After my 2 weeks stay in Vietnam, Dalat, located in the south of Vietnam, definitely became my favorite city. Therefore, let me share with 6 fun things to do in Dalat.
In case you are still figuring out how to apply for the correct tourist visa for Vietnam, I got you covered as well.
How to get around Dalat
The best way to explore Dalat is either by renting a motorbike or taking Grab. All places are pretty much spread out through the whole city and its surroundings. Not much can be reached on foot.
Things to do in Dalat
Crazy House
The Crazy House in Dalat is an unconventional building designed by a Vietnamese architect who studied in Russia for a long time. Its natural forms remind a bit of the style of Antoni Gaudi from Spain. You will find sculptured design elements of animals, trees, caves, mushrooms, spider webs and much more.
The house was firstly opened for the public in 1990, and since then gained recognition for its unique architecture. It actually made it on the list of the world’s 10 most bizarre buildings.
The entrance fee is only 35.000 VND (less than 1.50€) and you can then walk around as long as you want. The area is pretty big so that you can easily spend 1-2 hours. They even have a “crazy restaurant” and souvenir shop at the end.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Another fun thing to do in Dalat is visiting the Line Phuoc Pagoda. This beautiful building is only located 8km outside the city center of Dalat Vietnam. It is a 49m long dragon temple and made of around 12.000 beer bottles. It is a very colorful Pagoda and made out of mosaic pieces.
There is also a bell tower on the temple grounds where you can go up for free and ring it. It is considered the highest temple bell tower in the whole of Vietnam with a 4m high bell.
The entrance is free and you can easily reach it by renting a motorbike or taking a Grab.
Clay Tunnel Park
Around 15km outside the city center of Dalat is the Clay Tunnel Park – a sculpture park that uses clay and creativity to attract loads of tourists every year.
The Clay Tunnel Park belongs to one of the most unique tourist attractions in Dalat. You will find all kinds of sculptures, such as animals, music instruments, cars and much more.
The creator got its inspiration from The Netherlands, which used its tulips to attract tourists. Therefore, he chose the most prosperous material in his area and created the Clay Tunnel Park from it. Such a fun thing to do in Dalat. Don’t miss out on it.
The entrance fee is around 40.000 VND (below 1.50€), and totally worth visiting, especially if it is a sunny day.
Hoa Son Dien Trang
Hoa Son Dien Trang is a kind of forest located around 7km outside the city center of Dalat. It is best to visit on a bright day, not like us on a rainy one.
It is the only untouched forest in Dalat with many rare birds and ancient trees. There are more than 4000 Japanese cherry blossom trees, should you decide to visit around April. You will also find a beautiful garden of roses, forming a unique valley of roses.
You can easily hike through the forest, admire small waterfalls and unique architecture. Experience harmony with nature and scenery like never before.
Famous photo spots are the “lucky hand”, “ancient ficus trees”, “witch village” or the “heaven garden”.
If you want, you can also stay in Hoa Son Dien Trang overnight. You can either stay in one of the colorful wooden bungalows in the forest, or camp.
Hoa Son Dien Trang is a place to calm down, relax, be stress-free, forget your tiredness and just breathe fresh air.
The entrance fee is around 30.000 VND (below 1.50€).
Lam Vien Square
Dalat is a very picturesque and young city. Wherever you look and go, you will want to take a photo. This city has a very modern architecture which is a nice change after coming from big crowded cities.
Make sure to visit Lam Vien Square in Dalat’s city center, which is overlooking a huge lake of 72000 square meters. There you can take photos in front of huge artworks and buildings which are shaped like flower buds, covered in colored glass.
Visiting Lam Vien Square is a fun thing to do in Dalat because it also has bars to hang out, offers opportunities to visit exhibitions, roller skate, kite flying and much more.
Tuyet Tinh Coc
Tuyet Tinh Coc was discovered by backpackers and ever since has been a famous location for young people. It is a bit far outside the city center of Dalat; around 30km. Depending on how many days you spend in Dalat you might want to escape the city center and visit a more quiet place.
It is a beautiful blue lake in a green forest surrounded by high cliffs. Tuyet Tinh Coc is a really unique place with a peaceful atmosphere, untouched landscapes, majestic mountains and different colors of water. It is a really fun thing to do in Dalat if you are into trekking, camping or picknicking.
IMPORTANT: Since it is around 7km off-road it is recommended that you go as a group or with an experienced motorbike/car driver in case you get stuck. If you go by car, an off-road vehicle will be the best choice. The roads are rather rugged, abandoned and lonely.
Alright, those were 6 fun things to do in Dalat. I hope you will start loving the city as much as I do once you visited.
