Astrid Freja

2025-09-09

Having called Vietnam home for eight enriching years, I've gathered countless authentic stories that I'm now eager to share with you. As a VietAdvisor contributor, my passion lies in the freedom of discovery, allowing me to deeply immerse myself in Vietnam's rich, diverse cultures from north to south. Let my experiences help you forge a deeper connection with this extraordinary country.

Da Lat has a ridiculous number of photo spots. So many that a lot of them just feel like tourist traps with long lines and an entry fee for a single prop.

This isn’t a list of every single one. It’s a list of the places that are actually cool to visit and happen to be great for photos, especially for couples. These are the spots with a real vibe, not just a painted backdrop.

Quick Summary for People Who Don’t Want to Read

Discover the 7 most Instagrammable spots in Da Lat that couples actually love. From the rustic Túi Mơ To Cafe and the thrilling Datanla alpine coaster to the surreal Crazy House. This detailed expat guide gives you honest tips, prices, and the best times to visit.
1. Túi Mơ To Cafe: The original rustic greenhouse cafe that started the trend in Da Lat. It’s an authentic old wooden house with a great view and a famous daisy field.
Need to Know: Drinks are 50,000 – 70,000 VND. Open 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM. Crucial tip: Arrive right at 7:30 AM on a weekday to get the place almost to yourself before the crowds arrive around 10 AM.
The Vibe: Chill, rustic, and authentic. Not a manufactured photo set.
2. Datanla Waterfall & Alpine Coaster: An adventure spot where the main attraction is the thrilling alpine coaster ride through a pine forest down to the waterfall.
Need to Know: Entrance is 50,000 VND; the round-trip coaster is an extra ~170,000 VND and is the whole point of going. Open 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
The Vibe: A bit like a mini-theme park. Organized, can be busy, but the coaster ride is a real adrenaline rush.
3. Hằng Nga Guesthouse (The Crazy House): A surreal, bizarre architectural maze that feels like walking through a Salvador Dalí painting. There’s nothing else like it.
Need to Know: Entrance is 60,000 VND. Open 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM. Warning: The walkways are very narrow and high up with low railings; it gets crowded, so go early.
The Vibe: Playful, disorienting, and fascinating. A must-see even if you don’t take photos.
4. Da Lat Railway Station: A beautiful, old French colonial train station with a preserved steam train on the tracks. A quick and rewarding stop.
Need to Know: A tiny entrance fee of 5,000 VND. Open 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. You can combine this visit with a scenic train ride to Trai Mat (where Linh Phuoc Pagoda is).
The Vibe: Quiet, peaceful, and historical. Feels like stepping back in time.
5. Tuyen Lam Lake: A massive, serene lake surrounded by pine forests, located just outside the city. The ultimate nature escape.
Need to Know: Free to visit the area; activities like kayaking or boat tours cost extra. Crucial tip: You must be there before 6 AM to capture the best misty scenery.
The Vibe: Incredibly peaceful and serene, especially at dawn. A complete contrast to the busy city.
6. Linh Phuoc Pagoda: A stunning and visually overwhelming pagoda covered entirely in intricate mosaics made from millions of pieces of broken pottery and glass.
Need to Know: Free to enter. Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It is an active place of worship, so dress respectfully (cover your shoulders and knees).
The Vibe: A sensory overload. It’s busy, vibrant, and dazzling rather than quiet and meditative.
7. Fresh Garden Dalat: A modern, commercial park explicitly designed to be a photo backdrop, filled with whimsical, giant sculptures covered in fresh flowers.
Need to Know: Entrance is around 100,000 VND. Open 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. It is very popular and gets extremely crowded, especially on weekends.
The Vibe: A “photo factory.” Lighthearted, fun, and has zero pretense about what it is—a place to take pictures.

Short Videos

The Real Deal on Da Lat’s Photo Spots

The thing about Da Lat is that half the economy seems to be built on cafes and flower gardens with photo props. This is largely fueled by the massive domestic pre-wedding photoshoot industry.

It’s easy to end up at a place that looks amazing on Instagram but is actually just a dusty field with a single “Stairway to Heaven” and a long queue. This Da Lat travel guide is about avoiding that. These are places with substance.

Getting Around: You’ll probably want a motorbike. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and is the best way to get to the spots outside the city center, like Tuyen Lam Lake.

Renting is easy and cheap. If you’re not comfortable on two wheels, the Grab app (SE Asia’s Uber) works perfectly fine in Da Lat for both cars and bikes.

It’s just a bit less spontaneous. If you’re new to it, it’s worth reading a guide on How to Rent a Motorbike in Vietnam.

1. Túi Mơ To Cafe

This is the famous one. Túi Mơ To pretty much set the standard for the “rustic greenhouse cafe” aesthetic that’s now copied all over Da Lat.

Túi Mơ To Cafe - most Instagrammable spots in Da Lat

The main building is an old wooden house with big glass-paned windows looking out over a valley of farm greenhouses.

It has a genuine, slightly worn-in feel with creaky wooden floors and simple furniture, which is why it works so well. It doesn’t feel like a movie set.

The main photo ops are the view from inside the house (framing the valley with the windows) and the field of white daisies (Cúc Họa Mi) next to it. Be aware, the flowers are seasonal. They are usually in full bloom around November and December, which is when you’ll get that iconic shot.

Outside of that season, the garden is still pretty but won’t have the sea of white flowers. The coffee is actually good, which isn’t always a given at these types of cafes.

It’s one of the best Instagrammable spots in Da Lat because it delivers on both the photos and the experience.

The Actual Vibe: It’s chill. They usually play some quiet, indie music. You order at the counter, find a seat, and they bring your drinks out.

Even when it gets a bit busy, you can usually find a quiet corner. It’s a great place to spend an hour or two just relaxing.

Photo Tips: Use the window panes as a natural frame for your partner looking out at the view. The contrast between the darker interior of the wooden house and the bright valley outside works really well.

In the daisy field, try getting a lower angle to make the flowers look taller and more immersive. Late afternoon light is soft and golden here.

Info: Hẻm 31 Sào Nam, Ward 11. Open 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM. Drinks run about 50,000 – 70,000 VND. Parking for motorbikes is a bit tight down the small alley.
Tip: It gets really busy with tour groups and photoshoot crews from about 10 AM to 4 PM. Go right when it opens on a weekday morning to have the place almost to yourself.

2. Datanla Waterfall & Alpine Coaster

This isn’t just about looking at a waterfall, it’s about the alpine coaster. The waterfall itself is fine—a multi-tiered cascade that’s quite pretty—but it’s not the most spectacular one in the region.

Datanla Waterfall & Alpine Coaster - most Instagrammable spots in Da Lat

The real reason to come here is the self-controlled coaster that takes you from the top of the hill, through the pine forest, and down to the falls.

The coaster cars fit two people. The person in the back controls a brake lever. You can let it fly or go at a slower pace.

It’s a genuinely fun activity for Da Lat for couples and a lot more engaging than just walking down some steps. The ride down is where you’ll get your best action shots and videos.

The surrounding forest is deep green and makes a great backdrop. Once at the bottom, there are a few suspension bridges and viewing platforms near the water for more traditional photos.

The Actual Vibe: It’s an organized tourist attraction, so expect queues for the coaster, especially on weekends.

It feels a bit like a mini theme park. Besides the coaster and waterfall, there are other activities like a high-ropes course and zip-lining, so you can easily spend half a day here if you’re into that.

Photo Tips: For the coaster, a GoPro or a phone on a secure gimbal is best. A video is better than a photo to capture the speed and motion.

For the waterfall, try to incorporate the surrounding rocks and lush greenery into your shot to give it context. If you have a tripod and a proper camera, a slow shutter speed can create that silky water effect.

Info: Located on the QL20 Prenn Pass, very easy to find. Open 7 AM – 5 PM. Entrance fee is 50,000 VND. The round-trip coaster ticket is about 170,000 VND and is absolutely worth it.
Tip: Don’t cheap out and walk down. The coaster is the whole point of the experience. Wear decent shoes as the paths near the waterfall are often wet and can be slippery.

The alpine coaster is a good taste of adventure, but if you want to dial it up a notch, Da Lat is the adventure capital of Vietnam. Many people come specifically for the thrill of canyoning, and we broke down whether Canyoning in Dalat as a first-timer is actually worth the hype.

3. Hằng Nga Guesthouse (The Crazy House)

It’s called the Crazy House for a reason. This place is just bizarre. It’s technically a functioning guesthouse, but 99% of visitors are just there to pay the entrance fee and explore.

The Crazy House - most Instagrammable spots in Da Lat

The architecture is a surreal mix of nature and fantasy—think giant concrete tree trunks, animal-themed rooms, and twisting walkways that look like vines or spiderwebs. There are almost no straight lines or right angles in the entire place.

For photos, it’s a goldmine of weirdness. Every corner presents a new, strange background. The best shots are usually found on the narrow, winding bridges that connect the different “treehouse” buildings.

From up there, you get a sense of the chaotic scale of the place and great views over the city. It’s a fun place to explore as a couple, getting lost in the maze-like structure.

It’s not just an Instagram spot; it’s a genuinely unique piece of art and one of the most memorable Da Lat photo spots.

For couples, the area around the lake is the perfect base to explore from. Choosing the right accommodation can make or break the romantic vibe, so we’ve picked out the 5 best romantic places to stay in Da Lat to make it easier.

The Actual Vibe: It feels like walking through a Salvador Dalí painting. It’s disorienting and playful. However, be warned: the safety standards are… questionable.

The railings on the high walkways are very low, and the paths are narrow. It can get very crowded, leading to human traffic jams on the tiny bridges.

Photo Tips: Use the curving lines of the architecture to lead the viewer’s eye. Take photos looking straight up from the courtyards or straight down from the bridges to capture the strange perspectives.

It’s challenging to get a photo without other people in it, so either be patient or embrace the chaotic, busy feel.

Info: 03 Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Ward 4. Open 8:30 AM – 7 PM. Entrance is 60,000 VND.
Tip: Go early in the morning on a weekday. The narrow walkways are much more manageable with fewer people. Watch your step, especially if it has been raining.

4. Da Lat Railway Station

For a quick and easy stop that produces classic, vintage-style photos, the Da Lat Railway Station is perfect. It’s the oldest station in Vietnam, a beautiful relic of French colonial architecture with distinct Art Deco features.

Da Lat Railway Station - most Instagrammable spots in Da Lat

The symmetrical facade, high-pitched roofs, and colorful stained-glass windows of the main building are a great backdrop on their own.

The main attraction for photos is the old steam train permanently parked on the platform. You can climb aboard the empty carriages for photos looking out the windows or posing in the old wooden seats.

It has a very nostalgic, romantic, “journey to the past” feel. You won’t spend more than 30-60 minutes here, but it’s worth it if you’re into that aesthetic.

The Actual Vibe: It’s usually pretty quiet and relaxed. A few other tourists will be doing the same thing, but it rarely feels crowded. It’s a calm, historical spot that feels a world away from the busy city center just down the road.

Photo Tips: A great couples shot is to have one person sitting inside the carriage by the window, and the other person on the platform looking in.

The symmetry of the main station building is also great for centered, architectural shots. The warm yellow color of the station looks best in the soft light of the morning or late afternoon.

Info: 01 Quang Trung, Ward 9. Open 7 AM – 5 PM. The entrance fee is a nominal 5,000 VND.
Tip: The station is still active for a short tourist train route that goes to Trai Mat. This is where the Linh Phuoc Pagoda is located, so you can combine these two spots into one trip for a unique experience.

5. Tuyen Lam Lake

If you need an escape, Tuyen Lam Lake is it. It’s a massive, beautiful man-made lake surrounded by thick pine forests, located about 6km south of the city center.

Tuyen Lam Lake - most Instagrammable spots in Da Lat

The main draw here is the peace and quiet and the stunning natural scenery. It’s a top choice for Da Lat for couples who want a more natural, less constructed photo backdrop.

For the absolute best photos, you have to go for sunrise. The cool night air meeting the relatively warmer lake water creates a thick, magical layer of mist that hangs over the surface as the sun comes up.

It’s an incredible sight and worth the early alarm. Sunset is also beautiful, casting a warm glow over the forest.

You can experience the lake in different ways: rent a two-person kayak, take a larger boat tour, or simply find a cafe with a deck overlooking the water.

Trying some local beans at a lakeside spot is a perfect Da Lat experience. If you’re curious about the local coffee scene, our Ultimate Guide to Vietnamese Coffee can help you decode the menu.

The Actual Vibe: In the early morning, it’s incredibly serene and quiet. You might only see a few other photographers. During the day, it gets a bit busier with tour boats, but it’s large enough that it never feels truly crowded. It’s a breath of fresh air, literally.

Photo Tips: For the misty sunrise, expose for the highlights in the sky to avoid blowing them out; your subject might become a silhouette, which can be a very effective shot.

Look for lone fishing boats on the water to add a sense of scale. During the day, use the reflections on the water’s surface for interesting compositions.

Info: Located south of Da Lat. Always open. Free to visit. Activities like kayaking or boat trips will cost extra (e.g., 300,000 VND for a private boat tour).
Tip: The road that loops around the lake is one of the most beautiful motorbike rides in the area. It’s well-paved and offers tons of different viewpoints.

6. Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Prepare for your eyes to hurt. Linh Phuoc Pagoda, often called the “Bottle Pagoda,” is a visual overload. The entire complex, inside and out, is covered in intricate mosaics made from millions of pieces of broken glass, ceramic bowls, and porcelain. It’s not subtle, and the craftsmanship is mind-boggling.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda - most Instagrammable spots in Da Lat

Key features include a 49-meter-long dragon in the courtyard made from 12,000 glass bottles, a giant bell tower you can climb, and a main hall where every single surface is a detailed mosaic.

There’s also a massive wooden statue of the Quan Am Bodhisattva and a bizarre, memorable depiction of the “18 Levels of Hell” in the basement that you can walk through.

It’s a dazzling, slightly chaotic, and utterly unique cultural landmark that also happens to be one of the most incredible Da Lat photo spots.

The Actual Vibe: Unlike many temples, this one is not quiet or meditative. It’s busy, loud, and full of energy. Tourists and worshippers mingle, bells ring, and there’s something new to look at everywhere you turn. It’s a feast for the senses.

Photo Tips: A wide-angle lens is useful here to capture the scale of the structures. If you’re using a phone, focus on isolating interesting patterns and details in the mosaics.

The dragon is the obvious shot, but the textures on the pillars and walls are just as compelling. Go for shots that show the contrast between the intricate detail and the massive scale.

Info: 120 Tự Phước, Trại Mát (a small town just outside Da Lat). Open 8 AM – 5 PM. Free to enter, donations welcome.
Tip: This is an active place of worship. Be respectful and dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). As mentioned, you can take the tourist train from Da Lat Railway Station directly here.

7. Fresh Garden Dalat

Sometimes you just want easy, fun, and colorful photos without having to think too hard. Fresh Garden is a park built for exactly that.

Fresh Garden Dalat - most Instagrammable spots in Da Lat

It’s a highly commercial, purpose-built photo park, and it’s very good at its job. It’s basically a giant, open-air photo studio with a flower theme.

The whole area is filled with large, whimsical sculptures covered in or made from fresh flowers. You’ll find a giant flower-covered teddy bear, a hobbit-style house, a massive windmill, a clock, and various love-themed arches.

The colors are incredibly bright, and every installation is designed to pop on camera. It’s one of the most popular Instagrammable spots in Da Lat for a reason: it’s effortless.

The Actual Vibe: It’s a photo factory. People are there for one reason: to take pictures. Expect to see lots of couples, groups of friends, and families all waiting their turn for the main photo ops. It’s not a place for quiet contemplation, but it’s lighthearted and fun if you’re in the right mood.

Photo Tips: The work is already done for you. Just point and shoot. The bright, saturated colors mean your photos will look great with minimal editing.

Because it’s so popular, the key is to be patient while waiting for a clear shot at the best spots, like the windmill or the hobbit house.

Info: 90B Vạn Thành, Ward 5. Open 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. The entrance ticket is around 100,000 VND per person.
Tip: It gets extremely crowded on weekends and holidays. Go on a weekday morning to have a bit more space to work with.

Final Tips & Reality Check

The weather in Da Lat is famously unpredictable. It can be sunny one minute and pouring rain the next. Always have a light rain jacket or poncho with you.

For photography, this means the light can change dramatically. An overcast sky can actually be great for soft, even lighting, so don’t be discouraged by clouds.

The best time to visit Da Lat is during the dry season, from December to March. The weather is pleasant, and the skies are clearer, which is ideal for those sunrise shots and general exploring.

Most importantly, don’t get so obsessed with getting the “perfect” photo that you forget to experience the place. Da Lat’s real magic is in its cool, pine-scented air, its amazing coffee culture, and its relaxed pace of life. The photos are just the proof that you were there.