Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Da Lat tickets

About the ride from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Da Lat

After the madness and chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, heading to the mountains of Da Lat is just what the doctor ordered.

Its cool climate, pine forests, waterfalls, and French colonial charm draw travelers every year. They come to cool off and chill out but stay for the magic.

Thankfully, traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat is pretty straightforward. You’ve got four options:

1. Bus

2. Flight

3. Car

4. Minivan

You’ll need to weigh out your budget, time, and patience when choosing your ride. While you can fly there in an hour, some overland rides take up to nine hours. 

Check out the details below to help you make up your mind.

But first, some fun stuff…

Five magical things to do in Da Lat

1. Explore the Crazy House (Hằng Nga Guesthouse). It’s one of the most bizarre attractions in Vietnam (which says a lot). It’s part hotel, part architectural attraction, and part art installation. Think Antonio Gaudi on steroids. With winding staircases, tree-like structures, and hidden nooks, it feels like something out of a fantasy novel.
   
   

2. Chase all the kooky waterfalls. Da Lat is home to some of Vietnam’s most beautiful waterfalls.
   
   Pongour Waterfall, Datanla Waterfall, and Elephant Waterfall are breathtaking and touristy. If you’re looking for a hidden cascade for some peace and quiet, look elsewhere. These are adrenaline-filled waterfalls with rappelling, cable cars, and a roller coaster just to keep it entertaining.
   
   

3. Delight in the Da Lat Flower Park. It’s home to thousands of flowers, including hydrangeas, roses, orchids, and cherry blossoms and is especially stunning during the Da Lat Flower Festival (held every two years in December or January).
   
   

4. Take a high-altitude ride on the Da Lat Cable Car. It offers breathtaking aerial views of the lush green mountains. It takes you from the city center to Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist retreat overlooking a lake.
   
   

5. Shop and eat your way through the Da Lat Night Market. No trip to Vietnam is complete without spending time at the night markets. You should do it in every city. The city center comes alive at night, packed with food stalls, souvenir shops, and local vendors. It’s the cheapest place to eat, and you’ll get a taste of local life.

How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat

Traveling between these two cities could be a short hop, skip, and a jump or a long overland slog (200 miles/323 km). Pick your favorite from the options below.

Bus

Duration: 6-10 hours

Starting price: $14

The buses available from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat are not some old rinky-dink affair. They are sleeping buses, so the seats are nearly flat (think first class in a plane, but for pennies) for the ultimate comfort. 

Not only do you lay flat, but you’ll also have air conditioning, televisions, and blankets. Some include light food and drinks and have WiFI.

A sleeping bus doesn't mean you have to ride at night; there are numerous departures throughout the day. However, if you do decide to take the overnight shift, you’ll save on a night in a hostel. It’s a win-win. 

There are quite a few departure and arrival locations throughout both cities. Pay attention when booking to get one closest to your accommodation.

Flight 

Duration: One hour

Starting price: $29

A one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat is certainly the quickest way to get there. If you play your cards right, you could hook a ticket for $29. 

There are multiple flights per day with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air. 

You’ll depart from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and arrive at the Lien Khuong International Airport before you can get a drink.

Private car

Duration: 6-8 hours

Starting price: $119 for the vehicle

If you’re traveling with a few people, a private car may be a great option. It’s a private ride for three to five people, so you can split the costs. 

It comes with quite a few perks:

1. You get to pick your departure time.

2. It’s a door-to-door service from the airport or hotel in Ho Chi Minh to your accommodation in Da Lat. 

3. You’ll get at least 44 lbs (20 kg) of luggage per person.

4. You will have air conditioning, WiFi (subject to availability) and a phone charger. 

5. You can stop whenever you want for all the best views and bathroom breaks.

All that and for not much more than a bus ride? Yes, please!

Shared or private minivan

Duration: 6-8 hours

Starting prices: $16 for shared, $150 for the private minivan

There are two types of minivans: shared and private. 

Buying a seat in a shared minivan means you’ll ride with strangers. It’s a great way to meet other travelers. 

These depart and arrive at specific places throughout each city. A few operators drop off at various hotels in Da Lat.

A private minivan is ideal if you are traveling with a small group and want the whole van to yourselves. Like a private car, they'll pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation in each city. And you get to choose your departure time. 

Most minivans seat between 7 and 11 travelers.

Either way, you’ll have air conditioning, a large luggage allowance, and sometimes they’ll offer a bottle of water.

The best time to go to Da Lat

Without a doubt, the ideal time is from November to March, when the weather is cool, dry, and perfect for exploring. It’s also when the city’s famous flowers are in full bloom (see #3 above), making it extra magical.

June through August is the wet season, bringing heavy showers. It’ll be lush and beautiful but pretty soggy.

How many days should you spend in Da Lat?

You’ve come a long way, baby, so you might as well stay a few days. Three at a minimum. Da Lat has a totally different vibe from most other places in the country. Take advantage of it while you are there. 

Where should you go after Da Lat?

After some chilly mountain time, head to the famous beaches of Vietnam. 

Travel about three hours northeast to Nha Trang or 3.5 hours south to Mui Ne.