Dalat, Vietnam 2025: Ultimate Guide for First-Time Backpackers

Looking for the perfect escape from the tropical heat of Vietnam? Dalat, Vietnam is your dream destination. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, this charming mountain town in the Central Highlands offers a refreshing blend of cool weather, scenic landscapes, and French-colonial charm — making it a must-visit spot for first-time travelers and backpackers alike.

1. Where is Dalat, Vietnam & When Should You Visit?

1.1. Dalat’s Location & Altitude

Nestled at around 1,500 meters above sea level, Dalat is located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, surrounded by lush pine forests and the majestic Langbiang Mountain Range. The elevated terrain gives Dalat a mild, spring-like climate all year round, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C.

This highland city is not only a hub for tourism but also a major agricultural center — famous for growing strawberries, flowers, and high-quality coffee. With rolling hills, serene lakes, and dreamy mist-covered mornings, Dalat offers a peaceful escape from Vietnam’s bustling cities.

1.2. Best Time to Visit Dalat

Thanks to its temperate climate, Dalat is a year-round destination. However, the ideal time to visit Dalat is during the dry season from December to March. This is when the weather is sunny and cool, perfect for outdoor adventures, sightseeing, and photo ops in blooming flower gardens.

Avoid visiting during the rainy season (May to October) if you want to maximize your time exploring the outdoors — August and September tend to have the heaviest rainfall.

2. How to Get to Dalat, Vietnam & How to Travel Around

2.1. Getting to Dalat

Despite its mountain location, Dalat is easy to access via multiple transportation options:

By plane: Fly into Lien Khuong Airport (DLI), located about 30 km from Dalat city center. You can then take a taxi or shuttle bus into town.
By bus: Reliable bus services run from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nha Trang, offering budget-friendly options for backpackers.
Up for a thrill? Riding a motorbike to Dalat offers scenic mountain routes and total freedom to explore.A motorbike road trip to Dalat offers epic scenery along the way — just be ready for winding roads!
By private car: For comfort and convenience, hire a private car with a driver from nearby cities. Though more expensive, it’s a great choice for families or groups.

2.2. Getting Around Dalat

Once in Dalat, getting around is simple:

Motorbike rental is a popular choice for independent travelers who want to explore hidden spots.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available and affordable for short distances.
Walking is ideal around central areas like Xuan Huong Lake or Dalat Market.
For hassle-free sightseeing, consider joining a local guided tour to cover multiple attractions in a day.

3. What to See in Dalat, Vietnam? – Dalat’s 10 Unmissable Places You Have to See

3.1. Xuan Huong Lake – Dalat’s Peaceful Core, perfect for lakeside walks or pedal boating

📍 Location: Yersin Street, Ward 1
At the center of Dalat, Xuan Huong Lake offers a calm and romantic escape surrounded by pine trees and flower gardens. Whether you take a paddle boat, enjoy coffee by the lake, or go cycling, this is the perfect starting point for discovering the city’s gentle beauty.

3.2. Datanla Waterfall – Adventure in Nature

📍 Location: Prenn Pass, 5 km from Dalat
Ideal for adventure lovers, Datanla Waterfall features canyoning, ziplining, and an alpine coaster that winds through the forest. For a peaceful alternative, follow the walking trail down to the falls and soak in the refreshing mountain air.

3.3. Valley of Love – Dalat’s Romantic Side

📍 Location: Mai Anh Dao Street, 5 km from city center
A colorful valley filled with flowers, lakes, and themed gardens, the Valley of Love is great for couples, families, or anyone looking for scenic views. Rent a swan boat or simply walk through this whimsical landscape full of photo opportunities.

3.4. Dalat Night Market – Street Food & Culture

📍 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
Dalat Night Market comes alive in the evening with food stalls, local crafts, and souvenirs. Don’t miss the grilled rice paper (Vietnamese pizza), skewers, and hot soy milk – all favorites among locals and travelers alike.

3.5.Linh Phuoc Pagoda – A Stunning Temple Covered in Glass and Ceramic Art

📍 Location: Trai Mat Village, 8 km from Dalat
This one-of-a-kind temple is decorated entirely with ceramic and glass mosaics. Highlights include the 49-meter-long dragon made from recycled bottles and a massive bell tower. Take the train from Dalat Railway Station for a scenic route to the temple.

3.6. Crazy House – An Otherworldly Experience

📍Huynh Thuc Khang Street
Part art gallery, part guesthouse, the Crazy House is an architectural wonder straight from a fairy tale. Its maze-like design, surreal shapes, and treehouse vibes make it one of the quirkiest attractions in Vietnam — perfect for Instagram and curiosity seekers.

3.7. Langbiang Mountain – Hike to the Highlands

📍 Location: Lac Duong District, ~12 km from Dalat
Langbiang Mountain is Dalat’s highest peak and offers panoramic views over the valley. You can hike to the summit or take a jeep ride if you prefer a quicker route. It’s a must-visit for outdoor lovers and one of the best sunrise spots in Dalat.

3.8. Dalat Railway Station – A French-Colonial Gem

📍 Location: Quang Trung Street
Built in the 1930s, Dalat Railway Station is a charming relic of the colonial era. Take a vintage train ride to Trai Mat Village and admire the nostalgic atmosphere, colorful Art Deco design, and peaceful countryside views along the way.

3.9. Domaine de Marie Church – A Touch of French Charm

📍 Location: Ngo Quyen Street
Also known as the Cherry Blossom Church, this pink-hued Catholic church features French colonial architecture blended with Vietnamese elements. Surrounded by flower gardens, it’s a serene place for photography and quiet reflection.

3.10. Dalat Flower Park – A Blooming Showcase of the City’s Botanical Beauty

📍 Location: Near Xuan Huong Lake, Tran Quoc Toan Street
As the city of flowers, Dalat’s Flower Gardens are a must-see. The gardens showcase hundreds of species of flowers in vibrant arrangements — ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll or colorful photos, especially during Dalat Flower Festival.