Often dubbed as the most romantic place in Vietnam, Da Lat has always been one of the must-visit stops in the country’s southern territory. The city has a forever calmness in its atmosphere, though due to its popularity, Da Lat’s most outstanding attractions can be a bit overcrowded. So here we’ve compiled a list of the best places to go off-the-beaten-path in Da Lat so you can fully immerse yourself in the famous tranquility of the city.
Where to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path in Da Lat
Shopping at Da Lat Old Market
Location: at the junction of Hoa Binh Area and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
Opening hours: 5 PM – 9 PM
Tip: learn how to bargain before coming here.
You’ll get endless choices of clothing goods at Da Lat Old Market, but you need to check their quality carefully
Bored of Da Lat Night Market that’s always fully-packed? Try an alternative for your night-time activity in Da Lat – shopping for second-hand items at Da Lat Old Market! This market is mostly known and used by locals, so you’ll see a few food stalls here and lots of bargaining action going on. Da Lat Old Market is good for shopping for winter clothes and unique knitted goods.
Visit Elephant Waterfall / Pongour Waterfall
Location:
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Fee: VND 20,000
Tip:
- The rocks at these waterfalls can be slippery. Keep a good eye on your feet to avoid getting hurt.
- The ways to these waterfalls can be quite confusing, so it’s best if you have a local friend.
Both Elephant Waterfall and Pongour Waterfall are two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Da Lat. For those who want to test their adventurous self and see the wilder side of Da Lat’s romantic beauty, visiting these two will give yourselves a fun time.
Go off-the-beaten-path in Da Lat to admire Elephant Waterfall’s wild beauty
Elephant Waterfall lies near the city’s outer area. It is known for its powerful current and untouched scenery. Adventurers can go a step further and track down the many hidden caves throughout the waterfall’s ground.
Pongour Waterfall is home to many of Vietnam’s rare plants
Pongour Waterfall is quite far from the city; however, its otherworldly view is worth all the hassle of transportation. Pongour Waterfall has a terraced shape, with seven levels that give its stream a 3D effect. It is even named as the South’s best waterfall by the locals!
Learn about Da Lat’s History at Lam Dong Museum
Opening hours: 7.30 AM – 11.30 AM; 1.30 PM – 5 PM (all days of the week)
Ticket-booking: http://baotanglamdong.com.vn/index.php/lien-he.html
Some artifacts displayed at Lam Dong Museum
Lam Dong Museum is a great place for those who want some peace while learning in-depth about the land. The museum is situated between the woods, which gives it a tranquil and fresh ambiance. Inside the museum, over 15,000 artifacts are showing Da Lat’s nature, history, and people’s lives.
A popular stop here is the Queen Nam Phuong’s Palace. Queen Nam Phuong was the last queen of Vietnam’s feudal system, wife of King Bao Dai. Albeit more modest than the well-known palaces of King Bao Dai, the palace is an interesting alternative for students to learn about history and visitors to explore.
Try Weasel Coffee at a Coffee Plantation
Location: Trai Ham weasel coffee plantation
Opening hours: 7 AM – 10 PM
Price (of the drinks): VND 50,000 – VND 220,000
Tip: Trai Ham plantation isn’t far from the city, but the road there can be difficult for beginner drivers, so you should stay alert at all times.
Weasel coffee has a rich, bold, mildly bitter yet sweet taste
Vietnam is one of the few countries that can nurture the rare and delicious weasel coffee. That’s why visiting Trai Ham plantation – a plantation that has produced coffee for the domestic and international markets since 2013 – is an off-the-beaten-path in Da Lat experience you should not miss out on. You can witness the full cycle of processing weasel coffee and try the bizarre drink yourselves while admiring the typical view of Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
Pray for Good Luck at Linh Quang Pagoda
Opening hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
Tip: wear polite clothing, no revealing clothes.
Linh Quang Pagoda has a colorful architecture
Linh Quang Pagoda is the first pagoda built in Da Lat. The pagoda was built according to ancient architecture, combining both Chinese and Vietnamese arts elements. Especially the four curved corners of the pagoda’s roof are engraved with the figures of Dragon, Quilin, Turtle, Phoenix – the four holy animals, and colorful crockeries.
Conclusion on Off-the-Beaten-Path in Da Lat
Whether you see popular sites or go off-the-beaten-path in Da Lat, the city always has something extraordinary to offer its admirers. Hopefully, with our list, you’ll be able to tailor a fun off-the-beaten-path in Da Lat getaway.
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