Da Lat: Langbian Mountain Trek & Picnic Lunch with Pickup

Summary

Langbian’s wild trails, shifting forests and a picnic above Da Lat

You’ll trek Langbian Mountain’s wild trails with a local guide from Da Lat, crossing pine forests into jungle and stopping for wildlife spotting along the way. Share a picnic lunch near the summit with wide views over Golden Lake before passing through an ethnic minority village on your way back down — and maybe find yourself thinking about that silence at the top long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost backed out when I saw the clouds hanging low over Da Lat that morning. But our guide, Minh, just grinned and handed me a rain poncho like it was no big deal. The van ride up to Langbian Mountain was quiet except for the sound of someone’s playlist leaking from their headphones. I remember thinking it smelled like wet grass and eucalyptus before we even started climbing.

The trek itself is 18km — which sounded like a number until my legs felt it. We started in these tall pine woods, all needles underfoot and that resin smell you get after rain. Minh kept pointing out birds (I only recognized the bright ones) and at one point he stopped us because he’d spotted monkeys somewhere up ahead. Honestly, I didn’t see them — but I did hear something crash through the leaves, so maybe? The forest changed as we climbed: suddenly everything was broader, darker green, the air thicker somehow. Minh explained how this part of Vietnam is famous for its shifting ecosystems; he made it sound simple but I couldn’t keep track.

Lunch was this picnic spread on a tarp near the peak — rice rolls, grilled chicken, fruit that tasted sharper than anything back home. Someone tried to feed a squirrel (not supposed to do that), and Minh just shook his head but smiled anyway. The view from the top hit me harder than expected: Golden Lake down below looking impossibly still, mist curling around the valleys. It was quieter than I thought it would be up there — everyone just kind of sat with their own thoughts for a bit. Maybe we were tired or maybe it was just one of those moments you don’t want to fill with talking.

On the way down we passed through a village — I think they said it belonged to one of Vietnam’s minority groups but I didn’t catch the name right (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Vietnamese). Kids waved at us from behind fences and an old man nodded without really looking up from his work. By then my shoes were caked in mud but I didn’t care much anymore. There’s something about walking all day that makes you forget your phone exists.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek Langbian Mountain and Picnic

• Start 18km trek to highest peak
• Observe changing forest ecosystems
• Watch forest animals
• Learn wildlife knowledge from guides
• Overlook Golden lake and valleys
• Visit minority ethnic village
• Enjoy picnic lunch in nature

Top questions

How long is the Langbian Mountain trek?

The trekking trail covers 18km in total distance.

Is hotel pickup included for this Da Lat day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off service is included in your booking.

What kind of lunch is provided on this tour?

A picnic lunch is served near the peak; please inform if you have food restrictions.

Will we see wildlife during the trek?

You may spot monkeys, rare birds, squirrels, and other animals in the forest.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; not recommended for travelers with health concerns.

Are guides English-speaking?

Yes, friendly English-speaking guides lead the tour.

Do we visit any local villages during this tour?

Yes, you’ll pass through a unique village of a minority ethnic group in Vietnam.

How high is Langbian Mountain compared to Da Lat city?

Langbian is the highest mountain in Da Lat city area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Da Lat, entry fees for Langbiang Mountain, an English-speaking guide throughout the trek, bottled water for each person, and a picnic lunch served outdoors near the peak—just let them know if you have any dietary needs before you go.