emendedgypsy: Dalat, Staying in the City Limits

From Hoi An we decided to fly to Dalat. It would be much cheaper to take the bus, but we were much more interested in saving time, considering we only had a short 2 weeks in Vietnam. For only $50 for the one way flight from Danang to Dalat, it was an easy decision. We were both impressed with the airports and if you need a snack it is easy and not too expensive to grab a sandwich and a coffee at HighLands Coffee.

Once in Dalat we took the shuttle into the city. Its a pretty quick 30 minute ride to the edge of the city, but then you will probably have to get a taxi to your hostel. One thing about Dalat... NO ONE HAS MAPS! It was nearly impossible to find a place that had a map of the city, so my recommendation is to make sure you have one BEFORE you get there. When you don’t have wifi and don’t have a map, you are left at the mercy of your own sense of direction and the locals who may not be very helpful. The taxi ride shouldn’t cost much more than $2-3, make sure the meter is on!

Dalat was the one city where we decided to save money on a hotel. It did the job. For $10 a night we shared a room (that’s $5 per person!) and it wasn’t a dorm. It was a “wet” bathroom, which we were used to from living in Korea anyway. No frills, no breakfast, but what can you expect for $10?! There is a great bakery or two not far from most of the hostels, so this is one city where it shouldn’t matter much that breakfast is not included.

Just an FYI when visiting Dalat. There is not much of a night scene. Also, mixed drinks are pretty expensive. All that said, I’d suggest hitting this city for its nature and waterfalls. Great place to rent a moped and explore the countryside. Moped rental is just $6 per day plus gas (about $4-$5). Traffic isn’t too bad and easy enough to navigate if you aren’t a nervous driver. Though do stay on your toes and learn the system (i.e. Honk while passing!) If you are too nervous to drive in a foreign country then Dalat is also famous for “easy riders”. You will be approached many times on the street offering an “easy rider”. Its a lot more expensive ($30 or so) but you will have a guide that can tell you all about the area and you can probably go further because the bikes are bigger and faster.

I’d suggest one day in town exploring the Flower Park and Crazy House and then at least two days getting out and exploring the waterfalls. Here are a few photos from Crazy House and the Flower Park. Both places are a "must see" and super cheap entry fees. (Under $3)

Enjoy some photos, and then go see for yourself!