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Hello! 👋
Our stay in Da Lat was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a place with a completely different atmosphere—both literally and figuratively. The breezy and cooler air made even long walks an absolute pleasure.
If you want to read about our impressions of Da Lat—how we got there, where we stayed, and what surprised us—check out this post 👉 click here.
And now it’s time to review the places we managed to visit! 🚶♂️✨
Da Lat Market
viet. Chợ đà lạt
Da Lat Market is one of the busiest spots in the city center. Located on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It’s a place where you can find almost everything—from fresh vegetables, fruits, and clothes to souvenirs and local delicacies.
We arrived here quite late, when some of the stalls were already starting to pack up. Nevertheless, we could still feel the atmosphere of the place. What surprised us was the sheer number of counterfeit items from well-known brands—ranging from clothing to accessories. For example, Alpha Industries jackets were sold at a fraction of the price. However, we strongly advise against buying such items. Carrying counterfeits across borders can lead to unpleasant consequences, so it’s best to avoid these purchases.
Inside, there’s also a meat section—be prepared for some distinctive smells, as the storage and selling conditions differ from those in typical supermarkets. This might be a bit of a shock for those accustomed to more sterile environments.
The market also has stalls serving street food. Local specialties are offered here, making it a great place to try something new. However, it’s important to carefully check the hygiene standards at each stall before deciding to have a meal.
Lumiere Da Lat – Light Garden
viet. Vườn Ánh Sáng Lumiere
Lumiere Da Lat is an attraction that was meant to be one of the more modern highlights on our sightseeing map. The place advertises itself as a multimedia light garden, full of light installations, visual effects, and interactive exhibits.
The photos looked truly impressive, so we decided to visit. Our impressions? Quite positive, although we have to admit, the place turned out to be smaller than we expected. Our walk through the exhibits took less time than we had planned, which, given the relatively high ticket price, was a bit disappointing.
The light installations are interesting, and some of them are truly impressive, especially if you enjoy Instagram-style photos. The colorful lights, mirror-filled spaces, and dynamic projections create an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in another dimension.
👉 For more information, visit the official website.
Hằng Nga House
viet. Biệt thự du lịch Hằng Nga
Hằng Nga House in Da Lat is a place that’s hard to compare to anything we’ve seen before—even in Europe. It’s a true architectural labyrinth full of winding corridors, hidden corners, and whimsical shapes that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a fairytale or dream.
Designed by Vietnamese architect Đặng Việt Nga, the building resembles a mix of a house, a tree, and a cave. Inside, you’ll find stairs that twist like roots, windows with irregular shapes, and bridges suspended in the air. The whole place gives the impression that the structure has grown organically from the earth rather than being created by human hands.
Our impressions? A great place to explore! We spent a good hour here, wandering through different rooms and discovering hidden passages. This place is not just a tourist attraction, but also a functioning hotel—you can rent a room and spend the night in truly unique interiors.
Some paths, especially those on higher levels, can be a bit stressful for people with a fear of heights—they’re narrow, winding, and lack railings. It’s worth keeping this in mind, especially if you’re traveling with children.
👉 For more information, visit the official website.
Lam Dong Administrative Center
viet. Trung tâm Hành chính tỉnh Lâm Đồng
It may seem strange to add an administrative building to the list of attractions, but the Lam Dong Administrative Center in Da Lat is more than just a government office. What makes this place stand out? Above all, the observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the city from a completely different perspective.
The building is quite futuristic by the standards of the region—it stands out against the more classic architecture of Da Lat. Its design resembles modern office buildings, but it’s the view from the upper floors that is the main attraction here.
Dalat Railway Station
viet. Ga Đà Lạt
Dalat Railway Station is a historic train station built in the 1930s, considered one of the best-preserved colonial-era stations in Vietnam. The architecture of the building blends elements of French Art Deco style with local accents, which truly catches the eye.
Although the building is architecturally interesting, it didn’t leave a huge impression on us. It’s definitely a spot for history and photography enthusiasts, as you can capture some truly atmospheric shots—especially with the historic train standing on the side track.
The station now mainly serves as a tourist attraction rather than a transit point, so train traffic is minimal.
Valley Of Love
viet. Thung lũng Tình Yêu
Valley of Love is one of the more well-known spots in Đà Lạt, mainly attracting local tourists. It’s located just 5 kilometers from the city center, surrounded by hills and pine forests. It’s perfect for walks, although during our visit, the weather wasn’t entirely favorable—the drizzle slightly limited our sightseeing.
In the valley, there’s Da Thien Lake, where you can rent swan-shaped boats—creative, though a bit kitschy. We stuck to walking, as the rain effectively discouraged us from boating. Along the way, we came across a hedge maze and bridges perfect for photos—it’s clear that the place is mainly set up for tourists looking for attractions for social media.
The cashier at the entrance pleasantly surprised us—she suggested we wait 15 minutes because the tickets would be cheaper then. We managed to save a bit, which is always a plus.
The place is quite spacious, so it’s a good idea to prepare for a longer walk and bring something waterproof—weather can change quickly here. There were few European tourists, and most of the visitors were from local tours. On one hand, this added authenticity, but on the other, it could get crowded at times.
Overall, the valley was quite pleasant, although the plastic decorations somewhat ruined the atmosphere. Still, it’s worth a visit, especially if you enjoy nature and want to take a break from the urban hustle and bustle.
Tuyen Lam Lake Spillway
viet. Đập tràn Hồ Tuyền Lâm
The Tuyen Lam Lake Dam is a place that attracts mainly with its peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Located near Tuyen Lam Lake, it’s one of those spots where you can slow down for a moment and simply enjoy nature.
The most distinctive feature of this place is a small, cascading waterfall—something like a gradual spill, where water flows over concrete steps. It’s this flow that adds extra charm to the location, especially when the sun reflects off the water.
Next to it, there’s a pleasant café where we had to pay a symbolic entry fee.
Kokoro cà phê
Kokoro Cà Phê is a place in Da Lat that stands out with its Japanese style. It’s a café combined with a garden inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. An ideal spot for a moment of relaxation and capturing atmospheric photos.
We ordered coffee here, although communication with the staff was a bit challenging—they spoke very basic English. Still, everything was handled without any issues. You could pay by card, which isn’t always the case in Da Lat.
Although the place has huge potential, we were the only guests on the entire premises. It might have been the time of day or the season, but the silence and calmness were, on one hand, an advantage, while on the other, they made the place feel a bit deserted.
We recommend stopping by if you’re in the mood for a peaceful break with coffee in a beautiful setting. It’s perfect for a moment of respite during sightseeing!
Lam Vien Square
viet. Quảng trường Lâm Viên
Lam Vien Square is one of the central spots in Đà Lạt, serving recreational, commercial, and entertainment purposes. The square is located by the picturesque Xuân Hương Lake.
What immediately catches the eye are the distinctive, futuristic structures—a massive flower artistically resembling a yellow sunflower and a green glass block shaped like a flower bud. Both structures serve as landmarks and popular photo backdrops. Beneath the square, there’s a shopping gallery where you can do some shopping.
While strolling around the area, you can also stop by Xuân Hương Lake. It’s a great spot for a short rest, especially since there are benches and small walking paths around it.
Cam Ly Airport
viet. Sân bay Cam Ly
Cam Ly Airport is a former facility located in Da Lat, which no longer handles commercial flights. It was built during the colonial era and for many years served mainly as a military base and an airport for small civilian planes.
The airport ceased its passenger operations many years ago and now serves more symbolic than practical functions. For some tourists, it might be a historical curiosity, especially since its location in the mountainous terrain adds a unique character to the site.
The site is rarely visited and doesn’t usually appear on the main tourist attraction lists in Đà Lạt. However, for aviation history enthusiasts or lovers of abandoned places, it can be an interesting stop for a quick visit and some photos.
Summary and we’re off on a long bus journey
We’ve had a few intense days in Da Lat—full of walks, sightseeing, and exploring the corners of this mountainous region. The views were amazing, though the weather could have been a bit more favorable.
Well, if the food had suited our taste a bit more, we’d probably have stayed longer! 😅 Despite that, Da Lat will definitely remain in our memories as a place with a unique atmosphere and stunning landscapes.
Now it’s time to move on. Our next stop is Đà Nẵng. This time, we have a long, 20-hour bus journey ahead of us, so a new adventure awaits, which you’ll read about in the next part of our story. 🚍 ✨