April 4, 2025Jim Grootes

Dalat on a Budget: 7 Scenic Places You Can Visit for Less Than $7

Travel

🎬 Want a real look at these places?
Watch the video above to get a cinematic impression of each location we visited in Da Lat — including sunrise views, flower fields, and behind-the-scenes moments from our trip. It’s the perfect way to see what the blog describes.

A Quiet Escape from the Heat (And the Hustle)

After spending weeks in the busy streets of Da Nang, my girlfriend Nga and I craved something slower. Something cooler. Something that didn’t come with a side of traffic and heat. That’s when we packed our bags and caught a bus to Dalat in Vietnam — a dreamy mountain town we’d both heard about, but never visited.

Spoiler: it was exactly what we needed.

Why Da Lat Caught Our Eye

If you’ve never been, Da Lat is up in the Central Highlands. The air is crisp. The trees are tall. And the mornings are wrapped in mist. It honestly felt like someone turned the volume down on the world — in the best way possible.

But here’s the real reason we chose it: we’re building a life of travel and content creation, and we’re doing it on a budget. So we’re always looking for places that let us:

Dalat delivered on all three.

Affordable, Romantic, and Totally Doable

For couples or content creators, Da Lat is such a great fit. Here’s why:

Even our first sunrise tour only cost us 179K per person (under €7), and we saw views that looked like something out of a postcard.

If you’re looking for more great (and affordable) photo spots, check out this guide on Instagram-worthy locations to take photos in Da Nang. You’ll see why we love Vietnam so much for visual storytelling.

Visa, Weather, and When to Go

Traveling here from abroad? You’ll likely need a visa. We used Vietnam’s e-visa system and it was smooth and easy. Just apply online, upload your photo and passport, pay the fee, and wait a few days.

As for the weather, the best time to travel to Da Lat is during the dry season — from March to November. We went in March, and while other parts of Vietnam were hot or rainy, Da Lat stayed cool and cozy.

If you’re curious about staying longer in Vietnam, I shared more about our experience overwintering in Vietnam — including some mistakes we made (so you don’t have to).

A First Glimpse of Something Special

That first day, riding through the hills on a motorbike, was one of my favorite travel memories so far. I’ve had moments like that before — like when we visited the Lập An Lagoon and captured quiet shots of golden light.

But Da Lat? It had its own kind of magic.

And this was just the beginning.

Is this helpful?
You can support me with a coffee or share this post with someone who’s planning their Vietnam adventure soon.

What We Did in Da Lat (And What’s Actually Worth Your Time)

Once we settled into our hotel and grabbed our first bowl of pho Dalat, we were ready to explore. With a motorbike, a few early alarms, and some local tips, Nga and I set out to visit the best of Dalat in Vietnam without breaking our budget.

Here’s a breakdown of the places we visited, what we paid, what stood out, and what we might skip next time.

Săn Mây Cầu Gỗ – Bình Minh

View on Google Maps

This was one of the most memorable mornings of the trip. We started the day with a 4:00 AM tour to a mountaintop lookout where we watched clouds move like waves over the hills. It was quiet, peaceful, and completely worth the early wake-up.

Later, the tour continued with visits to a strawberry farm and a small perfume-making site. We even picked our own fruit. The tour cost 179,000 VND per person and lasted until about 8:30 AM.

The next day, we tried to go there ourselves by motorbike, leaving at 5:00 AM. We made it, but just a bit too late for the best light. If you go solo, we suggest leaving by 4:30 AM to catch the full sunrise.

Cánh đồng Hoa Cẩm Tú Cầu

View on Google Maps

This flower park is built for photos. It’s well-maintained, full of hydrangeas, and has designated photo areas with props and scenic backgrounds. You can even rent traditional outfits to make your pictures more special.

If you like the style of visual storytelling, you might also enjoy reading about how I shot the Ao Dai and Lotus Flowers.

Da Lat Railway Station (Ga Đà Lạt)

View on Google Maps

This spot brings you back in time. Originally built during the French colonial period, Da Lat Railway Station is still running short train rides today. For us, it was a quiet, nostalgic experience.

We bought one-way tickets for 150,000 VND per person and rode about 30 minutes through the countryside. The final stop is near a pagoda and makes for a peaceful walk.

The Crazy House

View on Google Maps

The architecture here is like something out of a fantasy movie. This surreal building was designed by a Vietnamese architect to reflect harmony with nature. Expect narrow staircases, unexpected turns, and great city views at the top.

Tuyền Lâm Lake

View on Google Maps

This lake was a peaceful stop for us. There’s a small coffee shop overlooking the water, and it’s the kind of place you could spend an hour just relaxing and taking in the view. There was also quite a big coffee shop with lots of beautiful photo taking spots. Ideal for a morning get away. And fun family occassion.

Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc (Clay Tunnel)

View on Google Maps

Out of everything we visited, this was probably the one we wouldn’t recommend unless you’re very curious. The park is known for its large clay statues — especially the two iconic heads — but beyond that, it felt a bit underwhelming and not well maintained.

Đồi Cỏ Hồng (Sunset Spot at Tuyền Lâm)

View on Google Maps

This hillside spot offers styled pathways and photo props designed to help you catch the light at golden hour. There’s also a small café at the entrance where you can grab a drink and park your bike.

We didn’t get a perfect sunset due to cloud cover, but the atmosphere was still worth it. It’s especially good for couples or solo travelers looking to take portraits with scenic backdrops.

Curious what camera I used for all these photos? I’ve shared everything in my bag here: What’s in My Photography Bag.

Where We Stayed, How We Got Around, and Why Dalat Is Worth It

After long days of exploring, we were grateful to come back to a quiet, cozy place each night. And the best part? It didn’t cost much at all.

Rose Valley Hotel — A Hidden Gem for Budget Travelers

View on Booking

We stayed at Rose Valley Hotel, which cost us just 11 euros per night. It honestly felt like more than what we paid for.

The hotel has a calm valley view, and our third-floor room came with a balcony — perfect for slow mornings with coffee and birdsong in the background. The location was ideal, too: just 3 minutes from The Crazy House, 10 minutes to the night market, and walking distance to a few local food spots.

What we loved:

This place made everything easier. If you’re visiting Dalat in Vietnam and want something affordable, safe, and convenient, this hotel is a solid choice.

Why Dalat Should Be on Your List

What made Dalat special wasn’t just the cool weather or the scenery. It was how the place made us feel. Calm. Connected. Inspired.

We didn’t need fancy resorts or luxury tours to enjoy ourselves. With a few early mornings, a rented motorbike, and an open mindset, we got everything we hoped for — and more.

If you’re a content creator, a couple traveling light, or someone who just wants a change of pace, Dalat in Vietnam offers a different kind of travel experience. One that’s slower, softer, and more grounded in nature.

We came for a quick escape. We left with a story.

Quick Recap

Was this helpful?
You can support my writing with a coffee, or send this blog to someone planning a Vietnam trip. It helps more than you know.

And if you’re looking for more Vietnam travel stories or photography inspiration, check out:

Thanks for reading. See you on the road.

More Posts