5 Fun Activities to Do in Da Lat, Vietnam

Da Lat is a city 300 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, one that is considered a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. Situated on the Lang Biang Plateau in the south of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, it’s gifted with a temperate climate with plenty of fresh air. This makes it ideal for taking some much-needed rest from the hustle and bustle of city living. And in certain conditions, it lives up to one of its nicknames as the “City in the Fog.”

Thanks to Da Lat’s relatively unique climate within Vietnam, it can be highly tempting for visitors to just take in the atmosphere and not do much else. And as the capital of Lam Dong province, booking a room at a hotel with great amenities like the Luxe Hotel or other similar places is indeed easy in Da Lat. But there’s actually more to the city than its cool and relaxing air. Consider these five fun activities if you ever find yourself there. 

Enjoy the Beautiful Flowers

Da Lat’s temperate climate and bountiful rains don’t just make it comfortable for visitors. It also allows for ideal conditions to grow specific crops and—most especially—flowers. After all, they don’t also call the place the “City of a Thousand Flowers” for nothing. The best place to enjoy the area’s beautiful flora is by visiting the Dalat Flower Garden. In addition to the colorful flower beds, the garden also has a great selection of bonsai trees and sculpted shrubs for variety. 

Hike Up Lang Biang Mountain

If you’re looking to break a sweat, consider hiking up Lang Biang Mountain, the top of which is more than two kilometers above sea level. It might be a long trek to the top, but even the path to the top can show you breathtaking views of the fields and hills that line the plateau. If you’re not an avid hiker, you can also take a shuttle that lets you start closer to the top. Either way, don’t forget to bring some solid hiking shoes for safety. 

Take a Cable Car to a Pagoda

Specifically, you can take the unique way of visiting the Truc Lam Pagoda by cable car. And if the weather permits, this method of transportation can also provide an amazing view of the ravine below. What’s more, this isn’t a former pagoda that’s been recently turned into a museum or heritage site. It’s a functioning monastery that houses Zen Buddhist monks. It’s also better described as an entire temple complex, giving you more spaces to explore during your visit. 

Shop at the Night Market

Even during daytime, Da Lat’s main markets are already quite a sight to behold. But they take it into an entirely new level once the sunsets. Indeed, the city’s night markets create a unique vibe where people can shop, eat, or simply have fun. All types of vendors will line the streets, giving you a chance to buy affordable clothing, accessories, or general souvenirs. And if you’re a foodie, you might even find a new favorite delicacy through the many street food vendors and food stalls.

Have a Fun Night Out with Drinks

If you still have some spare energy to burn after a long day through Da Lat, the city also has a rich nightlife scene for a nightcap. One popular place is the Escape Bar, which is a fun place to enjoy delicious drinks and fun music. Conveniently, it’s near the central market, so you can have a drink right after enjoying the night markets. But if you’re in the mood for something a bit more different, you can try out the Maze Bar. As the name implies, this place is designed as a five-floor maze—creating a truly unique vibe.

For most people, it might be too easy to simply enjoy Da Lat’s year-round cool temperatures and just relax. But there’s more to the city than being a mere safe haven against the sweltering city heat. If you have plans to visit this unique Vietnamese city high up in the mountains, don’t just hole up wherever you’re staying. Make sure to make the best out of the experience, and explore its endless potential for fun