Xuan Huong Lake and Market Area
Best for first-timers: walk to the lake, night market and cafes. Traffic is heavy on weekends.
Central Vietnam
Da Lat
- Best time
- Nov – Mar
- Ideal stay
- 3 days 2 nights
- Avg. cost
- $45 – $85/day
- Airport
- 300km from Ho Chi Minh City
Da Lat Overview
Dalat sits at about 1,500m, so it stays cool all year, with pine forests, French-era villas and flower farms. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants a break from beach heat.
Highlights of Dalat:
- Xuan Huong Lake and center: Walk or cycle the lake loop, then eat at Central Market food stalls at night.
- Waterfalls and canyoning: Visit Datanla Falls, or book a half-day canyoning tour a day ahead. Wear closed shoes.
- Langbiang Mountain: Go for views north of the city; take a jeep up and walk the rest.
- Flower farms and coffee: Visit flower farms and highland coffee cafes. Mornings are clearer than afternoons.
Best Time to Visit: Nov – Mar is dry, with sunny days and cool nights, so pack a jacket. Fog can delay flights in this season. Jul – Sep is rainy, and Tet week is very crowded.
Book flights and weekend rooms early; Saturday nights and holidays sell out.
Where to stay in Da Lat
Where to base yourself, by travel style.
Old French Quarter
Villas and quiet streets uphill from the center; good boutique stays. Steep walks.
Tuyen Lam Lake Area
Quiet forest-and-lake setting for couples and slow mornings. You need a taxi to reach the center.
When to visit Da Lat
Temperature, rain and crowds by month.
January
17.2°C ~ 63°F
6 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
February
17.7°C ~ 64°F
5 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
19.3°C ~ 67°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
20.1°C ~ 68°F
14 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
20.1°C ~ 68°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
19.6°C ~ 67°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
19.2°C ~ 67°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
19.4°C ~ 67°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
19°C ~ 66°F
28 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
October
18.6°C ~ 65°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
18.4°C ~ 65°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
17.5°C ~ 64°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Getting to Da Lat
Times, costs and booking links.
Step 1: Fly to Dalat (DLI) Land, then take a 45 min ride into Dalat
Lien Khuong Airport serves Dalat with flights from Saigon (about 1 hr), Hanoi (about 1 hr 50 min) and Da Nang.
- Visa: Many nationalities get a 45-day visa-free stay, and others can apply for an e-visa (up to 90 days) at evisa.gov.vn. Rules change, so check the official portal before you fly.
- SIM/eSIM: Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at your first Vietnam airport (Saigon, Hanoi or Da Nang) before you fly on.
- Cash: Get dong from an ATM at your first airport. Small shops, local eateries and scooter rentals often prefer cash.
- Flights: Saigon fares start around $20 one way; Hanoi around $50. Fog can close the airport at times (Nov – Mar), so leave buffer time.
- Onward transport: The airport is about 30km from town (45 min). Grab, Xanh SM and taxis cost roughly 250,000 – 450,000 VND ($10 – $18). Airport shuttle buses run irregularly, so confirm before you rely on one.
