Embarking on a solo adventure to Da Lat, Vietnam, is an experience filled with beautiful scenery, delicious local cuisine, and unique cultural moments. In this detailed travelogue, I’ll take you through my 3-day, 2-night journey from Singapore to Da Lat, sharing everything from transit woes and local eats to serene mountain views and vibrant night markets. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about this charming city, this guide will help you understand why Da Lat is a must-visit destination and what to expect when you get there.
Starting the Journey: Transit and Travel Tips
My trip began with a transit at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) because there is no direct flight from Singapore to Da Lat. This added around 2.5 hours of waiting time to the total journey, making it roughly 5.5 hours including the flights. While the flight from Singapore to KL was about an hour, the subsequent flight to Da Lat took approximately two hours.
Transit lounges at KLIA are quite small with limited food choices, so I had to make do with some simple snacks. Pro tip: If you’re transiting here, don’t expect a large variety of food options.
Boarding was a bit hectic as I arrived at the gate just at last call, which is typical for me since I don’t like hanging around the gate early. I was lucky to get a window seat with an empty middle seat beside me, making the flight to Da Lat more comfortable.
Arrival in Da Lat: First Impressions and Getting Around
Upon arrival, I faced the typical struggle of traveling light with just a hand-carry bag. I booked a Grab ride at the airport, but finding the driver was tricky because drivers meet passengers in person and then guide them to their cars, since pickups at arrivals aren’t allowed. The ride to the city center took about 30 minutes, winding through hilly roads.
Once in the city, the infamous traffic situation of Vietnam greeted me. My driver was calm and experienced, unfazed by the chaos, which was reassuring.
Since my hotel check-in wasn’t ready, I dropped off my luggage and headed out for lunch.
Where to Eat in Da Lat: Local Flavors and Hidden Gems
Lunch at Quán cơm Linh Đà Lạt
I found this restaurant on Google Maps near my hotel, and it was bustling with locals—a great sign that I was in for authentic food. I ordered fried pork with lemongrass and chili, paired with a preserved apricot drink, which tasted like a very refreshing sour plum tea.
The fried pork was very fatty, which I enjoyed immensely, and each table was served with a whole pot of rice that was free-flowing. Eating alone with a pot of rice drew curious glances, but I was too focused on the food to care.
Just as I was enjoying my meal, a stir-fried bittergourd with egg dish was served. It reminded me of home-cooked food, complete with wok hei—a smoky, charred flavor that’s hard to beat. Alongside was a small dish of pickled vegetables resembling Achar. If you know the exact name of this, do share!
The meal cost VND180,000 (about SGD 9.50), which is reasonable and great for sharing with friends or family.
A Relaxing Afternoon at Tiệm cafe phía tây mặt trời
After lunch, I took a walk to a nearby cafe, enjoying the pleasant weather Da Lat is famous for. Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring,’ Da Lat boasts year-round cool weather, making it an ideal spot to relax outdoors.
The cafe was located in a quiet residential area and greeted me with two very friendly dogs, although their friendliness had a humorous twist—they wanted to mark their territory! The venue itself looked like a glasshouse filled with lush greenery and incredible views of misty mountains. Despite it being a Sunday, the cafe was surprisingly empty, which meant I had the stunning scenery almost all to myself.
I ordered a cup of black coffee, but it was a bit too acidic for my taste. Still, the views made up for it, and I soaked in the serene atmosphere, imagining what it would be like to wake up every day to such gentle sun rays and mountain mists.
Hotel Stay in Da Lat: Comforts and Quirks
My hotel room was ready upon return, but unfortunately, I was assigned a ground-floor unit. This was less than ideal for a solo female traveler, as the gardener could be seen walking outside and peering into the room. I requested a room change, but it was only available the following night. The new room on the second floor had a private balcony and felt much safer.
The room featured basic amenities, including reusable slippers (which I found a bit unappealing), a small toilet, and a snack bar with complimentary fruit. However, the lack of hooks and racks for hanging items was a minor inconvenience.
One of the essential things I always do when traveling is to connect to hotel WiFi using a VPN. I personally use Surfshark VPN, which encrypts my data and helps safeguard my privacy on public networks like hotels and airports. It also blocks annoying ads and pop-ups with its clean web feature, saving mobile data—a precious resource when traveling.
Surfshark allows unlimited devices on one account, making it cost-effective for families or groups. They currently offer 4 extra months on their plans at Surfshark.com/yuldaze, which I highly recommend checking out.
Exploring Da Lat’s Scenic Spots
Lam Vien Square and Xuan Huong Lake
I took a Grab to Lam Vien Square, which is right opposite the famous Xuan Huong Lake. It’s fascinating to learn that this picturesque lake is man-made, yet it has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. People were fishing, having picnics, and simply enjoying the cool evening air, which was around 18°C at sunset.
The sunset painted the sky in beautiful colors, making it a perfect time for photography. I even shared some of my photos with local friends I met, which they greatly appreciated.
Da Lat Night Market
Crossing busy roads in Vietnam can be intimidating, but I managed to navigate my way to the bustling Da Lat Night Market. The market is vibrant and full of life, offering a mix of street food, eateries, and stalls selling winter clothes. The cool weather made it feel like air conditioning, with some locals dressed warmly.
I discovered a specialty shop selling locally made dried foods, teas, and personal care products. Da Lat is famous for fruit jams and dried fruits, but unfortunately, I couldn’t bring these back due to my hand-carry luggage restrictions. I did, however, pick up some nuts and dried fruits.
Another local specialty I regret not buying was meat floss at a shockingly affordable price.
Shopping for Local Crafts and Treats
At the end of the night market, I explored some cute craft and gift shops. One shop, Khu Rừng Nhỏ, had locally made scented wax products that reminded me of Da Lat’s natural charm. I picked up a gift for an Instagram follower who guessed my location correctly and a little something for myself.
Nearby was Rattan Story, a shop selling beautiful handmade coasters and trays crafted from rattan and ceramic. If you appreciate soft countryside aesthetics, this shop is a must-visit.
Must-Try Foods: Cham Ice Cream and Ếch Xanh Frog Delicacy
I scoured the internet for must-try foods in Da Lat and found Cham Ice Cream, known for its avocado ice cream. The creamy, rich texture with chunks of avocado was delightful, and they even served complimentary warm tea to cleanse the palate.
Later, I ventured to Ếch Xanh, a nearby restaurant specializing in frog dishes. I ordered claypot frog porridge, which surprisingly had a Singaporean twist—the spices and condiments were imported from Singapore, giving it a familiar taste. While I used to be hesitant about eating frogs, I found the thighs tender and the gravy delicious. This dish costs around VND149,000 (SGD 7.90) and is a unique culinary adventure for those willing to try.
Day 2: Cloud Hunting and Mountain Adventures
Waking up at 4:22 AM was tough, but I joined a private tour to go cloud hunting on the mountains surrounding Da Lat. We arrived at Cloud View Glamping around 5 AM. The altitude made it quite cold, so dressing warmly is essential.
Breakfast was included in the tour package, and I opted for soup noodles to warm up in the chilly weather. The steaming hot soup was comforting, even if not the healthiest option.
After breakfast, I found a quiet tent to watch the sunrise and took numerous photos without needing any filter—the natural beauty was breathtaking. The tour guide was very helpful, even assisting with video and photo shots.
The tour also included visits to smaller attractions like a dried fruit shop, a strawberry plantation, and a large farmhouse-like cafe. Da Lat’s cool and dry climate allows it to produce temperate fruits like persimmons and strawberries, although it wasn’t peak strawberry season during my visit.
At the cafe, I enjoyed a fresh cup of black coffee cultivated from locally grown Arabica beans. The coffee was light and fresh, perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the garden.
Lunch and Leisure: Bahn Mi Chao and Cable Car Ride
After the tour, I headed to Bahn Mi Chao 303, a spot famous for its Bahn Mi Chao—a breakfast dish featuring a combo pan of fried eggs, meatballs, and sausage served with a crispy yet fluffy baguette. I paired it with sugar-free soybean milk, which still tasted naturally sweet. The sizzling hotplate presentation was a feast for the eyes and palate, costing only about VND60,000 (SGD 3.20).
Feeling tired after waking early, I opted for a more relaxing afternoon and took one of Vietnam’s longest cable car rides. The round-trip ticket cost VND150,000 (SGD 7.90), and the best part was having the entire cabin to myself on a weekday. The ride offered spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys under clear blue skies.
Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery and Tuyen Lam Lake
At the cable car station, I followed signs to the Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery. The peaceful grounds invite visitors to walk around and soak in the serene atmosphere. Modest dress is recommended for those visiting.
Exploring further, I stumbled upon Tuyen Lam Lake, another man-made lake with stunning views. There was a cafe nearby where I ordered a lychee rose tea, managing the order with the help of Google Translate due to language barriers. The peaceful setting was perfect for unwinding before heading back to the hotel.
Dinner and Nightlife: Nem Nuong and Da Lat’s Local Hospitality
For dinner, I visited Tiệm ăn Đà Lạt Phố and ordered Nem Nuong, a dish typically wrapped in rice paper. I skipped the rice paper to reduce carbs, which caught the attention of the staff who kindly offered to help me with the correct way to eat it. It was a sweet moment of local hospitality and cultural exchange.
Day 3: A Relaxing End at Still Cafe
I started my last day with breakfast at the hotel, which did not disappoint. Vietnamese hotel breakfasts often include local dishes, and I was thrilled to see Bahn Mi Xiu Mai—a must-try in Da Lat. The soup was perfectly balanced in flavor, complemented by fried spring rolls and fresh fruit.
Before leaving Da Lat, I visited Still Cafe, a Studio Ghibli-inspired space filled with charming shops selling hot meals, merchandise, crystals, accessories, and dried foods. The whimsical atmosphere and quiet upper floors filled with books made it an ideal spot for some final relaxation.
I ordered an iced tamarind tea and settled into a cozy nook to soak in the peaceful vibes—a perfect way to conclude my solo trip.
Final Thoughts on Da Lat: Why It’s Worth the Journey
Despite the long transit and travel time from Singapore, Da Lat’s unique charm, cool climate, and rich cultural experiences make it worth every minute. From authentic local food and vibrant night markets to tranquil mountain views and friendly locals, the city offers a diverse range of activities for solo travelers and families alike.
Whether you’re a food lover, nature enthusiast, or cultural explorer, Da Lat provides an unforgettable adventure. Just be sure to pack layers for the cool weather, prepare for some traffic chaos, and keep an open mind for all the delightful surprises along the way.
Happy travels!
