Landmarks in Da Lat
- 01
Crazy House (Hang Nga Guesthouse)
An organic, tree-like building of tunnels, stairways and animal-themed rooms, designed by architect Dang Viet Nga and open to paying visitors since 1990. Odd, memorable and not for every knee.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Morning, before tour groups arrive
- Tickets
- Ticketed; Wikipedia reports a fee of VND 60,000 in 2020, which will have changed. It is also a working guesthouse, so some rooms are closed to day visitors. Check current hours and price locally.
- 02
Dalat Railway Station
A handsome 1930s Art Deco station with roofs that echo Lang Biang's peaks. Today it is mostly a heritage stop and the departure point for a short tourist train to Trai Mat.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes; 2 hours with the train
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning
- Tickets
- Station viewing is cheap or free; the tourist train to Trai Mat is ticketed. Check current timetables and fares locally, as they change.
- 03
Xuan Huong Lake
A crescent-shaped artificial lake in the centre of town, ringed by paths, pines and cafes. The easiest way to feel Da Lat's calm, whatever your age.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon
- Tickets
- No entry fee for the lakeside paths. Boats and pedal boats are paid separately; agree the price before boarding and check the life jacket.
Experiences in Da Lat
- 04
Datanla Waterfall
A forested waterfall park south of the town with a short walk to the falls and an alpine coaster. A light outing for families who like a bit of activity.
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning, dry months
- Tickets
- Ticketed; the alpine coaster costs extra. Check current prices and opening hours locally. Wear shoes with grip and avoid it after heavy rain.
- 05
Langbiang Mountain
The mountain that crowns Da Lat, about 12 km north of the centre, with a jeep or bus route to the first viewpoint and a longer trek to the higher peak.
- Time needed
- 3 to 4 hours
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Clear morning
- Tickets
- Entry and jeep fees are paid on site; Wikivoyage reports a local bus from Hoa Binh square and jeeps up the lower peak. Prices change. Check the national park rules locally.
Temples in Da Lat
- 06
Linh Phuoc Pagoda
A Buddhist pagoda in Trai Mat known for mosaics of broken pottery and glass, a long dragon made from bottle shells and a seven-storey bell tower.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning
- Tickets
- Wikivoyage lists entry as free. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes at the main hall, and be quiet. Donations are welcome but optional.
- 07
Truc Lam Zen Monastery
A working Buddhist monastery on a pine ridge above Tuyen Lam Lake, reached by cable car or road. Peaceful gardens and sweeping views, with a dress code to respect.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours with the cable car and lake
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning, on a clear day
- Tickets
- Free to enter as a monastery; the cable car and lake boats are paid separately. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes where asked, and keep voices low. Check opening hours locally.
Palaces in Da Lat
- 08
Bao Dai Summer Palace (Dinh III)
A two-storey 1930s mansion on a pine-covered hill where Vietnam's last emperor spent summers, with period rooms and gardens. A calm, easy visit if you like colonial-era interiors.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, outside lunch hours
- Tickets
- Ticketed; Wikivoyage lists about VND 60,000 and 07:00 to 17:00 hours, but both change, so confirm locally. Photography rules inside can vary. Shoes are normally kept on, but follow staff signs.
Places of worship in Da Lat
- 09
Da Lat Cathedral (Rooster Church)
A Romanesque-style Catholic cathedral with a 47 m bell tower and a bronze rooster, nicknamed the Rooster Church. Seventy stained-glass panels light the nave.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning
- Tickets
- No fee. It is an active church; follow notices and avoid Mass times for sightseeing. Check hours locally.
Gardens and parks in Da Lat
- 10
Dalat Flower Garden
A landscaped garden at the northern end of Xuan Huong Lake with over 100 species of flowers and ornamental plants. A gentle, photogenic stop.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning
- Tickets
- Ticketed; Wikivoyage listed about VND 70,000, but check the current price. Photography is allowed.
