Dalat, Vietnam: Funk, Flowers, and Fabulous Weather
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Are you thinking of visiting Vietnam? It’s an incredible destination with countless attractions. Like many travelers, you might have your sights set on Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An.
Steve and I explored all of those, but we also spent two weeks in Dalat in February 2025, and it quickly became one of my favorite places in Vietnam.
All money is in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.
What Makes Dalat Unique?
The first thing that makes Dalat unique is the climate. Since it is 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, Dalat offers a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat of Vietnam’s major cities.
Check out Dalat’s weather here.
But what really sets Dalat apart is its high funkiness factor. If you love offbeat experiences, this city delivers. From a hotel/tourist attraction called The Crazy House, to a bar that winds through a multi-story maze (drink in hand!), to a tunnel lined with intricate clay sculptures, you’re bound to find something that makes you smile.
Dalat is also a paradise for flower lovers. The Dalat Flower Festival is held every other December, but if you miss it, don’t worry. You can still stroll among vibrant floral displays year-round at the Dalat City Flower Garden.
And adventure lovers won’t be disappointed! At Datanla Falls, you can race down an alpine coaster, soar through the trees on a zipline, take on the thrill of canyoning, or challenge yourself on a high ropes course.
Let’s dive into these attractions and all the other experiences Dalat has to offer!
What to See and Do in Dalat
Crazy House
The Crazy House is part hotel, part tourist attraction, and 100% unlike anywhere else. You can book a room in this whimsical, maze-like wonder, but even if you’re not staying overnight, you’re free to explore via its winding staircases.
Steve and I spent a few hours wandering through its surreal architecture. We visited on a Saturday, and while it was a bit crowded, it didn’t take away from the experience.
Like many attractions in Vietnam, admission was budget-friendly. We paid $3.00 per person. If you need a break, there are two spots on-site where you can grab refreshments.
Learn about the history of the Crazy House here.
The Maze Bar
The Maze Bar offers a similarly intriguing experience on a smaller scale. After stepping inside and grabbing a reasonably priced drink ($4.00 for a whiskey sour and a Coke), you descend into a cave-like space where the path isn’t immediately clear. As you navigate upward, taking in the intricate wall carvings, you eventually emerge onto a rooftop patio.
The rooftop view may not be remarkable, but if you’re lucky, like we were, you’ll cross paths with fellow travelers to swap Dalat stories with.
The Clay Tunnel
If you’re still craving more offbeat attractions, the Clay Tunnel is waiting for you. Though not a true tunnel, since it lacks a roof, you’ll wind your way through wide trenches filled with an eclectic mix of sculptures.
We paid less than $5.00 each to visit the tunnel.
We visited on an overcast day, so our photos don’t do it justice, but near the end, you’ll come across the striking Two Heads sculpture.
The tunnel is about a half-hour drive from the city center. We took a Grab there, but it was the one spot where we struggled to book a ride back, as our eSIM wasn’t working in that area. Fortunately, taxis were available in the parking lot. We negotiated the fare with the driver first, as we always do.
Datanla Falls
Datanla Falls blends nature and adventure seamlessly. While the falls themselves don’t compare to Iguazu or Victoria Falls, the park more than makes up for it with an adrenaline-packed experience.
Thrill-seekers can race down the longest alpine coaster in Southeast Asia, a 2.4 km or 1.5-mile ride that’s an absolute blast on the way down. Just a heads-up, if you get a round-trip ticket, the ride back up is far less exhilarating. For a more scenic return, you can hike back through the park instead.
If you’re looking for even more excitement, the longest zipline above a forest in Asia stretches 1.5 km or almost 1 mile. I’d love to say it was amazing, but Steve and I skipped that one. The same goes for canyoning and the high ropes course, which offers five levels of difficulty.
When you’re ready to slow things down, a peaceful stroll through the park is always an option.
There was no entry fee for the park, but we paid $10.00 per person for each round-trip coaster ride. Of everything we did in Dalat, this was the most expensive.
Dalat Railway Station
I had seen photos of the Dalat Railway Station and thought it would be a great photo op. I was surprised to find that I had to buy a ticket for $2.00 to enter the railway grounds. Once I entered, I was disappointed by the station’s condition.
Luckily, I didn’t give up. If you walk through the station, you’ll find charming cafés, souvenir shops, and vintage train cars that offer a glimpse into the past.
Dalat City Flower Garden
The Dalat City Flower Garden sits right next to Xuan Huong Lake. During a walk around the lake, Steve and I peeked through the entrance gate. We weren’t impressed since we could see very little of the park. When I decided to check it out on my own, I was pleasantly surprised.
Admission is a bargain at around $2.00 per adult. The garden spans 7,000 square meters or 1.7 acres across two levels, featuring floral displays that range from classic arrangements to more playful designs.
The Valley of Love
If the beauty of the Dalat City Flower Garden wasn’t enough, consider checking out the Valley of Love, just a 10-minute drive from Dalat’s center.
Steve and I didn’t make it there, but reviews highlight its romantic and tranquil vibe. Visitors rave about the lush greenery, themed gardens, and picturesque landscapes.
Several reviewers on Tripadvisor felt that the entrance fee (around $10) was too high.
Book your ticket to the Valley of Love here.
Xuan Huong Lake
Aside from the chaotic traffic (it is Vietnam, after all), Dalat is quite walkable. As you explore the city’s attractions, you will likely pass the man-made Xuan Huong Lake.
While I always appreciate a lake in a city, I found the shoreline underwhelming. There are a few restaurants and some gardens, but much of the surrounding land feels barren.
We saw plenty of paddle boats, but not a single one was in use.
Bao Dai Palace 3
There are three palaces in Dalat linked to Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam, Palaces 1, 2, and 3. If you want a glimpse into how he lived, your best bet is Palace 3. This modern summer retreat is just a short drive from downtown Dalat.
We skipped it. Honestly, Vietnam’s palaces don’t hold a candle to the ones we’ve seen in Europe.
Conclusion
Dalat is a small city, just 395 km² or 153 square miles, with a population of around 250,000. It may be compact, but there’s plenty to do to make it worth a visit. The cooler climate is a nice bonus.
However, one thing that never changes in Vietnam is the chaotic traffic, so be careful out there.
More posts about Vietnam
Read more about some of our favorite places in Vietnam.
How to Find the Best Halong Bay Cruise for You
Love Kitsch? You’ll Love Ba Na Hills SunWorld
Is Ba Na Hills SunWorld Right for You?
The Best, Worst, and Weirdest Things About Hanoi
Until Next Time
I hope this post has inspired you to add Dalat to your Vietnam itinerary. If you’ve been there, Steve and I would love to hear your thoughts and your favorite spots.
Happy traveling,
Linda
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