Da Lat, known for its cool climate and scenic beauty, has emerged as the most sought-after domestic destination for Vietnamese tourists planning their getaways for the upcoming National Reunification Day and May Day long weekend according to Booking.com, a leading online travel agency.
The five-day break, falling from April 27 to May 1, is a popular time for travel within Vietnam. Da Lat, alongside Da Nang, has taken the top spots in searches conducted by Vietnamese travelers seeking a detour from the rising temperatures.
This surge in interest highlights Da Lat’s enduring appeal as a vacation destination. The city’s picturesque landscapes, pleasant weather, and abundance of attractions make it a perfect choice for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Travelers can expect a variety of accommodation options for a relaxing Da Lat holiday, catering to different budgets and preferences. The city also boasts a vibrant food scene, offering a delectable mix of local and international cuisine.
Things to Do For Your Da Lat Holiday
Da Lat, also known as the City of Eternal Spring, is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam thanks to its cool climate and natural beauty. Here are some things you can do when visiting Da Lat:
- Explore the French Quarter: Da Lat was founded by the French in the early 20th century, and the French Quarter is a charming area with colonial-era architecture. You can wander the streets, admire the villas, and visit cafes and restaurants.
- Visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda: This unique pagoda is built from broken glass, ceramics, and beer bottles. It’s a fascinating sight and a must-see for any visitor to Da Lat
- Go for a hike: Da Lat is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a great place for hiking. There are trails to suit all levels of fitness, from gentle walks to challenging climbs. One option is to hike to the top of Langbiang Mountain, the highest peak in Da Lat
- Relax at Xuan Huong Lake: This scenic lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can rent a swan paddle boat and explore the lake, or simply relax on the shore and enjoy the views.
- Take a ride on the cable car: The Robin Hill cable car offers stunning views of Da Lat and the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the Crazy House: This unusual building is a guesthouse designed to look like a giant, whimsical house. It’s a fun place to explore and take photos.
- Sample the local cuisine: Da Lat has a delicious cuisine that includes dishes like banh beo (mini rice cakes with shrimp paste), nem lui (grilled pork skewers), and canh chua (hot and sour soup).
- Visit the Dalat Flower Gardens: Da Lat is famous for its flowers, and the Dalat Flower Gardens are a great place to see a wide variety of blooms. The gardens are especially beautiful in the spring, when they are in full bloom.
- Explore the waterfalls: Da Lat has several beautiful waterfalls, including Elephant waterfalls, Datanla Waterfall and Pongour Waterfall. You can go for a swim at the base of the waterfalls, or take a hike to the top for stunning views during your Da Lat holiday.
- Go canyoning: Da Lat is a great place to try canyoning, which involves rappelling down waterfalls and swimming through pools of water.
How to Reach Da Lat
There are three main modes of transport to get to Dalat from cities in Vietnam: via airline, bus, and vehicle. Here are some specifics about each option:
Plane
The nearest airport to Dalat is Lien Khuong Airport, which is located about 30 kilometers south of the city. Alternatively, you can fly to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi before taking an hour-long local flight to Lien Khuong Airport.
Bus
Sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City and shuttle vans from Nha Trang and Mui Ne can transport you to Dalat. The bus travel from Ho Chi Minh to Đà Lạt takes approximately 7 hours and costs around RM 40.
The shuttle van ride from Nha Trang takes approximately 4 hours and costs around RM 25. The shuttle van ride from Mui Ne takes approximately 5 hours and costs around RM 30. Booking your Vietnam bus tickets is also easy and you can get more savings with promos when you book online. You can opt for any type of buses, shuttles or limousines from popular companies for your Da Lat holiday.
| Popular Operator | First Bus | Last Bus | Time Duration | Average Bus Ticket Price |
| Phuong Trang (FUTA Bus Lines) | 00.00 | 23.58 | 5-6 hrs | VND 350.000-400.000 |
| Lạc Hồng Limousine | 08:00 | 22:00 | 7 hrs 20 mins | VND 350.000 |
| Tan Quang Dung | 07:50 | 23:30 | 17 hrs 12 mins | VND 350.000 |
| Trọng Minh Limousine | 08:20 | 22:10 | 6 hrs 55 mins | VND 350.000 |
| Da Lat oi | 22:10 | 22:10 | 7 hrs 50 mins | VND 100.000 |
| Hong Huy | 20:30 | 20:30 | 7 hrs 30 mins | VND 400.000 |
Car
You can also rent a car and travel to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang. The driving distance from Ho Chi Minh City is around 300 kilometers and takes about 6 hours. The driving distance from Nha Trang is around 140 kilometers and takes about 3 hours.
So, if you’re planning your escape for the upcoming long weekend, consider Da Lat – Vietnam’s hottest travel destination for the Reunification Day celebrations.
