Often dubbed the most romantic place in Vietnam, Da Lat has always been a must-visit stop in the country’s southern territory. The city has a perpetual calm atmosphere, though Da Lat’s most outstanding attractions can be a bit overcrowded due to its popularity. 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.
Are you bored of Da Lat Night Market, which is 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 mainly known by locals, so you’ll see a few food stalls here and lots of bargaining action. Da Lat Old Market is good for shopping for winter clothes and unique knitted goods.
Visit Elephant Waterfall and Pongour Waterfall
Locations:
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 you a fun time.
Elephant Waterfall lies near the city’s outer area. It is known for its powerful current and untouched scenery. Adventurers can go further and track down the many hidden caves throughout the waterfall’s ground.
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.
Check out more fun things to do in Da Lat:
Klook.comLearn 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
Lam Dong Museum is an excellent place for those who want peace while learning 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 show Da Lat’s nature, history, and people’s lives.
A popular stop here is Queen Nam Phuong’s Palace. Queen Nam Phuong was the last queen of Vietnam’s feudal system and 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 always stay alert.
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 experience in Da Lat you should not miss out on. You can witness the entire 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
Address: 146 Ngo Quyen Street, Da Lat
Opening hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
Linh Quang Pagoda is the first pagoda in Da Lat. The pagoda was built according to ancient architecture, combining Chinese and Vietnamese art 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 can tailor a fun off-the-beaten-path getaway in Da Lat.
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