Da Lat is a mountainous city in southern Vietnam, a 3-hour drive south of Nha Trang. It is one of those destinations in Vietnam that do not have very easy access and that is why I was delaying it. Finally, on this last trip to Vietnam, we added some destinations that we had yet to visit such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Da Lat.
Da Lat is a city that can be visited quickly. You can visit the city itself in one day. But if you want to know a little more about the nature of the place, go do some trekking with waterfalls... I advise you to add an extra day.
In this post I tell you about the most essential places to see in Da Lat, I also add some links with guides on how to get there, where to stay in Da Lat...
10 ESSENTIALS TO SEE IN DA LAT, VIETNAM
Da Lat is a city little known among foreigners because it is quite remote, but it is very popular among Vietnamese for its flower festival and for being the place that supplies flowers to the entire country. Da Lat has many interesting places to visit that you can see in one day.
1. Da Lat Night Market
As in the entire country, the city of Sa Lat has a night street market that is the soul of the city. The busiest place, full of stalls, among which you will find clothing stalls, fakes, street food stalls... it is possible to dine for less than 2 euros and end up full.
2. Lam Vien Square
Lam Vien Square is a huge square located next to Xuan Huong Lake, from where you will have beautiful views of the lake, the mountains in the background and the vegetation. Locals come here to have their picnics and watch the sunset. Although you will always see children playing, young people listening to music, reading...
3. The Linh Son Pagoda, a must see in Da Lat
It is one of the most beautiful pagodas to see in Da Lat. It is very small, but without a doubt, it is an essential place to visit. The Linh Son Pagoda was built in 1940 located on a small hill. The pagoda has a fairly large garden area, very quiet, where you can walk. Admission is free.
4. The Domaine de Marie Church
This beautiful church was built in 1940 in a French colonial style with a mix of Vietnamese architecture. It stands out for being built in pink, it is really beautiful. In the same church, there is a nunnery and a small school for local children to attend. Admission is free.
5. Hang Nga Crazy House
Hang Nga Crazy House is a somewhat peculiar house that you cannot miss in Da Lat. It was designed by Vietnamese artist Dang Viet Nga. It stands out for its combination of nature, fairy tales and Vietnamese culture. You will find organic shapes, curves, colorful mosaics... the combination is bizarre and perfect. Admission costs 50,000 dong.
6. Da Lat Flower Market
The city of Da Lat is characterized by being the largest exporter of flowers. In addition to having an incredible annual festival, you can also visit the flower garden. Here you will find all kinds of flowers. The park is separated into several sections, in addition to flowers and plants everywhere, there are several trails that lead you to small artificial waterfalls, canals, bridges... the park is beautiful and very worth visiting. The entrance fee is 30,000 dong.
7. The Golden Buddha of Da Lat
You will find the golden Buddha of Da Lat in the Thien Vien Van Hanh monastery. It is a Buddhist monastery that attracts thousands of pilgrims a year, both foreign and local. The temple is very popular because of its giant Buddha. It is a Buddha sitting on top of a lotus flower measuring 24 meters. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Admission is free.
8. Linh Phuoc Pagoda
The Linh Phuoc Pagoda is another of the essential pagodas to see in Da Lat. You will find it located in the Trai Mat district, on the outskirts of the city center, but it is worth visiting to see it.
The Pagoda was built in 1949 at the request of the monk Thich Cong Thanh. It took more than 20 years to complete the work and was completed thanks to donations from the faithful. Inside the pagoda you will find a 12-meter-high Buddha and a Buddhist art museum that houses a large collection of religious objects of great historical value. Admission is free.
9. Truc Lam Zen Pagoda
Truc Lam Zen Pagoda is located in a Buddhist monastery, Truc Lam. It is the largest pagoda in Da Lat and is a must-see in the city.
The complex houses several buildings among which you will find temples, more pagodas, gardens and a museum. There is a beautiful botanical garden, where you will find various types of plants and trees from all over the world. All buildings in the complex have a Vietnamese architectural style, in the main temple you will find a 10-meter statue of Buddha.
10. Datenla Waterfall
Getting to know the outskirts of Da Lat is essential to learn more about its natural environment, which is incredible. There are waterfalls, fields, mountains, valleys... Datanla Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that ends in a pool where bathing is allowed.
This waterfall is located near the Truc Las Zen Pagoda, so you can combine both visits in the same morning. They will ask you to pay a cost to access the path that will take you to the waterfall, the cost is 150,000 dong.
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A hug and see you soon!