Da Lat Cycling is our complete travel guide dedicated to all things Dalat bicycle travel: Da Lat bike rental, Da Lat bike tour, Da Lat rent bike, bicycle rental Da Lat, cycling in Da Lat, Da Lat mountain biking, Da Lat cycling.
About Da Lat Vietnam
Da Lat or Dalat, the capital of Lam Dong Province is located approximately 308km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. At an elevation of 1,500m, Dalat bears the look of an Old French city. It was founded in 1897 when Doctor Alexandre Yersin recommended that the area be developed as a resort town.
Dalat has many natural and artificial lakes such as Ho Xuan Huong, Than Tho, Da Thien, and Tuyen Lam bordered by lines of pine trees, which are a well-known feature of Dalat Vietnam.
Dalat is one of Vietnam’s most popular places. Vietnamese come to Dalat for the cooler climate is stable all year round. The temperate climate of Dalat is suitable for flowers such as orchids, roses, lilies, and camellias. Foreigners travel to Dalat for the wide selection of adventure tours it offers. There are such activities as trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, parachuting, canyoning…
Nowadays, tourists not only limit themselves to Dalat; they also visit the area of Langbian Highland and the ethnic minorities. Langbian Mountain’s highest peak at 2,165 m is very tempting for climbers. From Lom Bieng Klo peak, one can see endless green mountains reflecting the silver rays of the sun.
Da Lat map
How to get to Da Lat?
By plane
Lien Khuong Airport is 30km south of Da Lat city linked by a modern and yet scenic two lane highway and offers flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hue, Vinh, Hai Phong and Bangkok. Dalat is being serviced by three airlines at this present time, being Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Jetstar Pacific Airlines.
By private car
Traveling from Nha Trang to Da Lat? Booking a private car with driver might be the best option if you travel with a small group of travelers. You can save cost and have the flexibility of making any coffee stops on the way.
Car rental with driver can be arranged with ease in Nha Trang, Mui Ne beach, Ho Chi Minh city or Da Lat. Just contact your travel agent or visit Vietnam Car Hire for more information.
By bus
Many foreign travelers arrive in Dalat by bus, including those travelling on the famous open-tour bus Ho Chi Minh city – Hanoi.
From Nha Trang, the bus ride is about 3-4 hours, including a 30-minute breakfast/WC stop about one hour out of Nha Trang.
From Da Nang, sleeper bus from Danang to Dalat , departs from Danang at 17:00 and arrives Dalat at 8:00 – 9:00 am (15 hours).
From Ho Chi Minh City, the bus ride is about 6 hours (recently renovated roads reduced the commute time by a few hours). If coming from Mui Ne, be careful as the road is terribly rough most of the way, so try to book a large bus or at least a seat towards the front.
Alternatively, catch a local bus at Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa, Phan Rang, Nha Trang or Buon Ma Thuot.
Cycling in Da Lat
Cycling in Da Lat lets you experience the most popular travel destination of Vietnam. Visiting Dalat by bicycle brings both fun and adventure experience. The place offers easy ride on flat roads, downhill, long distance cycling from Dalat to Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot, Phan Rang, Thap Cham, Mui Ne Beach, Hoian. Dalat also offers a day cycling adventures with the possibility of riding on single track, mountain hills of Da Lat.
When to go cycling in Da Lat?
Da Lat’s year-round temperate weather, standing in contrast to central & southern Vietnam’s otherwise-tropical climate, has led it to be nicknamed the “City of eternal spring”. The average temperature is 14 °C (57 °F) – 23 °C (73 °F). The highest temperature ever in Da Lat was 31.5 °C (88.7 °F), and the lowest was −0.6 °C (30.9 °F).
Da Lat in March, April, May
Humidity and temperatures combine to make these months feel warm. Highs range from 91°F (32.8°C) and 84.1°F (28.9°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 3 to 5 days of significant precipitation per month. March, April, and May are quite busy for tourism, which makes it a good time for taking a bike tour.
Da Lat in June, July, August
The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see moderate precipitation with 3 to 5 days of precipitation per month. June, July, August are also busy months for tourism in Da Lat, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual. We recommend you booking your Dalat mountain bike tour in advance.
Da Lat in September, October, November
Fall daily highs range from 89.4°F (31.9°C) and 82.3°F (27.9°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a good amount: 8 to 12 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather. If you plan a cycling trip in Da Lat during these months, booking a Dalat day tour or short cycling excursions may be a better choice.
Da Lat in December, November, February
Weather is perfect this time of year in Da Lat to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 84.1°F (28.9°C) and 80.1°F (26.7°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 1 to 7 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists. The city is quite busy during Christmas, why don’t you think about a bike ride from Da Lat to Buon Ma Thuot or Phan Rang are less visited.
What to explore on your Da Lat bike tour?
Da Lat is one of the most popular travel destinations in Vietnam. The place is visited by both domestic and foreign travelers. Whether you are an active, adventure traveler or honeymooner, Da Lat has a place that matches your requirements.
The following attractions are some of the best things to see in Da Lat. While most of these attractions are accessible by car, exploring these sites by bicycle will make your holiday different and enjoyable.
Langbiang Mountain
Langbiang Mountain is situated on Lang Biang Plateau in Lac Duong district, Lam Dong province. It is approximately 12 km far from Da Lat centre. The place can be added on your Dalat one day bike tour.
Legend says that the Langbiang name was originated from the name of a couple who were deeply in love with each other – the man named K’lang and the woman named Ho Biang. Langbiang contains the two highest peaks of Lam Vien highland and one of them is usually regarded as the roof of Da Lat.
The mountain is well-known for its wonderful nature and its marvelous view of the whole wide region of Da Lat City, the rivers, the forest, and houses of tribal people.
Da Lat Railway Station
Da Lat Railway Station is reckoned the oldest station in Viet Nam as well as Indochina. The station was built by the French from 1932 to 1938 and is the railhead of the Railway Phan Rang – Da Lat, about 84 km in length. The station has a unique architectural style, with three conical roofs, which are the stylization of three Langbiang mountain tops or the hollow of mountain Highlands. Now, the only route that is still serving tourists is the route “Dalat – Trai Mat” (7 km in length) taking visitors to Trai Mat, and Linh Phuoc Pagoda.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Linh Phuoc pagoda was built around 1949-1952. It is also known as Bottle pagoda as in the yard of the pagoda there is a 49m long dragon made of 12000 bottles of beer. The pagoda is an excellent mosaic – glazed terra-cotta architectural work of the Da Lat city. Cycling from Dalat city center to Linh Phuoc pagoda takes few hours. You can either rent a bicycle and discover the pagoda on your own or booked our half day cycling in Da Lat.
Xuan Huong Lake
Xuan Huong Lake is a man-made lake in the center of Da Lat. Used to be the site in which a lot of indigenous people of Langbiang highland inhabited, the lake supplies a good focal point to the city. It is nowadays the most beautiful lake of Da Lat. Cycling around Xuan Huong Lake is the great way to experience the town. It offers spectacular view of sunset or sunshine.
Domaine De Marie Church
Domaine De Marie Church was built in 1940-1943. Its architecture is strongly affected by the architecture of churches in Normandy region of France. It is well set up with beautiful gardens, surrounding parks, which are very unique. This attraction can be included on our half day Da Lat cycling tour.
Cam Ly Waterfall
Cam Ly waterfall is situated 2 km from Da Lat city center. The waterfall is made up of Cam Ly stream formed by the confluence of a small stream on the Langbiang Plateau. This waterfall is approximately 10 meters in height. In 1998, Cam Ly waterfall was recognized as a National heritage. Our Da Lat mountain biking trip does not include the site by default. But you can rent a bicycle and explore it on your own.
Datanla Waterfall
Datanla featuring with a 20-meter drop, contains several wooden bridges to cross from one side to another side. It can be observed from the above of the waterfall.
Valley Of Love
Valley Of Love is about 5 km from the center of Da Lat. The valley has the poetic landscapes, makes it a perfect place for couples. It is really fun to rent a bicycle and visit the place in the afternoon just before the sunset.
Mong Mo Hill
Mong Mo Hill is situated in the North of Da Lat city center. This is a poetic landscape of Da Lat, of which even its name also speaks of “poetry”. Mong Mo Hill is dubbed as a resized version of Da Lat. It attracts visitors by its beauty of nature, pine-tree hills.
Lake Of Sighs
The Lake of Sighs is named based on a few sad tales of lovers. Originally, it was a natural lake yet was enlarged by the French as a dam. Despite the name brings such unhappy connotations, the Lake of Sighs is considered as a popular destination for Vietnamese, particularly young couples.
Linh Son Pagoda
Linh Son Pagoda is situated on a hill overlooking Da Lat city. This pagoda offers visitors contrasting views of the busy town on one side and the tea and coffee plantations of the temple on the other side. Coming here, you might often see monks working in the fields, particularly during the coffee and tea harvesting season. At Vietnam Cycling we usually add this attraction on our Dalat cycling day trip.
Da Lat Flower Gardens
Da Lat Flower Gardens were built in 1966. It consists of several gardens are on the northern side of Xuan Huong Lake, right in the heart of Da Lat city. Da Lat Flower Gardens cover the area of approximately 7,000 sqm. Hydrangeas, orchids, mimosas, pansies, and peach blossoms are some of the 300 different types of common flowers displayed in these parks along with a lot of other exotic flowers. This attraction can be discovered by bike.
Da Lat Night Market
Da Lat Market is situated in the city center. You will find at the market a lots of fresh local products like artichokes, vegetables, dried fruits, and lots more. In the evening, the market is lively with delicious stall of street food such as hot grilled rice crepes or some other grilled foods.
Bao Dai Summer Palace
Bao Dai’s Summer Palace was built in the period of 1933-1937 under the dynasty of King Bao Dai who was the last king of Vietnam feudal regime. The palace has been evaluated as one of the most beautiful architectural works in Da Lat with a harmony between pine forests and parks, Thuong Uyen (royal garden), Ai An Forest and a small lake.
Tuyen Lam Lake
Tuyen Lam Lake is a man-made lake. It is situated about 6 km south of Dalat city center. The lake has water surface of 350 hectares. This lake along with its campus has fresh air, tranquil atmosphere, and natural landscape (including forests, mountains, lakes, streams, waterfalls). This attraction can be added on our Dalat bike ride.
Hang Nga Guesthouse
Hang Nga guesthouse, also called as the “Crazy house”, is designed by a Vietnamese architect named Dang Viet Nga. This building of non-rectilinear shapes has represented in a lot of international architectural journals and eventually made its manner to the list of ten most creative buildings of the world. In details, it is a wide mass of wood and wire fashioned into the figure of a giant tree house and smoothed over in concrete.
Elephant Waterfall
Elephant waterfall is situated in Nam Ban town, about 40km away from Da Lat. The waterfall lies on Cam Ly stream, and is a purely natural landscape. Elephant waterfall, also known as Lieng Rowoa waterfall, is among the most beautiful waterfalls of Da Lat.
Golden Valley
The Golden Valley covers an area of 170 ha of sloping pine trees and green grass hills. It features with a harmony of man-made and natural beauty. The valley is a great place for a day trip out of Da Lat city center.
Da Lat University
Da Lat University is located in the center of Da Lat city, covering a total area of 30 ha with more than 40 blocks surrounded by a lot of green trees. The original Da Lat University was built in 1957.
Da Lat cycling routes
Find the right bike route for you through Da Lat, where we’ve got several cycle routes to explore. The bicycle routes you most commonly find here are of the downhill type. Most people get on their bikes to ride Dalat in the month of February.
Here we’ve compiled all of the popular cycling spots in and around Da Lat, covered by our great selection of exciting Dalat cycling tours. Terrain and highlights vary: from biking at a leisurely pace through countryside villages in suburban Da Lat, to riding over undulating topography of hillside neighborhoods, all of which reward you with breathtaking vistas usually inaccessible by car.
Cycling around the Valley of Love
Dalat to Bao Loc bike route map
Da Lat Golden Valley cycling route map
Da Lat loop cycling
Cycle from Dalat to Phan Rang – Thap Cham
Bike from Dalat to Phan Thiet
Da Lat to Soprai bike route map
Read more
Da Lat bike tours
The former French colonial retreat of Dalat is a popular honeymoon destination, but it is also a haven for mountain bikers, offering up some great single track, technical sections, hill climbing and once on top, breathtaking views of fields, forests, and mountains.
Read more: Da Lat tours
Da Lat bicycle rental
Looking for bike rental in Da Lat city for your upcoming self-guided bicycle tour from Da Lat to Nha Trang? Is there any bike shop in Da Lat where you can rent a good hybrid, mountain bike for a day ride? Best cycling routes from Da Lat to Nha Trang? Keep reading to find the best bike shops in Da Lat Vietnam.
There are several bike shops in Da Lat where you can buy or rent a bike with ease. Most of local bike shops have single speed bicycles made in Vietnam to rent out at affordable rates (3-5 USD per day). You can also arrange the bicycle rental with local travel agencies and hotels in Da Lat.
At Vietnam Cycling we highly recommend hybrid bicycles with 24 speed gear to explore Da Lat since the place is quite hilly. The rental rate of a hybrid bicycle is about 10-15 USD per day. To rent a bicycle will require a deposit and a copy of your passport. Please don’t forget to ask for a lock, and lock your bike when you stop for sightseeing.
Additional questions about cycling in Da Lat?
Do you have any questions about bicycle touring in Da Lat that you want to ask us? Is there anything you think I should discuss about cycling around Da Lat that we left out… that we should include in future updates to this article?
Leave a comment with your questions and we’ll write you back with a response just as soon as we possibly can.