Jenny WellerKnown as the “City of Eternal Spring” and “Little Paris”, Da Lat was originally developed as a resort by the French in the early 1900s. The French colonial architecture can be seen throughout and the cool climate makes it a popular holiday spot for both tourists and locals. Da Lat is surrounded by waterfalls, forests and rolling hills, and its varying landscape attracts thrill seekers and nature lovers throughout the year.
Here are eight fun must-do things whilst visiting the city.
1. Go canyoning
Rappel down waterfalls, float down rivers, and spend the day completely immersed in nature whilst getting your adrenaline pumping. Canyoning excursions can be booked from various hostels throughout Da Lat. Viet Action Tours offer a popular package that includes zip lining across the river as well as lunch.
2. Enjoy the night market
Night markets are popular throughout Vietnam and Da Lat is no exception. Based in the city centre, the colourful night market offers up delicious food, clothes, and souvenirs.
3. Ride a cable car to Truc Lum Pagoda
Take the 2.4km cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda and take in panoramic views of the city and mountains. The cable car connects Robin Hill to Truc Lam Pagoda, and the journey itself is beautiful and completely worth the ticket.
4. Unwind at Tuyen Lam Lake
This can be combined with the trip to Truc Lum Pagoda. After visiting the pagoda, head down the steps to see the lake, also known as “Paradise Lake”. An entirely man-made reservoir, the lake is a great place to unwind and relax.
5. Visit Elephant Waterfalls
The Elephant Waterfalls are about 28km from Da Lat. They can be easily reached by motorbike or are included in the Easy Rider day tours. This place is named after a large rock that apparently resembles an elephant, and admission here costs VND 10,000. The city is surrounded by plenty of waterfalls to visit including Datanla Waterfalls and Pongour Falls.
6. Enter the Crazy House
Image credit: Denis De Mesmaeker
Designed by Dang Viet Nga, the structure offers a completely unique experience. It is officially called the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery but is known as Crazy House due to its bizarre and mad design. With lots of twisting hallways and odd spaces, this is something utterly different. There is the option to stay here in the equally-crazy bedrooms but if you’d like to visit during the day, it costs VND 20,000.
7. Take a train from Da Lat Railway Station
Built between 1935 and 1938, the charming structure is a great place to visit. The still-functioning station features colourful glass windows as well as a Japanese steam train. Visitors can go to Trai Mat Village to see the countryside and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Tickets cost VND 106,000.
8. Finish the day in the Maze Bar
After a day of sightseeing, unwind with a drink at the Maze Bar. It’s similar in design to the Crazy House, so prepare to get lost in the nooks and crannies. The bar is a hidden gem and is a very popular nighttime spot.
