Last time, on Day 1 of our Đà Lạt trip, we uncovered three hidden gems—unexpected spots that made the journey even more exciting. But Đà Lạt is full of surprises, and we knew there was still more to see.
This time, we set out to find even more. From secret hiking trails (or at least, attempted hikes) to stunning viewpoints, quirky architecture, and some seriously good food, let’s see what we discovered on Day 2.
Hidden Gem 4: Happy Hill Cafe
We were in Đà Lạt, looking for another hidden gem. Adrie had found a hiking trail on Google Maps. The reviews made it sound tricky—guards, closed paths, not exactly straightforward—but we figured we’d try our luck. It was supposed to be a short, one-hour trek with a great view from the top, and more importantly, it was short enough that Biscuit could handle it.
When we arrived, the reviews were right. A security guard was standing exactly where people said he would be, telling us we couldn’t go up. After being turned away from the hiking trail, we ended up at Happy Hill, a café with a view over Tuyền Lâm Lake. To be honest, we weren’t expecting much—it was just a backup plan while we figured out our next move. But as soon as we arrived, we realized this place was something special.
The setting was classic Đà Lạt—rolling hills, bright flowers, and a perfect view of the lake. The whole place was designed for Instagram, with little photo spots everywhere—wooden swings, flower-covered arches, and, of course, a giant love heart.
As much as I love Vietnam, there’s one thing that always bugs me—the plastic problem.
Happy Hill was beautiful, but everything was served in disposable plastic. Our drinks came in plastic cups with plastic lids and plastic straws. There was leftover food on another table, all in plastic plates with plastic spoons. And the worst part? It all just got thrown straight in the bin. No recycling, no effort to reduce waste—just more plastic heading to a landfill.
Takeaway food is the same story. Everything comes in styrofoam containers. I can’t remember the last time I saw styrofoam in the West—it’s probably been phased out in most places. But here? It’s still the cheapest option by far.
I don’t blame people for it—it’s an economic problem more than anything. But it’s something Vietnam really needs to catch up on.
Another Attempt For The Trek
After finishing our coffee at Happy Hill, we decided to give the trek another shot. The guide Adrie found said that 20 meters from the car park, there was a path into the forest. It also mentioned a second guard—maybe he’d stop us, maybe he wouldn’t. Only one way to find out.
We found the path easily, but it looked pretty overgrown. We’d just done another hike where the warnings included poison ivy, snakes, and spiders. I might have been a bit dramatic, but honestly, this one didn’t look much better.
Adrie took one look ahead and said, “I don’t want to do it.”
Fair enough. Neither did I.
So we called it. Another abandoned trek—just like the Dark Cave in Phong Nha. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go back and watch our Phong Nha videos.) Some treks just aren’t worth the struggle.
Hidden Gem 5: Mơ Bistro In The Pines
We got back on the bike and started riding around Tuyền Lâm Lake, looking for lunch. The breeze felt amazing, especially after the midday heat started to kick in.
Then we spotted Mơ Bistro, a restaurant in the Forest of Dreams. Another find by Adrie. She’d seen it on Google Maps and on a Facebook list of dog-friendly places. So we pulled in and hoped for the best.
When we arrived, we realized we probably should have made a reservation—but we didn’t. Luckily, there was space outside, and honestly, that worked out even better. The restaurant was built right into the pine trees, and the outdoor seating had an amazing view. Even better? Biscuit was allowed in.
The place was brand new, built right into the pines. They’d obviously cleared some trees to build it, but it still felt like it belonged in the forest. The music was nice, the atmosphere was great, and Biscuit was already causing chaos, barking at nothing in particular.
Then the food arrived. Adrie’s dish looked amazing. Mine? Chicken spaghetti. Looked tiny. And as I always say, the smaller the portion, the more delicious it is.
Time to eat.
The Crazy House – Đà Lạt’s Most Bizarre Attraction
After lunch, we headed to one of the most famous spots in Đà Lạt—the Crazy House. It felt weird to say, but despite visiting Đà Lạt five times, we had never actually been here before.
We weren’t even sure if Biscuit would be allowed in. That was the first test.
At the entrance, we asked the staff. A bit of hesitation. “She’s a small French bulldog,” I said, hoping that would help. It did. They let us in. 160,000 VND for two tickets.
Time to see what this place was all about.
The Crazy House is exactly what the name suggests. It’s insane architecture—twisting staircases, curved walls, narrow tunnels, and tree-like structures that aren’t actually trees.
It was built in 1990 by a Vietnamese architect who had trained in Moscow. Her father was the General Secretary of Vietnam, and after years of designing state projects, she came to Đà Lạt and decided to do something completely different.
The result? A hotel, an art installation, and a fever dream—all rolled into one.
Wait, You Can Stay Here?
The weirdest part? It’s actually a hotel.
Yes, you can stay overnight in one of the surreal, cave-like rooms. Personally, I don’t know how people sleep here. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, trying to find the bathroom, and getting lost in a maze of winding staircases. No thanks.
Biscuit, on the other hand, was loving it. She ran through the bizarre hallways like she owned the place.
Final Thoughts
Đà Lạt never disappoints. During this trip, we discovered three more hidden gems—Happy Hill, Moe Bistro, and The Crazy House—each one completely different but equally memorable.
There are still more hidden gems to find, more off-the-beaten-path spots to uncover, and, of course, more cheap rum and cokes to drink.
So if you enjoyed this, stay tuned for the next episode—we’ve got even more adventures coming up.