Da Lat, a “paradise” for photography enthusiasts with its vibrant flower valleys, has always been a dream destination for travel lovers. This place offers countless interesting things to explore, to the extent that even after a whole week, you won’t have seen it all. So, if you only have 3 days and 2 nights for your Da Lat trip, what are the must-see places?
When is the best time to visit Da Lat for 3 days and 2 nights?
This land of thousands of flowers is beautiful throughout the four seasons of the year. However, the most ideal time to visit Da Lat is from November to March when the seasons overlap: late autumn, early winter, and the beginning of spring.
In early November, wild sunflowers begin to bloom, painting the sky in golden-orange hues like the morning light. In spring, it is highlighted by peach blossoms and the cool weather. Traveling to Da Lat from November to March allows you to experience the most beautiful and gentle characteristics of the city.
Estimated cost for a 3-day, 2-night Da Lat trip
There are two popular ways to travel to Da Lat today: by tour or on your own.
For self-guided Da Lat travel:
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Advantages:
- Freedom to plan and choose the places to visit.
- Save money if you budget wisely.
- Explore less-known places.
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Disadvantages:
- Requires a lot of time and effort to plan.
- Potential difficulties in transportation and finding information.
- Unforeseen events can occur due to lack of knowledge about schedules (high prices, sold-out tickets, etc.).
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Estimated costs:
- Round-trip airfare: approximately 1,300,000 VND per person. If traveling by bus, this will be around 500,000 – 600,000 VND per person.
- Accommodation (homestay, hotel): around 350,000 VND per night.
- Food: about 300,000 VND per person per day.
- Other expenses (transport, entry fees): approximately 200,000 VND per person.
- Total estimated cost: 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 VND per person.
For Da Lat tours:
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Advantages:
- Convenience, no need to plan in detail.
- Have a knowledgeable guide.
- Visit many famous places in a short amount of time.
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Disadvantages:
- Possible overcrowded and noisy tours.
- Fixed itinerary with less free time.
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Cost:
- On average, a 3-day, 2-night Da Lat tour costs from 2,500,000 to 4,500,000 VND per person, depending on the service quality and attractions.
Overall, the price difference between a tour and a self-guided trip is not much, mostly depending on personal preferences and needs. If you enjoy spontaneous trips, finding information yourself, and exploring, then a self-guided trip is for you. If you prefer a carefully chosen itinerary, a guide, and participating in many activities in a short period, then a tour is the perfect choice.
Must-Visit Places in Da Lat for a 3-Day, 2-Night Trip and Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Discover the Ancient Beauty of Da Lat: Lam Vien Square – Chicken Church – Linh Phuoc Pagoda – Sculpture Tunnel – Da Lat Night Market
- Morning (8:00 – 11:00):
- Start your day at Lam Vien Square, check-in with the iconic wild sunflower and giant artichoke sculptures – this is a must-see for every traveler.
- Nearby is the Chicken Church with its unique European architecture, perfect for photo opportunities.
- Noon (11:00 – 13:00):
- Enjoy lunch with Da Lat specialties like grilled pork skewers (nem nướng) or pancakes (bánh căn) in the city center. Be sure to check prices and ask beforehand to stick to your budget.
- Afternoon (13:00 – 17:00):
- Head to Linh Phuoc Pagoda (the Pagoda of Broken Bottles) which is famous for sculptures and statues made from millions of broken ceramic pieces in a serene environment.
- Then, visit the Sculpture Tunnel to explore unique clay art and take photos at the infinity pond.
- Evening (18:00 – 22:00):
- Stroll around Da Lat Night Market, try street foods like grilled rice paper and roasted sweet potatoes.
- Enjoy the romantic atmosphere at cafes with beautiful views.
- Night (22:00 onwards):
- Free time to explore Da Lat at night or rest at your hotel.
- Free time to explore Da Lat at night or rest at your hotel.
Day 2: Catching the Clouds and Immersing in Nature: Thiên Phúc Đức Hill – Lang Biang Mountain – Xuan Huong Lake
- Morning (5:00 – 8:00):
- Catch the clouds at Thiên Phúc Đức Hill, a famous spot in Da Lat with a breathtaking misty sunrise.
- Afterward, head to Lang Biang Mountain for sightseeing and adventurous activities like jeep rides or paragliding. A round-trip jeep ride costs about 120,000 VND per person (each jeep holds up to 6 people), and paragliding costs 600,000 VND per person.
- Noon (11:00 – 13:00):
- Have lunch at Lang Biang with regional mountain specialties.
- Afternoon (13:00 onwards):
- Take a stroll, pedal a swan boat, or relax at Xuan Huong Lake.
- Enjoy shopping for Da Lat specialties as souvenirs.
- On Days 2-3, you can join a short trekking tour or camp at:
- Quảng Thừa Village Trekking,
- Trekking & SUP at Tuyen Lam Lake,
- 7-Level Waterfall Trekking,
- Lang Biang Trekking,
- Chill camping in the pine forest, SUP, and BBQ campfire…
- Sở Lăng – Mimosa – Da Lat Café & Camping Complex.
Some Tips and Notes for Your 3-Day, 2-Night Da Lat Trip
- Choose tourist spots close to the city center for easier travel given your limited time.
- If renting a scooter to explore the city, opt for manual bikes rather than automatic ones as they are easier to handle on steep roads.
- Bring warm clothes like jackets or scarves because Da Lat can be cold in the early morning and evening.
- Always ask for prices and bargain when buying food or souvenirs, especially at crowded markets.
- Wear vintage-style clothes for beautiful photos as they complement Da Lat’s scenery.
An exciting adventure awaits you in Da Lat – the city of thousands of flowers. We hope these helpful tips will enhance your experience, making each moment of your Da Lat trip unforgettable. Wishing you a wonderful journey filled with memorable experiences!
Check out other Da Lat activities in the following articles:
- Discovering the Famous Cable Car Tourist Area in Da Lat
- 5 Trekking Tours in Da Lat: Exploring the Enchanting Nature
- 5 Must-Visit Da Lat Camping Sites
- Da Lat Travel: A Mesmerizing Camping Trip in the Heart of Langbiang Pine Forest!
For tour information in Da Lat, check out:
Louis Phan Travel specializes in organizing nature tours and camping at Da Lat:
- Quảng Thừa Village Trekking,
- Trekking & SUP Camping at Tuyen Lam Lake,
- 7-Level Waterfall Trekking,
- Lang Biang Trekking,
- Chill camping in the pine forest, SUP, BBQ campfire…
- Sở Lăng – Mimosa – Da Lat Café & Camping Complex.
Contact: 0896138129 – 0961680399
Website: louisphantravel.com
Facebook: Louis Phan Travel
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