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10 Unique Things to Do in Magical Dalat, Vietnam

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3 weeks ago

Things are about to get all kinds of weird and wonderful in this southern highlands city, perched 1,500 meters above sea level. One for the artists, romantics, and dreamers, wake to a sea of low-hanging clouds rolling through the whimsical mountain town known as Dalat. 

The sun rising through the mist and over its lakes is so beautiful, and most activities and things to do in Dalat are centered around showing off the area’s natural beauty. Play among flower fields, chase down waterfalls, sample incredible fresh produce grown here like strawberries, and get involved in a plethora of adventures like canopy walks and canyoning. 

It all seriously reminds me of being in Northern Thailand.  If the mountains are your happy place, another unique Vietnamese town not to miss is Sapa

1. Giấc Mơ Đà Lạt Coffee: The most picturesque setting

Flowers and coffee? I’m sold! 

So, one random bit of information for you: flower fields are major across Asia, and are a tourist hotspot among travelers from countries across Asia. Even in Europe, travelers head to Aix-en-Provence just to see its famous lavender fields! But, I’m totally here for it, and I have hunted down plenty of flower fields during my travels around Thailand. Plus, the flower fields in Hanoi were also one of my go-to spots for photoshoots! 

Standing among rows of florals … Let’s just say the pictures are out-of-this-world dreamy

With various budding blooms changing with the seasons, from sunflowers to daffodils, even pampas grass, the outdoor cafe is set up among the fields. There are even cute little props here and there for you to use! 

Make sure your phones are fully charged for this expedition.

2. Datanla Waterfall: For thrill seekers and adventure lovers  

If you love the outdoors then you’re going to fall in love with Dalat, and most of the things to do in Dalat that are really worth exploring are centered around Mother Nature

Datanla Waterfall isn’t just a pretty seven-tiered cascade, nope! The area around the fall is a playground for adventure in the prettiest setting! Some (like myself) even believe that fairies live around its mystical parts. Once you glimpse the surreal scape, you’ll totally understand why.  

Located about seven kilometers from the city center, I suggest wearing comfy clothes and closed shoes for this endeavor. So, what’s the buzz all about? 

First off, there’s an alpine coaster that cruises through the pine forest and passes by certain parts of the waterfall. Then, you’ve got a high-rope course above the canopies; there’s also ziplining, hiking, and canyoning! Talk about an adventure, folks! 

Travel tip: Planning a waterfall hunt? Another spot worth checking out is the powerful 30-meter Elephant Falls along the Cam Ly River. It’s further away; about an hour’s drive from Dalat. 

3. Crazy House: A Gaudi-inspired wonderland  

An Antonio Gaudi masterpiece or an architectural wonder inspired by the maestro himself? You have to think twice when first laying eyes upon the Crazy House, which, according to sources, was inspired by Gaudi’s weird and wonderful brain. 

For those of you who don’t know of Gaudi’s work, he designed Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia along with a stew of other zany-shaped buildings around Barcelona.

Just like Gaudi, the architectural elements of the Gaudi house appear to be “dripping” or melting down, and favor recreating structures that appear as natural elements, like bone. It’s got a whimsical feel to it with a Vietnamese twist and kinda reminds me of Enid Blyton’s ‘The Faraway Tree’ — which remains one of my all-time favorite books. 

Jump down giant tree trunks, navigate twisting pathways, and uncover entire rooms decorated like underwater worlds or forest scenes. It’s one of the best family-friendly things to do in Dalat. And guess what? You can stay here, too! 

4. Clay Tunnels (AKA Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc): Photo ops everywhere (and kid-friendly) 

What is so special about a … clay tunnel, you may ask? Doubling as an outdoor art exhibition, the Clay Tunnels overseeing the Tuyen Lam Lake is one of the most unusual places around Dalat. Not only that, but it’s a space to go mad with photos, using the scattered sculptures, monuments, and artworks as funky backdrops. 

(It’s one of those places in Vietnam that is splashed all over the ‘Gram!) 

There’s a section where two gigantic stone heads face each other and the lake shows off in the background. For the best angle, stand between the heads and POSE! 

Plus, if you’re traveling with kids, they’re likely to find this spot magical. There are cars, monkeys, elephants, and a few Dalat city monuments and landmarks recreated from clay, even two houses made from red basaltic soil.

5. Chùa Linh Phước: The most stunning temple around   

Founded not even 100 years ago in 1949, Linh Phuoc Pagoda is a feast for the eyes! Other than its striking structure, it holds many records; for example, it has the Genius World Record for the longest dragon structure clocking at 49 meters.

Constructed from materials like (12,000) glass bottles, ceramics, and porcelain, it’s a Buddhist temple doubling as a stunning mosaiced artwork.

— I just love how colorful all of Dalat’s landmarks are! — 

Within the temple are balconies laden with Buddha statues on each level, and its motif design almost reminds you of the Hindu-style temples you see in Sri Lanka and even Malaysia, like Kuala Lumpur’s Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. 

A standout feature of this stunner is the dragon head greeting you from the outside. On that note, the outside is devoid of bright colors, so once you step inside, the contrast is a shocker. 

6. Cuong Hoan Silk: Discover how silk is made

If you’re looking for something hands-on to try among the things to do in Dalat, then head on over to the Cuong Hoak Silk factory and scope out how silk is made

Local tip: Silk is a very popular material in Vietnam, and is sold for very cheap in comparison to the rest of the world.

Silk garments like neck scarves, headpieces, and wraps are popular and make the loveliest souvenir/pressie.

Go behind the scenes and learn something new, where you’ll witness the entire production process from start to finish, including getting educated on the life cycle of silkworms. Kids absolutely love this one – and I can understand why: did anyone else collect silkworms when they were little, waiting in eager anticipation to see them build their delicate silk cocoons and then metamorphosize into moths? As kids, we loved it! 

7. Trai Mat Garden Hydrangeas: Frolic in flower fields 

By now, Dalat’s fantasy-like charm is pretty obvious, right? We have a coffee shop amidst a flower field, but it’s not the only place in town to look for flower fairies… In fact, there are a few flower fields worth checking out

Any influencers in the house? Add this to your list of things to do in Dalat and thank us later. 

The Garden Hydrangeas is pretty much as the name states. A little bit out of the city center, it’s a garden of blue, purple, and white hydrangeas and a few raised platforms give you an elevated vantage viewing point. There are even selfie sticks for rent

Other flower gardens around Dalat worth checking out are the Lavenderdalat Gardens (there’s also a shop, cafe, and restaurant here), Thai Phien Flower Village, and Vườn hoa thành phố Đà Lạt

8. Truc Lam Zen Monastery Dalat: For all that inner zen

Nestled in the hillsides overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake, enjoy a moment of quiet reprieve at the Truc Lam Zen Monastery Dalat; a Buddhist monastery built between 1993 and 1994 after its founder, the Zen Buddhist monk Thích Thanh Từ, had a dream about building said-monastery. 

Home to a Buddhist school of teaching, visitors can choose the monastery as a Buddhist retreat, and some also choose to pilgrim here. 

A standout feature that’s been created by the city is the Dalat Cable Car. Add this to the top of your things to do in Dalat. Starting from Robin Hill in the city, it ends at the monastery. As one can imagine, the journey (and vistas) from the city to the place of zen is unparalleled. From the monastery, there’s also a staircase leading down to the lake — a perfect spot for reflection and meditation.

Local tip: Another breathtaking lake to relax at, where low clouds float over the water is Suối Tía. Technically it’s part of Tuyen Lam Lake, but most miss it. Hire a canoe and idle over the water and between trees. It feels like fairyland.

In the words of another famed Buddhist monk, Thích Nhất Hạnh (and one of my favorite authors): 

“To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.”

9. Da Lat Night Market: Great for street food

I often find that even if a local market is small, which this one isn’t, it’s usually the best place for sampling local foods, especially the street food varieties. 

Travel tip: If you’re headed to the North, check out these must-try street foods in Hanoi

Conveniently centralized in town and set up along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, stalls, vendors, and food carts spill out onto the streets and building from about 5 pm, and close shop around midnight. If there’s one specialty street food not to miss out from Dalat and sold here is bánh tráng nướng i.e., Dalat pizza

Apart from local food (from fresh strawberries when in-season to meat sticks to banh mis), there are also stalls selling clothes, toys, and souvenirs

P.S. Thanks to its landscapes, there are plenty of local farms in the surroundings in this part of the country. As a result, the fresh produce from Dalat is divine. You’ll spot things like artichokes, avos, peaches,  and persimmons, to name a few. 

10. Cafes: Go hopping  

Vietnam’s cafe game is strong, no matter which city or town you’re in actually. It’s probably because coffee is such a big thing here. However, some towns just take it up a level in terms of “wow” factor, and by wow factor I’m talking about the setting. 

Case in point, Dalat. Honestly, I could list dozens of mind-blowingly insane cafes, but I’d be here all day. For now, here are a few that should be at the top of your (social media) radar and things to do in Dalat! 

đôi đũa

1Terra cotta pots and hanging lampshades welcome visitors at đôi đũa — a great spot for trying out local Dalat cuisine, too. 

Tiệm cafe phía tây mặt trời

Aesthetically pleasing on so many levels, I’m in love with not just the views from Tiệm cafe phía tây mặt trời, but the interiors as well. Think high arched ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass windows peering out of the valley below! It’s a top spot for specialty coffee

Still Cafe

Two words: Studio Ghibli. Greet Totoro as you enter Still Cafe and feel as if you’re in Japan. They sell ramen as well.

Nhà Của Thời Thanh Xuân – Youth Home

Done up in woods and with love letters from its patrons decorating the walls, you could spend hours at Nhà Của Thời Thanh Xuân – Youth Home.

Khu vườn mùa hè

Come and hang out among flowers, ferns, and plants at every turn at Khu vườn mùa hè — with a serious vintage-esque feel

Anna’s Coffee House

For Western options like waffles and a full English breakfast, Anna’s Coffee House has got your back! 

Little December

Vinyls, DJs, and a garden oasis of greens, Little December is a homestay as well as a cafe. 

Read more: Coffeeholics: Check These 10 Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi for 2025


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