REVIEW · DA LAT
VIP Day Trip- Dalat city + Crazy House +Datanla & Alpine Coaster
Book on Viator →Operated by Vietnam Backpackers Travel · Bookable on Viator
Da Lat moves fast on this VIP-style day. I like how it strings together Datanla Falls and the Crazy House in one smooth route, so you get nature plus offbeat architecture without planning. I also like that the day is structured with included admissions, which means fewer stop-and-pay moments. The main drawback is the schedule is tight, so each site is a short visit even though the scenery and details are worth lingering over.
What makes it work is the simple rhythm: hotel/airport pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a private feel for your group. You can go at your own pace inside each stop while your driver handles the mountain roads and timing. If you want a slow, sit-down kind of sightseeing day, you may feel a bit rushed between highlights, especially around the busier, photo-friendly stops.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- A tightly packed Dalat highlights day (6 to 8 hours)
- Price and what you really get for $79
- Pickup, private transport, and how small-group tours work
- Stop 1: Datanla Waterfall and the 4km Alpine Coaster
- Stop 2: Bao Dai’s Palace (Dinh 1) and the royal setting
- Stop 3: Truc Lam Monastery of Da Lat (zen calm on the way to Tuyen Lam)
- Stop 4: Domaine de Marie Church (Vincent DePaul Church)
- Stop 5: Dalat Railway Station and Museum (Ga Đà Lạt)
- Stop 6: Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Ve Chai Temple)
- Stop 7: Crazy House, your hour of surreal architecture
- Lunch strategy: keep it local and simple
- Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
- Quick booking call: should you book it?
- FAQ
- Is hotel or airport pickup included?
- Is this a private tour?
- How long is the tour?
- Are entrance fees included?
- What attractions are included in the itinerary?
- Is the Alpine Coaster included?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need to bring cash?
- Do you provide bottled water?
- What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?
Key highlights to know before you go

- Datanla Waterfall + 4km New Alpine Coaster bundled into the day’s first big natural stop
- Admission fees included, so you typically do not pay on the spot
- Private party experience, with round-trip transfers from your hotel/airport
- A classic mix of Dalat heritage spots: Bao Dai Palace, Truc Lam Monastery, Domaine de Marie Church, and more
- Crazy House gets a full hour, not a quick walk-by
- For small groups, transport may split with one person riding by Easy Rider
A tightly packed Dalat highlights day (6 to 8 hours)

This is built for people who want the best of Da Lat in a single outing. The total time runs about 6 to 8 hours, and that matters because the stops aren’t all in the same neighborhood. You’re going outward from central Da Lat for waterfalls and viewpoints, then circling back through older landmarks and pagodas before finishing with the city’s most chaotic-looking building.
The pace is the tradeoff. Every major stop has a set time window, so you’ll get orientation, photos, and a real feel for the place without losing hours to transit. It’s a great fit for your first day in Da Lat, or for when you’re visiting with limited time and you’d rather not piece together taxis plus separate tickets plus a complicated route.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Da Lat.
Price and what you really get for $79

At $79 per person, the value hinges on what’s included. This price covers round-trip transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and the featured activities like the 4km New Alpine Coaster. For many visitors, admissions are the hidden cost that adds up fast when you plan each attraction separately.
You also get bottled water included, which sounds minor until you’re moving between sites in cool but still-changing weather. And because admissions are taken care of, you’re not stuck doing awkward last-minute ticket exchanges or asking which counter is the right one.
What’s not included is lunch. You will want cash for a local meal, and that’s actually helpful: you can pick something you’ll enjoy nearby rather than being sent to a preset menu.
Pickup, private transport, and how small-group tours work
This tour offers pickup from your hotel or the airport, which is a big deal in Da Lat where distances add up and traffic can be unpredictable. It’s also a private tour/activity, meaning it’s only your group, not a mixed crowd funneling through each stop.
One practical detail: for groups of two, the listing notes that you get a private car, but one person may go by Easy Rider. That can be a fun way to experience the ride style people talk about in Vietnam, but you should think about your comfort level. If you’re sensitive to riding on a motorbike, you may want to ask the operator how the split works for your exact group so you can plan accordingly.
Either way, the benefit is clear: you’re not negotiating routes. The driver and guide handle it, so you can focus on seeing.
Stop 1: Datanla Waterfall and the 4km Alpine Coaster
Your day kicks off at Datanla Waterfall, located in the Prenn Pass area about 5 km south of Da Lat city center. The payoff here is the nature setting. You’re not just looking at a waterfall behind a fence; the stop is described as wild nature in the middle of the pass area, which typically gives you that “getting out of town” feeling even though you’re still close.
You get about 30 minutes here, which is short but usually enough for a walk, a viewpoint moment, and a couple of photos. The bigger action is that the tour includes the 4km New Alpine Coaster. If you’re the type who likes doing at least one activity instead of only sightseeing, this coaster is the one that adds adrenaline to the day.
Potential consideration: if your priority is slow nature time, 30 minutes may feel like a warm-up rather than a full experience. Still, it’s a strong opening stop because it sets the mood and gives you a contrast right away: you go from fresh mountain air to cultural landmarks soon after.
Stop 2: Bao Dai’s Palace (Dinh 1) and the royal setting
Next up is Bao Dai Palace – King’s Palace 1 (Dinh 1). This is tied to Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, and the palace complex is described as consisting of Palace I, Palace II, and Palace III. One detail I like is that Palace III is also referred to as Bao Dai Summer Palace, which hints that the site wasn’t only power and ceremony—it also connects to climate and lifestyle.
You’ll have around 30 minutes. That’s enough time to understand the layout and take in the atmosphere without getting trapped in every room. The main value here is context: Dalat was shaped by French-era and imperial-era influences, and Bao Dai’s palaces help explain why you see such distinctive architecture in this hill city.
Possible drawback: if you’re expecting a museum-style deep dive, the time is limited. But for most visitors, it’s the right length—just long enough to remember what royal Dalat looked like.
Stop 3: Truc Lam Monastery of Da Lat (zen calm on the way to Tuyen Lam)
Then you head to Truc Lam Monastery of Da Lat, also known as the Truc Lam Zen Monastery and described as a meditation center. It’s set along the route toward Tuyen Lam Lake, and the path includes mountain-side roads and scenic viewpoints (the tour notes mention a zigzag road and a Phoenix Summit area).
You’ll get about 30 minutes. That’s usually enough for a calm walk around the grounds, a quick look at the meditation-focused setting, and a moment to step away from the busy city feeling. I find this stop balances the day. After palaces and churches, a monastery adds a different tone—quiet, reflective, and very “hill station” in vibe.
Consideration: if you’re rushing to maximize photos, you might speed through. This is one stop where slow down a bit if you can, even if the clock is ticking.
Stop 4: Domaine de Marie Church (Vincent DePaul Church)
After the monastery, you visit Domaine de Marie Church, also known as the Dalat Vincent DePaul Church. The tour info emphasizes that the architecture is unique, and it also mentions a backyard/garden area that’s beautiful.
You’ll have about 30 minutes here. For me, church architecture is often about details: angles, facade shapes, the way the building fits into the property. With limited time, you’re not going to master the history of every feature, but you can still appreciate the visual identity of the place and how it contributes to Dalat’s French-influenced feel.
Possible drawback: like most “photo landmark” stops, it can be crowded when tour waves overlap. Plan to go a little slower once you arrive so you’re not just snapping from the edge.
Stop 5: Dalat Railway Station and Museum (Ga Đà Lạt)

Next is Dalat Railway Station and Museum, listed as Ga Đà Lạt. It’s on the Da Lat–Thap Cham Railway line. The tour notes that the station was designed in 1932 by French architects, and that’s a strong reason this stop stays memorable even if you only spend about 20 minutes.
This is a good pause stop—short enough to keep the schedule on track, but meaningful because train stations often show a city’s “era.” In Dalat’s case, it’s the reminder that this hill city was connected to French projects long before modern highways made everything feel easy.
Practical note: with only 20 minutes, focus on what you can actually see and enjoy—exterior views, a quick look around the station/museum area, then keep moving.
Stop 6: Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Ve Chai Temple)
Then comes Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Chùa Linh Phước), also known as the Ve Chai Temple. It’s about 8 km from Da Lat city center and located at No. 120 Tu Phuoc, Trai Mat District.
You’ll have around 30 minutes. The pagoda is one of those Dalat landmarks that people either love for the visual spectacle or respect for its spiritual atmosphere. Either way, it’s a strong mid-to-late day pick because it gives your eyes something different from palaces and churches: lots of religious symbolism, unique artistry, and that “you’re in a living place of worship” feeling.
Consideration: this stop arrives after several other stops. If you tend to get museum-fatigue, treat pagoda time as a slower walk with fewer photos and more observing. It will feel better.
Stop 7: Crazy House, your hour of surreal architecture
The grand finale is Crazy House in Da Lat. It’s described as a wacky, dreamlike building and even singled out as one of the most “crazy” houses in the world. That reputation matters because it shapes how you experience the place: you’re not supposed to think logically. You’re supposed to enjoy the fantasy, the angles, and the storybook feeling created by the design.
You get about 1 hour here, which is the sweet spot. That’s long enough to explore multiple areas, get a full set of photos, and actually enjoy the interior-to-exterior mood shifts instead of only doing a quick loop.
This is also where your guide’s role helps. A friendly guide can point out what to look for so you don’t miss the best photo viewpoints. One review theme you’ll feel in how this tour is run: people appreciate the guide’s warmth—described as an uncle-style guide—and the way the day still feels fun rather than rushed.
Lunch strategy: keep it local and simple
Lunch is not included. The plan is flexible: you’ll go to a local restaurant or you can eat where you prefer. That’s nice because Dalat has plenty of casual spots, and you can choose based on what sounds good to you.
Bring cash for lunch. Also, if your tour schedule is tight, try to treat lunch like a practical break rather than a long sit-down. The day is designed to keep moving, and you’ll want energy for the final stretch at Crazy House.
Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
This VIP day trip fits you if:
- You want a first-timer Da Lat sampler that hits both nature and city culture.
- You hate dealing with tickets and prefer entrance fees handled.
- You like doing at least one active attraction, and the 4km Alpine Coaster appeals to you.
- You want a private feel with a guide and driver doing the heavy lifting.
You might want to choose something else if:
- You want long stays, slow wandering, and deep museum time at each stop.
- You get cranky when each attraction is capped at a short visit window.
- You strongly prefer not to ride motorbike-style transport if your group gets split with an Easy Rider option.
Quick booking call: should you book it?
Book this tour if you’re trying to see a lot without micromanaging transport or admissions. The biggest value is the bundle: pickup, guide, entrance fees, Datanla coaster time, and Crazy House all in one organized day for a single, predictable price.
Don’t book if you’re the type who wants to linger for hours per site. This is a highlights circuit, not a slow retreat. If that pacing sounds like your style, you’ll likely feel like you squeezed a full Da Lat day into a neat, easy package.
If you’d like, tell me your travel month and where you’re staying in Da Lat. I can suggest the best order to prioritize if you want extra time at either Crazy House or the waterfall stop.
FAQ
Is hotel or airport pickup included?
Yes. The tour includes round-trip transfers from your hotel or the airport.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.
How long is the tour?
It runs about 6 to 8 hours.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes. Entrance fees are included in the tour price, so you generally do not pay on the spot.
What attractions are included in the itinerary?
The day includes Datanla Waterfall, Bao Dai’s Palace (Dinh 1), Truc Lam Monastery, Domaine de Marie Church, Dalat Railway Station and Museum, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, and Crazy House.
Is the Alpine Coaster included?
Yes. The tour includes the 4km New Alpine Coaster.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, and you’ll stop at a local place or go based on your preference.
Do I need to bring cash?
You’ll want cash for lunch.
Do you provide bottled water?
Yes. Bottled water is included.
What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time does not qualify for a refund.









