Things to Do in Da Lat 2026: Waterfalls, Coffee Farms and Hiking

Da Lat’s activities range from French colonial sightseeing to canyoning and highland hiking. The range is wider than most Vietnamese highland cities.

Crazy House (Hang Nga Villa)

One of Vietnam’s most unusual buildings. An organic, surrealist structure designed by architect Dang Viet Nga (trained in Moscow, influenced by Gaudi and Dali). The building looks like something from a fantasy film — tree-shaped rooms, animal corridors, underground passages. Still operating as a guesthouse.

Entry: ₫60,000 ($2.40). Open daily. Best in the morning before crowds.

Bao Dai Summer Palace (Biet Dien Quoc Truong)

The last emperor’s summer villa, built 1933. Inside the villa, the original furnishings and personal effects are preserved as a museum — the emperor’s study, the family dining room, and the rooftop terrace are all accessible. The Art Deco design is excellent.

Entry: ₫20,000 ($0.80). A 10-minute drive from the city centre.

Cau Dat Tea and Coffee Farm

25km south of Da Lat on the road to the coast, the Cau Dat farm is a French colonial-era tea and coffee plantation on steep hillsides. The terraced tea bushes at altitude, often in morning mist, are among the most photographed agricultural landscapes in Vietnam.

Visiting: The farm is accessible by motorbike. A tea-tasting experience at the on-site cafe: ₫30,000–60,000 ($1.20–2.40). Coffee processing tours available.

Datanla Waterfall

15km south of the city. A 50m waterfall accessible via a waterslide coaster down through the forest — the tourist ride is available to slide down in small carts. Alternatively, walk the forest trail down. The waterfall itself is good; the surrounding forest is pleasant.

Entry: ₫30,000 ($1.20). The coaster is ₫70,000 ($2.80) additional.

Pongour Waterfall (50km south)

Vietnam’s largest waterfall by width — 50m high and 100m wide during the wet season. Significantly more impressive than Datanla in terms of scale. Less visited. Best visited June–October when water volume is highest. ₫20,000 ($0.80) entry.

Da Lat Market (Cho Da Lat)

The central covered market is the best food and produce market in the central highlands. Fresh strawberries, artichokes, local preserved foods, flower bouquets, and local highland snacks. A good early morning activity before the tourist crowds arrive.

Canyoning with Groovy Gecko

Canyoning in the Da Lat waterfalls area — abseiling down waterfall faces, swimming through canyons, and cliff jumping. Several operators run this. Groovy Gecko and Phat Tire Ventures are the established options with good safety records. Half day: ₫700,000–1,200,000 ($28–48).

Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park

30km north of the city. Trekking in old-growth forest, endemic bird species, and highland minority (K’Ho) village visits. 1–2 day treks available through licensed operators. The most serious nature experience accessible from Da Lat.

Da Lat Train Station

A renovated 1930s French colonial railway station. No longer on the main network but runs a short tourist section to Trai Mat village (8km). The train itself is charming. Departures from Da Lat station: ₫150,000 ($6) round trip.