Nha Trang to Da Lat Day Tour: Waterfalls, Temples & Crazy House

Summary

Full-Day Da Lat City Tour from Nha Trang: Waterfalls, Temples & Local Markets

If you want a real taste of Da Lat in just one day from Nha Trang, this tour covers waterfalls, royal history, wild architecture, and local markets—all with an easygoing guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Nha Trang was still cool when we hopped into the minivan—coffee in hand, a bit sleepy but excited. The drive out of town took us past rows of coffee plantations. Our guide, Minh, pointed out the difference between robusta and arabica beans as we passed small roadside stands selling fresh drip coffee. It’s about three hours to Da Lat, but the scenery keeps you busy—pine forests rolling by, mist clinging to the hills.

First stop: Datanla Falls. You can hear the water before you see it—sort of a low rumble mixed with birdsong. There’s a faint smell of wet earth and pine needles in the air. We watched a few locals take the alpine coaster down (I stuck to the path). After that, we headed over to Bao Dai King Palace. The place feels frozen in time—yellow walls, old radios, family photos on display. Minh shared stories about Bao Dai’s life here; apparently he loved French pastries and early morning walks around the gardens.

Next up was Truc Lam Temple. The gardens are wild with color—orchids everywhere and more types of flowers than I could count. If you want a view over Tuyen Lam Lake, there’s a cable car (not included) that glides above the treetops; I skipped it this time but heard it’s worth it if you’re not afraid of heights. Then came my favorite: Crazy House. It’s like stepping into a dream—twisting staircases, odd-shaped windows, bright mosaics everywhere. The architect wanted it to feel like nature itself built it; honestly, it kind of does.

We finished at Da Lat Market just as the afternoon clouds rolled in. The smell of strawberries and grilled corn filled the air. I picked up some dried persimmons for home and watched locals haggle over artichokes and avocados (Da Lat is famous for both). By late afternoon we were back on the bus—tired but happy—with bags full of snacks and heads full of stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Da Lat City Tour

• Travel from Nha Trang to Da Lat via coffee plantations; visit Datanla Falls and Bao Dai King Palace
• Visit Truc Lam Temple and cable car ride; explore Crazy House; visit Tuyen Lam Lake and Da Lat Market

Top questions

How long is the drive from Nha Trang to Da Lat?

It usually takes about three hours each way by minivan, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Yes! Lunch is provided at a local spot in Da Lat—let your guide know if you have any dietary needs.

Can I ride the cable car at Truc Lam Temple?

You can! The ticket isn’t included though; just let your guide know if you’d like to try it during your visit.

Where do I get picked up?

If your hotel’s in central Nha Trang, pick-up is included. Otherwise there’s a small surcharge or you can meet at Yasaka Saigon Nha Trang Hotel.

What’s included

This trip includes hotel pick-up and drop-off (central Nha Trang), an English-speaking guide who really knows their stuff, entrance tickets for all main sites (Bao Dai Palace, Truc Lam Temple, Tuyen Lam Lake, Crazy House), plus lunch. If you’re traveling with little ones or need special seats for infants—just ask ahead!