Dalat in Vietnam: A Guide to the City of Eternal Spring

If you are looking for a refreshing escape from the heat and hustle of the big cities in Vietnam, Dalat is the perfect destination for you. Dalat is a city in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes and colonial architecture. It is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, especially for couples, wellness seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Dalat for Malaysian travellers who want to visit this charming city.

How to Get to Dalat

There are different ways to get to Dalat from Malaysia or other cities in Vietnam: by plane, bus or car. Here are some details on each option:

Plane

The nearest airport to Dalat is Lien Khuong Airport, which is about 30 km south of the city. There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Lien Khuong Airport operated by AirAsia, which take about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and then take a domestic flight to Lien Khuong Airport, which takes about an hour. The average cost of a round-trip flight from Kuala Lumpur to Lien Khuong Airport is around RM 500.

Bus

There are sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City and shuttle vans from Nha Trang and Mui Ne that can take you to Dalat. The bus journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes about 7 hours and costs around RM 40. The shuttle van journey from Nha Trang takes about 4 hours and costs around RM 25. The shuttle van journey from Mui Ne takes about 5 hours and costs around RM 30.

Car

You can also rent a car and drive to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang. The driving distance from Ho Chi Minh City is about 300 km and takes about 6 hours. The driving distance from Nha Trang is about 140 km and takes about 3 hours. The average cost of renting a car is around RM 200 per day.

The best option for getting to Dalat depends on your budget, time and preference. If you want to save time and money, flying is the most convenient option. If you want to enjoy the scenery and have more flexibility, taking a bus or a car is a better choice.

What to See and Do in Dalat

Dalat has many attractions and activities to offer that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Here are some of the main ones that you should not miss:

Xuan Huong Lake

This is a beautiful lake in the heart of the city where you can enjoy boating, cycling or walking around. The lake has a crescent shape and is surrounded by pine trees, flowers and cafes. You can rent a boat or a bike at the lake for a reasonable price and explore the area at your own pace. The lake is open from 6 am to 6 pm and has no entrance fee.

Crazy House

This is a quirky hotel designed by a Vietnamese architect that resembles a giant tree with winding staircases and colorful rooms. The hotel is also open to visitors who want to see its unique architecture and decorations. You can find various animal-themed rooms, such as the kangaroo room, the eagle room and the ant room, as well as bridges, tunnels and caves that connect them. The hotel is open from 8:30 am to 7 pm and has an entrance fee of RM 10.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

This is a stunning Buddhist temple decorated with thousands of pieces of broken glass, pottery and porcelain. The temple has a 37-meter-high tower that is covered with dragon-shaped mosaics made from beer bottles. Inside the temple, you can find various statues of Buddha, bodhisattvas and arhats, as well as paintings depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures. The temple is open from 7 am to 5 pm and has no entrance fee.

Lang Biang Mountain

This is a high peak that offers panoramic views of Dalat and its surroundings. You can hike, bike or take a jeep to the summit, which is about 2,167 meters above sea level. Along the way, you can enjoy the fresh air, green scenery and local culture of the ethnic minorities who live in the area. The mountain is open from 6 am to 5 pm and has an entrance fee of RM 5.

Elephant Waterfall

This is a powerful waterfall that plunges into a deep pool surrounded by rocks and vegetation. You can walk behind the waterfall or take a cable car to see it from above. The waterfall is also known as Lieng Rowoa Waterfall, which means “the waterfall where elephants go to die” in the local language, because of a legend that says that many elephants fell into the pool and died. The waterfall is open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and has an entrance fee of RM 2.

Datanla Waterfall

This is another impressive waterfall that features a roller coaster ride that takes you through the forest to the base of the falls. You can control the speed of the roller coaster and enjoy the thrill and the view at the same time. You can also walk along a wooden bridge that crosses the stream and see some smaller waterfalls along the way. The waterfall is open from 7 am to 5 pm and has an entrance fee of RM 10.

Truc Lam Monastery

This is a serene Zen monastery located on a hill overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake. You can admire the architecture, gardens and statues of Buddha at the monastery, as well as join the monks in their daily activities, such as meditation, chanting and tea ceremony. You can also take a cable car from the monastery to the lake and enjoy the scenic view. The monastery is open from 6 am to 6 pm and has no entrance fee.

These are just some of the attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Dalat. There are many more things to see and do in this city, such as visiting the flower gardens, the night market, the Bao Dai Palace, the Dalat Railway Station and the Valley of Love. You can also join some tours that will take you to other places of interest, such as the Cu Lan Village, the Van Thanh Flower Village, the Cau Dat Tea Plantation and the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.

Where to Eat and Drink in Dalat

Dalat is a foodie paradise that offers a variety of dishes and drinks to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the local specialties that you should try:

Banh can

This is a crispy rice cake topped with egg, meat, cheese or vegetables and served with a spicy sauce. You can find this dish at many street stalls or markets in Dalat, especially at night. The average price of a banh can is around RM 1.

Banh mi xiu mai

This is a baguette filled with pork meatballs and tomato sauce. You can find this dish at many cafes or restaurants in Dalat, especially for breakfast. The average price of a banh mi xiu mai is around RM 2.

Banh trang nuong

This is a grilled rice paper with cheese, egg, sausage, dried shrimp and chili sauce. You can find this dish at many street stalls or markets in Dalat, especially at night. The average price of a banh trang nuong is around RM 1.

Banh uot long ga

This is a steamed rice noodle with chicken innards and herbs. You can find this dish at many street stalls or markets in Dalat, especially for lunch. The average price of a banh uot long ga is around RM 2.

Bao dai thit bo

This is a beef stew cooked with red wine, carrots and potatoes. You can find this dish at some restaurants in Dalat, especially for dinner. The average price of a bao dai thit bo is around RM 10.

Bo ne

This is a sizzling plate of beef, eggs, cheese and pate served with bread and salad. You can find this dish at some cafes or restaurants in Dalat, especially for breakfast. The average price of a bo ne is around RM 5.

These are just some of the dishes that you can enjoy in Dalat. There are many more dishes to try, such as pho (noodle soup), bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), nem nuong (grilled pork skewers) and che (sweet soup).

Besides food, Dalat also has some drinks that you should not miss:

Coffee

Dalat is famous for its coffee, which is grown on the slopes around the city. You can enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes in Dalat or visit a coffee farm to learn more about the production process. Some of the best cafes in Dalat are La Viet Coffee, An Cafe, Windmills Cafe and Caffeine Cafe. Some of the best coffee farms in Dalat are K’Ho Coffee Farm, Me Linh Coffee Garden and Cau Dat Farm.

Wine

Dalat is also known for its wine, which is made from local grapes. You can taste different types of wine at one of the wineries in Dalat or buy a bottle as a souvenir. Some of the best wineries in Dalat are Ladora Winery, Vang Dalat Winery and Basalet Wine Cellar.

Tea

Dalat has a rich tea culture, as it produces various kinds of tea, such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea and herbal tea. You can sample different teas at one of the tea houses in Dalat or visit a tea plantation to see how it is grown and processed. Some of the best tea houses in Dalat are Cung Dinh Tea House, Thanh Thuy Tea House and Oolong Tea House. Some of the best tea plantations in Dalat are Bao Dai Tea Farm, Cau Dat Tea Farm and Thai Phien Tea Farm.

These are just some of the drinks that you can enjoy in Dalat. There are many more drinks to try, such as artichoke tea, strawberry juice, mulberry wine and can wine.

Where to Stay in Dalat

There are different types of accommodation available in Dalat, such as hotels, hostels, homestays or resorts. Here are some examples of each type, along with their features, prices and locations:

Hotels

There are many hotels in Dalat that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the best hotels in Dalat are:

Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel

This is a luxury hotel that was built in 1922 by the French colonialists. It has a classic style, elegant rooms and a golf course. It is located near Xuan Huong Lake and the city center. The average price of a room is around RM 500 per night.

TTC Hotel Premium Ngoc Lan

This is a four-star hotel that has a modern design, spacious rooms and a rooftop restaurant. It is located on the main street of Dalat and offers a great view of the city. The average price of a room is around RM 200 per night.

Dreams Hotel

This is a budget hotel that has a cozy atmosphere, clean rooms and friendly staff. It is located near the night market and the Crazy House. The average price of a room is around RM 50 per night.

Hostels

There are also many hostels in Dalat that offer cheap and comfortable accommodation for backpackers and solo travellers. Some of the best hostels in Dalat are:

Cozy Nook Hostel

This is a family-run hostel that has a warm and welcoming vibe, colorful dorms and a common area with hammocks and books. It is located near the city center and offers free breakfast and bike rental. The average price of a bed is around RM 15 per night.

Mr Peace Backpacker’s House

This is a fun and lively hostel that has a party atmosphere, graffiti walls and a rooftop bar. It is located near the night market and offers free breakfast and beer. The average price of a bed is around RM 10 per night.

Dalat Friendly Fun Hostel

This is a social and friendly hostel that has a rustic style, wooden bunk beds and a fireplace. It is located near Xuan Huong Lake and offers free breakfast and activities. The average price of a bed is around RM 10 per night.

Homestays

There are also many homestays in Dalat that offer authentic and personal experiences for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the local culture. Some of the best homestays in Dalat are:

Ken’s House Backpackers

This is a homestay that belongs to Ken, a young Vietnamese man who speaks fluent English and loves to share his knowledge and stories about Dalat. He has a cozy house with private rooms and dorms, as well as a garden with flowers and vegetables. He also offers cooking classes, tours and motorbike rental. The average price of a room or a bed is around RM 20 per night.

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa

This is a homestay that belongs to Ana Mandara, a luxury resort chain that operates several villas in Dalat. Each villa has its own style, history and charm, as well as private rooms with fireplaces, bathtubs and balconies. The resort also has a spa, a restaurant and a swimming pool. The average price of a room is around RM 600 per night.

Resorts

There are also some resorts in Dalat that offer luxurious and relaxing accommodation for travellers who want to pamper themselves and enjoy nature. Some of the best resorts in Dalat are:

Terracotta Hotel & Resort Dalat

This is a five-star resort that has a contemporary design, elegant rooms and villas, and a lake view. It also has an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym and a restaurant. It is located near Tuyen Lam Lake and Truc Lam Monastery. The average price of a room or a villa is around RM 300 per night.

Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa

This is a four-star resort that has a European style, cozy rooms and bungalows, and a garden view. It also has an outdoor pool, a spa, a golf course and a restaurant. It is located near Tuyen Lam Lake and Truc Lam Monastery. The average price of a room or a bungalow is around RM 200 per night.

Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Dalat

This is a four-star resort that has a Swiss style, spacious rooms and suites, and a mountain view. It also has an indoor pool, a spa, a tennis court and a restaurant. It is located near Tuyen Lam Lake and Truc Lam Monastery. The average price of a room or a suite is around RM 150 per night.

The best accommodation for you depends on your budget, preference and convenience. You can find more options and book your stay through my.trip.com, a travel website that offers the best deals on flights, hotels and tours.

For more choices on accomodations, here is our own recommended list of the best hotels in Dalat!

Visit Dalat Today!

Dalat is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for romance, adventure, culture or relaxation, you will find it in Dalat. You will also find some of the best food, drinks and accommodation in Vietnam. Dalat is truly the City of Eternal Spring that will make you fall in love with its charm and beauty.

If you are ready to book your trip to Dalat, visit trip.com today and get the best prices and offers on flights, hotels and tours. You can also find more information and tips on Dalat and other destinations in Vietnam on our website. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Dalat. Book now and enjoy your trip!