Guide to Đà Lạt, Vietnam

If you’re into exploring mountains and waterfalls then Đà Lạt is your ideal travel destination. Did we mention there’s unlimited coffee? 

Approximately 300-km away from the bustling city of Saigon, Đà Lạt is the capital city of Lam Dong province. It sits 1500-m (4921-ft) above sea level on the Lang Biang Plateau in the southern parts of the Central Highlands and is surrounded by lovely mountains. Driving from whichever point of the country to Đà Lạt, outstanding views of the unspoiled waterfalls, lakes, flower valleys, and grass hills will keep you company.

The best part is? The weather is spring-like cool instead of tropical hot like the major parts of Vietnam.

It's also quite beautiful! Đà Lạt’s impressive French architectural works are surrounded by lush strawberry and flower farms.

Due to its reputation as a hub for culture and agriculture, the city has quite a lot of nicknames. Some call it 'Little Paris' because of the French architecture villas and how the vibe of the tea gardens and quaint coffee shops feel like you’re in Europe. Besides that, Đà Lạt is also dubbed the 'City of Thousands of Pine Trees,' 'City of Eternal Spring,' and 'City of Fog.'

But just because you’ve been to Đà Lạt once doesn’t mean you’ve seen it all. The city has many cards up its sleeve! 

City for Coffee Lovers

More than the pine trees and strawberries, Đà Lạt is all about coffee and we don’t mean cups of coffee, but actual coffee beans on farms.

The French were the first to bring Arabica seeds to Vietnam from Africa. In 1912, they founded a resort town for themselves in Đà Lạt and enlisted the ethnic K’Ho minority in the area to tend their coffee trees. Sometime in the 1940s, K’Ho farmers got their hands on Arabica seeds from the French coffee trees and planted them on their own family farm at the base of the mountain. 

Vietnam’s Central Highlands produces the vast majority of coffee in the region. At Nam Coffee, we’re proud to be partnering with a third-generation farmer from Đà Lạt — the epicenter of the Highlands.

What should I do in Da Lat?

Every other year between late December and early January, Đà Lạt holds an event showcasing flowers, vegetables, and ornamental plants from the locals as well as other regions within the country.

Though most people flock to Đà Lạt to relax in nature, there are also some adventurous things to do. For instance, you can go mountain biking, white water rafting, canyoning, or embark on a climbing adventure in the hills around the city. If you’re feeling like a fearless daredevil, you can even jump on a motorbike and explore the waterfalls, lakes, and forests in the area. 

In the mornings, watch out for the gibbons as they swift and swing through the trees by their long arms. You can go to the Cat Tien National Park and observe crocodiles.

And now, for the most important part, the delicious cuisine — every day throughout your stay, you can enjoy the fresh local food and take advantage of some of the best coffee in the country. There are also stylish speakeasies and cozy restaurants in the city, you just need to look closely and explore. 

If you’re visiting the City of Fog during Tet holiday or on long weekends, it’s best to book your accommodation in advance. And by advance we mean months prior. 

Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa, one of Da Lat’s 5-star hotels. This luxurious hotel features on-site cinema, an incredible view of the lake and pine forests, and an extensive Western and Asian breakfast buffet. 

Lu Tan Inn, this charming inn has a warm and cozy atmosphere perfect for families, groups or solo travelers. They have a common living space for a more homey vibe. It’s also close to Xuan Huong Lake, the center of Da Lat.

CampArt by #MợJen, Da Lat is also an ideal place for glamping (glamorous camping). About 15-km from the city center, this spot’s popular for its minimalistic tents and old food van.

Why Nam Coffee Is Grown in Da Lat

We named each of our products with something significant to the Vietnamese community — Da Lat, District One, and Orange County. Đà Lạt consists of 100% Robusta beans and is an ode to this city. Containing notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and wildflower, it showcases the rich potentiality of Vietnam’s fertile soil. 

Robusta is by far the most popular type of coffee bean to grow in Vietnam, but Arabica has made some gradual gains in the market with the rise of craft coffee. District One has an even 50% split between Arabica and Robusta while Orange County consists of thirty percent Robusta and seventy percent Arabica beans. At Nam Coffee, we're proud to be importing Grade A Robusta beans that are free of any harmful additives. 

Đà Lạt is where Nam Coffee is grown and if you can’t go there yet, let your senses take you with our coffee’s unique taste and long-lasting aroma.