For those familiar with Dalat, the mere mention of the place conjures images of lush green forests, crystal lakes and, most importantly – its rich historical tapestry. Nestled in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Dalat houses many sites that would spark the interest of history enthusiasts. Such places to visit in Dalat narrate tales of the region’s cultural heritage, architectural marvels and colonial past. Aptly known as the “City of The Eternal Spring” for its beautiful climate, Dalat is the perfect destination for those seeking a refreshing dive into history.
Ultimate Places To Visit In Dalat
Established as a resort centre by the French in 1983, Dalat is a prime hub of historical attractions. Wondering which are the best places to visit in Dalat that you can visit to quench your thirst for history? Here are the top six sites of historical interest in this beautiful city.
1. Bao Dai’s Palace
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Also known as Dinh III, this Art Deco-style palace once served as a summer retreat for Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai. It has now been converted into a museum. Its collection of photographs, artefacts and furniture offers a glimpse into the royal family’s opulent lifestyle. For history buffs, few things beat the feeling of walking through the rooms of such mansions and imagining the grand ceremonies that once took place here.
The lush green spaces within the premises include a French-style flower garden and a small promenade surrounding the palace, which alternate with the grass and are hidden under foliage. Blending both the historical value and the natural beauty of Dalat, Dinh III is easily one of the best places to visit in Dalat, Vietnam.
Address: 1 Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Ward 4, Da Lat City.
Entry Fee: 30.000 VND
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2. King Palace
Yet another beautiful palace inhabited by Bao Dai, King Palace 1. It stands out as one of the first architectural marvels of Dalat to incorporate the European style. French millionaire Robert Clément Bourgeryl initially built it. Bao Dai purchased it in 1940, following which the palace served as the royal family’s primary residence until 1954.
Visitors interested in history and architecture can’t afford to miss this grand mansion. King Placae 1 stands out with its unique and eye-catching style of French architecture. The fact that the palace lies surrounded by a large pine forest further adds to its aesthetic appeal. Inside the palace, you may explore the emperor’s workspace and lifestyle. Despite its unique and beautiful architecture, the palace looks surprisingly modest for a royal residence – in a good way.
Address: 01 Trieu Viet Vuong Ward 4, Da Lat 61000, Vietnam
Entry Fee: 65.000 VND
3. Dalat Railway Station
If you are a history buff interested in architecture, Dalat has much more to offer you than just palaces. Carrying on the charm of a bygone era, Dalat Railway Station is well-preserved and features a unique architectural style. However, it is even more iconic because it is the oldest railway station in Vietnam. Located only 3 kilometres from the city centre, this revered historical landmark is easy to reach.
The route from Dalat to Trai Mat is more than a relaxing train ride of historic significance. It showcases the immense engineering feat that went into building the railway line through the precipitous slopes and rugged terrain in the 1930s. However, you’d want to schedule your visit carefully, considering that only five trains run daily.
Address: Quang Trung Ward 10, Da Lat 670000 Vietnam
Entry Fee: 5.000 VND
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4. Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Moving on to a site with more cultural and spiritual significance, Linh Phuoc Pagoda is one of the most charming destinations in Dalat. The iconic pagoda, which also happens to be one of the most well-known in Vietnam, doubles as a prime tourist attraction and a religious site for locals. Linh Phuoc Pagoda holds a whopping collection of 11 records in Vietnam.
These include the tallest bell tower, the biggest golden oak statue of Khong Tuoc Vuong, the tallest indoor Buddha statue, and the tallest wooden statue of Bodhidharma in Vietnam. Also known as Ve Chai Pagoda by the locals, this site is a cultural heritage and architectural excellence treasure trove. Exploring the massive pagoda, you’d find an 18-ft. tall statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara made from 600,000 flowers.
Address: Trai Mat St, Da Lat 670000, Vietnam
Entry Fee: NA
5. Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Carrying on with our journey into Dalat’s spiritual richness, it’s time to check out the Truc Lam Zen Monastery. Located on Phung Hoang Mountain, this monastery is famous in Dalat for its unique architecture and serene ambience.
The design style fuses traditional Vietnamese and Zen Buddhist architecture. Together with the breathtaking scenery and meticulous detailing, it makes the monastery truly a sight to behold.
Address: Truc Lam Yen Tu Street, Ward 3, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province
Entry Fee: NA
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6. Lam Dong Museum
A journey to explore the historical richness of Dalat in Vietnam would be incomplete without a trip to a museum. The Lam Dong Museum exhibits various cultural and traditional artefacts from the locality and offers a quick peek into Dalat’s natural history.
With a beautiful hilltop location about 3 km East of Dalat city centre, the museum is responsible for the collection and exhibition of artefacts of archaeological interest and ethnological importance from the two periods of war in the Lam Dong Province.
Address: 4 Hung Vuong, Da Lat 670000 Vietnam
Entry Fee: 15,000 onwards
Further Read: Places In Hanoi
With its several sites of historical interest, Dalat in Vietnam is, without question, an excellent destination for history buffs. The natural beauty and architectural splendour offer views you can appreciate from the heart. The splendid climate is a cherry on top, allowing you to explore the best places to visit in Dalat, Vietnam, to the fullest. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Vietnam and explore Dalat’s cultural and historical significance.
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Cover Image Source: Iron Dwarf for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Dalat
What are the best places to visit in Dalat?
Housing grand palaces, beautiful monasteries, and pagodas, the city of Dalat is a prime attraction for history enthusiasts with an interest in architecture and culture. Additionally, it is well-known for its natural beauty, with luscious forests surrounding key tourist attractions.
How beautiful is Dalat?
Dalat is worth visiting. Home to a bustling night market and plenty of places with good food, it also attracts those seeking a relaxing getaway. Xuan Huong Lake and the waterfalls are popular with history buffs, and there are plenty of destinations for them.
What is the best month to visit Dalat, Vietnam?
While Dalat enjoys beautiful weather all year round, the best time to visit this Vietnamese city would be between December and March. The weather is cool and dry now, allowing you to make the most of your trip and explore outdoor attractions without hassle.
How many days are enough to explore all the places to visit in Dalat?
While visiting Dalat, you would need 2 – 3 days to explore the places of interest. While the first two days should suffice for all the sites in the main city centre, you may dedicate the third day to checking out the beautiful scenery and landscape surrounding the city.
What is Dalat Vietnam known for?
Its temperate climate also makes it ideal for agriculture. Indeed, Da Lat is renowned for its orchids, roses, vegetables, and fruits. There are nascent wine-making and flower-growing industries in the region.
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