This episode’s topic was something my good friend Mischa suggested: rating Đà Lạt as underrated, overrated, or properly rated. We’ve done this format before, covering cocktail bars in Saigon, but this time, we turned our attention to Đà Lạt, fresh from our recent trip there. If you haven’t seen the video about cocktails, I recommend checking it out!
Underrated, Properly Rated, or Underrated
The first opinion, for Dan, he thought Đà Lạt is underrated. He thought Đà Lạt was underrated. Although some people think the city is too crowded, especially during holidays, Dan had a more relaxing experience. He said he preferred staying just outside the city where it’s quieter and more peaceful. He loved spending time in nature, taking long walks, or riding around on a motorbike.
For him, Đà Lạt is a place just to chill. He also brought up the Crazy House, a quirky architectural spot that we had just visited for the first time. He called it “amazing,” and I had to agree—it was unlike anything I’d seen before.
Next, we turned to Adrie. She felt that Đà Lạt was underrated for tourists but probably properly rated for Vietnamese people, who already seem to love it. She highlighted how much Đà Lạt had to offer, from adventure sports to cozy cafes and unique restaurants. For her, one of Đà Lạt’s biggest draws was the weather. It’s cooler and less humid than Saigon, making it a refreshing change.
Adrie also made a great point about timing. When we were there in December, many coastal cities like Đà Nẵng and Hội An were struggling with the rainy season. Social media was full of complaints about ruined trips. Meanwhile, Đà Lạt was beautiful—blue skies, no rain, and a crisp chill in the air. She said, “The scenery is so pretty, and there’s so much to do, but you have to put in a little effort to find it.” She emphasized that Đà Lạt was great for motorbike rides, where you could discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
Finally, Mischa shared his thoughts. He had been to Đà Lạt several times, but his most recent trip left a big impression. He described it as “fucking beautiful” and said it was even better than he remembered. At first, he thought Đà Lạt was underrated, but after thinking more, he leaned towards properly rated. “Everyone I know already thinks Đà Lạt is amazing,” he said. He added that the mountains, cool weather, and laid-back vibe make it a fantastic place to visit.
One of the things we love about Đà Lạt is how dog-friendly it is. If you’re a pet owner, this city is an ideal spot to visit with your furry companion. Adrie and I often bring our dog along when we go, and it’s always been a great experience.
Top Spots and Recommendations in Dalat
During the episode, we shared some of our favorite places in Đà Lạt—both well-known and hidden gems. I asked Mischa where he liked to go, and he started by listing some of his favorite spots for drinks and food.
City Center
This last trip was Mischa’s first time visiting a few new places. He mentioned Drinkery and Gemination, which he thought were excellent. Drinkery leaned more toward being a restaurant with a focus on craft beer, while Gemination was a cocktail bar with a great vibe. Mischa also gave a shout-out to his friend Frank, who owns Le Alpi, a fantastic restaurant where Frank cures his own meat and makes his own cheese. The food there is amazing, but there’s one catch—Frank likes to close whenever he feels like it! It’s become a bit of a joke among visitors.
Mischa also talked about Doosam, a unique place where the ground floor is a coffee shop and the second floor is a craft beer bar. They serve beers from all over Vietnam, including Saigon and Hanoi. Another spot he enjoyed was the Down Under Sports Pub, a great place to watch sports and grab a drink. He also reminisced about a previous visit to Coho Coffee, a coffee farm up in the mountains, where he enjoyed some of the freshest coffee he’s ever had.
Outside the City
Adrie chimed in with her recommendations for spots outside Đà Lạt’s city center. She pointed out that you’d need a motorbike or a taxi to get there, but it’s worth the effort. The scenic coffee shops in the hills and valleys were some of her favorites. One highlight she mentioned was 420 Sunset Bar, a chilled cocktail spot with incredible sunset views.
Adrie also brought up a must-try Vietnamese restaurant called Kim Kwan, where the chef, who used to work in Saigon, serves some of the best Vietnamese BBQ. She described it as “absolutely fantastic” and highly recommended it for anyone visiting Đà Lạt.
Beyond food and drinks, we talked about other activities that make Đà Lạt special. Adrie highlighted the famous Datanla Waterfall, which features an alpine roller coaster that takes you down to the falls. She also mentioned Elephant Falls, about 40 minutes outside the city, and Tuyen Lam Lake, a beautiful spot surrounded by coffee shops and pine trees.
We laughed about the night market, which Adrie and I both agreed was overrated. It’s always crowded, and the stalls mostly sell sweaters and strawberries. Dan joked that the night market might be why some people leave Đà Lạt with a bad impression. But he made a great point: the best experiences in Đà Lạt are outside the city center. There are so many quiet spots, scenic drives, and hidden gems to explore once you venture beyond the crowds.
Check out some craft beer spots in Saigon here!
Practical Tips
1. Weather Considerations
Đà Lạt is known for its cooler climate, which is a refreshing change from cities like Saigon. However, don’t be deceived by the mild daytime temperatures. While it might feel perfect for a light shirt during the day, the temperature can drop significantly at night. If you’re planning to ride a motorbike or take a late-night Grab ride, you’ll definitely want a jacket.
The contrast between day and night is stark—it’s one of those places where the phrase “night and day difference” really applies. Even in the dry season, mornings and evenings can be brisk, so pack accordingly. A light sweater or a proper jacket will save you from shivering when the sun sets.
2. Best Time to Visit
While Đà Lạt is a great destination year-round, timing your visit carefully can make all the difference. Avoid traveling during Vietnamese public holidays, like Tet or National Day, when the city center becomes packed with both local and international tourists. The increased demand during these times means higher prices for accommodation and a more hectic experience overall.
Instead, aim for quieter weekdays or off-peak weekends. You’ll find the city more relaxed, and it’ll be easier to enjoy its natural beauty without the crowds.
3. Beyond the City Center
Many visitors make the mistake of sticking to Đà Lạt’s city center, but the real charm lies in the surrounding areas. Renting a motorbike is one of the best ways to explore the outskirts. The winding roads take you to serene coffee shops perched on hillsides, offering stunning views of valleys and mountains.
If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike, don’t worry—hiring a driver or taking a taxi is another great option. Either way, make sure to venture out to places like Tuyen Lam Lake, Elephant Falls, or the many hidden gardens and cafes in the countryside. These spots are perfect for soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and experiencing Đà Lạt’s true charm.
Conclusion
After exploring everyone’s thoughts and sharing our own experiences, the consensus is clear: Đà Lạt is underrated. It’s a city with so much to offer, from its breathtaking landscapes to its unique cafes, adventure spots, and cooler climate. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who’s been multiple times, there’s always something new to discover.
What other destination that you want us to rate? Let me know in the comment below, and remember to follow and subscribe for future episodes about Vietnam.