Da Lat

Da Lat is a unique blend of Vietnamese culture and French colonial architecture set in the cool Central Highlands. Known for its pine forests, lakes, waterfalls, and agricultural bounty, it offers mountain biking, hiking, canyoning, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the heat of the lowlands.

Lien Khuong Airport, 30 km south of town, has daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Vinh and Hue via Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, VASCO and Pacific Airlines. Buses from Ho Chi Minh City cost 350,000 dong (7-8 hr), from Mui Ne 200,000 dong (4 hr), and from Nha Trang 200,000 dong (4 hr). The Sinh Tourist and An Phu Travel offer bus services.

Walking is feasible in the town center. Xe om (motorbike taxis) and Grab Bike are available. Taxis are cheap but watch the meter; meter-fixing is less common as of 2018. A local bus runs near main tourist sites, with the hub at Hoa Binh Square, last bus at 17:30. Bicycles, tandems, and motorbikes can be rented; note that a Vietnamese driver's license is legally required for motorbikes.

Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses and hostels (dorm beds from USD3) to mid-range hotels and luxury colonial villas. Popular budget options include Bon Mua Guesthouse, Hang Nga Guest House, Lucky D's Hostel, Mr. Peace backpacker's house, and Peace Hotel. Some places offer scooter rental and free Wi-Fi.

The Dalat Central Market is the best place for fresh fruits and vegetables and local specialties like strawberry jam, artichoke tea, and coffee. Street food stalls and vegetarian options are abundant. Vcafe restaurant and IndiaGate offer international and Indian cuisine. For drinks, try Cafe Tung for Vietnamese coffee (8,000 dong) or Larry's Bar for happy hour.

Key sights include the Crazy House (80,000 dong), Truc Lam Zen Monastery (cable car 150,000 dong round trip), Linh Phuoc Pagoda (free), and the colonial palaces (60,000 dong). Outdoor activities include mountain biking, hiking Langbiang Mountain, canyoning at Valley of Love, and boat rides on Xuan Huong Lake or Tuyen Lam Lake.

Taxi meter-fixing has diminished but still possible; use Google Maps to check routes. Driving a motorbike without a Vietnamese license invalidates insurance and makes you liable for damages. Always watch your belongings in crowded markets.

When visiting Truc Lam Zen Monastery, both men and women must wear pants and cover their shoulders. Modest dress is also appreciated at other religious sites.

A daily backpacker budget might include dorm bed USD3-5, street food meals 20,000-50,000 dong, local bus rides 7,000 dong, and coffee 8,000 dong. Admission fees for attractions range from free to 250,000 dong. Budget roughly 300,000-500,000 dong per day excluding transport.

Popular day trips include Langbiang Mountain (public bus 12,000 dong, jeep 360,000 dong), Pongour Falls (50 km south, 10,000 dong), and the cable car to Truc Lam Zen Monastery with Tuyen Lam Lake. Buses also head to Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, and Buon Ma Thuot.

Regular buses from Phuong Trang Bus Terminal: Ho Chi Minh City (350,000 dong, 7-8 hr), Mui Ne (200,000 dong, 4 hr), Nha Trang (200,000 dong, 4 hr), and Buon Ma Thuot.