Looking for things to do with kids in Dalat, Vietnam? This beautiful city (sometimes spelled Da Lat and othertimes Dalat) is a 3-hour drive southwest of Nha Trang or a 6.5-hour drive north of Ho Chi Minh. Founded as a resort town, Dalat offers a range of family-friendly activities that keep kids (and adults) entertained, and it is a city you don’t want to miss on your Vietnam itinerary.
Where is Dalat, Vietnam?
From exploring whimsical architecture to enjoying outdoor adventures, your family will have plenty to see and do. Here are some of the top activities that we found while researching for our trip to Dalat, and what we thought of the activities we were able to fit in during our 4-day visit.
A bit about Dalat, Vietnam: It was created as a retreat city in the late 1800s during the French occupation for visitors from France. Since it’s at a high elevation (built on the mountain), it’s cooler and less humid than the low-lying Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon at the time) or the beach-resort city of Nha Trang.
It’s architecturally different from the other cities in the south of Vietnam, still holding much of its French design history and built on a hill with streets crossing each other up and down the hill. Now, much of the industry in the area is centred on tourism and agriculture, with Dalat serving as the shipping hub for many farmers.
A quick overview of family-friendly things to do in Dalat:
- Da Lat offers a variety of family-friendly attractions like the indescribable Crazy House, where adults and kids can explore imaginative architecture and lush nature.
- Outdoor adventures abound at Datanla Falls Adventure Park and Mongo Land, featuring thrilling activities like ziplining, rail sledding, and the largest dry slide in Vietnam.
- Do your kids need to burn energy? Visit Crazy House or MongoLand (home of the largest rainbow slide in Vietnam).
- Looking for an adrenaline rush? Visit Datanla (Alpine Coaster), Mongoland (Rainbow Slide), or Cao Nguyen Hoa Track (nicknamed Mario Kart)
- Mario Kart and Mongoland are in the same direction outside of Dalat, and each is a half-day attraction, so make a day of visiting both.
Explore the Crazy House: Our Favorite Thing To Do In Dalat
One of Da Lat’s most iconic landmarks, the Crazy House, also known as Hang Nga Guesthouse, is a must-visit attraction that captivates visitors with its bizarre and imaginative architecture. Designed by the visionary artist Dang Viet Nga, the Crazy House opened its doors in 1991 and has since become a prominent tourist attraction in Da Lat. The building’s organic shapes mimic natural elements like mushrooms and caves, creating an otherworldly environment without any right angles.
Exploring the Crazy House feels like stepping into a surreal dreamscape. As you meander through its spiral staircases and whimsical rooms, and try not to get lost, you’ll encounter imaginative designs that evoke a sense of wonder and creativity. Each of the ten guest rooms, where you can stay the night, is named after an animal or plant, blending nature with artistic design in a way that delights both kids and adults alike.
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Even in the city center, greenery surrounds the Crazy House, with structures resembling tree houses connected by sinuous cement ‘branches’ that serve as pathways. It’s a perfect spot for families to unleash their imagination and enjoy a unique architectural marvel. The Crazy House is not just a place to stay; it’s an experience like no other, and one you won’t forget. It was our family’s favorite attraction in the city of Da Lat.
Our family Review of Crazy House, Dalat: 50 toes up!
See all of our photos and read our full review of the Dalat Crazy House
Datanla Falls Adventure Park
Datanla Falls Adventure Park is perfect for more adventurous and thrill-seeking families looking for a day trip during their visit to Da Lat. Nestled amidst a serene pine forest, the park offers a variety of thrilling outdoor activities that cater to all ages.
A highlight is the alpine coaster, where visitors ride down a coaster track surrounded by lush scenery, adding excitement to any Da Lat trip. We chose to ride Track 3 and enjoyed the waterfall from different viewpoints once we got off the ride.
Our boys were thrilled to ride the coaster
The park features ziplining courses that let participants soar above treetops and take in breathtaking views of the waterfalls. For more adventure, canyoning at Datanla Falls includes descending waterfalls and natural slides. They provide safety gear to ensure a fun, secure activity for adventurous families.
With multiple waterfalls in the area, including one alongside the alpine coaster Track 3, there’s plenty of nature to explore and enjoy. Datanla Falls Adventure Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and is perfect for day trips. Whether you’re ziplining, canyoning, or simply enjoying the serene pine forest, this park promises an unforgettable experience that will make your Da Lat trip truly special.
Chasing waterfalls is one of the best things to do with kids in Dalat, Vietnam!
Read our full review of the Datalna Alpine Coaster. (including how to save money on your Alpine Coaster by purchasing it ahead instead of at the gate).
Mongo Land
Located just 15 kilometres from the Da Lat city center, Mongo Land offers a blend of fun and cultural experiences in Vietnam’s central highlands. One major attraction is the Rainbow Slide, the largest dry slide in Vietnam, which is colorful and thrilling for all ages. Our kids couldn’t get enough of it, riding the slide multiple times and enjoying every moment.
We liked that Mongo Land did not limit how many times we rode the slide, and they offered a shuttle from the bottom back up to the top.
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Here’s our full review of Mongo Land near Dalat.
Mongo Land also features a charming petting zoo where kids can interact with animals like:
- Camels
- Alpacas
- Capybaras
- Raccoons
- Goats
- Dogs
- Cats
- Birds
- Rabbits
Visitors can also:
- Rent traditional Mongolian attire for a cultural transformation and capture unforgettable photographs.
- Enjoy activities like grass sliding and suction-cup archery.
- Experience scenic views.
- Enjoy a specialty drink included with an upgraded ticket.
These features make Mongo Land a perfect mix of entertainment and education for families.
Quick Tip For The Rainbow Slide in Dalat:
Mongoland is most well-known for its rainbow slide – the largest in Vietnam. Other parks in the area (like Puppy Farm and Da Pa Hill) have a rainbow slide – we’re sure they caught on and put in a slide to try to get similar attention – but Mongo Land’s slide is the biggest.
If you’re looking to ride the largest Rainbow Slide in Vietnam, be sure you’re going to Mongo Land. If you just ask a local tour guide or taxi driver to take you to the rainbow slide, you may end up somewhere else that has a rainbow slide, but isn’t THE rainbow slide.
If you’ll be doing some travelling around Vietnam and want to visit more than one rainbow slide, here’s a full list of all of the rainbow slides in Vietnam.
Cao Nguyen Hoa Track (Nicknamed ‘Mario Kart’)
If you’re looking for some adrenaline a over-the-top social media video, head to the Cao Nguyen Hoa Track in Da Lat, nicknamed because of similarities to Nintendo’s Mario Kart video game. This gravity-powered racing venue offers a thrilling adventure with the following features:
- Racers navigate downhill using the natural slope on luge karts.
- Karts are powered by gravity instead of traditional engines.
- The experience provides a unique twist to traditional racing.
Situated in Da Lat, known for its picturesque landscapes and mild weather, the track offers beautiful views as you wind through hairpin turns and scenic paths. Karts are equipped with hand brakes and steering bars to ensure a secure ride.
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The track is designed to be family-friendly, with two downhill tracks: a gentler “learning” track and a steeper, more challenging one for the adventurous. It’s an exciting and safe activity that both kids and adults enjoy.
Read our full review of “Mario Kart Dalat”
Paddle Boats on Xuan Huong Lake
Xuan Huong Lake, the focal point of Da Lat city, provides a serene setting for families to enjoy a leisurely paddle boat ride. Often featured in photographs for its picturesque beauty, the lake is surrounded by beautiful pine trees and gardens, enhancing the scenic experience.
Paddle boats offer a unique way to explore the calm waters of Xuan Huong Lake, perfect for a slower and more relaxed family time out. Whether you’re paddling under the clear blue sky or simply enjoying the tranquil environment, this activity is a wonderful addition to your pedal boat Da Lat trip.
Visit the Dalat Flower Garden
Dalat Flower Garden is a feast for the senses, showcasing over 300 different flower species. This vibrant spot is ideal for families, featuring manicured gardens, water features, and a colorful array of year-round blooming flowers in an eternal spring. You can truly enjoy Dalat here.
The entrance fee is 100,000 VND per person, providing access to a beautiful and relaxing environment where children can explore and enjoy the natural beauty. Wandering through the gardens and taking in the stunning floral displays is a delightful experience that captures the essence of Da Lat’s charm.
Enjoy Animal Encounters at ZooDoo
ZooDoo, Vietnam’s first Australian-standard friendly zoo, offers interactive experiences that are both educational and entertaining for children and domestic tourists in Southeast Asia. Visitors can feed animals and enjoy up-close encounters, enhancing their understanding of wildlife.
The zoo hosts flower planting sessions and educational workshops, offering additional activities for kids. Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, ZooDoo is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families looking to engage with the animal kingdom in a friendly and fun environment.
Ride the Cable Car at Robin Hill
Take in the breathtaking beauty of Da Lat with a ride on the cable car at Robin Hill. The journey offers stunning views of valleys and rolling hills covered in pine forests, making it a must-visit for families exploring Da Lat.
The cable car ride is a relaxing way to take in the full splendor of Da Lat’s natural landscape.
Take a Scenic Train Ride from Da Lat Railway Station
Da Lat Railway Station, Vietnam’s oldest, is a historic landmark showcasing striking French and Art Deco architectural styles. Families can embark on a picturesque train ride from Da Lat to Trai Mat, taking in scenic views along the way.
Return journey tickets range from 108,000 VND to 226,000 VND per person, making it an affordable and enjoyable family activity. With multiple daily trains, this ride is a delightful way to explore Da Lat’s beautiful countryside and create lasting memories.
Da Lat Night Market
There are plenty of stalls outside of the official Da Lat night market building with souvenirs, snacks to try, take-away meals, and local restaurants. It’s a fun place for families to try a variety of local cuisine for dinner.
We tried melted cheese on a stick, sausage on a stick, and sat down for some soup and spring rolls at a local restaurant.
Make sure to ask the price of all items before ordering – we discovered that around the markets, the street vendors tend to charge more, and there are plenty of tourists willing to pay the higher prices. I (Adam) ended up ordering a plate of spring rolls, only to find out they charged $10, which is much higher than most restaurants in Vietnam would charge. I don’t think they were lying to me about the price, but I did learn the hard way and forgot to ask the price beforehand.
To put it in context, we ordered the same number of spring rolls at lunchtime the day before at a different restaurant in Da Lat and paid only $3.
We found that inside the actual Da Lat Night Market building, almost all vendors were selling the same variety of candy and freeze-dried fruits in the same quantity and packaging for the same price. We were a little bit confused about how all of these vendors have success selling the same products as each other, and why there wasn’t ANYTHING else being sold in that market aside from candy and freeze-dried fruit.
It’s worth the visit, but plan time to enjoy the outside areas around the market where lots of vendors are selling merchandise and food, rather than planning to spend the entire evening inside the main market building, looking at the same packages of freeze-dried strawberries and mangoes.
Explore the Maze Bar
The Maze Bar is an exciting and unique destination for families, featuring a sprawling maze with many hidden corners and themed rooms for kids to explore. Open until midnight, the entrance to the Maze Bar is free, but a drink must be purchased.
Drinks are served at the upper-level bar from 9 PM, adding a fun and engaging element to the exploration. The Maze Bar offers a family-friendly adventure that combines relaxation for parents and playful exploration for children.
We didn’t make it to the maze bar on this visit, so we’ll have to include that in a future visit.
Visit the Valley of Love
The Valley of Love is a popular destination in Da Lat, known for its serene ambiance and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by beautiful hills, the valley features a tranquil lake, lush gardens, and picturesque walking trails.
Families can enjoy activities at the Valley of Love, including boating, horseback riding, and relaxing in shaded areas. The vast year-round blooming flower gardens make it a perfect spot for families to unwind and enjoy Da Lat’s natural beauty.
Hike and Picnic at Lang Biang Mountain
Lang Biang Mountain offers a range of outdoor activities perfect for families, including mountain biking:
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Camping
- Paragliding
Rising more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the mountain in the central highlands provides picturesque scenery along the journey to its summit, featuring quaint villages, diverse flora and fauna, and fresh air in the surrounding countryside.
Hiking Lang Biang Mountain is an excellent way for nature lovers to enjoy Da Lat’s beauty while engaging in healthy, fun activities. Pack a picnic and take in the stunning views for a memorable day trip.
Relax at Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Zen Monastery is a tranquil retreat where visitors can explore halls and pagodas, appreciate artwork and sculptures, and walk through peaceful gardens. This serene environment offers an escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing families to relax and soak in the spiritual ambiance.
Stroll Through Lam Vien Square
Lam Vien Square is a vibrant hub in Da Lat, frequently hosting cultural events and festivities that draw crowds and create a lively atmosphere. Families can enjoy the food stalls around the square, savoring local delicacies like banh mi and experiencing the culture of street vendors in Da Lat, Vietnam.
The square’s dynamic environment makes it a great place for families to gather, relax, and enjoy Da Lat’s bustling city center. With its lively ambiance and cultural offerings, Lam Vien Square is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Da Lat.
Visit Domaine de Marie Church
Domaine de Marie Church, a historic building constructed with pink limestone, features unique architectural elements like small, arch-shaped windows. Situated on a hill, the church provides a scenic view of its tranquil surroundings, including pine forests and gardens.
The church is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Đà Lạt and includes two convents, enhancing its cultural significance. A statue of the Virgin Mary designed to resemble a Vietnamese woman stands prominently at the church, showcasing local culture.
Affectionately known as the ‘Cherry Church,’ Domaine de Marie Church is a beautiful and serene destination for families.
Summary of family-friendly activities in Dalat:
Da Lat offers plenty of activities that are perfect for families, from exploring whimsical architecture and engaging with nature to enjoying cultural landmarks and thrilling adventures. Each attraction provides a unique experience, so its worth trying a few. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, Da Lat has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do with kids in Dalat:
What is the best time to visit Da Lat with kids?
The best time to visit Da Lat with kids is during the dry season from December to March, when you can enjoy mild weather and plenty of outdoor activities together. If you don’t mind a chance of rain, we enjoyed our visit in November. We got a bit of rain here and there, but the parks were quiet and the weather was cool – a nice break form visiting Ho Chi Minh.
Are the activities at Datanla Falls Adventure Park safe for kids?
Absolutely, Datanla Falls Adventure Park makes sure to equip kids with safety gear and provide clear instructions for all activities, making it a safe spot for family fun. You can relax knowing that safety is a priority there. Read our review of Datanla Falls here.
Can we visit the Crazy House if we are not staying there?
Yes, you can definitely visit the Crazy House even if you’re not staying overnight there. Purchase a ticket at the gate (that’s what we did), buy tickets on their website in advance to be sure it’s not sold out when you arrive, or book the Crazy House as part of a Dalat tour with multiple activities.
How do we get to Mongo Land from Da Lat city center?
You can easily get to Mongo Land from Da Lat city center by taking a 30-minute drive, as it’s just 15 kilometres away. We recommend hiring a Grab car or motorbike to take you there. Many hotels will have group shuttles on specific days, so you may be able to book with your Dalat hotel manager at a group rate.
Is there an entrance fee for Lam Vien Square?
There’s no entrance fee to Lam Vien Square, so you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and nearby tasty local treats with your family.
