8 Wonderful and Wacky Things in Da Lat, Vietnam

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Da Lat is a city located in the hills of Southern Vietnam. Featuring serene lakes, abstract architecture and cascading waterfalls, it conjures up images of a dreamland full of hidden surprises.

In the early 1900s, the French used Da Lat as a resort destination. Now, remanence of this history defines Da Lat’s unique style as striking French architecture can be seen all over.

On top of this, an abstract style of design is prevalent throughout the streets of Da Lat, from the ‘crazy house’, which transports you to a fantastical, dreamy world, to the wacky houses that you’ll spot around the city.

So, here are some of the wonderful and wacky things that you can find in Da Lat.

Crazy House of Da Lat

Created by Dang Viet Nga in the 90s, her aim was to bring nature inside. She claimed that people around the world have really destroyed nature, so she wanted to create a structure that brings people back to the roots of the world.

Featuring woodland fantasy style buildings, this house will transport you into an Alice in Wonderland dream as you lose yourself within the winding staircases. With underwater rooms, animal themed rooms and all the peculiar things you will discover in between, this creation is like no other.

In fact, if you want escape reality for longer, you can even spend a night in one the wacky rooms.

Entry: 40.000 dong (£1.40)

Tuyem Lam Lake

This is a must-see spot if you are staying in Dalat. Only 30 minutes from the centre, this peaceful lake is full of beautiful French architecture, clear evidence of France’s occupation in Vietnam. The houses and mountains surrounding the lake really make you feel that you’re in the Swiss Alps, not the tropics of Southeast Asia.

I suggest going with a scooter and simply driving around. For beautiful views of the lake you can stop at Happy Hill Cafè or Lavender.

Regarding hiking trails, we tried to visit the Pinhatt viewpoint but it was closed and, despite following various trails, we couldn’t get to it.

Entry: free

Strawberry Street

As its not officially a place, I named this road ‘strawberry street’. The actual name of the road is Đường Trần Thánh Tông and it is on the way to Tuyem Lam Lake.

Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, Da Lat’s climate makes it perfect for growing these juicy, red berries. In fact, Da Lat has become renowned for its strawberry production.

Along strawberry street, there are many farms growing the delicious fruit. Therefore, the roadside consists of rows of shops selling fresh, succulent strawberries, as well as many other products made from them.

Entry: free

Maze Bar

Perhaps one of my highlights in Da Lat, the maze bar! A fun, interactive way to enjoy your evening that is so much more than just a bar.

Start at the bottom, where you have to buy a drink, and make your way into the maze. The aim is to find the bar which is 4 stories up by crawling and climbing through the nonsensical maze.

We had so much fun in the maze that we didn’t actually spend any time at the bar. Its basically a playground for adults.

Entry: free

Da Lat Flower Farms

Adding a romantic flare to the city is the abundance of flowers, and there’s not better way to experience them than visiting one of Da Lat’s flower farms.

The flower farm takes your through colourful, decorative displays of flowers, the sweetest-smelling vine tomatoes and picture-perfect lettuce flowers. It was a treat for the senses and a peaceful escape from the city.

Visiting a flower farm isn’t just about seeing beautiful flowers, it also gives an insight into Da Lat’s agricultural past and the pride they take in growing produce.

Entry: 100.000 dong (£3.40)

Try Vietnamese street food at Xuan Huong Lake

Perfect for a sunny day in Da Lat!

Xuan Huong lake is located right in the centre of the city, acting as a focal point for Da Lat’s lively community.

Locals set up grills along the edge of the water, selling traditional Vietnamese street food, including the deliciously crispy Bánh xèo (rice pancakes filled with all sorts of flavours).

The lake offers some fun activities as well, from hopping on a swan-shaped pedal-boat to going on a morning stroll along the 5km perimeter.

Entry: free

Pongour Waterfalls (1 hour drive from Da Lat)

Cascading down the carved rock side into a river below, these waterfalls are so beautiful and such a peaceful place to relax.

We were lucky to get some sunshine so spent time chilling on the rocks around the waterfall. There is also a place selling drinks and snacks.

There is a parking fee cost 45,000 dong, but entry to the falls is free. Despite being an hour drive from the city, these falls are definitely worth the visit.

Entry: free

Pagoda buddha statue

This sky-scraping statue of the Buddha will leave you wondering how they ever managed to build it. Its sheer size is so impressive, perhaps the biggest statue you will ever see.

Many Buddhists come to worship the towering Buddha and you will see people giving offerings inside the statue.

This site is on the way to the Pongour waterfalls so you can stop off here on the way. There is paid parking onsite or you can park outside by one of the restaurants.

Entry: free

Things to note…

• Getting around – like in most of Vietnam, the most practical and economical way of getting from A to B is by scooter. Costing only 150.000 dong (£5) a day, you can usually ask your accommodation to sort out scooter rental. As you’ll have read above, some great places to visit aren’t actually in Da Lat so having a scooter is very useful.
• Where to stay – as we arrived very late to Da Lat, we found a place with a 24 hour reception. We got a private room for very cheap at Mr. Peace Backpacker’s House and the free breakfast was great. Mr. Peace was super friendly and accommodating. Alternatively, if you are looking for a hotel, there are plenty of options here.

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