Langbiang and Tuyen Lam Lake in Da Lat

Part of the Da Lat travel guide — see every topic in All Da Lat Guides.

The best of Da Lat is in the green hills around the city. To the north, Langbiang mountain rises above the pine forest and gives wide views over the plateau. To the south, Tuyen Lam lake is a large, quiet reservoir surrounded by trees. Both are easy half-day trips from the centre, and both are best on a clear morning.

Langbiang mountain

Langbiang is about 12 kilometres north of central Da Lat, near Lac Duong. It has two main peaks. The lower one, often called Radar peak, is about 1,900 metres high. You can walk up a steep paved road or take a jeep from the park gate. At the top there are viewpoints over the valleys, the city and a small lake. The higher peak is about 2,167 metres. It needs a real hike of about two to three hours up through forest, so go with a guide if you do not know the trail. Start early, because cloud often covers the top by midday.

Tuyen Lam lake

Tuyen Lam lake lies about 5 to 6 kilometres south of the centre. It is a reservoir of about 350 hectares with many small bays and pine-covered hills around it. The water is calm and green, and the air smells of pine. You can walk or cycle parts of the shore, rent a boat or kayak, or relax at a lakeside cafe. Several resorts and a golf course sit near the water. A cable car runs from Robin Hill near the city over the pine forest to the hill above the lake, and the ride gives good views. A large monastery stands near the top station.

Xuan Huong lake and city viewpoints

Xuan Huong lake is the heart of the city. It is a curved lake of about five kilometres around, with a path for walking, jogging and cycling. Early morning is the best time, when mist sits on the water and local people exercise on the shore. Swan pedal boats and horse carts are popular with families. For views over the roofs and hills, many visitors climb to cafes on the slopes around the city, or go to the hills near the cable car station. Sunset over the valley from one of these spots is a highlight of a Da Lat evening.

Sunrise above the clouds

On cool dry-season mornings, low cloud often fills the valleys around Da Lat. From a high point you look down on a white sea of cloud with pine hills rising out of it. Local people call this cloud hunting. Several hill farms and cafes outside the city open very early for this view. Tour groups leave around 4 or 5 in the morning to reach them before sunrise. Clear, calm mornings after a cold night give the best chance. In the rainy season the view is less common. Bring warm clothes, because it is cold on the hills before dawn.

Langbiang and Tuyen Lam Lake at a glance

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