Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country with a diverse landscape and much to offer travelers in the way of adventure, great food, and beautiful beaches. Most tourists flock to the northern capital of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City in the south, or the quaint town of Hoi An, which boasts delicious food and great shopping. The city of Da Lat isn’t on everyone’s radar, but it should be.Da Lat is the capital city of Lâm Äồng Province in southern Vietnam. It has a year-round moderate climate and plenty of beautiful sights to offer visitors.
10 Datanla Waterfalls
Waterfalls are a staple of any trip to Southeast Asia and Datanla falls is one of the best. These scenic waterfalls are located about 5 km from the city of Da Lat and offer more than just incredible views.
At Datanla waterfalls, travelers can also experience the adventurous side of Vietnam by trying a high ropes course or canyoning. Though there are many steps leading up to the falls, the trip down is much faster with the option to ride the roller coaster. This individual cart is controlled by a hand brake that the person in the cart operates. It’s the perfect way to cap off a fun day of exploring this natural wonder.
9 Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Linh Phuoc Pagoda is an important cultural site just 6.5 km outside of Da Lat. This Buddhist temple is designed with mosaic tiles and intricate detailing that make it one of the most popular places to see when planning a trip to Da Lat.
Construction on the pagoda began in 1949 and was completed in 1952. The sculpted pillars in the shape of a dragon at the front of the pagoda are made of glass debris and the second floor of the pagoda has a large bell that visitors use to make a wish and send their prayers to the Buddha.
8 The French Quarter
A trip to Da Lat isn’t complete without seeing the historic French Quarter. There is a significant amount of French influence in Da Lat, with some branding the city as the Little Paris of Vietnam. The exquisite French architecture comes from the early 1900s when the French government built Da Lat as a resort town to remind them of home.
The French Quarter features charming villas and feels like stepping into a part of Europe from across the globe.
7 Bidoup Nui Ba National Park
Outdoor adventure enthusiasts can take in the stunning landscapes of central Vietnam at Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. About 33 km outside of Da Lat, it takes just under one hour by car to reach this park which is one of the largest nature reserves in the country.
The park was founded in 2004 and is a great place to spend a day hiking or even two days camping.
6 The Crazy House
A true work of art, The Crazy House, (also called the Hang Nga Guesthouse) is a unique place to stay when visiting Da Lat. Unlike anything else in the region (or world), The Crazy House was developed by artist Dang Viet Nga as an expression of her wildest imagination.
Dang Viet Nga has a Ph.D. in architecture and says that the Crazy House is a project that is never truly complete. She describes it as a living structure that is always changing, so guests will want to come back over the years to see how this sight progresses.
5 Cu Lan Village
Escape the city and explore a scenic village in the countryside by visiting Cu Lan Village, just 45 minutes outside of Da Lat. This beautiful Vietnamese village in Lam Dong province is located in a small valley and looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
Visitors can spend a few hours here or a full day walking around the unpaved pathways, sitting down for lunch, and snapping pictures of the lush green countryside.
4 Elephant Waterfall
Another can’t-miss waterfall to see when visiting Da Lat is Elephant Waterfall. This large cascade requires a bit of a trek to get to, but there are handrails along the path most of the way. It’s located a little over 40 km outside Da Lat and can be accessed independently for an entrance fee of 20,000 VND, or as part of a tour. The wide waterfall crashes down into the lush greenery of the jungle creating a colorful backdrop for taking photos.
3 Da Lat Railway Station
The Da Lat Railway Station is one of the most notable architectural features of the city. The building is a vibrant yellow and is heavily influenced by European design. It was built in 1932 by the French and is considered the oldest train station in Vietnam.
Nearby is the Dalat Train Cafe where travelers can grab a bite to eat in a historic train car before heading back to the city center.
2 Lam Vien Square
Lam Dong Province undertook the project of building Lam Vien Square in 2009 and in 2016 this unique piece of architecture was open to the public. After six years of work and 681 billion VND, Lam Vien Square is now open daily to travelers from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm local time.
Visitors will marvel at the shape, colors, and size of these structures. The Sunflower Dome is a yellow and green building that is designed to look like the petals of a flower and acts as a recreational facility. The iconic green building is Doha Cafe, where guests can have a drink, a meal, or dessert.
1 Dinh 1 Da Lat (King Palace)
The first palace of King Bao Dai, Dinh 1 is a breathtaking mansion that is commonly sought after by couples to act as the backdrop for photos on their special day. Scenic gardens extend in front of the palace, adding to the grandeur of the estate.
The palace was built in the 1930s by a French millionaire named Robert Clément Bourgery, which is why the structure is reminiscent of European buildings of the same era.