High in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat was founded in the early 1900s as a French hill station. Pines replaced palms, villas dotted misty hills, and the city’s cool climate earned it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.” Today it’s famous for floriculture, strawberries, artichokes, waterfalls, and a creative spirit that has never quite left.

Two signatures define modern Da Lat: whimsical architecture and gentle adventure. You’ll climb inside the surreal Crazy House (Hằng Nga Guesthouse), and stroll a photogenic Glass Bridge in the Valley of Love with sweeping views of lakes and pines. Add in a toboggan run at Datanla, lake sunsets, and a proud coffee culture powered by local arabica farms.

Practical notes: the altitude (~1,500 m / 4,900 ft) keeps temperatures mild but nights can be brisk—carry a light jacket. Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is 30–40 minutes from town; taxis and Grab are easy. Dress modestly for temples, carry small cash for markets, and expect hills—Da Lat is delightfully walkable but rides save time.

Da Lat

Da Lat blends fairy-tale scenery with earthy pleasures. Pine forests ring glassy lakes, cable cars float over tea-green hills, and market stalls sizzle with “bánh tráng nướng” (the famous “Da Lat pizza”). The vibe is artistic, outdoorsy, and relaxed.

• Top sights: Crazy House, Valley of Love (Glass Bridge), Xuan Huong Lake, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Tuyen Lam Lake, Datanla Waterfall (alpine coaster), Linh Phuoc Pagoda (mosaic wonder), Da Lat Railway Station and the Trai Mat train.
• Coffee & cafes: La Viet Coffee (roastery tastings), The Married Beans (single-origin pours), Mê Linh Coffee Garden (panoramas), Café Tùng (1950s icon), An Cafe (treehouse vibes).
• Local food to try: Lẩu gà lá é (peppery hotpot with basil-like “lá é”), nem nướng (grilled pork rolls), bánh căn (mini rice cakes), bánh ướt lòng gà (steamed rice sheets with chicken), and artichoke tea.

Where to stay: For one cozy night before your day trip, search for central stays around the Night Market or lake, or go resort-style by Tuyen Lam.

• VRBO: apartments, villas, and chalets in Da Lat — look near Xuan Huong Lake for easy walking.
• Hotels.com: hotels and resorts in Da Lat — consider Ana Mandara Villas Dalat (colonial villas), Dalat Palace Heritage, Terracotta Hotel & Resort, or Colline Hotel.

How to get there: Fly into Lien Khuong Airport (DLI). From Ho Chi Minh City it’s ~50 minutes; from Hanoi ~1h50–2h. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Taxis/Grab to town cost roughly 250,000–350,000 VND and take ~35 minutes. Overnight buses from HCMC take ~6–7 hours; there’s no direct train to Da Lat.

Day 1: Soft Landing in Springtime Da Lat (optional pre-night)

Afternoon: Arrive and drop bags. Start at the Da Lat Railway Station for Art Deco photos, then ride the short heritage train to Trai Mat (about 25–30 minutes each way) to visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda, famous for its mosaic dragons and a bell tower you can climb. If you prefer something gentler, stroll around Xuan Huong Lake and Lam Vien Square’s giant glass “artichoke.”

Evening: Dinner ideas: Lẩu gà lá é Tao Ngộ (3 Yersin) for the signature basil-scented chicken hotpot; Nem Nướng Bà Hùng (254 Phan Đình Phùng) for DIY grilled pork rolls; or Nhà Hàng Hoa Sen (vegetarian, 62 Phan Đình Phùng). After, roam the Da Lat Night Market for “bánh tráng nướng,” grilled skewers, and hot soy milk.

Night: Classic coffee at Café Tùng (old-school soundtrack intact), or a modern pour-over at The Married Beans. For dessert, try kem bơ (avocado ice cream) at Kem Bơ Thanh Thảo (76 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi).

Day 2: Your 10:00–20:00 Da Lat Highlights Day (Crazy House + Glass Bridge)

Morning (10:00–12:30): Land in town and fuel up at La Viet Coffee (200 Nguyễn Công Trứ) for local arabica or a nitro cold brew. Head to the iconic Crazy House (Hằng Nga Guesthouse), a surreal maze of ladders, tunnels, and animal-themed rooms dreamed up by architect Đặng Việt Nga. Budget ~60–90 minutes; it’s photogenic but involves many steps and open-air walkways—wear grippy shoes.

Lunch (12:30–13:30): Nearby picks: Le Chalet Dalat (6 Huỳnh Thúc Kháng) serves Vietnamese staples and crepes in a garden courtyard; or try Bánh ướt lòng gà Hằng 68 (68 Phan Đình Phùng) for the beloved chicken-and-rice-sheet specialty with herbs and lime.

Afternoon (13:30–17:30): Ride 20 minutes north to the Valley of Love (Thung Lũng Tình Yêu) for landscaped hills, lakeside paths, and the Glass Bridge (Cầu Kính Tình Yêu) suspended over pine views. Allow ~90 minutes for photos and a gentle wander. Then head ~25–30 minutes south to Datanla Waterfall for the alpine coaster—choose a slow scenic descent or thrill setting; lines move quickly, and the run back up is automated.

Evening (17:30–20:00): Catch golden hour around Tuyen Lam Lake (calm piers and pine reflections). If time allows, stop briefly at Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery (dress modestly); note the cable car often stops around late afternoon—check hours—so plan to arrive by road. Dinner back near the center: try Lẩu bò Ba Toa (beef hotpot; several “Ba Toa” spots—ask your driver for the original) or graze the Night Market once more. Aim to leave the center ~60–90 minutes before your 20:00 departure if heading to the airport; town-to-airport is ~35 minutes plus check-in.

Getting around today: Use GrabCar/Taxi; most hops are 15–30 minutes. Typical fares: center↔Valley of Love ~80,000–120,000 VND; center↔Datanla ~80,000–120,000 VND; center↔airport ~250,000–350,000 VND.

Cafe & breakfast short list (use as you go): La Viet Coffee (roastery tastings), An Cafe (treehouse setting, Vietnamese breakfasts), Café Tùng (espresso and nostalgia), and Mê Linh Coffee Garden (best with a spare morning for views).

Extra bites you’ll love: Bánh căn at Bánh Căn Lệ (27 Yersin) in the morning; nem nướng at Bà Hùng for lunch; and artichoke tea as a warm nightcap.

Optional Add‑Ons Elsewhere in Vietnam (if you extend)

If the glass bridge has you hooked, Da Nang’s mountain-top “Golden Bridge” (hands of a giant) is a spectacular second act:

Ba Na Hills with Golden Bridge Private Tour

Flying via Ho Chi Minh City? Make a layover count with an open-air classic Jeep spin past the city’s big hitters:

Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep

Travel booking tip: Compare domestic flights to Da Lat on Trip.com and Kiwi.com; prices often range ~$25–70 one-way from Ho Chi Minh City and ~$50–120 from Hanoi, depending on season and time of day.

Good to know: Many attractions open ~7:30–8:00 and close ~17:00–18:00; hours can shift seasonally and on holidays. Bring a light jacket, sunscreen for altitude sun, and comfortable shoes for steps and coaster brakes. Card acceptance is improving, but small cash speeds market snacks and taxis.

In two easy days—one soft landing, one focused highlights run—you’ll taste Da Lat’s essence: imaginative architecture, lake-and-pine scenery, playful outdoor thrills, and some of Vietnam’s best coffee. Whether you linger overnight or dip in from 10:00 to 20:00, the city rewards curiosity with fresh air and fresh flavors.