16 must-see Đà Lạt sights and photo spots
Classic landmarks like Hồ Tuyền Lâm (Tuyền Lâm Lake), Langbiang and Đà Lạt Railway Station, together with the newest photo hotspots, gathered in one place to make planning your itinerary easy.
Hồ Tuyền Lâm (Tuyền Lâm Lake)
Arrive early at Hồ Tuyền Lâm (Tuyền Lâm Lake) and you will find mist blanketing the water. It is the largest lake in Đà Lạt, ringed by pine forest. Cycling, paddleboarding or simply sipping coffee by the shore are all wonderfully relaxing. Go before 7:00 for the best views and fewer people.
Langbiang – Jeep ride to Rada Peak
Visiting Langbiang without a Jeep ride is only half the trip. Jeeps take you straight up to Rada Peak, from where you can see the whole valley and city below. Entry is around 50,000 VND and the Jeep around 100,000 VND per trip. A group of six makes splitting the cost easiest.
Đồi chè Cầu Đất (Cầu Đất Tea Hills)
To catch the clouds at Đồi chè Cầu Đất (Cầu Đất Tea Hills) you need to get up very early. The tea hills are about 25 km from the centre, and in the early morning clouds drift across the green rows of tea; the view makes you forget the cold. Set off around 5:00 to make it for sunrise, and wrap up warm because the wind on the hills is bitter.
Thiền viện Trúc Lâm (Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery)
Looking for somewhere truly peaceful in Đà Lạt? Head up to Thiền viện Trúc Lâm (Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery). It sits on Phượng Hoàng mountain overlooking Hồ Tuyền Lâm, and entry is free. You can ride the cable car from Đồi Robin (Robin Hill) to see the pine forest from above. Remember to dress modestly when visiting the temple.
Ga Đà Lạt (Đà Lạt Railway Station)
The most beautiful old railway station in Vietnam sits right in the middle of Đà Lạt. Ga Đà Lạt (Đà Lạt Railway Station) has French-style architecture with three pointed roofs modelled on the peaks of Langbiang. You can take the train out to Trại Mát to see the vegetable gardens, then visit Chùa Linh Phước (Linh Phước Pagoda). Early morning, in soft sunlight, is the best time for photos.
Floating Town
There is a "sunset town" in Đà Lạt that many people have never heard of. Floating Town in Cam Ly ward has reflecting pools, and as evening falls your photos shimmer like a film still. Open 8:00–17:00; arrive around 15:30 for the best light.
Thung Mơ Garden – Tà Nung
It's October, so head to Tà Nung for a stroll through the flower gardens. Thung Mơ Garden sits among the blooms, quiet and perfect for photos and unwinding. Open 8:00–17:00. Combine it with a loop around Tà Nung.
Đồi Vô Ảnh (Mirror Hill)
Hundreds of mirrors standing on a hillside, so every angle gives you an artistic shot. Đồi Vô Ảnh at 99 Nguyễn Đình Thi costs around 50,000 VND. Go on a clear blue day, when the mirrors reflect the sky most beautifully.
Lạc Tiên Giới
A piano beside a lake, with a hot-air balloon floating above it. Lạc Tiên Giới at 01/03 Lâm Sinh, Cam Ly ward, looks straight out of a fairy tale on camera. Tickets around 100,000 VND. Save this one if you love concept photos.
Đường hầm đất sét (Clay Tunnel)
The whole history of Đà Lạt, sculpted in clay. Đường hầm đất sét (the Clay Tunnel), near Hồ Tuyền Lâm, has models of Đà Lạt Railway Station, the Rooster Church, an infinity lake and more, all made from red earth. A walk round gives you great photos and a feel for the city's story. Ticket prices change with the season, so please ask at the gate.
Happy Hill
Daisy hills and treehouses overlooking Hồ Tuyền Lâm. Happy Hill is on Hoa Phượng Tím road, with tickets around 80,000 VND. Come up in the soft afternoon sun and your photos take on a lovely warm tone.
Đồi Vạn Thành (Vạn Thành Hill)
An infinity pool among hills of flowers. Đồi Vạn Thành in Cam Ly ward has an infinity pool, flower gardens and a café overlooking the valley. Tickets around 80,000 VND for adults and 40,000 VND for children. Go at sunset, when the pool mirrors the sky most beautifully.
Hiệp Khách Lâu
A 2,000 m² period-drama film set right here in Đà Lạt. Hiệp Khách Lâu at 261/1 Khởi Nghĩa Bắc Sơn has lanterns, traditional architecture and even tea to enjoy. Come in period costume and your photos will look like stills from a martial-arts film.
Đường hầm Hỏa Xa (Old Railway Tunnel)
An abandoned railway tunnel with moss covering its walls. Đường hầm Hỏa Xa (the old Railway Tunnel) on National Route 20 has a wild, timeworn character all its own, and entry is free. Lovers of vintage photography should drop by once.
Euro Garden Cầu Đất
A corner of Europe up in the Cầu Đất highlands. Euro Garden has European-style architecture, flower gardens and a café. Open 8:00–17:00; pair it with Đồi chè Cầu Đất for a full half-day out.
Tulu Tula Coffee
A garden that seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale. Tulu Tula on National Route 20 is prettily decorated and has a wide choice of drinks. Tickets around 80,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND for children. Little ones absolutely love it.
Where to stay in Đà Lạt?
Nhất Ý Villa sits on Đồi 70 Trịnh Hoài Đức, with 10 rooms, each with its own bathtub. Book a single room or the whole villa.
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