A Tour of Dalat: Vietnam's Central Highland Attraction

If you’re planning on traveling to Vietnam but fear the heat and humidity that looms before you, Dalat may be your Vietnamese oasis. Tucked into the South Central Highlands, Dalat is a unique, refreshing getaway that boasts many interesting attractions and extremely agreeable temperatures. Thanks to its high altitude location, the town enjoys warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights that are perfect for touring and outdoor activities.

What are the top things to do in Dalat?

If you have a few days to hang out in this highland getaway, there are a few top attractions that should not be missed.

The Greenery and Outdoors

Dalat’s climate makes it one of Vietnam’s best places for fruits, vegetables, coffee and tea to be grown. For most visitors, one of the biggest attractions is touring the colorful, fresh central market, where you can see all the area’s best products in one place. From delicious Vietnamese coffee and tea to homemade jams, fresh vegetables and succulent fruits, Dalat’s produce is some of the best in the country. For those who want an even more in depth look into Dalat’s produce, there are a number of gardens and plantations surrounding the town that are open to visitors. Walk through these lush, vibrant areas to see how locals rear Vietnam’s best products… and don’t forget to bring back a few treats to remember the trip!

For those who simply want to soak in the scenery, there are many tours that bring visitors through Dalat’s countryside to show its natural beauty. From its sprawling mountains to rolling valleys, Dalat’s countryside is as picturesque as it gets. If visitors are looking to get a bit more hands on, Dalat also has some fantastic, world-class outdoor activities as well. From excellent golf courses to hiking, mountain biking and even canyoning excursions, Dalat has something to keep all visitors active and entertained. One of the most popular outdoor activities in Dalat is riding the cable cars from the downtown area to Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery; an extremely scenic and fun way to spend a few hours!

In City Attractions

For those who would prefer to stay within the town’s central area, there are a number of interesting, entertaining and memorable activities/sites to be seen and had. From the town’s romantic Xuan Huong Lake and beautiful cafés to the French Colonial style architecture and rolling, pedestrian-friendly streets, downtown Dalat is where many tourists choose to spend their vacation. If you’re looking for a unique and somewhat odd experience, don’t miss the iconic Crazy House of Dalat. Like something from a child’s storybook, this twisting, curling, imaginative piece of architecture is both a top attraction and local homestay. For the ultimate experience, stay overnight in this funky, fictional home and get to know one of Dalat’s main attractions- without the tourists!

How to Reach Dalat?

Though there is an airport outside of the city (connecting from Hanoi, HCMC and Da Nang), most travelers opt to reach Dalat via bus. Popular, daily routes to Dalat are from Ho Chi Minh City and the costal towns of Nha Trang and Mui Ne.

One of Vietnam’s most popular domestic travel destinations, Dalat gives visitors an extremely unique experience unlike anywhere else in the country. Whether it’s the rolling, pine-covered hills and outdoor activities or cool temperatures and romantic atmosphere, Dalat has something to attract all types of visitors.