How to spend 48 hours in Dalat

A treasured cultural and historical landmark of the city, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa captures the soul of ancient French architecture, exuding sophistication, romance and quiet emotion. Nestled among tall pine trees and just a ten-minute drive from the centre, the resort comprises 17 elegant villas inspired by a bygone French era. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with modern comforts, soft beds and airy spaces that invite in the sunlight, creating an ambience that is at once refined and warmly nostalgic—a portal to the Dalat of yesteryear.

Kayaking and watching the sunset in Tuyen Lam Lake

As evening falls, Tuyen Lam Lake shimmers in a robe of gold. Gliding across the glassy waters in a kayak, you find yourself surrounded by a profound stillness, broken only by the dip of the paddle and the soft whisper of the pine forest.

The sun’s final rays dance on the water, melting into a fine mist that hovers over the lake, transforming each moment into something almost surreal. You might pause at a small grassy bank to sip a cup of hot tea, or simply surrender to the drift of the kayak, watching the sky fade from brilliant orange to deepest violet. For lovers, paddling hand in hand beneath the sunset’s glow promises a memory that lingers long after the journey ends.

“Cloud hunting” and watching the sunrise on Da Phu hill

Da Phu Hill, one of Dalat’s celebrated “cloud hunting” havens, offers a dawn experience to stir the soul. In the early morning hush, with the valley still swaddled in fog, you ascend the hilltop to find clouds floating like a sea across the emerald hills, conjuring a scene straight from a dream.

Read more: A very different Da Lat revealed at the exhibition "Melody from Above"

The special feature of Da Phu lies in its lofty position, relatively free from obstruction, allowing a sweeping view of the clouds weaving around the mountains and the sunrise casting its brilliance through gaps in the mist. Bring a jacket, take along a cup of hot tea, and sit amidst the vastness, where you can truly feel the meeting point between heaven and earth.

Delicious local food for breakfast

Starting your day in Dalat with a local breakfast offers a charming way to experience the soul of this misty city.

Stop by a humble shop on Tang Bat Ho Street to savour banh uot long ga—a unique dish featuring thin, delicate banh uot sheets, crowned with rich chicken giblets, sweet, tender chicken, and a scattering of fragrant Vietnamese coriander. The spicy, savoury fish sauce seems to awaken all the senses, pairing perfectly with the crisp morning air.

For something different, the hot banh can is not to be missed. These pretty, round cakes are cooked in clay moulds, turning delightfully crisp on the outside while remaining soft and fragrant within, and served with either fish sauce or rich scallion oil. Sitting by a charcoal stove, sipping a cup of hot soy milk, you will feel an extraordinary closeness to Dalat, warmed by each simple yet heartfelt dish.

Experience the cable car and vegetarian buffet at Robin Hill

Spanning 2,267 metres, the cable car system connecting Robin Hill to Truc Lam Zen Monastery offers a breathtaking journey over vast pine forests, where the mist clings to the path and sunlight filters through in golden beams, creating a scene almost dreamlike. In just 12 short minutes, you will glide through the poetic beauty of the city of flowers, breathing in the fresh mountain air, with every moment in the cabin feeling as though you are drifting through Dalat’s reverie.

After the ride, stop by Léguda vegetarian buffet, set on the first floor of the Robin Hill cable car tourist area, to enjoy a feast imbued with the spirit of Dalat. With more than 20 varieties of fresh organic vegetables—from crisp salads to fragrant hotpots—the buffet offers a wholesome and refreshing culinary journey. The spacious dining area, decorated with wooden tables and chairs, opens out onto views of the rolling pine hills, creating a setting that feels both relaxed and intimately connected to nature.

Explore Langbiang Peak by Jeep

Stir your adventurous spirit with a thrilling journey in a Jeep to conquer the legendary Langbiang Peak. As the vehicle winds along roads that twist like silk ribbons through the pine forests, you will feel the cool breeze against your skin, mingling with the heady scent of the woods. The lively roar of the engine as the Jeep tackles the steep slopes brings a rush of excitement, culminating in a moment of awe as the “roof” of the Central Highlands, standing 2,167 metres high, unveils itself.

At the summit, listen to the old love stories of Lang and Biang, or simply stand still and watch the clouds swirl beneath your feet. Be sure to bring a jacket, for the winds are sharp at this height, and keep your camera ready to capture every breathtaking angle—from sweeping panoramas of mountains and forests to quiet moments with a steaming cup of coffee in the sky’s embrace.

Dinner at Sam Dining and drinks at Fox’s Den

Under warm yellow lights and within a romantic European setting, Sam Dining becomes an ideal rendezvous for an enchanting culinary journey.

As the first fine dining restaurant in the city of flowers, Sam Dining elevates gastronomy with premium ingredients — from rich foie gras and fresh river lobster to rare black truffles—each dish meticulously crafted and presented like a work of art, awakening every sense of the diner.

After an unforgettable feast, let your steps wander towards Fox’s Den, a hidden bar tucked along Tang Bat Ho slope. Inspired by The Fox and the Hound, the cosy “fox den” unfolds with an air of mystery and charm. Beneath the spell of golden lighting, talented bartenders create cocktails that tell your story, with each drink named after beloved characters from the film, from the playful Dinky & Boomer to the noble Chief.

Sip on a sweet fruit wine or a crisp cold beer, drift with the rhythms of soft jazz, and share timeless stories with friends. With calming blue hues, sophisticated touches, and an intimate atmosphere, Fox’s Den offers a perfect retreat where you can let go of cares, slow down, and savour Dalat’s night-time sparkle.

Delicious breakfast with Le Petit

Stepping into Le Petit feels like being transported to a “miniature Paris”—a cosy haven of soft wooden furnishings and elegant windows welcoming the first tender light of dawn, gently stirring all the senses. Savour a crisp French baguette with rich fried eggs, or indulge in the comforting warmth of a hot bowl of beef noodle soup. A robust iced milk coffee or a fragrant cup of artichoke tea completes the perfect morning ritual.

For an even more romantic start, choose an outdoor table, where you can enjoy breakfast with the mist swirling around the pine trees and birdsong filling the fresh morning air. Breakfast at Le Petit is a symphony of sights, sounds and flavours, leaving you recharged and ready for another day of discovery in Dalat.

Conquer adventure sports at Datanla waterfall

Hidden deep within Dalat’s emerald pine forests, Datanla Waterfall offers visitors the thrill of exhilarating adventure sports. Tackling the High Rope Course is a true test of bravery, with ropes strung high above the ground and obstacles waiting to be conquered. As the rush of the waterfall mingles with the whisper of the forest wind, every step across suspension bridges and every Tarzan leap creates a heart-racing soundtrack. There is a liberating feeling in the air, as though nature herself is inviting you to explore your limits amid her majestic beauty.

If the High Rope Course is a challenge that takes you skywards, then the waterfall slide at Datanla offers an adventure that brings you face-to-face with the rapids. Equipped with a safety harness and guided by a team of professionals, you will slide down slick cliffs, leap from a height of seven metres into a crystal-clear lake, or swim through cool, narrow rock crevices. What makes Datanla truly special is its seamless blend of wild natural beauty and an impressive commitment to safety, making it perfectly suited to first-time adventurers.

The Tatler Best Vietnam 2025 list, alongside 23 Best-in-Class awards celebrating the finest names in Vietnam’s hotel, restaurant and bar scene, will be officially unveiled at the Tatler Best Vietnam 2025 event on 7 May 2025. The celebration is proudly partnered with champagne house Moët & Chandon, with sponsors including Sofitel Saigon Plaza, technology brand Speed POS, beauty house Menard, floral designer PoDo Flower, event technology specialist Eventista, fine dining restaurant The Monkey Gallery DINING, and omakase establishment Noriboi.

Tatler Best stands as Asia’s definitive guide to the region’s top 100 hotels, 100 restaurants and 100 bars, honouring excellence across hospitality and dining. With 23 Best-in-Class accolades — 10 for hotels, 8 for restaurants and 5 for bars — Tatler Best salutes the elite of the hospitality world. Nominees are selected through the expert judgement of Asia’s most discerning travel, food and beverage connoisseurs, individuals who shape and reflect the region’s evolving tastes.

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