We spent 3 days in Da Lat during our Vietnam adventure last September. We arrived in Da Lat via a sleeper bus that took us on a 4-hour journey from Mui Ne, Vietnam.
You can also fly from Kuala Lumpur to Da Lat via Air Asia.
Da Lat is a south central Vietnamese town that offers good weather, fresh scenery and fun, interesting activities. The town boosts of flowers and colonial buildings, with beautiful mountain bacdrops and views, and waterfalls to explore.
I am listing down some of the fun activities you can try when visiting Da Lat. I love that the city offers us a variety of adventurous activities, chill relaxed nights and whimsical views.
1. Ride Cable Car to Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Enjoy the beautiful mountain views of Robin Hill aboard a cable car (we were lucky that we didn’t share it with other tourists) on your way to Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
The cable car costs 80,000 VND ( around Php 185 / $ 3 USD) for roundtrip and 60,000 VND ( Php 140/ $2.5 USD) for one-way.
2. Ride a Roller Coaster to Datanla Falls
True or falls? I was surprised to find out that you can ride a roller coaster (which you can control!) on your way to Datanla Falls. It is best for people who love adventure and don’t want to hike (that’s me!).
The ride is relatively safe as you can control how fast or slow you would go. Just be mindful of the car ahead of you so you won’t bump on each other, and make sure that you give your big smile to the camera!
The view of the falls is amazing!
Other tourists opted to do canoeing.
On the same location, you can try the Tree Top Adventure they call High Ropes. Activities include zipline, suspended bridges, and more. I am okay to do this if only I was dressed for the adventure.
3. Visit the Da Lat Railway Station
The Da Lat Railway Station is built by the French and is once operational with 3 departures and arrivals daily. Today, there is still a train that operates and takes tourists to the Trai Mat Village, where you can visit the home Linh Phuoc Pagoda.
We were right on schedule when we arrived at the station. We bought tickets to the “soft seat” carriage while the VIP carriage seems a little too full – but I love the tables and couches on the VIP area.
4. Take Photos at Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Linh Phuoc Pagoda is one of the most beautiful and intricate pagodas I have ever seen and visited. It so much reminds me of the work of Gaudi with its interesting patterns made with ceramic tiles and bottles.
It is a 10-minute walk from the Train Station, so make sure to be mindful of the time and not miss your train ride on the way back. The Pagoda has its own charm and you might get lost in its beauty.
5. Trek to See the Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is known as the little Niagara Falls in Da Lat, Vietnam. To get to its beauty, you have to trek down a slippery and rocky terrain. I was not ready for such a trek and decided to quit before I even hurt myself.
But from the start of the terrain, you can already see and hear its powerful sight and sound.
Entrance fee is around 20,000 VND (Php 50 / less than a dollar) and is open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
6. Say Hello to the HappyBuddha
Just right beside the Elephant Falls, the Happy Buddha is waiting to greet all the tourists. I love its happy mood, standing at 50-feet tall which makes it a perfect attraction to the pagoda.
7. Go Crazy at Crazy House
Crazy House is like a fairy tale house-slash-labyrinth. It is a maze of outrageously slim bridges rising to the roofs of medieval-like houses, with jungle vines handrails, surrounded by lava-like shapes of cascading design.
This must be one of the popular coffee shops and photographed place in Da Lat, Vietnam. When we arrived, we found different groups of millennials stylishly clad in their best outfit and shooting in every corner of the coffee place.
9. Maybe Spend Time at Maybe Blue Cafe
A very hipster coffee shop in Da Lat, Maybe Blue offers indoor and outdoor dining. The place is huge that you can always find a spot even if it becomes crowded. The staff is really nice, can speak English and can even take your photos.
10. Have a Drink at Da Lat Maze Bar (100 Roofs Cafe)
Da Lat Maze Bar is known as 100 Roofs Cafe where tourists go for a quick drink. What makes it interesting is that guests have to go through different ladders and tunnels that lead to different drinking spots (resembles like cave) and to the dining hall. It is a very interesting and challenging experience.
There is no entrance fee to enter the bar but guests are required to buy one can of beer which costs around 2 dollars. The Da Lat Maze Bar is designed by the same architect which created the Crazy House.
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We visited and did all these things during our 3-day trip to Da Lat, Vietnam. Next story would be about Hoi An, Vetnam.
