What if I told you there’s a city in Vietnam where the air is cool, the flowers bloom year-round, and the architecture whispers tales of French colonial charm? Intrigued? We were too. After the vibrant chaos of Ho Chi Minh City and the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, we ventured into the heart of the Central Highlands and discovered the magic of Dalat – a city that quickly stole our hearts.
Pro Tip: Booking a taxi at Lien Khuong airport offers a world of possibilities; many enthusiastic vendors await as you collect your luggage. Choose wisely, as it can shape your experience based on the distance to your sanctuary. For budget-savvy explorers, the Klook app offers enticing deals for the ride.
- Where We Stayed: Nestled in Dalat’s serene landscapes, our accommodations offered a perfect blend of comfort and luxury. Book your stay here.
- Must-Do Experience: Alpine roller coaster – Buckle up for the ride of your life, where you’re in the driver’s seat! As we embark on this 2400-meter-long journey, the longest in Asia, imagine the rush of passing by the magnificent Datanla waterfalls. Picture this: you’re zooming through lush greenery, feeling like a nature-loving speed demon, only to hit the brake in the middle for a coffee break! That’s right, folks—who says you can’t sip coffee while defying gravity? It’s a wild concoction of screaming and serene sipping that only Dalat could serve up!
- The Lakeside Stroll: The Dalat Lake, especially at dusk, looked like a canvas painted with soft hues. Walking by the calm waters, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of serenity, reminiscent of childhood escapes to Ooty or Kodaikanal.
The Culinary Exhibition at Dalat Night Market
Dalat’s night market is an electrifying escapade for the senses! The pulsating stalls tempt you with everything from mouthwatering skewers to fragrant bowls of pho that linger in your dreams. Yet, the display of exotic meats dares to challenge even the boldest of foodies—an audacious delight, yes, but it might be pushing the boundaries of culinary sanity!
Budget Breakdown: Exploring Vietnam Without Breaking the Bank
When it comes to travel, numbers tell a story too! Here’s how we managed to explore Dalat without blowing our budget. You’ll see how every VND was spent, from local adventures to indulgent coffee stops—and trust me, every penny was worth it.
Luxury and Local Finds in Dalat
Our Dalat journey began with a warm welcome as we landed from Hanoi on a luxurious Vietnamese Airlines flight (only INR 3287 per head!). It felt like a reward after days of hustling through stolen money fiascos and local bus chaos
From the airport, a 310,000 VND cab took us straight to the charming TTR Moonstone Apart Hotel, our oasis of calm in Dalat. Meals ranged from hearty lunches (768,000 VND) to indulgent ice cream and coffee breaks (145,000 VND). But the highlight? Our adventure on the self-controlled roller coaster, booked through Klook. For just INR 2427, we experienced an unforgettable ride through lush landscapes, coffee stops included!
Pro Tip: Always carry a small tip for drivers (30,000 VND). It goes a long way in making the journey smoother!
Nature, Thrills, and Coffee Stops
Dalat’s charm continued with a cable car ride (INR 2370 via Klook) offering breathtaking views. The ride to the Crazy house was equally fun (360,000 VND), a quirky detour that left us amazed.
Meals and snacks (645,000 VND for lunch, 90,000 VND for coffee) were part of the adventure.
Budget Breakdown for Vietnam: Dalat
| Expense | Amount (VND) | Amount(INR) |
| Flight to Dalat per head | 984911 | 3287 |
| Cab to the hotel from the Airport (60 km) | 310000 | 1035 |
| Food | 913000 | 3047 |
| Alpine roller coaster/head | 242407 | 809 |
| Rolle coaster Pic | 900000 | 300 |
| Tips | 30000 | 100 |
| Cable Car | 710143 | 2370 |
| Crazy House | 360000 | 1201 |
Subtle Call to Action:
Did this journey inspire you? Share your thoughts below or tell me about your favorite travel destinations. Let’s explore the world together, one blog at a time!
Quiz time:
How Well Do You Know Vietnam?
Which Vietnamese city is called the “City of Eternal Spring”? Drop your guesses in the comments!
What’s Next?
And just as the stars guide the dreamers, our journey doesn’t end here. From Dalat’s lush highlands and thrilling coasters, we now venture into the enchanting Mui Ne—a land where red and white dunes meet tranquil oceans, where adventure knows no bounds. Get ready for dune-bashing thrills, barefoot treks through fairy streams, and sunsets that paint the sky in hues you’ve never imagined. If I were you, I would not miss the next chapter. Stay tuned!
Through Our Lens: A Journey Worth Reliving
Rijju's Runway 