This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Dalat.
Da Lat is perfect mountain getaway to escape the heat of Vietnam or the chaos of the big city. The air feels fresh and crisp in the mountains, the city is beautiful with a vintage French design, and the surrounding natural beauty offers endless adventures. There are plenty of Da Lat hostels -- most are close to a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes. For a more local experience, you can venture a little further up into the hills for one of the most authentic homestay hostel experiences around; a true homestay where you will feel welcomed into a multi-generational home and help your hosts cook some of the most delicious meals in Vietnam.
The peace and quiet from being in the hills feels so relaxing and the main part of town is only a fifteen-minute walk away. Da Lat is known for its natural beauty, with many waterfalls and hiking trails. You can rent a motorbike and explore on your own or you can avoid the worry of getting lost and join the popular Easy Rider tours, where a local guide will bring you to waterfalls, temples, coffee farms, silk factories, and other places of interest. The epic waterfalls are worth visiting and the friendly locals in the surrounding villages will give you a glimpse of mountain life.
If you are up for even more of an adventure, there are opportunities to go canyoning down the waterfalls. There are a few places of interest in town as well if you decided to spend the afternoon drinking coffee and wandering. You can take a gondola over the treetops to a monastery on the hill or spend a few hours winding through the maze of the Crazy House, a strange and fascinating hotel with rooms built into a massive, handmade tree. The beautiful mountain town of Da Lat is a perfect break from the heat and offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Written by local enthusiast for Dalat hostels
Amanda Haehl