I speak fluent Vietnamese, I have traveled to many places in Vietnam including Dalat. I understand that finding where to stay in Dalat as a first-timer can be overwhelming. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find the safe places to stay in Dalat for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safest areas to stay in Dalat for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Dalat and recommend some of the best hotels in Dalat for various budgets.
Dalat is a popular tourist destination in the central highlands of Vietnam. It is the capital of Lam Dong Province and is known for its pleasant climate, French colonial architecture, and natural beauty.
Dalat, also spelled Da Lat, is often referred to as the City of Eternal Spring due to its pleasant weather throughout the year. The city was developed as a resort destination by the French during their colonial rule in Vietnam, and it still retains many French colonial-era buildings and villas.
The city is known for its picturesque landscapes, including lush pine forests, flower gardens, and serene lakes. Dalat is also famous for its flowers and vegetables, and it hosts an annual flower festival showcasing the region’s floral diversity.
Must-see attractions in Dalat include the Xuan Huong Lake, Valley of Love, Bao Dai Summer Palace, Crazy House, Truc Lam Pagoda, and the Dalat Cathedral. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and visiting waterfalls.
The city is served by Lien Khuong Airport, which has flights from major cities in Vietnam such as Danang, Hano, HCMC, and Can Tho. Dalat airport is located 30 km from Dalat center, you can easily get to the city center by taking Grab taxi and hotel’s shuttle airport.
You can also reach Dalat by taking a bus from Mui Ne, Nha Trang and HCMC. The bus journey from Saigon to Dalat is around 5 hours.
Is Dalat safe to visit?
Yes, Dalat is generally safe to visit, but as in any popular tourist destination, there is a risk of pickpocketing and tourist scam, especially in crowded areas, around the night markets. It is always essential to practice common sense and take care of your belongings to have a safe trip.
Where to stay in Dalat for the first time?
The best and safest areas to stay in Dalat for first-timers and tourists are Ward 1 (Dalat city center), Ward 2, Dalat Main Cathedral area, Dalat Railway Station/ French Quarter, and Tuyen Lam Lake.
In general, Ward 1, Ward 2, and the Main Cathedral area have the highest concentration of tourist amenities and attractions. They have a wide range of accommodations for all budgets.
Accommodations in Dalat are mainly in the form of homestays, B&B, guest houses, and apartments, not many choices for 5-star luxury hotels.
If you prefer a peaceful retreat, and don’t mind driving/taking a Grab taxi to Dalat center, you can choose to stay in the Tuyen Lam Lake. There are some good accommodations in this area.
During my trip to Da Lat, I stayed in the city center area at TTR Moonstone Apart Hotel. It was a great hotel in a prime location, a short distance from the lake and the night market. Great base to explore the flower city. Breakfast was lovely, my room was comfortable and clean.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Dalat for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Dalat, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Dalat have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Safe areas to stay in Dalat for first-timers and tourists
1. Ward 1 (Dalat city center)
Dalat city center, specifically Ward 1, is the best area to stay in Dalat for first-time visitors who want a central location, with easy access to tourist amenities and major attractions such as the night market, Ho Xuan Huong lake, and the Cathedral.
Dalat Night Market is a great place to shop for local products, including traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. It is a haven for food enthusiasts where you can try a variety of Vietnamese street food and local specialties.
Xuan Huong Lake is a picturesque artificial lake in the city center where you can enjoy boat rides and leisurely strolls along its shores.
Best places to stay in Dalat city center for first-timers:
Mid-range ($$): Feliz Dalat Homestay, good value for money sustainable aparthotel, in a prime location, central to lots of good restaurants and attractions including the night market. There are many many restaurants and cafes around.
Mid-range ($$): TTR Central Apart Hotel, great modern accommodation in central Dalat, walking distance to the night market, many food stands and restaurants. It has free private parking, 24-hour front desk, family rooms, and paid airport shuttle services.
Mid-range ($$): TTR Moonstone Apart Hotel, 2-star hotel in the heart of the city, great base to explore Dalat. Easily get around by walking or taking Grab taxi. It has Superb breakfast, free parking, and an onsite restaurant.
Budget ($): An Gia, good value for money B&B, centrally located within a short distance from popular sights such as Lam Vien Square, Xuan Huong Lake and Hang Nga Crazy House. The hotel can help organize tours, car rental services, and transportation.
Hostel ($): Moc Thach Hostel Dalat, good value for money hostel in the heart of Da Lat, offering nice spacious rooms, and motorbike rental at an affordable price. They have family rooms, 24-hour front desk, and free parking.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DALAT CITY CENTER2. Ward 2
Ward 2, or Phuong 2, is another good base in Dalat. It has a central location right next to Phuong 1. It also offers easy access to major sights and a variety of accommodations for all visitors.
This area is home to Linh Sơn temple, one of the most famous and oldest Buddhist temples of Dalat. The temple is located on a small hill, a great place to enjoy tranquility and admire its architecture.
Best places to stay in Dalat in Ward/Phuong 2 for first-timers:
Budget ($): AN Boutique Hotel – STAY 24H, 3-star hotel, located in a nice location, close to the market and in the center of Dalat. There are many restaurants, cafes, mini marts nearby. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, and laundry services.
Budget ($): Be U Hotel City View, 3-star hotel located on the top of the hill in a quiet area, away from busy roads, best suited with those who rent motorbikes. The hotel has big rooms and nice bathrooms.
Budget ($): VES – PA Luxury Hotel, good value for money accommodation in central location, convenient base to explore the city on foot. Easy access to Dalat Flower Park and Ho Xuan Huong Lake. It has family rooms, and paid airport shuttle services.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DALAT CITY CENTER3. The Dalat Main Cathedral area
The Dalat Main Cathedral area is a great area to book your accommodation. This area is located just south of Phuong 1, and is home to several attractions including the Dalat Cathedral (Chicken Church), Lam Vien Square, Crazy House, and Bao Dai Summer Palace.
Best places to stay in Dalat around the Main Cathedral:
Mid-range ($$): La Fleur Premium Central Apartment, a nice compact apartment conveniently located on Tran Phu street, a short walk from the lake. Great base for families and groups of friends. The Three-Bedroom Apartment can accommodate up to 6 adults.
Luxury ($$$): Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel, 5-star colonel style hotel located in Ward 3, close to the main Cathedral, Bao Dai Palace, and Lam Vien square. The hotel has Bicycle rental, limousine services. It has a great view of Xuan Huong lake.
Budget ($): Lasol Boutique Hotel, 3-star hotel close to Crazy house, easy distance from the lake and the cathedral, lots of eateries nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN THE MAIN CATHEDRAL4. Dalat Railway Station/ French Quarter
The Railway Station/French Quarter area tends to be quieter and less crowded compared to the city center. If you prefer a more tranquil environment, this might be a suitable option.
Dalat Railway Station, also known as Ga Đà Lạt in Vietnamese, is a historic railway station constructed during the French colonial period and was inaugurated in 1938. It served as a transportation hub for the region, connecting Da Lat to the main rail network in Vietnam. The station’s distinctive design includes a sloping roof with a large central dome, creating an elegant and memorable structure.
While the railway station is no longer a major transportation hub, it has become a popular tourist attraction. You can explore the station, admire its architecture, and learn about its historical significance.
Best places to stay near Dalat Railway Station:
Luxury ($$$): Mercure Dalat Resort, 4-star hotel located on Nguyen Du Street Ward 9, close to Xuan Huong Lake, Yersin Park Da Lat and Lam Vien Square. It has air conditioning rooms, free private parking, and a terrace.
Budget ($): Tigon Dalat Hostel, good value money backpacker hostel, offering stunning views from its terraces. The guest house has bike hire and car hire services. It is 20 mins walk from the town center.
Budget ($): Ngan Hoa – Mille Fleurs 02, 2-star hotel in a quiet neighborhood, not far from the city center. It has family rooms, a garden, free private parking, and a 24-hour front desk.
5. Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyen Lam Lake is one of the many attractions in Dalat located south of Dalat center. This area offers a peaceful and scenic retreat from the bustling city center.
Tuyen Lam Lake is surrounded by lush greenery and pine forests, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake and explore the surrounding natural beauty.
There are also several resorts and accommodations near Tuyen Lam Lake, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Best places to stay in Dalat in Tuyen Lam Lake:
Luxury ($$$): Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa, 5-star hotel in a quiet remote location at mountain lakeside within 20 minutes from the city center of Da Lat. It has an Indoor swimming pool, free parking, as wella s spa and wellness center.
Mid-range ($$): Terracotta Hotel & Resort Dalat, 4-star hotel located next to Tuyen Lam Lake, close to Truc Lam Temple. Onsite facilities include a tennis court, pool table and Karaoke, and tour desk.
Budget ($): The Lake House Dalat, a sustainable bed and breakfast close to Tuyen Lam Lake. It has views of the lake and garden, and a Relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The main city center is a short Grab ride away.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN TUYEN LAM LAKEIn conclusion, Ward 1 (Dalat city center), Ward 2, Dalat Main Cathedral area, Dalat Railway Station/ French Quarter, and Tuyen Lam Lake are the best places to stay in Dalat for first-timers and tourists. These areas offer a variety of accommodations for all budgets and preferences.
You can continue reading other popular tourist destinations in Vietnam in this articles:
- Safest areas to stay in Hanoi first time
- Safest areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City first time
- Safest areas to stay in Nha Trang for first time
- Safest areas to stay in Da Nang for first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Dalat. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.