Da Lat

On my previous trip to Vietnam back in 2019, I couldn’t visit Da Lat. Since then I only had heard good things about Da Lat. As a result, it was a vital part of my Vietnam itinerary this time around.

After staying for just a couple of days in District 1, Saigon, I was so overwhelmed with the rush and over tourism there, that I cut short my stay there and planned to move to Da Lat.

Bus journey from Saigon

Upon enquiring about several bus companies, I was told that the journey would take around 7hours. This made me to plan a night bus journey to Da Lat, however this turned out to be a costly mistake as the actual journey took only 5hours. I had taken the last bus by Futa Buslines at 11pm and I was dropped at Da Lat bus stand at 430am the next morning. I did not like it on two fronts – 1) incomplete sleep and 2) hassle of early checkin at the hostel.

The bus was the usual Vietnamese three rows sleeper bus and costed me 330k. Had I taken it from the Futa office directly, it would have costed me 290k. Interestingly, The Sinh Tourist was offering the sleeper bus for just 200k. Something worth checking out. Location of Sinh Tourist in District 1.

Pretty Backpackers House Very early fuss free checkin at 150k VND a night – Hit

There were two positive surprises waiting for me that morning. 1) It took me a while to realise at the bus stand that Futa buslines provides free shared taxi to your hotel – I was very happy to discover this 2) After reaching my stay, I was greeted with warmth and compassion by Ms Pretty, who runs this hostel along with her husband. No extra price was asked of me for early checkin – actually money wasn’t even discussed and I did all my payments only at the time of checkout.

Neat hostel, very nice washrooms (enough in number), complementary breakfast and a lovely garden at the terrace – the hostel was a check on all fronts. It did not feel like a hostel at all. Actually its her own place where she stays and there are a few dorms on first and second floor, which are let out on booking.com and other booking sites.

In case you visit in the peak season which happens to be around new years time, don’t miss the family dinner that Ms Pretty organises a few times of the week.

Da Lat night market and nearby areas – Hit

After sleeping off for most part of the day I arrived here, I stepped out in the evening to explore the city and the night market. Temperatures in Da Lat are considerably lower than other parts of South Vietnam, apparently Da Lat is the only hill station in Southern Vietnam. One would be well advised to pack a few pieces of warm clothing when visiting this cute little town.

I instantly fell in love with the vibes of the city and the evening stroll seemed all the more beautiful due to the cold weather – not too cold but just enough to give a pleasant feel. Locals and tourists alike – everyone seemed lively and happily enjoying the views and experience that Da Lat offers.

There is a bustling night market area with plentiful street food stalls where one can enjoy fresh strawberries on the trademark little stools of these food joints. Strawberry is grown locally and on a big scale. Next to the night market, there is a big lake (Xuan Houng Lake) further adding to the beauty of Da Lat.

Rain Nightclub – Super Hit

Rain was my best clubbing experience in Da Lat. Huge in size, chic interiors, interesting moving lights and impeccable hospitality – this was a check on all aspects. There was no minimum spend to get a table and the whole experience was upscale and lively. Highly recommended.

No biased behaviour towards foreigners – I felt welcomed in Da Lat nightclubs & Kyoto in Quy Nhon – Sadly, I can’t say the same about Saigon and Hanoi nightclubs.

B21 Cuisine & Last Stop Bar – Hit

Worth checking out, these cute little nightclubs are located at 10mins walk away from the lake and next to each other. On specific days of the week, they get packed, however you have to be early. Da Lat is not the place for late night parties like 3 or 4 in the morning. One is well advised to reach the party place latest by 10pm. These places are not as grand or as chic as Rain but are decent for a couple of drinks when you want a relatively relaxed evening.

Vegan Heaven – Hit

Nice veg restaurant with unique presentations. Upscale and priced affordably.

Tuyem Lam Lake – Hit

Tuyem Lam Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Da Lat. I visited it on a day which started as sunny but ended up becoming cloudy to rainy by afternoon (Curse of travelling in the monsoons). Happy that I got some great shots around the lake.

The lake is located around 30 mins drive from the downtown and I drove on a rented scooter. The scooter rent was 250k VND per day. The lake is huge in size and one should drive around the lake a bit – you will be richly rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake in the backdrop of mountains.

I reached the lake from the downtown and kept driving towards Cereja Hotel and Dalat Edensee Resort and got to enjoy some nice views.

Several resorts near Tuyem Lam Lake – Cereja Hotel & Dalat Edensee Resort

If a luxurious stay with the lake views from your window/balcony is your thing, there are plenty of star resorts around Tuyem Lam Lake – You can enjoy nature in all its grandeur amidst greenery and peace.

Datanla waterfall – Miss

This is located about 15mins drive from Tuyem Lam Lake. I was disappointed to find out there is no clearly laid out walking trail to the waterfall area. Your only choice is to take an Alpine coaster ride which could be a thrilling experience for people who enjoy roller coaster rides. I gave it a miss as I was seeking a more natural experience rather than a man made one – Priced at 250k for a 10min ride, it is a bit on the expensive side and an example of over-commercialisation in my personal opinion.

Langbiang Mountain – Miss

This spot too was a disappointment – I wanted to drive to the top myself, however that is not allowed. One must take their Jeep ride at 120k VND per person to reach the mountain top. Taking your own vehicle is not allowed apparently owing to safety reasons. I found this to be another avenue to commercialise this natural sightseeing spot. The ticket is priced at 50k VND.

Access to natural spots should be free in my opinion and Lang Biang was yet another case of tourism over-commercialisation after similar experience at Datanla waterfalls.

The ride back to the town – Da Lat is a beautiful cute city

Da Lat is a beautiful city and my experience there was very refreshing. Cool weather and breathtaking scenery all around would make you wanting to visit the city again and again.

Hope you enjoy some of the beautiful shots around the Xuan Houng Lake taken at sunset time 🙂

Nook Cafe – Super Hit

This is a cute little coffee shop perched on a mountain slope with a great view of the valley and Da Lat city. After getting disappointed at Lang Biang, I drove to this cafe. Although, it was located on the other side of the city, I wanted to make the most of the few clear days that I was getting amidst the rains. I reached here just before the sunset and ordered a nice coffee. The hot coffee in the cold evening of Da Lat whilst enjoying the valley views was no less than bliss. My time here is etched in my memory and I will surely visit again when I find myself in Vietnam the next time.

Incessant rains

My travel to Vietnam in October has been haunted (or should I say hunted :)) by the monsoons right from Day 2 in Saigon. My stay in Da Lat was no different and it kept raining everyday post lunch.

On one of the days, I started my bike ride towards DT722 (a drive with no destination but picturesque views on the way). However, I hadn’t even ridden for 10mins when the drizzle started. Drizzle turned into heavy downpour and kept on pouring for a good couple of hours. I could start driving again only by 3pm when the rains subsided a bit (I was greeted by rains again the very same evening when I was about to reach DT722). Tough day – Lesson learnt – Never visit southern and central Vietnam in Sept-Oct.

Bike ride to DT722 – The best part of my Da Lat stay – Super Hit

I loved this drive to the core of my heart. Lush green pine trees all along and a ride altogether in nature’s wilderness with very little habitation on the way. There is a huge lake as well making this landscape complete – lake, mountains and greenery. I captured the views in shots as much as I could, the low light condition in the evening wasn’t helping though. If you take this drive on a sunny day, you will have a visual treat in store for you. Highly recommended.

Some more shots of Da Lat town in the evening

Chay corner in Dalat – Hit

This is a very famous joint for momos. They have a unique menu with momo soup as speciality. If you are around, do drop by and have a bite.

Don Quixote – Hit

One of the top rated nightclubs in Da Lat. Not as grand as Rain or Warm, however, definitely worth visiting. Chic interiors, great lighting and delightful service. This place is famous for uniquely crafted cocktails – if that’s your thing, you should consider visiting. It is walkable from the night market and downtown & located very near to B21 and Last stop bar.

Night Club Warm – Miss

Warm is one the most famous nightclubs along with Rain. I wanted to check it out and had saved it for the weekend. I reached the venue around 1030pm and the place was packed. I was offered a table on the sides, away from the DJ console and all the action 😦 I didn’t like that but I can’t blame them as the place was full. There was no option to drink at the bar, at least they didn’t offer me that choice. The place was lit – however it is very small in size compared to Rain and I saw mostly locals partying here. You can visit it and have a feel for yourself.

I felt the vibes at Rain were more welcoming along with the hospitality. Also, Rain is more upscale and has a touch of grandeur to it.

Nhu Y Restaurant – Good lunch option at 2 mins walk from the bus stand – Hit

Nhu Y is a nice eatery if you want to have a meal before boarding your bus from Da Lat bus stand. One can find only a few fast food items at the bus stand – I was famished by the time I reached there. Before my 7 hour long bus ride to Quy Nhon, I surely wanted to have a proper meal. Nhu Y was my saviour that afternoon.