Dalat sits up in Vietnam's central highlands, so it's noticeably cooler than the coast, especially at night. Pack a layer! It's a great 2–3 day stop between Ho Chi Minh City and the central coast.
Getting there
I took a night bus from Saigon on my own: about 7 hours, and very budget-friendly. Remember to sort your e-visa before you arrive in Vietnam; see my Vietnam travel guide.
Best things to do in Dalat
Go canyoning. It's one of Dalat's biggest highlights: rappelling and sliding down waterfalls with a guide. Book through your hotel or a local operator.
Take a countryside day tour. Mine stopped at a waterfall, temples, a silk factory, a cricket farm and a coffee shop overlooking the hills. Try the crickets and the cricket rice wine. I promise they don't taste that bad haha!
Get lost in Maze Bar. Grab a drink at the first bar, then wind through staircases, tunnels and walkways trying to find your way to the top. It's an absolute must.
Where to stay
Dalat is full of homestays, and many host family-style dinners every night. That's where I met the friends I ended up traveling the rest of Vietnam with. If you're traveling solo, a homestay with shared dinners is the easiest way to meet people.
Want to travel Vietnam with a built-in crew?
That feeling of meeting your travel crew at dinner is exactly what my group trips are built around. Dalat isn't on the itinerary, but my 9-day Vietnam group trip, April 10–18, 2027, covers Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ninh Binh and Hanoi, with an optional Ha Giang Loop. See the trip →