It’s me Niall Mackay, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts, and also host of A Vietnam Podcast.
For me, Da Lat is the place that makes you forget you’re in Vietnam. The cool mountain air, the endless pine forests, and the laid-back vibe are a stark contrast to the chaos of Saigon.
This trip was mostly for Biscuit, our dog, who loves the cool weather.
Over the next few days, we set out to explore some of Dalat’s lesser-known spots. Some we found on purpose, others by accident, but that’s what makes a trip like this fun.
Arrival and First Impressions
We had finally made it to Da Lat, a cool mountain town about seven hours north of Saigon. The trip up was easy—we drove by car, and even though it was a long ride, it was comfortable. This trip was mostly for Biscuit, our dog, who loves the cool weather. But honestly, I was excited to escape the heat too.
We checked into In The Pines, a cozy little place that Adrie found. Actually, Adrie planned everything for this trip, as she usually does. I just followed along, not really knowing what we’d be doing, but that’s part of the fun. The place was peaceful, surrounded by nature, and best of all, dog-friendly. There were other dogs lounging in the sun, and Biscuit seemed happy.
If you haven’t been to Da Lat, it’s a unique place. Back in the colonial days, the French used it as a retreat to escape the heat and humidity of Saigon. They didn’t exactly own Vietnam, but let’s just say they took over, and Dalat became their little getaway.
The climate here is different from the rest of Vietnam. It’s much cooler, which makes it perfect for growing strawberries, flowers, and even wine. You’ve probably heard of Dalat wine—it’s famous, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Let’s just say if you’ve ever had cheap Australian goon, you’ll get the idea. Actually, I think Australian goon might even be better.
Before setting off, we had to get a motorbike. Renting one in Vietnam is ridiculously easy. You just show up, say you need a bike, and within minutes, they hand you the keys—no paperwork, no hassle. It’s one of the things I love about traveling here.
Biscuit was ready, Adrie was ready, and I was excited to hit the road. The sun was shining, but I knew from experience that as soon as we got moving, the temperature would drop fast. I was already debating whether I should keep my fleece on or not.
Check out episode about Da Lat: Da Lat: Underrated, overrated, properly rated?
Hidden Gem #1: Dalat Eden – Coffee, Gardens, and Instagrammable Views
Our first stop of the day was Dalat Eden, a beautiful little café that we stumbled upon after getting some gas. It was one of those places that felt like a hidden gem the moment we arrived. You could see the greenhouse sheds in the distance, most likely growing strawberries or other fresh fruit, which thrive in Da Lat’s cool climate.
The owner greeted us warmly, speaking perfect English, and invited us to explore the garden behind the café. Of course, we said yes. The place had a peaceful, natural vibe, and best of all, it was super dog-friendly. Biscuit was immediately off sniffing around, running up and down the stairs like a little rabbit.
Walking through the garden, it became clear that Dalat really is the land of flowers and fruit. Everything felt effortlessly scenic—what I’d call naturally Instagrammable. Not like some of those over-the-top spots designed purely for photos. If you see a staircase leading to nowhere or a giant heart-shaped bench, you know it’s a setup for Instagram. This, though, felt more organic.
Adrie set our coffees down as we took in the view. She had ordered a salted coffee, while I went for something called a Cloudy Macchiato, which had a cheese foam topping. I had no idea what to expect, but it actually tasted pretty good. And, as usual in Vietnam, our coffees came with a complimentary hot tea, something I always appreciate.
As we hopped back on the bike, the sun started to dip, and the temperature dropped fast. One minute, we were enjoying the warmth, and the next, we were freezing.
Hidden Gem #2: Ankroet Dam
Not long after leaving Dalat Eden, we made another unplanned stop. Technically, Adrie found it, so I guess she’s the real explorer on this trip.
At first, I wasn’t sure if this counted as a proper hidden gem. “Are we just stopping at coffee shops all day?” I asked. But it was hidden, and it was a gem, so fine—it made the list.
One of the things I love about Vietnam is how communal everything is. You’ll always see groups of people hanging out, whether it’s at a coffee shop, a street corner, or just sitting on small plastic stools with a few boxes of beer. It’s such a big part of daily life here.
But there’s a downside too. A lot of people just leave their trash behind when they’re done. As we sat outside, we noticed empty beer boxes and plastic cups scattered around. It’s frustrating to see because Vietnam has so many beautiful places, but litter is a big problem.
A Random Roadside Stop
As we continued our ride, we found ourselves in the northern part of Dalat, which felt way less touristy than the south.
By now, the temperature had dropped again. We left town when it was 21°C, but now it was 19°C, and with the wind chill, it felt even colder. My nose was practically freezing.
Not long after our second hidden gem, we made another stop. Well, I called it hidden gem number three, but Adrie disagreed.
“No! We’re on the side of the road,” she said.
“That’s exactly what a hidden gem is,” I argued.
We went back and forth a bit before compromising—this would be a bonus hidden gem. No number, just a quick stop to take in the scenery.
We had pulled over just north of the Ankroet waterfall, surrounded by tall pine trees.
By now, the temperature had dropped again. The moment the sun disappeared, it got cold.
It was time to get back to Dalat Centre, grab some warmer clothes, and find somewhere for dinner. Maybe a few drinks.
Cold Evenings and a Visit to a Microbrewery
After a long day of exploring, we made it back to In The Pines. The ride took about 20 minutes, and by the time we arrived, it was cold. My hands were shaking, and I was ready to get inside and warm up. Even Biscuit had set off a chain reaction of barking from the other dogs.
The sunset had been beautiful, but we didn’t catch it on video. Maybe tomorrow, or before we leave, we’d get another chance.
We arrived at Hua Tong Brewing Company, a popular microbrewery in Dalat. It was packed, which was a good sign, but unfortunately, because we had Biscuit, we had to sit outside. Inside looked warm and cozy, but we made do.
At the same time, Vietnam was playing a football match. The energy around us was high, and people inside were fully into the game.
An IPA whose tasting notes strangely said Bubblegum. I took one sip and immediately regretted it. It tasted like…soap?
I called over the manager and explained that something seemed off with the beer. She went to check and came back with a surprising answer:
“No, that’s just how the beer is.”
Apparently, it was an American-style craft beer, and they insisted that’s how it was supposed to taste. I had my doubts.
A Hidden #3 Bar Discovery: The J
After the microbrewery, Adrie led us to another spot she had found on Google—a hidden bar called The J.
From the outside, it looked more like a toy shop or a pop culture museum. The windows were filled with comic books, video game posters, and movie memorabilia. But behind it all was a bar. A hidden bar, as they described it.
Conclusion
Day one in Dalat was exactly what I had hoped for—unexpected discoveries, stunning scenery, and plenty of coffee. With more hidden gems to uncover, I knew the next day would bring even more surprises. But for now, it was time to get some rest, warm up, and get ready for another day of exploring Dalat.
Stay tuned for the next hidden gems in Da Lat!