Welcome to Dalat
Hillside Oasis of the Central Highlands
Dalat, at an elevation of 1475 meters, provides a refreshingly cooler climactic change from the hot lowlands.
The city is culturally and geographically isolated, meaning that fewer people speak English, and tourist services are not always up to snuff (see Dalat Tourist Nightmares).
For our money, the glory of Dalat lies in its architecture.
Following the urbanisme philosophy of French architects of the early 20th century, a number of outstanding villas and public buildings were created in Dalat by architects such as Paul Veysseyre, encompassing art deco, Bauhaus, and regional motifs.
Excursions can be taken to outlying tribal areas, and there are a number of waterfalls and other natural wonders to be seen as well.
Dalat's Top Five sights within the city should not be missed.
Getting to Dalat
Airport to Dalat
Flights arrive daily from Saigon and Hanoi.
The Lien Khuong airport is approximately ½ hour outside of Dalat, meaning you'll take a taxi or airport bus.
Taxis will quote you $20 USD, but depending on the number of people needing taxis, you may be able to bargain this down for $11 USD.
You may also take the Vietnam Airlines bus for 40,000 VND ($3), which will drop you at the Vietnam Airlines booking office at 40 Ho Tang Mau street in Dalat.
Returning to the airport from Dalat
Most hotels will arrange a taxi, and initial quoted rate will be $20 USD.
Metered taxis on the street will quote you 160,000 VND ($11 USD).
An airport minibus leaves from the Vietnam Airlines booking office at the Khach San Hang Khong airport hotel at 40 Ho Tung Mau street approximately 2 ½ hours before most flights.
Tickets on this bus are 40,000 VND ($3 USD).
Note: Buses do not leave from the Vietnam Airlines office at 2 Ho Tung Mao, just up the road, so ensure you do go the right place.
GPS location of 40 Ho Tung Mao is N11°56.293' E108°26.672'
By Bus
Open Tour buses leave from many tourist cafes in Saigon, and Nha Trang, including all Hanh and TM Brothers cafes.
The trip is eight hours, and the fare is roughly $7 USD from Saigon.
From Nha Trang, it's a 7 hour trip, and price is $5 USD.
