The short answer is yes, if you are seeking delicious coffee, crisp mountain air, relaxed vibes, and a bit of European flare
If you are someone seeking beaches and nightlife, then you may want to consider passing on Da Lat.
Da Lat, also known as “Little Paris,” is relaxed compared to most Vietnamese cities. It’s best for couples, backpackers, cafe lovers, digital nomads, photographers and mountain lovers.
Why did we choose to go to Da Lat?
When we are debating about whether or not to go to Da Lat, we had just spent weeks at the beach, eating seafood, and tanning in the strong sun. A chance to breathe mountain air again was a no-Brainer for us.
We wanted to do a solid trek/hike, and we decided we would do the famous LangBiang Peak. We thought the variety of forests on this hike was amazing, although we did get rained on twice and the view from the top facing town largely looks down onto greenhouses used for local agriculture. We still recommend it, especially if you’re like us and wanting a break from the congested and sweaty urban life across Vietnam – just don’t forget your parka!
What makes Da Lat different from the rest of Vietnam?
1. Cooler Mountain Climate
There is a saying that goes like this:
“Da Lat gets all four seasons in one day: Spring in the morning, Summer at midday, Autumn in the afternoon, and Winter at night.”
We found this statement to be very true. By about 8 PM riding a motorbike isn’t just chilly – it is cold. People in Da Lat wear winter coats and mittens when the sun has set, and when you visit, you will experience why. It’s not an unbearable cold, but it’s about 15C or mid 50’s F.
2. French Colonial Influence
The architecture in Da Lat is distinctly French Colonial, with arched windows, tall skinny buildings of all different colors, and beautiful flowers growing on stone walls tucked between cafes where they serve delicious local coffee for prices you would not find in France.
3. Pine Forests
Unlike the rest of the tropical Southeast Asia, the mountains that surround Da Lat are covered in pine trees. The air is fresh and clean, and it smells great. Plus, although the greenhouses are a bit of an eye sore, Da Lat’s mountainsides are an agricultural powerhouse producing all sorts of fruits and vegetables for the rest of the country – and they are freshest when you are in Da Lat itself.
4. Unique Night Market
The city is also home to a very unique Night Market where you can taste the products of the local agricultural scene including fresh strawberries, yogurt, avocado ice cream, cheese on a stick, and many other street snacks that we didn’t find in other parts of Vietnam. The market is also packed to the gills with stalls selling thrift clothing – not just the usual cheap knock offs you’d find in other major Vietnamese cities.
5. Coffee Scene
There’s nothing like coffee in the mountains – and Da Lat really embraces this. We thoroughly enjoyed coffee at Dalata Cafe where you can even pick the style of beans that they use to brew your coffee.
6. Fewer Motorbikes
If driving a motorbike in Vietnamese cities scares you like it does us – Da Lat is a phenomenal city to gain confidence in. There are significantly fewer motorbikes than most other places in Vietnam, so you can still practice the “flow of traffic” principals that apply in other cities of Vietnam without the overwhelming motorbike arbitrage you’d find in Saigon.
Best Things to Do in Da Lat
Da Lat isn’t the kind of city where you race between major landmarks. The best experiences here are slower: coffees in cozy cafes as the sun warms the city back to life, winding mountain roads, and afternoons spent hiking to the peaks surrounding the valley and exploring waterfalls. Then, after you finish in the mountains, return to town to relish in the cool night air of Da Lat – you may want your jacket.
For us, this cool mountain air was a massive relief from the rest of Southeast Asia. Find a bar or an evening cafe that does an outdoor fire and let the fire create the setting.
Visit Da Lat’s Waterfalls & Hike
The surrounding mountains and forests offer many waterfalls to the adventurous visitor: Elephant Falls, Datanla Falls, and Pongour Falls each offer unique atmospheres.
If you are comfortable on a motorbike, waterfall hopping makes for an unforgettable day trip around Da Lat.
Explore the Coffee Scene
Da Lat has one of, if not the best, coffee cultures in Vietnam. These cafes feel different than the rest of Vietnam – quiet, slow, harmonious with nature – and all the beans are right from the surrounding hills. There are many that we could recommend, but we particularly enjoyed sitting among the orchids at Dalata Coffee.
Ride Through the Countryside
Truly, the surrounding countryside around Da Lat is even more beautiful than the city itself. Cruise your scooter up winding roads past flower farms, greenhouses, coffee plantations, pine forests, and feel the layers of fog/mist in the mornings and evening.
If you enjoy slow travel, photography, and scenic drives – this is where Da Lat really shines.
Visit the Night Market
Da Lat’s night market is located directly next to the city’s massive lake, which is perfect for taking a warm drink for a walk around in the cool evening air.
Check out the street food vendors here – they are different than what you’ll find in HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang. The market is crowded, but worth it in our opinion.
Is Da Lat expensive? (& some tips on where to eat)
Compared to many destinations around the world, Da Lat, being in Vietnam, is generally affordable.
For our private room, we payed $11/night – and we can definitely recommend Bazan Dalat Hotel for a family-run spot with excellent service, motorbikes for rent (approx $6/day), a tasteful & clean room (which they upgraded at no cost) hot shower, and great location.
Where to eat in Da Lat?
While you can find a fancier (and more costly) meal in Da Lat, like we did for date night at Al Dente, other spots like Atispho for local food like artichoke pho and artichoke tea, as well as Banh Cuon Ngoc Xuan for open flame grilled pork Banh Cuon at prices that are unbelievably reasonable.