How to travel from Saigon to Da Lat City

The distance from Saigon, former name of Ho Chi Minh, to Da Lat City is 310km. Depending on the starting location and the routes moving in each city, the space between two cities can vary by more or less 10km.

travel from saigon to da lat

At the present, you can choose to fly from Tan Son Nhat airport to Lien Khuong airport in Dalat, then move to the city center. The flight takes you 55 minutes in the air; however, you need to note the waiting time at the airport before flying around 1.5 hours in advance.

Besides, you can jump on the shared buses with other tourists if you do not mind waiting and moving around. But, this transport can save you a lot of money.

For most of Vietnamdrive’s guests use a private car or a van with a professional to drive on the route from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat.

Here are different routes that we often serve the customers and possibly now are you.

da lat city view
The beauty of Da Lat City. @son_dx

One day to move from Saigon to Da Lat

  • Starting point: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Main road: Highway 20
  • Stops on the way: Bao Loc City and Pongour Waterfall
  • Duration on average: 8 to 9 hours

For this road, you spend almost time traveling on highway 20. The transportation carries you to Bao Loc City (the second one in Lam Dong province, besides Dalat).

It’s time to stop for “happy house” (toilet 🙂 Lalala…), and take a cup of coffee as your choice. You can also find a small lunch for your hungry stomach in need with a few restaurants selling local food.

Continue traveling to Pongour Waterfall and stop here for your exploration. This must-see destination has become one of the top waterfalls in Dalat. You may spend time around 45 minutes before moving to your hotel in Dalat City.

pongour waterfall on the way from Saigon to dalat
Pongour Waterfall on the way to Da Lat. @vphung320

You may see on the google map below, finding that the distance is counted as 315km which is different from the number on the top 310km. It is because you stop and move up and down for visiting, meaning that the distance can be various.

Another one is the time for driving counted as 6 hours and 15 minutes in the map. This period comes based on normal traffic conditions and does not include a relaxing sightseeing stop, which is different from the time above up to 9 hours. Thus, the duration of how to travel to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City shows on average. It’s better you plan a day for spending moving on this distance to avoid being rushed.

Two days to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat

  • Starting place: Hotel in Saigon
  • Main roads: Highway 1 and 28B
  • Stop on the way: Mui Ne
  • Duration: 2 days 1 night

Transferring to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh can enrich your holidays to experience time in Mui Ne, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and lovely sand dunes.

On the first day, you travel with the driver to Mui Ne from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, and stop on the way or at Mui Ne for relaxing or tasting coffee. If your hotel in Mui Ne is available for receiving the rooms, check-in-it is welcome.

visit sand dune in mui ne
Our guests visit sand dunes in Mui Ne. ©Vietnamdrive

Visiting white and red sand dunes to find different beauty of sands. Taking pictures while walking here is a good activity besides sliding on the sand. Sliding game fixes for the young, so you may check if you can do it. Then, the fairy stream in the sand area can be a nice interesting place for checking.

For the second day, a romantic sunrise comes on dry days. You make sure to get up early enough for your optional activity of enjoying the dawn. Do not waste your time, so spend it on the beach resting to get strong energy from the ocean.

Around 9:30 am is time to start driving from Mui Ne to Da Lat City. The journey goes through mountains, forests, and passes.

You may check the route on the google map below:


Comparing the one-day journey with the 2-day trip to Da Lat City from Saigon shows that the distance for driving directly, non-stop, is not big different.

  • A 1-day journey has the advantage of traveling to Da Lat City within a day and you can see the lovely Pongour Waterfall.
  • A 2-days trip gives you a chance to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Also, getting experience on the sand for better feelings.

The best way to select your route to transport to Da Lat from hotels or the airport in Ho Chi Minh depends on your choice. Based on our suggestion and adding your time and budget will give you perfect hints for your excursion.


Frequently asked questions

1. Is there a train from Saigon directly to Da Lat?

No, there isn’t. Although old trains still run within the Da Lat city area, they do not have any railways to connect with Saigon City. Thus, the best choice is a private car or flight.

2. Can I travel to Da Lat and back to Ho Chi Minh within a day?

No, you cannot. It takes you more than a half day to drive directly from the HCMC center to Da Lat without stops. No more chances come to explore Da Lat’s beauty. A 2-days-1-night trip or a 3-days-2-nights holiday to this mountainous city gets a better plan.

If you want to see more details about traveling to this city, please check more information in the posting content.

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    About the author

    The editorial staff of Vietnamdrive is a team of travel experts managed by Mr. Thom who has worked in tourism for 14 years. Trusted by thousands of tourists from all over the world.