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Da Lat
Lam Dong

Da Lat travel guide

11 places · 7 free · 4 paid

CarRental Vietnam editorial team
CarRental Vietnam editorial teamTicket prices, opening hours and coordinates checked · Updated 30 Sep 2026

Overview

Da Lat is the highland city of Lam Dong province, at about 1,500 m above sea level, so it is cool all year round. The centre is built around Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Market and Lam Vien Square, all within walking distance. A little further out are Emperor Bao Dai’s Palace III, pagodas such as Linh Son and Thien Vuong Co Sat, Tuyen Lam Lake with Truc Lam Zen monastery, and Datanla waterfall on the Prenn Pass. North of the city is Langbiang Mountain in Lac Duong. The road up from Ho Chi Minh City includes mountain passes, so a car with a driver who knows the route makes the trip safer and more flexible.

Best time to visitFrom about October to April it is dry, clear and chilly, ideal for outdoor sightseeing; the rainy season from about May to September brings afternoon showers but green scenery, and summer is still busy.

Getting thereFrom Ho Chi Minh City, cars usually take the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway, then National Road 20 through Bao Loc and up the Bao Loc Pass, entering Da Lat via the Lien Khuong – Prenn expressway or the Prenn Pass: about 300 km, currently around 6–7 hours depending on traffic (the Tan Phu – Bao Loc and Bao Loc – Lien Khuong expressways are under construction).

Travel to Da Lat by private car with driver

4 to 45-seat vehicles, door-to-door pickup, all-in prices including the driver and road tolls. Enter your pickup point to see the price instantly.

Things to see in Da Lat

Xuan Huong Lake
NatureFree

Xuan Huong Lake

The lake in the centre of Da Lat, with walking paths and a road all around. Early mornings often bring a thin mist over the water and locals out exercising. It is a handy landmark for getting around the city.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 1 hour
Da Lat Market
MarketFree

Da Lat Market

The central market on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, selling vegetables, fruit, candied fruit, dried specialities and souvenirs. In the evening the area around it becomes a night market with food stalls. Ask prices before buying, especially packaged specialities.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 1–2 hours
Lam Vien Square
ViewpointFree

Lam Vien Square

A large square by Xuan Huong Lake with a wild-sunflower-bud structure and a glass artichoke-shaped building. It is open and looks over the lake, a popular meeting and photo spot.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 30–45 minutes
Bao Dai Palace III
Culture

Bao Dai Palace III

Emperor Bao Dai’s summer villa on a pine hill south-west of the centre, with many rooms keeping the royal family’s furniture and belongings. The grounds have flower gardens and pine woods for a stroll after the visit.

Ticket: 40,000 VND per adultTime needed: 1 hour
Linh Son Pagoda
CultureFree

Linh Son Pagoda

A pagoda on a small hill at 120 Nguyen Van Troi, not far from the centre. The grounds have many trees and some tea and coffee plants. Dress modestly and keep quiet when visiting.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 30–45 minutes
Thien Vuong Co Sat Pagoda
CultureFree

Thien Vuong Co Sat Pagoda

A pagoda on a pine hill in the south-east of the city, built by the Chinese community. It has a large outdoor Buddha statue and wooden shrines in a quiet pine forest.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 30–45 minutes
Truc Lam Zen Monastery
CultureFree

Truc Lam Zen Monastery

A monastery on Phung Hoang mountain overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake. The grounds have flower gardens and paths; keep quiet as it is a place of practice. Reach it by car or by cable car from the Prenn Pass area.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 1 hour
Da Lat Cable Car
Viewpoint

Da Lat Cable Car

A cable car from the Prenn Pass area up to near Truc Lam monastery, crossing pine-covered hills. From the cabin you see forest and part of the city. If travelling by car, ask the driver to meet you at the other end.

Ticket: Paid – check the price on siteTime needed: 30–45 minutes
Tuyen Lam Lake
NatureFree

Tuyen Lam Lake

A large lake in pine forest south of the city, surrounded by resorts and picnic spots. You can walk along the shore or take a boat from the service piers. The coordinates mark the centre of the lake.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 1–2 hours
Datanla Waterfall
Nature

Datanla Waterfall

A waterfall on the Prenn Pass a few kilometres from the centre, famous for its forest alpine coaster down to the falls. The coaster ticket is separate. The walking path has many steep steps, so wear comfortable shoes.

Ticket: 80,000 VND per adult (coaster not included)Time needed: 1.5–2 hoursOpening hours: 07:30–17:30
Langbiang Mountain
Nature

Langbiang Mountain

A mountain over 2,100 m high in Lac Duong, north of Da Lat; reach the top by jeep (extra charge) or on foot. On clear days you see valleys, lakes and the distant city. The coordinates mark the summit; the park gate is at the foot.

Ticket: 50,000 VND per adultTime needed: Half a day

Map of the places

Request pickup or drop-off near the places listed in this guide. Staff confirm the accessible meeting point, travel date, vehicle and quote before booking.

Choose a place from the list to view its location on Google Maps. Use the Directions link on each place card to plan your journey.

Tap to load the map

Where to stay

Dalat Palace Heritage HotelCentre – Tran Phu street · French-style hotel at 12 Tran Phu, overlooking Xuan Huong Lake. View map ›
Hotel Du Parc DalatCentre – Tran Phu street · French-era hotel at 7 Tran Phu, near Da Lat Cathedral. View map ›
Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & SpaLe Lai street, west of the centre · Resort of French-style villas on a hill, about 2 km from Da Lat Market. View map ›
Terracotta Hotel & Resort DalatTuyen Lam Lake · Resort on Tuyen Lam Lake, near Datanla waterfall and Truc Lam monastery. View map ›

We do not take commission from hotels. Room rates change with the season – please check directly.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat?

About 300 km, currently around 6–7 hours via the Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway and National Road 20, not counting stops.

What is the best month to visit Da Lat?

October to April is dry with little rain; the end of the year brings wild sunflowers and pink grass. Summer is busy but often has afternoon rain.

Do I need to book attraction tickets in advance?

Most places sell tickets on site; during holidays and Tet arrive early, as the queues for tickets and the Datanla coaster can be long.

Can I combine Da Lat with Nha Trang?

Yes, they are linked by the Khanh Le Pass (National Road 27C); many people do a Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat – Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City loop.

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