Da Lat lies only 300km from Ho Chi Minh City, but it may as well be a whole other world, such are the differences between the two cities. Nestled in the south central highlands, Da Lat’s climate is more Alpine than almost anywhere in Southeast Asia - there’s a freshness and coolness to the air, at times becoming downright cold. It’s a small city, and while it’s not crowded, there’s still a franticness on the roads, so be careful if you’re on two wheels! Da Lat is much more than just fresh air and low temperatures though - it’s famous for its foothills, verdant forests, peaceful lakes and tumbling waterfalls. Two days is plenty to get a good taste of Da Lat.

Day One:

Check out the town and the famous architecture

Start your day with a walk through the centre of town. Grab a coffee at the popular Bicycle Up cafe and then take a stroll around the market area, to get your bearings and drink in the early morning buzz before heading down to Da Lat’s centrepiece, Xuan Huong Lake for a walk. If you’re feeling whimsical, even take to the water in a swan pedal boat for around 60,000d (US$2.60).

In terms of unique, downright bizarre architecture, there are two buildings that simply must be checked out. First up is the suitably named Crazy House, otherwise known as Hang Nga Guesthouse. Designed by architect Dang Viet Nha, the crazy house is half fairytale and half grotesque, Gaudian nightmare.  

Later in the day we recommend checking out the Crazy House’s little sister, Maze Bar.Here, you enter and buy a drink before embarking on a strange odyssey to reach the top floor, where the next bar awaits! Maze Bar is very close to the Da Lat Night Market, which is a great place to explore and pick up snacks as you go.

One must try dish is Banh Trang Nuong, known by some English speakers simply as “Da Lat Pizza”. Rice paper is grilled over coals until crunchy, and an array of things from quail’s egg to cheese, pork floss and sausage are scattered on top. Trust us, it tastes 1000 times better than it sounds!

Check out Datanla Waterfall, Thuyen Lam Lake and Truc Lam Temple by Cable Car

15 minutes driving downhill out of Da Lat center will bring you to Datanla Waterfalls. Rather than walking down thousands of steps down to view the waterfalls, you simply must hop into a toboggan and take a thrill ride all the way down, zipping around 180 degree bends and speeding down drops. Don’t worry, it’s totally safe and so much fun. You can go as slowly as you want to as well, being able to handle the brakes yourself.

While you’re in the area you should take an hour to check out the beautiful views around Thuyen Lam Lake too before wayfaring over to Truc Lam Zen Monastery, a beautiful temple and gardens set into the countryside. When you’re done, ride the famous cable car above the trees all the way back to town.

Day Two

See the countryside by motorbike OR go canyoning

Normally we don’t condone renting motorbikes in Vietnam unless you’re an experienced, and licensed, rider. But since Da Lat’s best feature is it’s surrounding landscape, two wheels is the only way to go. Book a motorbike tour if you’d prefer to place your trust in a seasoned local rider on a reliable machine. But if you’re determined to do it on your own, bike rental is as cheap at $10 a day, and given the quieter nature of the roads outside of Da Lat town center, this is as good a place as any to get on a bike as long as you go slowly and warily.

Helmet on and the engine started, head out to Me Linh Coffee Garden for your morning Cup of Joe with a view. It’s an organic coffee farm popular with travelers, famous for its balcony with picturesque views over the plantation. We’d always recommend going early in the morning to snag the best seats before the crowds arrive, as it’s a popular stop for bus tours.

When motorbiking around Da Lat, it’s best to meander with no real plan in place, just enjoying the winding roads and gorgeous landscape. A couple of our favourite roads are QL20, QL27C, Hoa Hong, and Mimosa. But perhaps the best of the lot is what I like to call the “road to nowhere”. DT722 runs north out of Da Lat along quiet, pristine roads, through pine tree laden forests and around beautiful lakes and farms. The road continues deep into the south central highlands,but after an hour or so you’ll notice a drop in the quality of surface, which is your cue to turn around and enjoy the ride back just as much!

If you’re more the outdoorsy, active type, perhaps you should take a canyoning adventure in the forests and waterfalls surrounding Da Lat. There are a number of reputed tour companies who will guide you safely through the woodlands and bring you to spots where you can rapel with no risk down the waterfalls and into the fresh, reviving water.

We must warn you here though - Don’t go on your own and do not choose a tour operator with poor or unreliable reviews. You’re putting your health in their hands, so do make sure it’s a trusted company.