Where to Stay In Dalat, Vietnam: Top Areas (+ Hotel Picks)

Dalat in Vietnam is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist towns and a must-visit when you're visiting the land of the ascending dragon. It's not your typical big city like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, nor is it like the popular beach towns.

No, Dalat is nestled in the Vietnamese highlands, offering a delightful blend of city life, nature, and culture that you won't find anywhere else.

The city center is buzzing with activity, while the surrounding areas are full of picturesque lakes and fantastic hiking trails. 

Curious about where to stay in Dalat? Well, I would love to share my top hotel recommendations and favorite areas to help you make an easier decision.

Best areas to stay in Dalat

Central Dalat

The heart of Dalat and the areas surrounding Xuan Huong Lake are absolutely perfect if you want to stay in a central location close to all the action. Phuong 1 is considered the ciy centre and full of activity, offering a wide range of hotels and restaurants. It's a great base for exploring, especially for first-timers in Dalat.

For couples or anyone who enjoys good restaurants and bars, I would suggest the charming French Quarter. It's still very central but not right in the middle of the city center. And if you're backpacking or traveling on a budget, Phuong 2 is your go-to spot. It's right next to the city center, and here you'll find more budget-friendly accommodation and food options.

Countryside Dalat

The countryside is truly what makes Dalat special. Exploring the surrounding highlands from the city center is great, but you know what's even better? Staying within nature itself!

Phuong 3, located on the outskirts of Dalat, offers a local and authentic experience with traditional homestays and restaurants.

On the other side, the area around Tuyen Lam Lake is simply breathtaking. With its picturesque scenery and luxury resorts scattered around the lakeside, it's the perfect mountain retreat.

1. Where to stay in Dalat for the first time: City Center (Phuong 1)

The city center in Dalat is the perfect base and starting point for all first-timers. It's a fantastic blend of modern and traditional influences, offering a wide range of luxury hotels and international restaurants, as well as cozy homestays and mouth-watering street food. 

Moreover, its central location makes it ideal for exploring other neighborhoods and the beautiful countryside of Dalat. 

But you know what my favorite part is? The Dalat Night Market! Once the sun sets, I love taking a leisurely stroll, sampling different street foods, and picking up some souvenirs.

Best area for:

• First-timers

• Central location

• Street food

Things to do in Dalat City Centre

I just wanted to mention again how awesome the Dalat Night Market is – definitely a must-visit spot. It's conveniently located near the lake in the Da Lat city centre and is open from 5 pm to 10 pm every day.

It's one of the biggest markets in the region! You'll find a fantastic selection of clothes, souvenirs, and of course, some amazing Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, noodles, and their famous Dalat pizza.

If you're in the mood for something more laid-back during the day, I recommend taking a leisurely stroll around Xuan Huong Lake or even hopping on a boat ride. It's such a relaxing experience.

Once you're done, check out one of my favorite cafés in the city centre, it's called An Cafe. They serve amazing coffees and have plenty of space for you to relax or get some work done.

Best hotels to stay in Dalat City Centre

($$$) Feliz Dalat Homestay

Feliz Dalat Homestay is a great homestay in the Da Lat city centre. They offer super modern studio apartments in different sizes, and the owner is incredibly helpful. They will go above and beyond to help you organize tours and even offer car rentals, which comes in really handy in this region.

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($$) Bach Thao Hotel

A great mid-range option in the city centre is the Bách Thảo Hotel. They offer convenient rooms with excellent amenities, a cozy little patio, and a garden. The location is fantastic, too – close to all the action in Phuong 1 but still relatively quiet and peaceful.

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($) Guest house Hai Co Chu

If you're looking for great budget accommodation in the city center, then Guest House Hai Cô Chú is definitely worth considering. It's an incredibly cozy guesthouse with clean rooms and helpful staff. Plus, it's within walking distance from Xuan Huong Lake and all the main attractions in Phuong 1.

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2. Where to stay in Dalat for couples & foodies: Phuong 10 (French Quarter)

Phuong 10, also known as the French Quarter, is a fantastic spot when you're in the mood for a delicious dinner, well-crafted cocktails, and just having a great time. 

It's a place I always recommend to couples too, because you'll find some of the most charming hotels and restaurants here. You're not right in the middle of the hustle and bustle, but still close enough to feel the energy. 

As the name suggests, the French Quarter is where you can truly experience the French influence in Vietnam, from the beautiful architecture to the typical cuisine.

You'll also come across numerous churches and houses that will transport you to France with their stunning architecture. And let's not forget one of the best features – the number of French bakeries and restaurants!

Best area for:

• Couples

• Foodies

• Nightlife

Things to do in Dalat French Quarter/Phuong 10

To me, the French Quarter of Dalat is all about the amazing food scene! With so many fantastic French influences, it would be a shame not to check out a couple of the restaurants.

My absolute favorite, and quite possibly the best restaurant in town, is Botea. This modern French eatery offers a fusion of French, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine. It might sound a little unconventional, but trust me, their creations are absolutely spot-on!

If you're more in the mood for something sweet, then you should definitely pay a visit to Leo's Kitchen. This French coffee shop and patisserie serves up delicious cakes and coffees, and you'll also get to enjoy stunning views of the nearby rice fields from their massive coffee shop window.

Apart from indulging in the delicious local cuisine, visiting one of Dalat's many flower gardens is an absolute must, especially for couples! One of my favorite Dalat flower gardens is called ‘Vườn hoa thành phố Đà Lạt', just plug it into Google to find it. It's conveniently located by Xuan Huong Lake and offers a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. 

Best hotels to stay in Phuong 10

($$$) Mercure Dalat Resort

One of the absolute best luxury hotels in the French Quarter is the Mercure Dalat Resort. With its incredible facilities, relaxing spa center, and a variety of delicious on-site restaurants, it's the perfect destination for couples wanting to enjoy some quality time together.

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($$) Zen Valley Dalat

The slightly more affordable but still very luxurious option is the Zen Valley Dalat. It's an excellent family-run hotel with outstanding services and amenities, including a beautiful pool area and a wide range of wellness activities to enjoy.

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($$) N'Queen Villa

If you're looking for something budget-friendly, check out the N'Queen Villa. It's a cozy boutique hotel in the heart of the French Quarter that offers modern studio and penthouse-style apartments, as well as free Wi-Fi. Plus, it's just a short stroll away from Xuan Huong Lake.

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3. Where to stay in Dalat for budget travelers: Phuong 2

If you're searching for a more budget-friendly part of town, then Phuong 2 might just be the perfect area for you!

It's ideal for budget travelers and backpackers alike. Here, you'll find plenty of affordable hotels and hostels, all located near the city center.

From here, it's a breeze to take a leisurely stroll down to the city center and explore the lively Night Market or venture out to other parts of Dalat.

Best area for:

• Backpackers

• Budget travelers

• Central location

Things to do in Phuong 2

Why not go golfing? I know it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of budget-friendly activities, but San Gold Da Lat is surprisingly affordable. It's one of the best golf courses I've seen in Vietnam. And if you're up for it, renting a golf cart and playing a few holes can be a whole lot of fun!

One of my absolute highlights of the entire stay was definitely going to Banh Beo B Huong. It's a tiny traditional curbside restaurant, but let me tell you, the locals are absolutely obsessed with it.

Grandma Huong, who is 83 years old, still makes their fresh signature dish every single day. It's called Banh Beo, a sweet and salty minced meat rice cake. It's super affordable and a must-try when it comes to traditional street food.

Best hotels to stay in Phuong 2

($$$) Ves – PA Luxury Hotel

Not necessarily on par with 5-star hotels, but Ves – PA Luxury Hotel is still a top choice, especially for backpackers accustomed to staying in hostels. This hotel offers clean and cozy traditional rooms, with some even featuring a balcony.

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($$) Nguyen Tai Hostel & Coffee Da Lat

If you're looking for something even more affordable, then I recommend checking out Nguyen Tai Hostel & Coffee in Da Lat. It's a small, clean, and surprisingly modern hostel located right in the city center. Perfect if you'd like to be close to all the main attractions!

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($) My Lan Hotel

For a budget-friendly option, I suggest taking a look at My Lan Hotel. It's a budget hotel with basic facilities and modern double rooms, but it's super clean and has everything you need. It's conveniently located near the lake and the Dalat Flower Gardens.

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4. Where to stay in Dalat for an authentic experience: Phuong 3

Just a short distance from the city center, stretching towards the serene countryside of Da Lat, you'll find the charming neighborhood of Phuong 3.

Here, you can have a very different experience if you want to. Stay close to the city center and discover many exciting tourist attractions. Or venture a bit further towards the rural parts of Da Lat and dip into the slower pace and peacefulness of surrounding countryside life.

Best area for:

• An authentic experience

• Sightseeing

• Relaxation

Things to do in Phuong 3

Phuong 3 is home to the most quirky tourist attraction in Da Lat – the Crazy House! Built by Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga, this place looks like something straight out of Alice in Wonderland.

You can buy a day pass to explore the maze-like structure or, for an even weirder experience, book a room within the Crazy House for the night!

And don't miss the Dalat Cable Car. It's a cool way to see Dalat and its surroundings from above. The ride takes about 12 minutes, taking you from Robin Hill to the Truc Lam Zen Monastery at Tuyen Lam Lake.

Not only do you get breathtaking panoramic views, but it's also a great way to reach the lake from the city.

Best hotels to stay in Phuong 3

($$$) Ex Villa Da Lat – View Thung Lung Lang Man

My absolute favorite in the area is Ex Villa Da Lat. With its breathtaking views, panoramic balconies, and a free-standing bathtub, it's definitely worth every penny. It's a little outside of town, but that's what made it the best experience for me.

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($$) Bazan Hotel Dalat

Another super modern boutique hotel is Bazan Hotel Dalat. It offers stylish rooms with a minimalist touch and all the amenities you need, including free parking and laundry service.

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($) Hoa Son Village Da Lat

If you're searching for something more budget-friendly, then Hoa Son Village is a fantastic option! They offer small yet cozy A-frame huts situated in the calmest part of town while still being conveniently close to all the attractions and restaurants.

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5. Where to stay in Dalat for families & relaxation: Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is an absolute beauty and quickly becoming a favorite spot in Dalat. It's situated just south of Dalat downtown, offering a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle, yet it's still easily accessible within close proximity of town.

The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, including pine forests, hiking trails, and waterfalls. All around the lake, you'll find some of the finest resorts and hotels in the region.

If you're looking for a place to truly relax, spend quality time with your loved ones away from the crowds, or simply enjoy hiking and nature, then this is the perfect spot for you.

Best area for:

• Families

• Couples

• Hiking

Things to do near Tuyen Lam Lake

As mentioned earlier, hiking (if you're up for it) or simply strolling along the lakeside should definitely be on your to-do list.

The Datanla Waterfall is just a quick 20-minute walk from the lake, making it easily accessible by foot. But don't worry, you can also catch a ride if you prefer!

For a bit more excitement, you should explore more of the countryside of Dalat. You can take a tour and visit the Silk Village, where you can see the fascinating process of silk production and visit the magnificent Elephant Waterfall. You have the option to join the tour by shuttle bus or even ride it on a motorbike or scooter.

Best hotels to stay near Tuyen Lam Lake

($$$) Terracotta Villa Tuyen Lam Lake Dalat

For the ultimate luxury stay, I suggest Terracotta Villa Tuyen Lam Lake Dalat. The rooms here are simply stunning, with comfortable beds and large balconies overlooking the lake. And you won't have to worry about food either, their restaurant serves some of the best Asian cuisine in all of Da Lat!

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($$) Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa

Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa is an amazing choice for couples and families alike! Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa offers a wide range of fantastic facilities and amenities, including bike rentals, cinemas, hot tubs, and a spa. Perfect for entertaining the whole family or simply leaning back and relaxing.

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($) Terracotta Hotel & Resort Dalat

If you're looking for something that still feels absolutely luxurious but won't break the bank, I recommend you check out Terracotta Hotel & Resort. It's conveniently located near the lake and offers cozy rooms flooded with natural light.

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Where to stay in Dalat – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 What is the best area to stay in Dalat?

If you want to be close to attractions and restaurants, then the city center is a great option. If you're looking for a relaxing experience within nature, staying by Tuyen Lam Lake might be better for you.

✈️ How do I get to Dalat?

The most convenient way to reach Dalat is by plane to Lien Khuong International Airport, located just 30km away from town. From the airport, you'll find frequent shuttles and taxis available to take you to the heart of Dalat. If you're feeling adventurous, renting a car from the airport can be a great option to explore the beautiful region at your own pace.

⭐ Is Dalat worth visiting?

Absolutely! Dalat is definitely worth a visit. With its unique attractions, stunning landscapes, traditional culture, and delicious local cuisine, it's the perfect place to relax and unwind while still having plenty of interesting activities to explore. Plus, hotel rates are generally quite affordable in this area compared to other destinations in Vietnam. 

Where to stay in Dalat – Final Words

Dalat is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of big Vietnamese cities.

You'll find a lively city center along with plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning nature and surrounding countryside of Vietnam. From picturesque lakes and waterfalls to beautiful hikes and other exciting activities, Dalat has it all!

I hope that sharing my recent visit experience will help you decide where to stay in Dalat. Whether you're seeking a luxurious and modern experience or something more budget-friendly, Dalat definitely has something to offer.