Guide to Da Lat : A 3D2N Itinerary

A hill town situated on a plateau 1,500 metres above sea level, Da Lat has long been a popular getaway in Vietnam’s Central Highlands since French colonial times.

It was developed as a resort by the French in the early 1900s, and many remnants of its colonial heritage remain throughout the city. Today, it’s a beautiful destination centred around hills, pine forests and waterfalls, and is known for its cooler climate and tranquil landscapes.

Aside from this, Da Lat is home to a multitude of cultural and spiritual landmarks. Here’s a 3D2N guide that explores some of the prominent temples and pagodas that can be found in Da Lat, as well as an array of other intriguing attractions surrounding them.

As the locations are spread across the city and its surrounding areas, taxis, ride-hailing services or a hired car will make the itinerary easier to complete.

Day 1 – Spirituality overlooking natural splendour

Image credit: Liftold

Known as one of the younger monasteries in Da Lat, Truc Lam Zen Monastery overlooks Tuyen Lam Lake and is a grand tribute to the Truc Lam Zen tradition, founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258–1308). The emperor eventually gave up his throne and became a Buddhist monk.

From Robin Hill, Truc Lam sits at the other end of Da Lat’s scenic cable car ride, making it relatively easy to reach. Check the operating schedule before visiting, as services may pause around midday.

Image credit: Diane Selwyn

WWhile you’re in the area, venture down to Tuyen Lam Lake, where visitors are greeted by sweeping views across the water and the surrounding pine forests. The lake is renowned for being one of Da Lat’s best-known natural attractions and remains popular with both visitors and locals.

For lunch, stop at one of the restaurants around Tuyen Lam Lake for BBQ dishes or other local specialities. If you plan to visit Quán Gió, confirm its current address and operating details first, as its listed location may have changed since this article was originally published.

Day 2 – A city of beautiful contrasts

Image credit: Diane Selwyn

The second Buddhist temple that you can visit while you’re in the area is Linh Son Pagoda. Located on the peak of a small hill at 120 Nguyễn Văn Trỗi Street, which is approximately 700 metres northwest of the centre of Da Lat, construction of this place of worship began in 1938, and it was completed in 1940.

The pagoda is a frequently visited landmark and remains an active place of worship, so dress modestly and avoid disturbing those who have come to pray.

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How about something very different? Perhaps something slightly bizarre and unconventional? Head on over to the Hằng Nga Guesthouse, popularly known as the “Crazy House”.

This intriguing hotel building was designed and constructed by Vietnamese architect Đặng Việt Nga. This structure was created entirely from personal and private funds since the local municipal government didn’t exactly agree with her vision.

Now, however, it is regarded as one of Da Lat’s most unusual architectural attractions and continues to operate as both a visitor attraction and a guesthouse.

100 Roofs Café can be found among quaint shop-houses and is just about 100 metres or so from the town market. Slightly in line with the eccentric theme of the Crazy House, its design and layout share the same jungle look and feel, although the atmosphere isn’t quite as intense.

Visitors generally buy a drink before exploring its dim, maze-like passageways and eventually making their way towards the garden and rooftop. Despite its name, 100 Roofs functions more like a bar and attraction than a conventional café serving full meals.

Day 3 – Unique landmarks that stand out

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The Linh Phuoc Pagoda is another Da Lat Buddhist shrine. The surface of this stunning landmark is covered in detailed mosaics and features a 49-metre-long dragon decorated with pieces from approximately 12,000 glass bottles.

Its main hall has two rows of mosaic-covered columns and intricate mosaic bas-reliefs featuring the histories of the Lotus Sutras and Shakyamuni.

The complex also includes a seven-storey bell tower rising approximately 37 metres.

Image credit: Diane Selwyn

Built in 1958 and spanning an area of 13,000 square metres, the Tran Le Xuan Palace offers visitors a little historical insight into Da Lat’s past.

The palace is made up of three villas: Bach Ngoc, Lam Ngoc and Hong Ngoc. Its Japanese-style garden, designed by architect Hiroshi Kitagawa, features an artificial stream and a pond shaped like a map of Vietnam.

It’s located on a pine hill at No. 2 Yet Kieu Street and is a prominent cultural centre.

Today, the restored complex is known as Madame De Dalat. It incorporates the former Tran Le Xuan residence, exhibitions about its history and the Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks preserved by National Archives Center IV.

Before you head back, drop by K’BE Wood Fired Pizza and BBQ, a restaurant near Langbiang Mountain that serves authentic pizzas and delectable western-style cuisine.

Its ingredients are sourced directly from K’Ho ethnic group farmers, and it’s well known for its wood-fired dishes, which retain a smoky, signature flavour.

Da Lat has so much more to offer than culturally significant landmarks and captivating temples. At the same time, a large part of what makes the city unique is its wide array of pagodas and places of worship.

Use this 3D2N guide as a reference if you’re ever in the area and are interested in learning more about Da Lat’s culture and traditions.