Dalat, Vietnam

Why You'll Love Dalat

Welcome to one of Vietnam's most charming cities, Dalat! Nestled high in the Central Highlands, this gem of a destination offers visitors a break from the heat and hustle of the rest of the country. In fact, Dalat is often called the "City of Eternal Spring" thanks to its pleasantly cool temperatures year-round.

There is so much to see and do here, from taking in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding pine forests, lakes and waterfalls, to exploring the charming French colonial architecture found throughout the city. For the adventurous, there are plenty of outdoor activities to satisfy your adrenaline cravings, such as hiking, canyoning and mountain biking.

Be sure to try some of the local specialties while you're here, too. Don't miss the chance to sample some fresh strawberries (Dalat is famous for them!) or indulge in some of the region's delicious coffee. And for the history buffs, a visit to the city's many museums and cultural sites will reveal fascinating insights into Dalat's unique past.

So come on over and discover this wonderful destination for yourself. We promise, you won't be disappointed!

Getting to Dalat

The nearest airport to Dalat, Vietnam is Lien Khuong Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to reach your desired destination within Dalat. If you are traveling from a nearby city such as Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, there are also bus and train options available that can take you directly to Dalat.

Travelling from Lien Khuong Airport to Dalat

When to Visit

The best time to visit Dalat, Vietnam is from December to March when the weather is cool and dry.

Weather and Climate

Dalat, Vietnam has a temperate climate with cool to mild weather throughout the year.

- December to February: The winter months are the coolest time of the year with temperatures ranging from 10-18°C (50-64°F). The air is dry and crisp, making it a popular time to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
- March to May: Springtime brings mild temperatures with the average high around 22°C (72°F). This is a good time to see the city's lovely flowers as they start to bloom.
- June to August: Summer brings warmer temperatures with an average high of 25°C (77°F). It is also the rainy season, with rainfall increasing each month, peaking in August.
- September to November: Autumn weather is mild and dry, with temperatures similar to those in the springtime. This is a popular time for visitors to see the autumn colors, particularly in the surrounding hills and countryside.

Costs When Visiting

In Vietnam, the currency is the Vietnamese Dong.
Some sample costs when travelling around Dalat are:

Food:
- Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup): 30,000-50,000 VND (1.3-2.2 USD)
- Banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich): 10,000-20,000 VND (0.4-0.9 USD)
- Com tam (broken rice with grilled pork): 35,000-50,000 VND (1.5-2.2 USD)
- Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup): 35,000-50,000 VND (1.5-2.2 USD)
- Seafood hotpot: 150,000-250,000 VND per person (6.5-11 USD)

Accommodation:
- Budget guesthouses: 150,000-300,000 VND per night (6.5-13 USD)
- Mid-range hotels: 400,000-800,000 VND per night (17.5-35 USD)
- Luxury resorts: 2,500,000-5,000,000 VND per night (110-220 USD)

Safety Rating

Dalat, Vietnam is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, and violent crime is rare. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, so visitors should take necessary precautions. Women should have no issues traveling alone, and the area is generally considered safe for LGBTQ individuals. While some racism still exists in Vietnam, overall, religious and racial tolerance is increasing.

Local Population

The population of Dalat, Vietnam is approximately 200,000 people. The demographics of the city are largely Vietnamese, although there is also a significant minority of ethnic minorities such as the K'ho and Churu people. The primary religion in the city is Buddhism, but there are also significant populations of Catholics and Protestants.

The primary language spoken in Dalat is Vietnamese, although some people in the city also speak French or English due to the area's colonial history. The gender breakdown of the population is roughly equal, although there are slightly more females than males. In terms of race, the vast majority of the population is Vietnamese, with smaller populations of ethnic minorities.

Overall, the population of Dalat is diverse in terms of ethnicity and religion, but the primary language spoken is Vietnamese.

Things to Do

Some common activities for tourists visiting Dalat, Vietnam include exploring the city's lush green gardens and parks, visiting historical temples and pagodas, exploring waterfalls and lakes, hiking through the surrounding hills and mountains, enjoying local cuisine and coffee, and shopping for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Other popular activities include visiting the Crazy House, riding the cable car to the summit of Lang Biang Mountain, and taking a scenic train ride through the countryside.