Five thousand feet above sea level sits the city of Da Lat, known as the ‘Agricultural Capital’ of Vietnam for its rich soil and temperate climate.
In the cover of night a bus bumped along the 156 miles between Saigon and Da Lat and deposited us in front of the Pi Boutique Hotel. It was just after 4 am and thanks to having sent an email the night before, a hotel clerk was awaiting our arrival at the ungodly hour and offered my husband and I the option of an early check in for half the price of an evening’s stay.
Da Lat’s streets lack a grid system of any kind, and the twisting roads of this small city make navigation and wrong turns a formidable challenge. But despite its small size, Da Lat is a rewarding stop through Vietnam and offers a welcome break from the sweltering heat of the Mekong delta.
Originally established by the French in the late 1800’s as a getaway for the colonialists who needed a place to escape the heat of the lowlands, Da Lat’s heavy European influence is still visible today in the Swiss and French architecture that permeates almost every aspect of the city.
- Crazy House
- This architectural feat is one of the most well-known attractions in Da Lat. Created by architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga, Crazy House is a fantastical construction with a history rich in the pursuit of woman who refused to be bound by dull government jobs and the confines of traditional architecture. The dream-like creation is truly unique structure and well worth the visit (entry 80,000 VND for adults, ~3 USD). If you’re up for it, even stay in one of the quirky rooms as some of their rooms offer a lodging option.
- Address: 03 Đ. Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phường 4, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66115, Vietnam
- Hours: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
- This architectural feat is one of the most well-known attractions in Da Lat. Created by architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga, Crazy House is a fantastical construction with a history rich in the pursuit of woman who refused to be bound by dull government jobs and the confines of traditional architecture. The dream-like creation is truly unique structure and well worth the visit (entry 80,000 VND for adults, ~3 USD). If you’re up for it, even stay in one of the quirky rooms as some of their rooms offer a lodging option.
- Maze Bar
- 100 Roofs Maze Bar is a Crazy House-esq bar that has seemingly endless nooks and crannies to sit and enjoy your drinks. Having no idea how extensive the place was, my husband and I were on our way out the door to leave when some people asked us if we had been to the roofs. Had we not turned back around, we would have missed the vast majority of the sprawling bar and the incredible views from the many rooftops. A must see stop in Da Lat as every turn produced yet another mind blowing discovery.
- Address: 57 Phan Bội Châu, Phường 1, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
- Hours: 8am – 12am
- 100 Roofs Maze Bar is a Crazy House-esq bar that has seemingly endless nooks and crannies to sit and enjoy your drinks. Having no idea how extensive the place was, my husband and I were on our way out the door to leave when some people asked us if we had been to the roofs. Had we not turned back around, we would have missed the vast majority of the sprawling bar and the incredible views from the many rooftops. A must see stop in Da Lat as every turn produced yet another mind blowing discovery.
- The Night Market
- Da Lat’s night market takes place every evening in the city center on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, just off the west end of Xuan Huong Lake. The main square (technically a circle) serves as a main trading hub, the morning produce trade running from 2 am to 9 am, and kicking off again in the evening around 6 pm when clothing vendors and food vendors come out for the lively night market and close up around 10 pm.
- Address: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Da Lat, Lam Dong, Vietnam
- Hours: 6pm – 10 pm
- Da Lat’s night market takes place every evening in the city center on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, just off the west end of Xuan Huong Lake. The main square (technically a circle) serves as a main trading hub, the morning produce trade running from 2 am to 9 am, and kicking off again in the evening around 6 pm when clothing vendors and food vendors come out for the lively night market and close up around 10 pm.
- Clothing Market under the Colline Hotel (Cho Da Lat Market)
- The Colline Hotel in Da Lat sits on top of the expansive Cho Da Lat Market that houses floor after floor of new and second-hand apparel and footwear. The variety and sheer volume of product was staggering and I walked, mouth agape, at everything that was on offer. Incredible, one-of-a-kind pieces could be sourced here with the appropriate time!
- Address: Đường Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường 1, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 02633, Vietnam
- Hours: 7am – 7pm
- The Colline Hotel in Da Lat sits on top of the expansive Cho Da Lat Market that houses floor after floor of new and second-hand apparel and footwear. The variety and sheer volume of product was staggering and I walked, mouth agape, at everything that was on offer. Incredible, one-of-a-kind pieces could be sourced here with the appropriate time!
- Linh Phuoc Temple
- This Buddhist site is a 20 minute car ride from Da Lat’s city center and holds a number of records, including the largest indoor Buddha in Vietnam a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara made from 600,000 flowers. While construction of the site began in 1949, it continued to undergo a series of renovations for the next 3 decades. One of the most striking features of the structures is their mosiac-style facades which are created with tens of thousands of porcelain pieces that have been meticulously adhered to the buildings.
- Location: No. 120, Tu Phuoc Street, Trai Mat Village, Ward 11, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province
- Hours: 8am – 5pm
- This Buddhist site is a 20 minute car ride from Da Lat’s city center and holds a number of records, including the largest indoor Buddha in Vietnam a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara made from 600,000 flowers. While construction of the site began in 1949, it continued to undergo a series of renovations for the next 3 decades. One of the most striking features of the structures is their mosiac-style facades which are created with tens of thousands of porcelain pieces that have been meticulously adhered to the buildings.
- Phuong Nam Bookstore and Stationery
- Big and fun bookstore with books in English and all kinds of souvenirs to choose from. Fantastic selection of stickers, water bottles and every kind of stationary needs you could think of.
- Address: 279 đường Phan Đình Phùng, Phường 2, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
- Hours: 7:30 am to 9pm
- Big and fun bookstore with books in English and all kinds of souvenirs to choose from. Fantastic selection of stickers, water bottles and every kind of stationary needs you could think of.
- Cong Caphe
- Despite now being an international chain, these cafes are a must if traveling through Vietnam. Their extensive menu has distinctive drinks and snacks, each expertly prepared and offers many enticing options for non-coffee drinkers. The decor at their locations is equally exquisite, showcasing a vintage style that that conjures rustic elegance and calm. I highly recommend the coconut coffee and the kumquat tea, although with enough time I would like to work my way through the entire menu.
- Various locations, visit here to find your closest
- Hours: vary by location
- Despite now being an international chain, these cafes are a must if traveling through Vietnam. Their extensive menu has distinctive drinks and snacks, each expertly prepared and offers many enticing options for non-coffee drinkers. The decor at their locations is equally exquisite, showcasing a vintage style that that conjures rustic elegance and calm. I highly recommend the coconut coffee and the kumquat tea, although with enough time I would like to work my way through the entire menu.
- Highlands Coffee Shop in Lam Vien Square
- Lam Vien Square is a tourist attraction on the southern edge of Xuan Huong Lake, offering a scenic backdrop for photos including the Highlands coffee shop, a large glass structure in the shape of an artichoke bud. Although another chain establishment, Highland Coffee makes delicious snacks and beverages, and this particular location is a fun place to enjoy a break as the people watching was incredible. Several photographers were offering their services to tourists, including one who brought two large dogs that could be utilized as props for the shots.
- Address: Lam Vien Square, Đ. Trần Quốc Toản, Phường 1, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng 66000, Vietnam
- Hours: 7am to 11pm (Lam Vien Square is open to the public at all times)
- Lam Vien Square is a tourist attraction on the southern edge of Xuan Huong Lake, offering a scenic backdrop for photos including the Highlands coffee shop, a large glass structure in the shape of an artichoke bud. Although another chain establishment, Highland Coffee makes delicious snacks and beverages, and this particular location is a fun place to enjoy a break as the people watching was incredible. Several photographers were offering their services to tourists, including one who brought two large dogs that could be utilized as props for the shots.
- Enjoy Avocado Ice Cream at Cham Cafe & Kem Bo
- Avocado ice cream (Kem Bo) is a popular dessert made with avocados and condensed milk, giving it a creamy texture and not over-the-top sweetness. At Cham Cafe & Kem just a few blocks from the Da Lat market, the avocado ice cream sundae included chopped fresh durian fruit, sliced almond, dried coconut, dried durian, longan, milk foam and lychee. It was delicious and so rich!
- Address: 27 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 9, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam
- Hours: 7:30 am – 10pm
- Avocado ice cream (Kem Bo) is a popular dessert made with avocados and condensed milk, giving it a creamy texture and not over-the-top sweetness. At Cham Cafe & Kem just a few blocks from the Da Lat market, the avocado ice cream sundae included chopped fresh durian fruit, sliced almond, dried coconut, dried durian, longan, milk foam and lychee. It was delicious and so rich!
- Try Banh Ong La Dua (Pandan Tube Cake)
- At the top of the stairs above the night market a man sells these delicious treats from his mobile cart. Steamed to order and topped with crushed peanuts, these light green delicacies have a comforting fragrance and delightful mix of salty and sweet.
- Address: He is mobile, but the two nights I saw the vendor he was parked along the stairs that run between Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Nguyen Chi Thanh.
- At the top of the stairs above the night market a man sells these delicious treats from his mobile cart. Steamed to order and topped with crushed peanuts, these light green delicacies have a comforting fragrance and delightful mix of salty and sweet.
