Winter arrives, transforming Da Lat's landscapes into the most beautiful sight of the year. Moreover, this season brings forth vibrant festivals. Embark on a journey to Da Lat in December to witness firsthand the city's remarkable offerings, introduced by Mytour in the following article.
Weather in Da Lat in December
In December, as the weather turns colder, Da Lat enters its most beautiful period. It's advisable to prepare warm clothing to explore numerous places comfortably. The temperature ranges from 14 to 22 degrees Celsius. The crisp air and gentle mist make us want to linger in bed until noon.
In December, daytime in Da Lat usually sees gentle sunshine, providing warmth, while evenings bring forth mist and occasional drizzles. Particularly nearing Christmas, Da Lat becomes its coldest and most enchanting, attracting countless visitors each year.
Reasons to Visit Da Lat in December
As autumn gives way to cold air, it's also the time when various flowers bloom abundantly, especially pink grass hills or white orchids, eagerly awaited by avid travelers. Moreover, December marks a highly anticipated event—the annual opening festival. Missing it would be a regrettable loss.
Which Affordable Hotels to Book for Da Lat Travel in December?
December witnesses a surge in hotel bookings across various accommodations in Da Lat, including hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and resorts. As it's a beautiful tourist season, intending travelers should book Da Lat hotels early to avoid fully booked situations or unsatisfactory room options.
According to the travel experiences of many, it's advisable to book accommodations near the city center or close to markets for convenient transportation and easier sightseeing. By doing so, you not only save on taxi or motorbike fares but also can explore desired destinations by foot in a short time.
Depending on individual preferences and financial situations, you can choose from 5-star, 3-star, budget, or luxury hotels in Da Lat. Service quality typically corresponds to the amount spent. For the best deals on hotel bookings, Mytour recommends regularly checking seasonal promotions offered by each hotel, which we continuously update on our website or Facebook page.
Admire the Beauty of Da Lat Flower Season in December
Da Lat, the city of thousands of flowers, is blessed with a vibrant spectrum of colors, making it both uniquely beautiful and romantically dreamy, akin to scenes from fairy tales.
In December, as winter begins, various flowers in Da Lat burst into bloom, captivating visitors who find it hard to leave. Amidst the chilly atmosphere, the sight of blooming flowers becomes even more enchanting, creating picturesque scenes in every frame.
1. White Mustard Flowers
As winter arrives and the wild sunflowers fade, it's time for the pure white mustard flowers to grace the mountains and forests of Da Lat. Travelers should set out early in the morning to fully appreciate their beauty. Amidst the mist, each delicate white mustard flower appears timid yet graceful, like a shy maiden in her blossoming youth.
According to the travel experience in Da Lat in December, white mustard flowers are plentifully planted in Tu Tra commune, Don Duong district, Lam Dong province. The entire area is filled with white mustard flowers, each tiny blossom lying closely together, stretching across the hills, creating a surreal space that seems almost unreal. The pure and innocent beauty makes travelers feel as if time has stopped, and their souls are cleansed.
2. Pink Grass Hills
In December, Da Lat not only envelops us in misty landscapes but also stirs our hearts with romantic pink grass hills. These hills are also known as white snow grass hills because depending on the time of day, they don different 'attires'. In the early morning at dawn when the morning mist still rests gently on the grass, creating a white landscape. At this time, they look like hidden snowflakes under the pine hills, hence the name 'snow grass hills'. But as the sun rises, this place turns into a glowing pink hill, captivating many young men and women. Being the most beautiful grass species in the Central Highlands, pink grass hills are loved by many passionate travelers. You can visit areas near Suoi Vang and around the Golden Valley tourist area as the most beautiful Da Lat travel destinations with pink grass hills.
But when the sun rises, this place turns into a glowing pink hill, captivating many young men and women. Being the most beautiful grass species in the Central Highlands, pink grass hills are loved by many passionate travelers. You can visit areas near Suoi Vang and around the Golden Valley tourist area as the most beautiful Da Lat travel destinations with pink grass hills.
3. Mimosa
If you're planning to book a budget-friendly Da Lat tour for 3 days, 4 days... then consider visiting during the blooming season of mimosa flowers. Even in the early winter ambiance draped in white frost, amidst cabbage flowers and snow grass hills, Da Lat retains its inherent charm and allure. The yellow hue of mimosa brightens the sky and warms hearts in the chilly weather.
Mimosa is renowned as the eternal love flower. When you visit Da Lat, although it grows wild in the forest, it exudes a magical fragrance. Mimosa blooms in small clusters of golden yellow, elegant and captivating. According to December travel experiences in Da Lat, you can visit the Valley of Love and Mimosa Pass to admire the most beautiful blossoms.
4. White Orchids
When it comes to December travel in Da Lat, one cannot overlook the marvelous white orchid flowers. The white orchid season starts from December to January in the Gregorian calendar. Visitors don't have to venture far to admire these flowers, as they bloom along the central streets of Tran Phu, Quang Trung, and Chi Lang.
Beneath the white orchid blossoms, the scenery of Da Lat resembles scenes from Korean or Japanese films. Mytour suggests exploring routes like Tran Phu - Chicken Church - Dinh 2 or Quang Trung - Da Lat Station - Phan Chu Trinh Intersection, which offer the most beautiful views of white orchids. However, it's essential to note that white orchids are mostly found along main roads with frequent traffic, so visitors should prioritize safety.
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Experience the Festive Atmosphere in Da Lat in December
Traveling to Da Lat in December allows you to embrace the peaceful Christmas season amidst the characteristic chilly weather. We have the opportunity to wear various scarves, woolen hats, coats... along with all the genuine accessories that we rarely use. Especially for those in the South, where there are only two seasons, summer and rainy, and winter is unknown.
Compared to other regions, the Christmas atmosphere in Da Lat is quite different. It's evident in how the people of Da Lat have been heavily influenced by the French lifestyle during the nearly hundred years of colonial rule. Therefore, many tourists feel that Christmas in Da Lat is quite similar to Christmas in the West.
Celebrating Christmas here, you can immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of churches imbued with the typical characteristics of French Catholic churches. Together, they create a Christmas scene that is both dazzling and magnificent for those who do not follow the faith, and warm and spiritual for those who are Christian. Each church has its own unique features, but one thing is for sure: these will be the most splendidly decorated places in Da Lat every Christmas.
List of churches in Da Lat:
- Chicken Church – Address: 15 Tran Phu
- Domaine de Marie Church – Address: 01 Ngo Quyen
- Cam Ly Church – Address: 11 Nguyen Khuyen
- Tung Lam Church – Address: Xo Viet Nghe Tinh
- An Binh Church – Address: Trieu Viet Vuong
- Bach Dang Church – Address: Cao Thang
- Cau Dat Church – Address: National Highway 20
- Chi Lang Church – Address: 7 Ngo Van So
- Du Sinh Church – Address: 40/8 Huyen Tran Cong Chua
Season of Spectacular Festivals
1. Da Lat Flower Festival
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The Flower Festival is where various flowers, vegetables, and ornamental plants from Dalat as well as from all over the country are displayed and exhibited. Moreover, this is also an event to honor the value of Dalat's flowers and the floriculture profession, so it is very significant. Don't forget to allocate some time in your itinerary to visit the Lam Vien Square center to participate in many special programs.
2. Pink Grass Festival
The Pink Grass Festival is held annually from late November to early December to promote the Dalat Flower Festival. The main flower of the festival is pink grass, growing in small clusters under the fresh green pine trees and they only bloom once a year. Here, Dalat tourists are given free tickets and can enjoy various interesting activities.
Enjoying the festival while camping and resting amidst the magical pink scenery is unbeatable. You can schedule or quickly book cheap tours to Dalat today to enjoy many interesting things at the end of the year.
Cloud Hunting in Dalat December
In Dalat, cloud hunting is beautiful in any season, but December can be considered the ideal time for tourists to capture the moments of clouds drifting in the mist. During this time, the sky is often overcast, accompanied by light drizzles, making the weather somewhat chilly. If you want to capture the most beautiful cloud hunting photos, don't forget to wear warm clothes to ward off the cold.
We recommend wearing brightly colored clothes that will stand out when the sunlight shines on them. To go cloud hunting in Dalat, tourists should depart early in the morning at sunrise or in the late afternoon at sunset. If you're not sure where to go cloud hunting, some Dalat tourist destinations recommended by others might be useful:
- Da Phu Hill: Located on the outskirts, 10km from the city center.
- Hon Bo Peak: Near the Thai Phien Flower Village.
- Cau Dat Tea Hill: An ideal place for those who want to experience the feeling of being surrounded by clouds and mist under the sprawling tea gardens.
- Thien Phuc Duc Hill: Known as a cloud hunting spot with lonely pine trees, offering views of Langbiang Peak amidst the fog.
Enjoying Warm Drinks in Coffee Shops
1. Bui Van Ngo Coffee
Address: 31 3 thang 4 Street, Ward 3, Da Lat City
This coffee shop boasts a beautiful ambiance with rows of intertwined pine trees creating a refreshing green carpet below. Sitting here, you can admire the Prenn Pass from the left side and lush green pine hills on the other. The luxurious and modern space is a major draw for visitors. The surrounding tables and chairs are elegantly arranged, where you can enjoy a menu of delicious drinks, including authentic Di Linh freshly ground coffee.
2. Mê Linh Coffee Garden in Da Lat
Address: Thon 4 Meeting Hall, Group 20, Lam Dong
Mê Linh Coffee Garden in Da Lat is renowned as the most beautiful coffee shop in Da Lat. It is located next to the Sunflower and Rapeseed flower fields, with a spectacular garden of Daisies and colorful Butterfly flowers. The shop also offers the rich and flavorful weasel coffee and the exquisite Mê Linh Da Lat coffee. Additionally, visitors can observe the weasel coffee production process, take photos with adorable Alaska and Samoyed sled dogs.
3. An Cafe
Address: 63Bis Ba Thang Hai, Ward 1, Da Lat City
The coffee shop is located right in the heart of Da Lat city, making it easy to find, situated on the slope of 3/2 Street, Ward 1. An cafe is decorated in a unique and modern style, with a sophisticated wooden space. The atmosphere carries a nostalgic charm amidst towering cherry blossom trees, making the surrounding scenery more romantic than ever.
4. Horizon Coffee
Address: 31/6 3/4 Street, Ward 3, Da Lat City
Horizon Coffee is like a paradise oasis nestled amidst picturesque mountains and forests. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering pine trees, visitors can admire the serene beauty of the cloud-covered sky. Guests can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while marveling at the winter mist enveloping everything in sight.
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5. Da Lat View Coffee
Just stepping into Dalat View gives you instant access to the hottest photo spot, the iconic Da Lat Sky Gate. The most impressive check-in point here is the Red Bridge, stretching nearly 40 meters with a graceful arch, allowing you to capture stunning photos.
Explore Some Beautiful Places in Da Lat in December
1. Da Lat Love Valley
Da Lat Love Valley stands out in December, located about 5km north of the city center. Hidden behind ancient pine trees and nestled among hillsides, this place always attracts visitors with its poetic and enchanting beauty. Below the valley lies the Da Thien Lake Dam, where in December, amidst the morning mist, you can visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to admire the mystical and enchanting scenery.
2. Langbiang Peak
Next on the list of tourist attractions in Da Lat in December is the Langbiang Peak. If you are an adventure enthusiast and want to immerse yourself in nature, exploring the local culture, then this mountain peak is the perfect choice. From here, tourists can take in the panoramic view of the city of thousand flowers, as well as the golden and silver streams, creating a romantic scene.
Looking down from the Ra-da peak, one feels like stepping into a fairyland as depicted in the famous novel 'The Story of LangBiang' by writer Nguyen Nhat Anh. The clouds drifting lazily across the December sky, easily within reach.
3. Fairytale Land
Considered a holy land for virtual living, Dalat Fairytale Land resembles a unique fairytale garden, where dwarves have come to settle. The quirky and eye-catching Hobbiton houses captivate visitors, nestled in a picturesque and mystical natural setting.
What could be more fascinating than exploring the village of dwarfs while stepping into the wine cellar? Here, more than 15,000 bottles of Vinh Tien wine are stored and preserved, in a luxurious and cozy atmosphere.
4. Kombi Land
'The kingdom of dragon fruits in the heart of Da Lat' is an irresistible destination this December. Setting foot here, you'll feel like you're stepping into a completely different world from the romantic, gentle vibe of typical Da Lat. Kombi Land is more powerful, bold, and wild. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by towering yellow robot models, and within the premises are countless cleverly arranged miniature landscapes.
The scattered buses and dragon fruits are impressive highlights, creating a feeling of wandering in the vast desert. Besides the wilderness, Kombi Land also offers a serene space beside the tranquil blue lake. If you're tired, you can stop for a rest at the coffee area after exploring the various nooks and crannies.
5. Domaine de Marie Church, Da Lat
In December, especially towards the end of the year, you can keenly feel the chilly weather of this misty city. Therefore, Christmas here becomes even more special for those accustomed to the two-season climate of the South. Especially if you're here during Christmas, make sure to visit Domaine de Marie Church, where the wife of the Governor-General of French Indochina at the time, Jean Decoux, called for donations for its construction.
Built-in 17th-century European style, the most unique feature of the church is the absence of a bell tower. The lighting system inside the church is made of stained glass, and the walls are painted in a single dark pink color. Under the December sun and mist, the image of Domaine de Marie becomes even more radiant and vivid.
6. Cau Dat Tea Hill
The best time to visit Cau Dat Tea Hill is during the year-end period. The travel guide to Da Lat in December suggests you come here around before 8:30 in the morning or after 4 p.m. in the evening to capture the most beautiful and unique photos. Although the sunlight in Da Lat is not as harsh as in Saigon, it can still be intense on the skin, so we need to be mindful of the hours to avoid times of high UV intensity.
Standing on Cau Dat Tea Hill, casting our eyes into the distance, we can admire the scenery of endless green tea plantations. In the early morning, the gentle rays of sunlight penetrating through the thin mist layer illuminate the tea hills, turning this place into a romantic and picturesque scene.
7. Lam Vien Square
Lam Vien Square is a large architectural complex located right in the city center. The total area of the square is over 70,000m2 and its front faces Xuan Huong Lake. With its prime location, spacious area, and many unique architectural works, the square attracts many domestic and international tourists, especially young people who come to visit and have fun.
8. Tuyen Lam Lake
Additionally, there is another fascinating attraction that many young people enjoy in December, namely Tuyen Lam Lake. Known as the largest freshwater lake in Da Lat, the lake boasts numerous islets and is surrounded by lush green pine forests. It is often affectionately referred to as the “First Lake of the South Heaven” due to its pristine and irresistibly charming beauty that defies description.
You can combine your excursion to Tuyen Lam Lake with various other activities such as strawberry picking, admiring the maple forest, or rowing a boat on the lake to marvel at the scenery and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance it offers. Consider booking budget-friendly accommodation at the Terracotta Resort nearby, which offers full amenities and expansive natural mountainous scenery.
What to Eat in Da Lat in December?
1. Banh Can
This type of cake originates from the Central region but over the years has acquired the distinctive flavor of the land of mist. The price of this rustic cake is quite cheap, ranging from about 4,000 to 5,000 VND depending on the filling. With its unique flavor under the cold weather of early winter days, diners can gather with friends around a hot plate of banh can.
2. Chicken and Sesame Leaf Hotpot
Sesame leaf is a common aromatic herb in the Central and Central Highlands regions, belonging to the same family as basil. In fact, making Da Lat chicken and sesame leaf hotpot is extremely simple, similar to cooking regular mushroom chicken hotpot. When eating, using sesame leaves as dipping greens creates the famous Da Lat chicken and sesame leaf hotpot. There's nothing better than sitting around a hot pot in the chilly weather. Mytour recommends 2 places for authentic chicken and sesame leaf hotpot: Tao Ngoc and Quan 668, known for their rich flavor thanks to free-range chicken, plenty of mushrooms, and sesame leaves.
3. Grilled Rice Paper
Grilled rice paper, often favored by foreign tourists and nicknamed 'Vietnamese-style pizza,' offers a variety of toppings from seafood to sausages and delightful, fragrant cheese. You can choose your preferred toppings and wait for the owner to grill them. Amidst the chilly winter atmosphere, indulging in hot, crispy grilled rice paper is an enjoyable experience like no other.
4. Ba Toa Beef Hotpot
Ba Toa Beef Hotpot in Da Lat is a must-try dish when visiting Da Lat in December. The rich broth, tender and fragrant beef, along with fresh, accompanying vegetables from this region are major highlights. The hot, delicious flavor of Ba Toa beef hotpot cannot be found anywhere else. On a cold day, nothing beats the joy of savoring a hot, steaming pot of broth and biting into tender, chewy beef.
5. Rice Cooked in Bamboo Tubes
Although it may appear simple and rustic, Da Lat's rice cooked in bamboo tubes is meticulously prepared. Each bamboo tube of rice requires the chef to carefully control the water and fire to ensure the rice is neither too wet nor too dry when cooked. Diners can enjoy rice cooked in bamboo tubes while it's still warm, paired with pickled eggplant with shrimp paste, stir-fried water spinach with garlic, braised freshwater fish... according to their taste preferences.
What to Wear When Traveling to Da Lat in December
Clothing is always a concern for travelers, especially for women, before embarking on a journey. When visiting Da Lat in December, you can apply the following stylish outfit mix to explore without worrying about feeling cold.
✔ Morning: In the cool morning air reminiscent of spring, you can confidently wear short dresses or A-line dresses. Layering with a light jacket in bright colors will make you more attractive under the Dalat weather. Or for those with a more edgy style, you can mix a button-up shirt with a skirt. Others can opt for a combination of a t-shirt, capri pants, and sneakers, and you're good to go.
✔ Noon: By this time, Dalat has some sun but it's not as harsh as in Saigon. Ladies can wear their favorite summer outfits such as shorts and t-shirts, short dresses, off-shoulder tops... If you prefer to avoid the sun, you can go for a t-shirt - jeans combo, a fail-safe outfit. For guys, the options are fewer, you can choose a t-shirt or shorts and wear loafers or sandals, still looking confident and dynamic.
✔ Late Afternoon: With a hint of autumn in the air, ladies can opt for a maxi dress with a thin cardigan to stroll around Xuan Huong Lake. As for guys, you should choose a long-sleeve button-up shirt or a thin long-sleeve t-shirt paired with jeans.
✔ Evening: As the weather gets cooler, especially in the late days of the year, it's essential to keep warm with sweaters/jackets, woolen hats, scarves, and even long socks. If you're extra cautious, you can carry an umbrella to guard against any unexpected drizzles.
Tips for Traveling to Dalat in December
If you're planning to travel to Dalat in December, here are some things to prepare for a smooth trip.
- Prepare warm clothing as the nights can be quite chilly and there are often foggy days.
- As it's the holiday season, Dalat can get crowded, so make sure to book your Dalat hotel as early as possible to avoid room shortages.
- Be mentally prepared for the increased crowds, especially on weekends, Christmas, or December 31st.
- Dalat in November and December starts to have ripe sun-dried persimmons, a local specialty worth buying as gifts for family and friends if you're traveling to Dalat at the end of the year.
- Dalat in December also has strawberries, but due to the recent rainy season, the fruits may not be as beautiful and tasty as during the sunny season.
- Carry a power bank to capture stunning photos all day long without worrying about missing out on any great shots.
- If you're traveling with elderly family members, consider booking affordable all-inclusive Dalat tours for easier transportation.
With the above information, we hope you have a better idea of where to go and what to do when visiting Dalat in December. For more detailed information about year-end tours, affordable Tet holiday tours, you can contact the Mytour hotline 19003398 for detailed advice and suitable program selection. Besides tour packages, we also have thousands of hot deals on hotels, cheap Dalat flight tickets, and all-inclusive Dalat combos waiting for you to explore.