Da Lat Activities - Activities in Da Lat

When you first arrive in Dalat, you might think there is nothing much to the city other than just admiring its natural beauty. In fact, there are many interesting things to do in Dalat, ranging from sports such as mountain biking and golf, taking many types of tours around the city, and shopping for local food to visiting a quirky art gallery.

Mountain biking in Da Lat:

A famous destination for mountain bikers, Dalat offers great mountain biking routes. You can take a scenic trail along the Central Highlands starting from the north of the city and into the forest that offers single tracks and magnificent views of the highest mountain in the area, Langbian.

Walking around Da Lat City:

Walking is the best way to see, taste and smell the city. Unlike other cities in Vietnam, Dalat dœes not have cyclos due to its hilly terrain and altitude. Take a walk to the French Quarter for a French feel. Here you can find many remarkable French colonial summer houses. If you are tired of walking, why not take a rest in one of many swanky cafes in town. Dalat is well-known for its trendy cafes that give a mixture of Vietnamese and French atmosphere.

Golf in Da Lat City:

Dalat boasts Vietnam’s first golf course called the Dalat Palace Golf Club, which was built by the order of the country’s last emperor, Bao Dai. It was beautifully restored and now is one of the most popular golf courses in Vietnam. Renovated to international competition standard, this golf course is also the only course in Asia that features bent grass tees and greens.

Waterfall in Da Lat:

Take a day off from visiting the city and take a plunge into the water at one of the lovely waterfalls. Pongour Waterfalls, about 55 kms south-east of Dalat, boast waters that fall 25 metres along many steps, while Gougah Fall, 40 kms from Dalat, is 17 metres high and splits into two paths: the right path where the water flows calmly to the bottom and the left path where the water strikes the rocks loud and strong.

Cable car in Da Lat:

If you want to see Dalat from a bird’s eye view, take the cable car that runs between Dalat and Tuyen Lam for some vertigo fun. The ride is about 5 kms long and lasts for 15 minutes. The views of valleys, lakes and forests are stunning.
Riding on an old train: the old railway station (the Cremaillere Station) runs a 20-minute train ride to Tri Mat, about 8 kms down the road. The ride is short but very rewarding as you can see picturesque scenery of Dalat’s surroundings such as terraced plantations on the mountains and lush green agriculture areas. The train runs five times a day.

Shopping in Da Lat City:

Experience the laid-back way of local lifestyle and buy some souvenirs at Dalat’s Central Market, which is always busy from early morning until late at night. The market has an open promenade so tourists can walk around to check out local products and food stalls.

Dining in Da Lat City:

Vietnamese food is famous for its fresh vegetables and fruits. Visit one of many Vietnamese restaurants with a wide range of local cuisine for some healthy meals. Or if you want to buy food at very reasonable prices, head to the area called Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, which turns into a large open-air food fair providing many kinds of local food in the afternoon.

Hang Nga guest house and art gallery in Da Lat:

It is a guesthouse and an art gallery, and this ‘Crazy House’ is a must if you are into quirky art pieces and bizarre sculptures. The place itself is also fascinating as it is a wild mass of wood and wire made into the shape of a giant tree house with concrete smoothed over.