As a student, budget constraints always pose a challenge for me during trips. So, on my recent visit to Dalat, I ingeniously managed to concoct a delightful blend of culinary adventures and sightseeing escapades, all on a tight budget of 150k! Join me as I unravel the magic!
1. Kickstarting the day with Goc Cay Bo's Banh Can



One of the joys of exploring Dalat is relishing something warm on chilly mornings, with the crisp air tickling your senses. Hence, I opted for Banh Can as my breakfast choice. The quaint little eatery nestled under the shade of a mango tree at the foot of Tang Bat Ho slope. Seated on a tiny plastic stool, right next to the warm clay oven, inhaling the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked rice cakes, enriched with the rich flavor of quail eggs and savory dipping sauce, spiced up with a hint of chili, perfectly complementing Dalat's weather.
Address: 56 Tang Bat Ho, Ward 1, Dalat City
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Price: 25k/plate
Scaling Langbiang Peak, Embracing the Skyline of Dalat


Next stop: Langbiang Peak - the rooftop of the Central Highlands towering at 2,167m. I chose this spot because I've heard that in Dalat, the most beautiful pine forests reveal their splendor from 8 am to 4 pm, when the sunlight filters through the trees at a perfect 45-degree angle. By renting a jeep to ascend the mountain, you can admire the panoramic view of Suoi Vang Lake, Dalat city, and indulge in the fresh, cool air of the Central Highlands' mountains from above.
Address: Lac Duong, Dalat
Entrance Fee: 20k per person + 40k per jeep (minimum 6 persons/jeep)
3. Chicken Church
From Langbiang, on your way back to the city, you can visit Chicken Church - the largest Catholic church in the city of thousands of flowers with its soaring bell tower. Every detail is meticulously crafted to replicate the original European architecture, featuring bold lines, arched windows, and tiled roofs. Together, they create a cohesive and harmonious architectural style.
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Address: Tran Phu, Ward 4, Dalat
Entrance Fee: Free
Lunch at Windmill Bakery

Here, there are plenty of pastry options for you to choose from, ranging from chicken sausage, BBQ pork, shredded chicken, and many homemade drinks like Passion Fruit, lychee, and chia seed. All priced at just 20k onwards.
Address: Hoa Binh Area, Ward 1, Dalat City, Lam Dong
Opening Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price: BBQ pork bread 20k/piece + chia seed drink 16k/bottle
5. Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Considered one of the largest and most beautiful pagodas in Dalat City, Linh Phuoc Pagoda is famous for its millions of colorful ceramic pieces adorning its walls in traditional Vietnamese patterns. It's also known as the 'Bottle Pagoda' due to this unique feature. I spent nearly 2 hours here, marveling at the beauty of this pagoda.
Address: 120 Tu Phuoc, Dalat
Entrance Fee: Free
6. Dalat Railway Station
Dubbed as one of the most ancient train stations with the most unique cog railway system in Indochina, it still preserves a steam locomotive built in 1930. Here, you can freely capture photos with century-old trains without spending a penny on tickets.

Photo: Internet
Address: Quang Trung, Dalat City.
Entrance Fee: Free
7. Chilling with Thanh Thao Avocado Ice Cream

It's quite an enjoyable experience to indulge in a cup of ice cream on a chilly day in Dalat. I chose Thanh Thao ice cream parlor - a name familiar to locals. The avocado here is creamy and smooth, topped with a scoop of white ice cream and a hint of durian on top, rich and fragrant.
Address: 76 Nguyen Van Troi, Dalat City
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price: 20k/cup
8. Lam Vien Square
Atop the square stands a 18m tall wild sunflower, covering an area of 1,200m2, inside is an art performance hall with 1,500 seats, beside the giant wild sunflower is a glass-made entirely green Artichoke. Due to this unique architecture, this place becomes one of my priority photo spots.
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Entrance Fee: Free
9. Dinner with Grilled Rice Paper - Nguyen Van Troi

This tiny eatery on the sidewalk is always packed with customers. People often call it the 'crazy lady's grilled rice paper,' but I didn't find the lady crazy at all; if you're polite, she'll be friendly. The rice paper is huge, one piece is enough to fill you up for days. It's crispy, fragrant with various flavors like cheese, sausage, and more. Eating grilled rice paper on a cold evening is simply wonderful!
Address: 61 Nguyen Van Troi, Dalat City, Lam Dong
Opening Hours: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price: 20k/piece
10. Ending the Day at Am Phu Market
In the chilly night atmosphere, you can stroll along the market street, immerse yourself in the bustling ambiance of the mountain town. Just wandering around, observing without buying anything, already feels relaxing and comfortable.

Photo: Internet
