Popularly known as the City of Flowers, Dalat is a charming town situated in the South Central Highlads of Vietnam at an altitude of 1500 meters. The town historically served as a hill-station for the wealthy French colonizers and Vietnamese royalty. Today, the town is a bustling tourist location that sees visitors flocking here to take in the gorgeous countryside and natural beauty.

Tourism here in Dalat is booming mainly during the dry season that tends to last from November to March. This period is characterized by warm weather and reduced humidity. There are a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed during this season, including hiking, biking and camping. The most popular tourist places include the Bai Nai Summer Palace, Elephant Waterfalls and Dalat Flower Gardens to name a few. This travel guide should give visitors a more in-depth look into Dalat.

By Air:

Although Lieng Khuong International Airport is the closest airport to Dalat (33 km away), there are no direct flights from India to this location. Hence, visitors will have to fly out to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City that are close by and take a taxi or bus from here to get to Dalat. This is still the most efficient way for international travellers to reach.

By Road:

Dalat is well-connected by a network of efficient roadways to the rest of Vietnam. However, the distance between Dalat and majority of the major cities is quite far and the drive can take time. 

By Rail:

The closest station is Thap Cham Railway Station, 100 km away. The widepsread distance means this isn't the best way to reach Dalat as it is extremely time consuming. 

Dry Season (November - March):

The dry or summer season is the most popular time for tourists to visit Dalat. The warm weather, reduced rainfall and humidity are perfect to enjoy the outdoor activites on offer here. May is the hottest month in this period, where the temperature rises up to 30° C. 

Monsoon Season (April - October):

During this season there are periodic showers and a much higher level of humidity. Additionally, the temperature can drop down to single digits and the town of Dalat becomes quite windy as well. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately. 

Hike up Lang Biang Mountain:

17 km away from Dalat, this mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding Vietnamese countryside and visitors can either hike up or take a cable car to get to the top. 

Check out Hang Nga Guest House:

This architectural masterpiece created by visitor Dang Viet Nga is a quirky cement based structure that infuses animal and landscape themes, making it a must visit place for visitors. There is also a guest house here for visitors to stay at.

Dalat Flower Gardens:

These stunning, curated gardens are home to over 300 rare and native flowers and is one of the most visited places in Dalat. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Visit Elephant Waterfalls:

These grand waterfalls were given their name based on a giant rock that resembles the shape of an elephant's head, located at its center. The drive to Elephant Waterfalls is equally scenic and enjoyable. 

Dalat like most of Vietnam is famous for its rich and diverse local cuisine, most of which is created using fresh produce. Nguyen Chi Thanh Street is littered with delicious and affordable street food. For visitors in the area surrounding the Ho Xuan Huong Lake, the Bluewater Restaurant is one of the best places to visit. A local favourite dish for snacking is fresh baguette bread with strawberry jam, which is normally had with Dalat’s famous coffee. Additionally, rice pancakes, avocado ice-cream and meatball soup are the go-to dishes when visiting this town.

Shopping in Dalat is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. While there aren’t massive shopping complexes here, visitors can find more niche and boutique shopping centres and charming markets offering everything from traditional art and crafts to fresh produce. The Dalat Market, L’angfarm, XQ Historical Village and the French Quarter are the go-to places for visitors looking to pick up handicrafts, decorated clothing and souvenirs.