Where to Stay in Dalat, Vietnam: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Dalat and wondering where to stay? I’ve got you covered!

Dalat is one of the most unique places to visit in Vietnam. Tucked away in the Central Highlands, this mountain city is much cooler and greener than most of the country, and it’s also an agricultural hub. I loved how different it felt from Vietnam’s big cities!

But Dalat is pretty spread out, so choosing the right area to stay will make a big difference to your trip. In this guide, I’ve narrowed it down to the three best areas to stay in Dalat, with hotel recommendations for every budget. Let’s get into it!

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Dalat

Dalat is quite spread out and VERY hilly, so where you stay definitely matters! If you choose a hotel around the city center or Xuan Huong Lake, you’ll be able to explore plenty on foot, but for attractions further afield, Grab is the easiest way to get around. You can also hire a scooter, but I’d only recommend this if you’re already confident driving one. 

It’s also worth checking whether your visit coincides with any major Vietnamese holidays. Dalat is hugely popular with domestic tourists, and I visited during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), when the city was absolutely PACKED! Accommodation can get busy during major holidays, so I recommend booking ahead.

• City Center – Best for first-time visitors – This is the easiest place to stay as you’ll be close to all the action and can get to Dalat Market and tons of restaurants on foot. Colline Dalat is a glossy hotel with a super central location, but it’s still nice and quiet at night

• Xuan Huong Lakefront – Best for couples and a scenic stay – This is a very pretty area based around Dalat’s famous lake, so it’s quieter, but you’re still close to the city center. Golden Sun Hotel – Dalat is a great choice for a polished and wallet-friendly stay.

• French Quarter/Historic District – Best for history and quiet stays – Stay here for leafy streets and French-colonial architecture away from the busy central market area. MerPerle Dalat Hotel is a huge 5-star hotel that still works for a fairly modest budget.

Where to Stay in Dalat, Vietnam

City Center

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Very central and walkable
• Amazing for street food and shopping
• Easy access to Grab and tours

Cons

• The busiest and noisiest part of Dalat
• Can get VERY crowded during holidays

If it’s your first time in Dalat, I think the City Center is the best place to stay. This is the busiest part of the city, but it’s also the most convenient, with tons of restaurants, cafés, shops, and street food right on your doorstep. Grab rides are also readily available around here, so you can usually get a driver in a matter of minutes, and it’s also easy to join tours to visit attractions outside of the center.

Dalat Market is right in the heart of the action and is a great place to shop for local produce, flowers, and souvenirs during the day. Then at night, the surrounding streets transform into the bustling Dalat Night Market, with vendors selling everything from grilled skewers to bánh tráng nướng, aka Vietnamese pizza!

You’ll also be close to Hoa Binh Square, and within walking distance of Xuan Huong Lake and the Flower Garden, so there’s plenty to explore without needing transport. However, this definitely isn’t the area to stay if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

And remember, Dalat is a HUGE destination for domestic tourists. I visited during Tet and the City Center was absolutely packed, so I highly recommend booking ahead if you’re visiting during a major Vietnamese holiday!

Quy Tai Premium Hotel – $$$

For a luxurious stay in the heart of Dalat, Quy Tai Premium Hotel is the clear choice. This five-star hotel boasts enormous rooms, and even some of the standard options come in at over 700 square feet!

The facilities are a HUGE selling point too. There’s an indoor swimming pool with a view, as well as a sauna, steam room, and hot tub, so it’s a great place to come back to after a busy day of sightseeing. I also like that there are some enormous family rooms and two-bedroom suites available if you’re traveling as a group.

Plus, you’ll still be close to all of the restaurants, shops, and street food of central Dalat. Rooms start from around $140 USD per night.

If Quy Tai is already sold out for your dates, Nesta Valley Dalat Hotel is another excellent option to consider in Dalat’s City Center. It’s a large and stylish hotel with state-of-the-art facilities, including a premium gym and a gorgeous spa with a marble hot tub, which is ideal for those chilly Dalat nights! 

Colline Dalat – $$

For location, Colline Dalat is VERY hard to beat. Dalat Market is practically on the doorstep, while Xuan Huong Lake and the Night Market are also within easy walking distance. Basically, it’s in a perfect location for sightseeing and street food, but it’s also a really nice property in its own right.

The hotel itself is modern and stylish, with a rooftop terrace and two restaurants. I love the warm, contemporary decor, and if you book one of the higher room categories, you can end up with gorgeous views over Xuan Huong Lake.

All in all, I think this place is an unbeatable choice for your first trip to Dalat because you can walk to SO much from here. Rooms start from around $130 USD per night, including breakfast.

If Colline Dalat is fully booked, Le Récit Boutique Hôtel de Dalat is another central property in the heart of the city. It’s a modern, minimalist property that offers a nice, boutique alternative to the bigger hotels nearby, but you’ve still got a restaurant on site and breakfast is included.

Dalat Center Residence is also a fantastic option for families or longer stays, with spacious apartments that have kitchens and living areas, and they’re soundproofed to ensure a good night’s rest! The central location is excellent too, and some apartments even have balconies with mountain views.

Le Macaron City Center – $

If you want somewhere affordable with a LOT more personality than your average budget hotel, I love Le Macaron City Center. This small boutique property is right in the heart of Dalat, with the Night Market and lots of cafés nearby.

The rooms here are decorated in a sweet, cozy style, with a charming little coffee shop downstairs. I love the big French windows and arched doorways, as well as the cute touches like floral pillows and potted plants. It matches Dalat’s vibe perfectly! Rooms start from around $90 USD per night.

The Pink Boutique Hotel is another adorable boutique option, with snug rooms that remind me a bit of mountain lodges! This place looks so cool both inside and outside, so it’ll do wonders for your Instagram profile, while on a more practical note, there are motorbike rental and laundry services on-site.

Alternatively, Hotel Du Lys has a French-inspired neoclassical design that, again, feels very fitting for Dalat. It’s super central, and there are triple and family rooms available, as well as suites that sleep up to four people, so it’s a great choice for groups.

Xuan Huong Lakefront

BEST FOR COUPLES & A SCENIC STAY

Pros

• Beautiful lake views and walking paths
• Calmer than the City Center
• Still close to restaurants and major attractions

Cons

• Hotels tend to be more expensive
• Less nightlife and street food than the City Center

If you want somewhere scenic without staying too far from the action, Xuan Huong Lakefront is a great alternative to the City Center. It feels much calmer, but it’s still close to everything. For example, you can walk from the lake to Dalat Night Market in just 10 minutes! 

The lake itself is one of Dalat’s most famous landmarks, and there’s a roughly 7-kilometer path around the water that’s perfect for walking or cycling. This is especially beautiful in the early morning or around sunset! Or if you really want to embrace the lakeside vibe, you can rent a swan pedal boat and get out on the water. I did this at sunset, and it was just gorgeous – the whole scene looked like a painting! 

And if you stay by the lake, you’ll have several of Dalat’s other top attractions nearby, including the colorful Dalat Flower Park and the futuristic Lam Vien Square. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants dotted around, as well as some of Dalat’s more upscale hotels. Plus, depending on where exactly you stay, you can still walk into the City Center and visit Dalat Market and the Night Market.

I think this area is especially great for couples and families. You get the gorgeous scenery and quieter atmosphere while still being close to Dalat’s main attractions! What’s not to love?

Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel – $$$

If you want to lean into Dalat’s romantic side, Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel is VERY hard to beat. This hotel dates back to 1922 and overlooks Xuan Huong Lake, with gorgeous colonial architecture and rooms decorated in Edwardian and Art Deco styles.

I love how much historic character has been preserved here. It’s got chandeliers, beautiful antique-style furniture, claw-foot bathtubs, and views of either the lake or Dalat Cathedral! True to its name, it really does feel steeped in tradition.

The indulgent spa doesn’t hurt, either! Rooms start from around $220 USD per night.

For more space, La Fleur Premium Central Apartment Hotel has spacious studios and apartments, including options with multiple bedrooms and terraces. You also get access to a sauna and a pretty garden, while Xuan Huong Lake and Lam Vien Square are nearby.

Golden Sun Hotel – Dalat – $$

Golden Sun Hotel – Dalat is my top pick near Xuan Huong Lake. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Lam Vien Square, with Yersin Park and the lake close by too, so the location is fantastic for exploring on foot.

But you get a LOT for your money here too! This four-star hotel has an indoor swimming pool, spa, and gym, as well as an on-site restaurant. The rooms are modern and polished, with some offering balconies, and breakfast is included in many rates.

I think this is a fantastic option for couples who want some resort-style facilities without paying luxury hotel prices. Rooms start from around $105 USD per night.

Alternatively, Du Parc Hotel Dalat is a fantastic option, dating back to 1932 and offering plenty of old-school charm. There’s a restaurant, bar, massage services, and a sauna, and the central location puts you close to both the lake and City Center.

If you would prefer something newer, M Village Premier Hotel Xuan Huong Lakeside is a more contemporary five-star option with views over Xuan Huong Lake, Anh Sang Park, and Dalat Cathedral – what a scene! It only opened in 2026, so this is a great pick if you prefer sleek, modern hotels over Dalat’s more historic properties.

Ngoc Phat Dalat Hotel – $

For a more affordable stay, Ngoc Phat Dalat Hotel offers excellent value in a fantastic location. Xuan Huong Lake is less than 500 meters away, while Lam Vien Square is just a short walk from the hotel.

Some rooms come with gorgeous lake views, so it’s worth checking the room categories when you book! There’s also a rooftop terrace, café, bar, and Vietnamese restaurant on-site, while breakfast is included in many rates.

I think this is a great option if location matters more to you than having tons of fancy facilities, especially since you can walk to plenty of Dalat’s major sights from here. Rooms start from around $60 USD per night.

Another affordable option is Khách sạn Brume Đàlạt – in fact, it’s one of the most wallet-friendly properties in the whole area! Despite that, the rooms and suites feel very modern, with lots of natural light, and it’s in an ideal location near the lake and super close to Lam Vien Square and Yersin Park.

French Quarter/Historic District

BEST FOR HISTORY & QUIET STAYS

Pros

• Beautiful historic architecture and leafy streets
• Much quieter than the City Center
• Great for cafés and slow-paced exploring

Cons

• Less convenient for restaurants and nightlife
• You’ll likely need Grab more often

If you want to experience Dalat’s historic side, I recommend staying around the French Quarter and Historic District. This mainly covers parts of Wards 2 and 10, which are home to some of the city’s most beautiful French-colonial architecture.

Dalat was developed as a hill station during the French colonial period, and you can still see that influence all over this part of the city. One of the biggest highlights is Dalat Railway Station, which dates back to the 1930s and is famous for its distinctive Art Deco design. You can also visit Domaine de Marie Church, explore historic villas, or just wander the leafy streets and stop at cute cafés along the way.

This area feels noticeably quieter than the streets around Dalat Market, which is a HUGE plus if you don’t want to be in the middle of the action all the time. However, things are more spread out, so you’ll probably rely on Grab more here. Still, I think that this is perfect for couples on a romantic trip or repeat visitors who have ticked off the touristy stuff and are more focused on atmosphere and architecture this time around.

Grand Mercure Dalat – $$$

For a luxurious stay, Grand Mercure Dalat fits this area perfectly. The resort is spread across 12 beautiful French-style villas surrounded by gardens and pine trees, so it feels like staying at a grand country estate.

The rooms blend French-colonial style with modern comforts, and many have balconies overlooking the gardens. There are spacious room options for families, while the peaceful grounds make this an especially romantic choice for couples. 

This place feels worlds away from the busier center of Dalat, but you’re within a 10-minute drive of Xuan Huong Lake and Dalat Market, so you’re actually not too far removed from the action. I think this is a gorgeous choice if you want to embrace Dalat’s historic atmosphere in five-star comfort! Rooms start from around $140 USD per night.

For something smaller and more unique, Banla Boutique Hotel has just 22 individually designed rooms, plus a garden, sun terrace, restaurant, and bar. Some rooms also have balconies with mountain or city views, and I LOVE the cozy feel here.

MerPerle Dalat Hotel – $$

I think that MerPerle Dalat Hotel is an amazing pick because you get a LOT for your money here! It looks more like a palace than a hotel, and one of the biggest highlights is the heated rooftop pool on the ninth floor, where you can swim while enjoying panoramic views over Dalat.

There’s also a gym, spa, karaoke rooms, game center, and kids’ club, so this hotel has much more going on than your typical city stay. I think it’s an especially good option for families because there’s plenty to keep kids entertained, but couples will appreciate the pool and spa facilities too.

Since you’re staying in Ward 10, you’re well positioned for exploring Dalat’s historic side. Rooms start from around $130 USD per night.

Dalabiang Hotel – $

I love Dalabiang Hotel because it’s affordable, but it still has that elegant, French colonial design and great facilities. To be honest, I’m not actually sure why it’s not more expensive, but hey, no complaints from me!

There’s a year-round outdoor swimming pool overlooked by cherry blossom trees (although the flowers are seasonal, of course) as well as a gym and a lovely restaurant where you can tuck into your complimentary breakfast buffet and enjoy high tea in the afternoon.

The rooms are stylish, and they feel very welcoming and cozy, with big beds. They also have large windows to let in lots of natural light, and the bathrooms feel luxurious too. I think this is one of the best choices in Dalat in terms of value for money! Rooms start from $70 USD per night.

If Dalabiang Hotel is fully booked for your dates, La Sapinette Hotel Dalat is a larger four-star hotel with French-inspired architecture. It’s not quite as polished, but with a gym, spa, sauna, and steam room, you still get some great facilities here without paying luxury prices.

Top Activities to do in Dalat

Now that you know where to stay in Dalat, it’s time to plan the fun stuff! Between canyoning down waterfalls, cruising through the countryside on a motorbike, hiking in the mountains, and tasting the local street food, there’s SO much to experience. These are a few of my favorite activities to add to your Dalat trip:

• Go Canyoning – Dalat is surrounded by waterfalls and lush mountain scenery, so canyoning is one of the most exciting ways to explore it! I had an amazing time abseiling down waterfalls and scrambling my way through the beautiful Datanla area. You don’t need previous canyoning experience either, as you’ll have guides to show you the ropes.

• Ride Motorbikes on the Dalat Loop – One of the best ways to see more of the countryside is on this motorbike tour – this is Vietnam, after all! Rather than sticking to the city, you’ll ride through the surrounding mountains and countryside with an experienced local driver, stopping at waterfalls, villages, farms, and viewpoints along the way. It’s a fantastic way to experience the beautiful landscapes around Dalat.

• Visit the Crazy House – Dalat is known for being quirky, and the Crazy House might just be its strangest attraction! Officially called Hang Nga Guesthouse, this surreal building is filled with twisting staircases, secret rooms, and hidden tunnels and bridges. Exploring it made me feel like a big kid! It also covers other Dalat highlights, including Lang Biang Mountain and Datanla Waterfall.

• Trek up Lang Biang Mountain – For some of the best views around Dalat, book this guided trek up Lang Biang Mountain. You’ll hike through pine forest and jungle to reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the surrounding lakes and mountains. The hike is quite challenging, but if you enjoy being active, I think it’s well worth it.

• Try Local Street Food – Vietnamese food is incredible, and this evening street food tour is a fantastic introduction to Dalat’s local specialties. You’ll explore the city with a local guide who will teach you all about Dalat’s food culture and introduce you to tons of regional dishes. Thanks to Dalat’s cooler climate, the food scene here is quite different from the rest of Vietnam, so it’s definitely worth learning about it on a tour on one of your first few nights here.

Related Read: Want to turn these adventures into the perfect trip? Check out my Dalat itinerary for a day-by-day plan covering the best things to see, do, and eat!

Thanks for reading!

Dalat really surprised me with just how different it feels from the rest of Vietnam. Between the pine-covered hills, waterfalls, colorful markets, and cooler mountain weather, it has a personality all its own! I personally love the City Center for its convenience, but the lakefront and historic districts are fantastic if you’d rather slow things down and enjoy Dalat’s scenery.

Whichever area you choose, I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect base for your trip! Before you go, check out my other Vietnam blogs for more of our favorite places, tours, and travel tips. I’ve also linked a few helpful guides below to keep the trip planning going!

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Where to Stay in Ninh Binh, Vietnam: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

12 Best Things to do in Nha Trang, Vietnam