Da Lat is a city perched 1,500 m above sea level on the Langbian Plateau. Not only is this city the capital of Lâm Đồng Province, but it is also the largest city in Vietnam's Central Highlands region. Comprised of a scenic mountain town, Da Lat seems charming for tourists.
Are you curious about what is there to explore, especially what you can do in Da Lat, Vietnam? Keep scrolling to find out!
Beforehand, let's take a glimpse at Da Lat's history. Vietnam was colonized by the French during the 1890s. During this period, people came here on holiday to escape from the scorching heat of the lower coastal areas. As a result, magnificent French colonial-style buildings can be seen throughout the town
Other than its history, if you wander a little farther, you will find some of the finest landscapes in the country. Da Lat's vicinity consists of magnificent lakes, flower gardens, lush woods, and quaint hill villages. Therefore, this place is a terrific option if you enjoy trekking and nature sightseeing.
Image Credit: Toni Wöhrl and Sang Cai, CC BY SA 4.0, via Wikipedia Commons
With a total area of 70,038 hectares, Bidoup Nui Ba National Park is one of Vietnam's largest biosphere reserves. It is home to almost 2,000 plant species and 60 animal species. It is situated in Lam Dong Province's Dam Rong and Lac Duong District, about 50 kilometers from Da Lat. You can rent a scooter in Da Lat and ride there — it would take approximately an hour, and the journey itself is rewarding.
You can find out more about tours and other aspects of the trip at the Centre for Ecotourism and Environmental Education for Bidoup Nui Ba National Park before visiting.
The park’s flora and wildlife are extraordinarily diverse, and many species are classified in the IUCN Red Book. Trekking through coniferous woodlands, grasslands, and bamboo groves offers a fantastic experience, considering that 91% of the park is made up of forestland.
Ninety-one of the thousand plant species are unique to Lam Dong and its surroundings. With guided tours, you can visit the park for two days and one night. Perhaps you'll have the opportunity to observe black bears, vampire-flying frogs, or yellow-cheeked gibbons. A local tribe known as the K'ho can also be visited; they often assemble around a campfire to perform traditional dances.
Image Credit: Diane Selwyn, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Tuyền Lâm Lake is one of 21 National Tourism Areas in Da Lat. It is located six kilometers south of the center of Da Lat — a perfect spot if you want to visit a location with a more accessible landscape. You might also need to rent a scooter to get here, and it’s one of the best ways to navigate Da Lat.
Coming here will make you feel as though you are in paradise, in harmony with the meaning of the place's name Tuyền Lâm. The oases around the lake, mountains covered in luscious pine trees, and magical mist over the water set this lake apart from others in Da Lat.
At this lake, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. You can take a boat ride around the lake, camp overnight facing the water, conquer Pinhatt Mountain, explore Truc Lam Zen Monastery nearby, or simply experience local customs.
Remember to wear a long-sleeve shirt and pack adequate equipment for your activities here.
Image Credit: Marco Verch Professional Photographer on Flickr
Your trip to a city is not complete without visiting a local traditional market. Da Lat Night Market opens daily from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, which is great if you are a foodie. Moreover, the Central Dalat Market opens at 6:30 AM early in the morning and then transforms into a night market. You can also take in the beauty of the nearby Xuan Huong Lake before heading for supper at the night market.
If you like food, we recommend staying nearby and preparing some cash to spend here. You will find many street food vendors, stalls with clothes, souvenirs, and even street performances. This market can be very lively and more crowded on holidays and weekends.
Food here is offered at fair prices, and you can often get a better deal by bargaining. Make sure you’re ready to negotiate politely.
Don’t miss out on Da Lat’s iconic Vietnamese pizza, also known as Bánh Tráng Nướng — grilled rice paper that serves as a pizza base. To ensure what you are eating, you might ask for the toppings. There are also plenty of grilled foods including sweet potatoes, corn, chicken, shrimp, and fish cakes. You can get fresh fruits like apples, cherries, strawberries, and plums for a refreshing treat.
Image Credit: Tâm Trần on Flickr
Where else but in Vietnam can you experience authentic Vietnamese coffee? Especially in Da Lat, where coffee plantations surround the city. To get to Me Linh Coffee Garden, take a scooter about 20 kilometers outside Da Lat. As you enter the main gate, you will find free and secure scooter parking to the right.
This Coffee Garden is open seven days a week, from 7 AM to 6:30 PM. From its terrace, you’ll have sweeping views of the coffee plantation as far as the eye can see. The area directly above the plantation is the most popular spot to sit. Live music sometimes plays while you enjoy your drink.
They offer a wide selection of beverages, from weasel coffee and Italian blends to Vietnamese Moka, cocoa, matcha, fruit concentrates, yogurt, and tea.
In addition, you can purchase coffee beans or ground coffee, as well as souvenirs.
Halal restaurants are not common in Da Lat, especially in light of the pandemic. Nonetheless, Fatimah Restaurant offers Muslim travelers a chance to experience local Vietnamese dishes comfortably. The staff has certified it to be Halal and provides a prayer space for guests.
You can find it at 18-24 Nguyễn Du, Phường 9, Thành phố Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam. The restaurant is open every day from 9 AM to 7:55 PM. The menu includes salad, spring rolls, crab and asparagus soup, chicken, fish, and vegetarian options — featuring both Asian and Vietnamese cuisine.
All five of these activities are great options for Muslim travelers visiting Da Lat, Vietnam. From exploring its natural surroundings and unique flora and fauna to enjoying Halal-friendly dining, Da Lat offers both adventure and comfort for faith-conscious travelers.
Now that you know there are plenty of things to discover in Vietnam, perhaps it’s time to pack your bags and book your flight!
