Dalat is often skipped by backpackers, which is a shame. It might be, because it’s hard to compete with charming Hoi An or bustling Hanoi. However, there are definitly plenty of cool things to do in and around Dalat. Especially if you like the outdoors or great coffee. It’s an important coffee region in Vietnam and this city in the mountains is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls to vist. The city itself also has a few quirky spots that are worth a visit. So, read on to find out about all the things to do in Dalat, Vietnam.

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What to do in Dalat

Crazy House

It’s not too hard to figure out how this building got its name. Organic shapes, tunnel like staircases, sculptural rooms and an array of colors and shapes. It is all a fragment of ‘ Dang Viet Nga’s’ imagination. She was a famous architect and artist. The building serves as a hotel, but anyone can visit and explore! There’s a little cafe where you can get a drink and snacks as well.

Opening hours: 08:30–19:00

Entrance fee: Adult: 50.000 VND/€1,82, Children 1,40m and up: 20.000 VND

Maze Bar

The maze bar is a must visit when you are in Dalat. You don’t just go here for a drink, but for an experience. The entire building is a maze. The architecture inside is completely surreal and makes you feel like you are walking through a tunnel. The cellar looks like an underwater world. You can easily spend 1 or 2 hours exploring. There’s also a garden in the back and if you manage to find and walk to the back you get a nice view of the city. You have to buy a drink to enter the bar, but it’s a small price to pay to support this absolute madhouse of a bar.

Visit a coffee farm or go Coffee tasting

Vietnam is one of the biggest coffee producers and Dalat plays a central role. The high altitude and milder climate are perfect for growing coffee. There are several coffee farms in the mountains around Dalat that offer tours around the grounds and tastings.

Canyoning

Canyoning is one of Dalat’s most popular tours. You’ll abseil down several waterfalls, take a zip-line, swim and jump. I already had plans to go canyoning in the Philippines, so at this time I didn’t want to invest into a similar tour on the trip. I did hear that it was a lot of fun!

Datanla Waterfall

One of the waterfalls near Dalat is the Datanla waterfall. A lot of the waterfall are located a bit further away. You’d require a tour or car to go and see them. This waterfall can be reached by scooter and is therefore a more convenient destination. Once you arrive you can take a rollercoaster down to the waterall. Yes, you heard that right, a rollercoaster! I wasn’t quite sure why they had build that here, but it was a fun ride down. From there you can walk past several waterfalls and make your way back up.

Clay Tunnel

If I’m completely honest, I could’ve skipped this spot. However, I saw photos of these clay statues online and decided I wanted to see it. I didn’t realize it was part of a huge park completely filled with clay statues that people take photos with. It was an interesting experience as I think you can only find this type of ‘park’ in Asia, but I do think it was too expensive and busy.

Pongour waterval

This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the surroundings. The water cascades down over several steps. The waterfall is surrounded by forest, which makes this spot extra magical.

Hiking

There are several hikes in the area, but the most well known one is Lang Biang Peak. The hiking trail leads you through a pine forest up to the panoramic view of the city at 2167m high.

Where to stay in Dalat?

Personally, I usually choose to stay in a hostel, because I love meeting other travelers. However, Dalat has a huge amount of quality hotels at a really good price point! I stayed at Pretty Backpackers house and had a great time there. They had family dinner and karaoke, which was a a great way to meet people.

Then there’s the extremely clean and hospitable Carita Hotel. Great option right in the center of town at an extremely affordable price.

A little bit more on the outside of town, up on the hill, you can find Le Soleil Boutique Hotel.  It has a beautiful stylish design! It’s very easy to take a grab into town or rent a scooter to get around, so no need to worry about making your way into the center.