Day 8 – We arrived at Dalat on Vietnam Airlines VN1955 at around 8am and made our way to our hotel, La Fleur Central Apartments, to drop off our bags before going on a half day tour of Dalat.
Dalat
Dalat is a small city located in the central highlands of Vietnam. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful natural scenery, French colonial architecture, and cool climate. It is often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its year-round mild weather.
One of the main attractions in Dalat is the Xuan Huong Lake, a scenic body of water located in the center of the city. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a swan paddle boat, or enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the cafes around the lake.
We called one of the local tour guides from a brochure at our hotel. He proposed a half day tour for today and a full day tour the next day in a 7-seater SUV for the 5 of us.
This is the route for the half day tour (cost – 800,000VND).
Prenn Waterfall
This is a tourist trap. So avoid at all costs. The 200,000VND (~SGD12.50) entrance fee is expensive and there is nothing much to see and do here except a small waterfall and man-made water spouting dragon which looks unspectacular from any angle. From reviews on Tripadvisor there used to be horseback and ostrich rides, abseiling and zip-lining but these are all now closed leaving just the unimpressive waterfall as the sole attraction. No wonder this place was deserted when we arrive.
Datanla Waterfall
In contrast, the Datanla Waterfall was crowded, probably due to the location as it is just 6 km from the centre of Dalat. You get to see different levels of falls, each offering different attractions, including a roller coaster, cable car, abseiling, rafting and canyoning. The waterfall itself is nice but not impressive. If you like peace and nature, this touristy waterfall is not recommended, but there are fun activities to do, the main attraction being the Alpine Coaster. The line to take the luge-like coaster was long. The ride was quite exciting and it was well worth the wait.
Crazy House
The Crazy House is a unique and unconventional attraction located in Dalat, Vietnam. Designed by architect Hang Nga, the house is a one-of-a-kind structure that blends nature and architecture in a creative and imaginative way.
Visitors to the Crazy House can explore the maze-like structure, which features a variety of rooms and passageways that are inspired by natural forms such as trees, caves, and animals. The design of the house is whimsical and unconventional, with unexpected twists and turns that make for an exciting and memorable experience.
The interior of the house is equally impressive, with stunning artworks and sculptures throughout that are inspired by nature and fantasy. Visitors can climb through the various levels of the house, discovering hidden corners and secret passageways along the way.
We spent the cool evening walking around Xuan Huong Lake, had an excellent and value for money seafood dinner at the central night market and did some last minute shopping for tit-bits at the huge LangFarm store.
Day 9 – We engaged the same driver for the full day tour (costs 1,500,000VND) visiting 4 attractions with a stop for lunch.
Bao Dai King Palace
Bao Dai King Palace, also known as the Palace of the Last Emperor, is a major historical landmark located in Dalat. The palace was built in 1933 and served as the summer retreat of the last emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai.
Visitors to the palace can explore the beautifully preserved rooms, which feature a unique blend of European and Vietnamese architectural styles. The palace is set within lush gardens, with stunning views of the surrounding area.
The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with intricate carvings, beautiful murals, and antique furniture throughout. Visitors can see the throne room, where Bao Dai held court, as well as the living quarters of the royal family.
The palace also features a museum, which houses a collection of historical artifacts and documents related to the life of Bao Dai and his family. Visitors can learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam for more than 150 years, and gain insight into the life of the last emperor.
LangBiang Mountain
LangBiang Mountain, also known as Lam Vien Mountain, is a popular natural attraction located in Dalat. At 2,167 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in the area and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Visitors to LangBiang Mountain can take a trek to the summit, which provides a challenging but rewarding experience. Along the way, visitors will pass through lush forests, small villages, and beautiful waterfalls.
At the summit, visitors can take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the city of Dalat, nearby lakes and waterfalls, and the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside.
LangBiang Mountain is also home to a number of minority communities, including the K’ho ethnic group, who have lived in the area for centuries. Visitors can learn about their culture and way of life by visiting local villages and attending cultural performances.
Puppy Farm
If you are a dog lover this is an attraction you wouldn’t want to miss. You will have the opportunity to play with cute dogs all day and explore the gardens. There are many puppies at Puppy Farm, from Corgis to friendly Huskies.
The dogs are divided into two areas. One is for the bigger dogs with long fur – the Samoyeds and Huskies. These dogs are very friendly and comfortable with us petting them. The second area is for the smaller dogs with short fur. All of them are so adorable and friendly.
Puppy Farm Da Lat has only been open for a short time, but it has become popular with the young. The farm has more than 100 dogs, and each is attractive, clean, and gentle.
Besides playing and taking photos with the dogs, there’s also a flower and vegetable gardens. We had fun picking strawberries too.
Domain de Marie Church
Domain de Marie Church, also known as Mai Anh Church, is a Catholic church near the city. The church was built in the early 1940s by French priest and architect, Louis Vallet, and features a unique blend of European and Vietnamese architectural styles.
Visitors to Domain de Marie Church can admire the striking facade of the building, which features a bell tower and intricate carvings and sculptures. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and beautiful murals and decorations.
The church is set within lush gardens, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. There is also a small chapel on the grounds, as well as a gift shop selling souvenirs and religious items.
Domain de Marie Church is a popular destination and is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is ideal for photography. It is also a place of worship for the local Catholic community, and visitors are asked to be respectful of the religious significance of the site.
Overall I enjoyed Dalat for the relaxed atmosphere, cool weather and nice, value for money meals. It is definitely worth a visit if you haven’t been here before.
Day 10 – The next day we took the morning flight on Vietjet Air VJ361 (SGD55 pp one way) back to Ho chi Minh City.
Went for a last round of Banh Mi at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa recommended by our hotel’s concierge. Turned out wasn’t as good as Banh Mi Queen at Hoi An.
To take a break from Vietnamese cuisines we had steak for dinner at Topping Beef, a popular restaurant with locals. The place has a nice ambience and excellent service but the steak didn’t match up to its decor and reputation.
To round off the 10-day trip we took a sightseeing bus tour to take in the city’s bustling nightlife and illuminated landmarks like the Independence Palace, Bitexco Financial Tower, the Saigon Opera House, and the Thu Thiem Bridge among others.
The next day we took the noon flight on Singapore Airlines SQ177 back to Singapore.
We booked our stays at Agoda.com.
La Fleur Premium Central Apartment Dalat has many types of rooms from studios, to suites and 3-bedroom apartments:
- Dalat | Vietnam Trip Part 3 - May 4, 2023
- Danang, Hoi An, Hue, My Son | Vietnam Trip Part 2 - May 1, 2023
- Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple | Vietnam Trip Part 1 - April 30, 2023
