Da Lat: Tuyen Lam Lake Sunrise & Sunset Kayak or SUP

Summary

Misty sunrise paddling on tuyen lam lake with coffee stop

You’ll paddle across Da Lat’s Tuyen Lam Lake at sunrise or sunset with a local guide—mist curling over pine forests, hands wrapped around fresh coffee on an islet stop. Choose kayak or SUP and enjoy homemade cookies and cacao along the way. It’s quiet, unhurried, and lets you see another side of Da Lat most people never do.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already grinning when we stumbled down to the lakeshore—still half asleep, honestly. The mist on Tuyen Lam Lake just kind of hung there, blurring the pines into soft shapes. I didn’t expect how quiet it’d be at 5am; even the birds seemed to whisper. Our guide handed me a paddle and showed me how not to tip myself over (I still almost did). The kayak felt wobbly at first but after a few strokes, it was just water, cool air, and this weird sense that time had slowed down.

I kept catching glimpses of little lavender patches along the shore—Li pointed out where the farm was but I kept drifting off, distracted by how the sunlight started poking through. We stopped on this tiny islet (no idea if it has a name) and our guide made coffee right there, pouring it into these small cups that steamed in the morning chill. The smell mixed with pine needles and something sweet from the cookies they brought. I’m not sure if it was just the setting or what, but that coffee tasted better than any café in town.

Later, as we paddled past Happy Hill and some other spots (Wonder Resort looked busy even early), I realized you could choose your own pace. Some folks were out on SUPs instead of kayaks—looked fun but I wasn’t brave enough to try standing up yet. The tour included everything: life jackets, gear, snacks… even hot cacao if you wanted. By the end my arms were tired in a good way. There’s something about gliding across Tuyen Lam Lake while Da Lat wakes up around you—I still think about that view sometimes when I hear water lapping against anything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayaking at Tuyen Lam Lake

• Train and practice paddling skills
• Kayak around Tuyen Lam Lake peninsula
• Visit Happy Hill, Wonder Resort, Lavender Farm
• Stop on islet for coffee and cake
• Choose preferred kayaking time frame

Top questions

What time does the Da Lat kayak/SUP tour start?

You can choose sunrise (5am-8am), morning (8am-11am), or sunset (2:30pm-5:30pm) sessions.

Is pickup included for the Tuyen Lam Lake kayak tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Tuyen Lam Lake.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the kayak/SUP tour?

Yes, hot cacao or coffee and cookies are included during a stop on an islet.

Can beginners join this kayaking tour in Da Lat?

Yes, paddling instruction is provided before starting; suitable for all fitness levels.

Is equipment like life jackets included?

Yes, life jackets and all kayaking/SUP gear are included in your booking.

Are entrance fees covered for places visited around Tuyen Lam Lake?

No, entrance fees for spots like Happy Hill or Lavender Farm are not included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join the Da Lat kayaking experience?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes full use of either a SUP board or kayak plus life jackets and paddling instruction from your local guide. You’ll pause mid-journey for hand-brewed coffee or hot cacao with cookies on an islet. Entrance fees to extra attractions aren’t covered but parking fees are taken care of—and everything’s set up so you can just show up ready to paddle.