Dalat is located 1,500 meters above sea level, in the mountains of Vietnam. This makes it nice and cool and there are cool outdoor activities to enjoy. We found Dalat to be one of the nicest places in central Vietnam. In this article, discover all things to do in Dalat: from canyoning to visiting the crazy house, the best accommodation tips and more.
Content of this blog:
What are the things to do in Dalat?
We briefly told you above, there are many fun outdoor activities around Dalat. In addition, you can take cool tours through the mountains where you will enjoy the magnificent views. Below we list the best things to do in Dalat, including some exciting activities. We also provide you detailed and practical information you need to know before you plan your visit.
1. Canyoning in Dalat
By far the most fun activity in Dalat is canyoning. Canyoning is a sport that involves abseiling, swimming, climbing and scrambling to follow a river flow. This includes abseiling from waterfalls and jumping from rocks into the water. Adrenaline rush guaranteed! Because canyoning is quite an undertaking, we have prepared a separate, comprehensive article on it. Read all the information about canyoning in Dalat here: where to book and a complete packing list.
2. Datanla zipline and alpine coaster
In addition to canyoning, you can also zipline and climb courses at Datanla. This costs 460,000 dong (€18). You can complete the course in about 2 hours. Do you enjoy being on an alpine coaster more? This too is possible. It looks like bobsledding but luckily you’re well secured. Tickets for the alpine coaster cost 200,000 dong (€8).
3. Easyrider tour in Dalat
Dalat is the home of the original easyriders. Unfortunately, there are many Vietnamese today who call themselves easyriders but actually just play cab driver. The original easyriders are Vietnamese who take you on the back of their motorcycles to fun, authentic places and tell you a bit about them. So they are actually guide and cab at the same time. We did a one-day easyrider tour in Dalat with original easyrider Quy (+84 908 620 055) and this was great. We stopped at many places we would never have gone otherwise and learned a lot. The full day tour which includes going to the elephant waterfall, pongour waterfall, coffee plantation, pagoda and many other things costs $40 per person.
4. Maze bar in Dalat
The maze bar is a true staple in Dalat. The maze bar, as the name suggests, is a bar that has a maze made in it. There are a total of eight floors through which you can walk, crawl and climb. At the entrance you can fortunately get a drink in advance because it takes a while to find your way to the bar. Don’t forget to visit the garden, which is also decorated in maze style. From here you have a beautiful view. The garden does close at 9:30 p.m. so come to the maze bar a little earlier to see it.
5. Crazy house
The Crazy House in Dalat is a very special building. Bizarrely shaped buildings and unusual staircases have been created everywhere. You can walk through it, but you can also easily get lost through the many narrow corridors.
The crazy house is often compared to the architecture of Gaudi and Dali. You can see the shapes, colors and the fairy-tale like here very well. It’s fun to walk through the crazy house for half an hour or hour, then you’ve seen it. Admission costs 60,000 dong (€2.10) per person. The crazy house is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Tip: you can also spend the night in the crazy house! You can book your overnight stay through here. Be sure to book well in advance, though; the crazy house fills up quickly. It is very special to spend a night here!
6. Walk around the lake or go running
In the middle of Dalat is a large lake. During the day there are many locals hiking but in the afternoon you will mostly encounter many runners here. It is a nice place where you can walk quite a bit, partly because of the pleasant (cool) climate.
7. Easyrider tour to your next destination
From Dalat, you can take an easyrider for a full tour to your next destination. Whether you travel to Hoi An, Mui Né, Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh, easyriders will take you on amazing multi-day tours. We ourselves traveled by easyrider from Dalat to Hoi An in 5 days and this was great. Send authentic easyrider Quy a message at +84 908 620 055 for different options.
- 1 day tour in Dalat and surroundings (we also did this one) á $30 or $40
- Dalat → Nha Trang in 3 or 4 days
- Dalat → Mui Né in 2, 3 or 4 days
- Dalat → Ho Chi Minh in 4 days
- Dalat → Ho Chi Minh → Mekong Delta in 6 or 7 days
- Dalat → Hoi An in 5 or 6 days
- Dalat → Hué → Hoi An in 8 or 9 days
All these tours can also be done in reverse, so in 5 days from Hoi An to Dalat etc. Quy is heartily flexible and can actually do any tours and treks you want. Ask him about the possibilities and enjoy this great motorcycle tour!
The best hostels and hotels in Dalat
The Tigon Hostel in Dalat is highly recommended for solo travelers or couples who feel like staying in a cozy, social hostel. From the hostel you have an insane view of the mountains. You walk to the center of Dalat in half an hour, walking is great in this climate so that’s convenient. If you don’t feel like walking, there’s also always cheap Grab available. In addition, there are often extremely cheap rooms available if you book through here: from as little as €2.50 per night for a double bed if you’re lucky!
Furthermore, Dalat Family Hostel is a great place for dorms or double rooms with a family. Would you prefer a real hotel in Dalat? Then check out An Boutique Hotel or the ELC Dalat Hotel.
How to get to Dalat?
Dalat is located in southern Vietnam. From Ho Chi Minh, it takes 7 hours by bus. From Mui Né, this is 6 hours. Purchase bus tickets for these routes here. Just traveling from north to south? Then you are probably coming from the quaint town of Hoi An. From Hoi An, catch the night bus in the evening. This will take you to Dalat in 15 hours. Tickets for the night bus can be purchased here.
Best Travel Time Dalat
The best travel time for Dalat is from November to March. During this period it is not too hot and there is little rainfall. Anyway, it does not get as hot in Dalat as in the rest of Vietnam because it is a lot higher. We ourselves visited Dalat in May and in 8 days, it rained 3 times for an hour. So above all, don’t let the hot season or rainy season stop you. Enjoy the fun activities in Dalat during your tour in beautiful Vietnam.
