants and two sweaters, which I found at the night market for 0.70 USD each 😀

What to See in Da Lat: What’s Actually Worth It

The Nature Around Town

For me, BY FAR the best thing about Da Lat. There are two lakes you can practically walk to (or take a Grab), and then the mountains all around, but even close to the city there are tons of free hikes through the forests. For example Tuyen Lam Lake, Lang Biang and Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. I especially recommend going during mushroom season.

Eating at Local Street Stalls

The farms around the city mean very fresh vegetables and fruit, and you can taste it in the street food. All of Vietnam’s typical dishes are available in Da Lat for between 25,000 VND (in the university area, meaning student prices) and 55,000 VND.

The night market starts in the afternoon (around 5:00 p.m., below Hoa Binh Square) and has plenty of options, but watch out for tourist prices.

The Cafés, Especially Those with Sunset Views

Da Lat is coffee country, and it shows. Just one thing you’ll have to get used to: a coffee will often cost you more than a lunch, so it HURTS to pay for it, but sometimes it’s worth it just for the experience. You can get Vietnamese coffee for 15,000 VND, but an americano will always cost you at least 30,000 VND.

Da Lat Tourist Traps: What I’d Avoid

• Hot pot stalls set up for tourists can charge 350,000 VND or more for something that costs around 120,000 VND at a regular restaurant a few blocks away.
• Some heavily photographed spots, like Cau Dat farm (100,000 VND) or Crazy House (60,000 VND), get packed with people. It’s best to visit Crazy House when it opens, at 8:30 a.m.
• Souvenirs sold as a “Da Lat specialty” are often the same as those in any tourist town.

Things to do in DaLat

Where to Stay in Da Lat: Hostel, Homestay or Studio

I tried three types. These are my real prices:

Approximate conversion; check the exchange rate on the day.

Useful fact: Da Lat is one of the cities with the most homestays and guesthouses in Vietnam, and many are booked through Facebook or Zalo rather than Booking.

How to Get Around Da Lat

I got around on foot and by Grab bike. What you need to keep in mind here is that prices vary a lot if it’s raining or if it’s night. A ride that cost me 16,000 VND during the day with no rain could cost 40,000 VND at night or when it rains.

How Much Da Lat Really Costs

I spent an average of 15 to 20 USD a day, accommodation included.

Money and ATMs in Da Lat

Here’s a guide where I explain how to use ATMs in Vietnam, including the two that don’t charge fees and that I always used in Da Lat: ATMs in Vietnam

What About Tet?

Tet is the busiest time for Vietnamese tourists, and Da Lat is the most sought-after domestic destination for those dates. So if you’re planning to come, it’s best to book early.

Things to do in DaLat: Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Da Lat?
AS MANY AS YOU NEED. If you go full tourist mode, rushing around every day, 4 days is enough. But… I’ll tell you, I stayed half a year lol AND I WOULD KEEP STAYING.

What’s the best time to visit Da Lat?
According to climate data, February and March. Between September and October it rains much more. But November, December, January and February have the most sunshine, though it’s much cooler.

Is it cold in Da Lat?
Not so much during the day, but at night it’s worth bringing a sweater or a light jacket.

How much does Da Lat cost per day?
I spent around 15 to 20 USD a day.

How do I get around Da Lat?
On foot in the center and by Grab bike for longer distances.

Is it better to stay in a hostel, a homestay or a studio?
A hostel if you’re staying a few days so you can meet people. If you’re staying long term, I recommend a homestay or your own little apartment.

Are there tourist traps in Da Lat?
Yes, especially around the night market and the most photographed places. See the section above.

Conclusion

Da Lat works best if you take it slow: nature outside, food at street stalls, cafés at sunset and a light jacket in your backpack.

Want to stay for free and learn about the culture while living with locals? Try volunteering
Useful read:
Getting around DaLat
How to look for accommodation in DaLat