Da Lat, a charming highland city nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, offers a refreshing escape from the heat and bustle of the coast. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its cool, temperate climate, Da Lat invites you to discover its unique blend of French colonial charm, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant local culture.
Location and Weather
Da Lat is located in Lam Dong Province, about 300 kilometers north of Nha Trang. It enjoys a pleasant, cool climate year-round, making it a popular destination for those seeking a break from the heat. Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C, with the most comfortable time to visit being from November to April, during the dry season.
How to Get to Da Lat from India
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from India to Da Lat. Indian tourists have to fly to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN) and connect to a domestic flight to Lien Khuong Airport (DLI), which serves Da Lat. From Ho Chi Minh City, a scenic overnight bus journey to Da Lat is an option, offering a unique travel experience.
Indian citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam. Tourist visas can be obtained online through the Vietnamese Immigration Department website or upon arrival at the airport.
Getting Around Da Lat
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available and offer a convenient way to get around.
- Grab and Gojek: Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are popular options for affordable and efficient transportation.
- Motorbike Rental: Exploring Da Lat on a motorbike is a popular choice, offering flexibility and the opportunity to discover hidden gems.
- Bus: Public buses connect various parts of the city.
Top Lists in Da Lat
- Crazy House: A whimsical, surrealist architectural masterpiece designed by architect Dang Viet Nga.
- Linh Phuoc Pagoda: A stunning Buddhist temple adorned with colorful mosaics.
- Valley of Love: A romantic park with gardens, sculptures, and stunning views.
- The Old House: A charming café with traditional Vietnamese coffee and a cozy atmosphere.
- Le Jardin: A spacious coffee shop with a French-inspired ambiance.
- The Coffee Stop: A modern café with a wide selection of coffee and tea.
Attractions in Da Lat
- Lang Biang Mountain: Hike to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Dambri Waterfall: Enjoy the refreshing mist and cascading waters of this scenic waterfall.
- Tuyen Lam Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by pine forests, ideal for kayaking or boat rides.
- Bao Dai Palace: Explore the former summer palace of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai.
- Truc Lam Zen Monastery: A serene Buddhist monastery perched atop a hill overlooking the city.
Accommodation: Hotels, Homestays, Resorts
- Hotels: Da Lat offers a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts.
- Homestays: Stay in a local home and experience the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.
- Resorts: Enjoy luxurious amenities and breathtaking views at resorts located in picturesque settings.
Top Things to Do in Da Lat
Explore Da Lat’s Natural Beauty
- Lang Biang Mountain: Hike or take a jeep to the top for panoramic views.
- Dambri Waterfall: Experience the refreshing mist and cascading waters.
- Tuyen Lam Lake: Enjoy kayaking, boat rides, or simply relax by the lake.
- Valley of Love: Wander through beautiful gardens and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
Immerse Yourself in Da Lat’s Culture
- Crazy House: Explore this whimsical, surrealist architectural masterpiece.
- Linh Phuoc Pagoda: Admire the stunning Buddhist temple adorned with colorful mosaics.
- Bao Dai Palace: Visit the former summer palace of Vietnam’s last emperor.
- Truc Lam Zen Monastery: Find peace and tranquility at this serene monastery.
Experience Da Lat’s Exciting Activities
- Coffee Tours: Learn about the local coffee industry and sample delicious varieties.
- Flower Gardens: Visit the flower gardens and witness the vibrant blooms.
- Cycling: Explore the city’s charming streets and surrounding countryside on two wheels.
- Adventure Activities: Go ziplining, paragliding, or trekking in the surrounding mountains.
What and Where to Eat and Drink
- Banh can (Mini crispy pancake): This popular street food features small, crispy pancakes filled with various ingredients like shrimp, pork, or eggs. They are often served with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, chili, and lime juice.
- Banh trang nuong (Grilled rice paper): This snack is a thin sheet of rice paper brushed with butter or oil and grilled to a crisp. It’s often topped with a variety of ingredients, including sweet and savory toppings like onions, garlic, pork, or shrimp.
- Bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup): A spicy and flavorful beef noodle soup with a rich broth, beef shank, tendon, and vermicelli noodles.
- Bun rieu (Crab noodles): A flavorful and fragrant noodle soup with a rich, tomato-based broth, crabmeat, and vermicelli noodles.
- Nem nuongg (Grilled pork sausage): A classic Vietnamese street food, featuring marinated pork skewers grilled to perfection and served with dipping sauce.
- Mi Quang (Quang-style noodle): A unique and flavorful noodle dish with turmeric-infused broth, rice noodles, and a variety of toppings like shrimp, pork, or vegetables.
- Ca phe trung (Egg coffee): A unique Vietnamese specialty featuring strong coffee topped with a thick layer of whipped egg yolk.
- Kem bo (Avocado Ice Cream): A refreshing and creamy dessert made with fresh avocado, condensed milk, and sometimes a touch of lime juice. It’s a popular treat in Da Lat.
- Hot soy milk: The glasses of hot soy milk will warm you in the cold air of Da Lat at night. You can drink soy milk or mix soy milk with condensed milk, peanuts, green beans and eat some cakes…
Vietnam Itineraries in Da Lat
Gift Ideas for Indian Tourists
Coffee
Da Lat is renowned for its high-quality coffee beans and coffee products.
- Arabica Coffee Beans: These beans are known for their smooth, fruity flavor and are a popular choice for coffee lovers.
- Robusta Coffee Beans: These beans offer a bolder, more robust flavor and are often used in blends.
- Specialty Coffee Drinks: Da Lat offers various specialty coffee drinks, including “Cà phê trứng” (egg coffee), “cà phê sữa đá” (iced coffee with condensed milk), and “cà phê đen đá” (black iced coffee).
Tea
Da Lat is also a tea-growing region, producing various tea varieties.
- Green Tea: This tea is known for its refreshing and slightly sweet flavor.
- Black Tea: This tea has a stronger, more robust flavor.
- Herbal Tea: Da Lat produces various herbal teas, including those made with chrysanthemum, ginger, or lemongrass.
Honey
Da Lat is famous for its high-quality honey, produced from local flowers and known for its unique flavor and health benefits.
Fresh Produce
Da Lat’s cool climate allows for the production of various fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Strawberries: Da Lat is known as the “Strawberry Capital” of Vietnam.
- Avocados: These fruits are grown in abundance in Da Lat.
- Vegetables: Fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and lettuce are readily available.
Handicrafts
Da Lat offers a variety of handicrafts made by local artisans.
- Silk Products: Beautiful silk scarves, clothing, and accessories are available.
- Lacquerware: Da Lat’s lacquerware is known for its intricate designs and beautiful colors.
- Wooden Crafts: Unique wooden sculptures and decorative items can be found.
- Embroidered Textiles: Beautiful embroidered textiles, including traditional Vietnamese clothing, are available.
Other Local Products
- Wines: Da Lat produces various wines, with some vineyards offering tours and tastings.
- Da Lat Specialty Foods: Look for unique local snacks and treats, like “bánh tráng nướng” (grilled rice paper) and “bánh căn” (mini crispy pancake).
Da Lat promises a unique and unforgettable experience, offering a blend of nature, culture, and charm. Prepare to be captivated by this enchanting city and create lasting memories amidst the cool air and beautiful landscapes of Vietnam’s “City of Eternal Spring.”
