Tuyen Lam Lake Dalat - Kayak, Hike, Camp & Sunset

Why Tuyen Lam Lake Should Be on Your Radar

Known as the “Lake of Fairy Forests,” Tuyen Lam is Vietnam’s largest freshwater lake, spanning over 350 hectares. It is actually pine covered hills hugging emerald waters, fog rolling over the surface at dawn, and zero crowds. Unlike the touristy Xuan Huong Lake in downtown Da Lat, Tuyen Lam feels untouched, making it perfect for travelers craving calm or adventure.

Fun fact: Locals say fairies once bathed here, giving the lake its magical name. Whether you believe in folklore or not, the scenery does feel otherworldly.

Getting to Tuyen Lam Lake

Located just 6km south of Da Lat, the lake is a quick 15-minute drive. Here’s how to get there:

1. Rent a Scooter (100,000–150,000 VND/day): Da Lat’s winding roads are a scooter paradise. Follow Nguyen Van Troi Street south, and you’ll see signs for the lake.

2. Grab a Taxi (150,000–200,000 VND one-way): Vinasun or Mai Linh are reliable.

3. Join a Tour: Many Dalat day tours include Tuyen Lam Lake, Truc Lam Pagoda, and the Datanla Waterfall.

Pro Tip: Download offline maps (Google Maps works here) in case the signal gets spotty.

Top Things to Do at Tuyen Lam Lake

1. Paddle Through Paradise on a Rowboat or Kayak

Rent a wooden rowboat (100,000 VND/hour) or kayak (150,000 VND/hour) and glide across the glassy water. Early mornings are magical misty horizons and birdsong. Keep an eye out for fishermen in traditional bamboo boats!

2. Visit Truc Lam Pagoda via Cable Car

Just 2km from the lake, Truc Lam Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s largest Zen monasteries. Take the Da Lat Cable Car (90,000 VND round-trip) for epic aerial views of the lake and pine forests. The pagoda’s gardens are a zen dream - don’t miss the giant Buddha statue!

3. Hike or Mountain Bike the Trails

Adventure junkies, rejoice! The hills around Tuyen Lam Lake have trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. For a quick loop, follow the path from the lakeside to Pinhatt Mountain (30-minute hike). Mountain bikes rent for 200,000 VND/day in Da Lat.

4. Picnic Like a Local

Grab banh mi, fresh fruit, and Vietnamese iced coffee from Da Lat Market, then claim a lakeside spot. Locals love the area near Tuyen Lam Lake Resort for its shaded benches.

5. Chase Waterfalls - Datanla or Elephant

Pair your lake day with a visit to Datanla Waterfall (5km away), where you can try alpine coaster rides, or Elephant Waterfall (30km away) for raw, cascading power.

6. Stay for Sunset (or Sunrise!)

The lake faces east, so the sun comes up over the water rather than behind you. For sunset, head to the floating houses on the north shore golden hour here is pure Insta-gold.

Tuyen Lam is a lake you drive to, look at, and boat on. In central Vietnam the equivalent landscape is entered on foot: the Elephant Cave and Ma Da Valley day trek in Phong Nha-Ke Bang runs into a national park core zone under permit, with a cap on how many people go in each day.

Where to Eat & Stay Near Tuyen Lam Lake

Eat:

• Goc Ha Thanh Restaurant: Lakeside spot serving hearty Vietnamese hotpot. Try the goat meat..it’s a Da Lat specialty!

• Windmills Coffee: Quirky café with killer lake views and strong espresso.

Stay:

• Tuyen Lam Lake Resorts (Mid-range): Cozy bungalows right on the water. Rates from 800,000 VND/night.

• Terracotta Hotel (Budget): Chic, artsy rooms 10 minutes away. Rates from 400,000 VND/night on average.

• Da Lat City Center: Prefer nightlife? Dalat has homestays and hostels galore.

Local Tips You Won’t Find on Google

• Weather Wise: Da Lat is cool year-round (avg 15–25°C), but mornings can be chilly. Pack a light jacket!

• Avoid Crowds: Weekends get busy with locals. Visit on a weekday for solitude and for photo shoots.

• Respect the Environment: Trash bins are scarce - carry a reusable bag for your waste.

• Cash is King: Most boat rentals and cafes don’t take cards.
  
  Note: Check our travel guide if you are heading to Hoi An next!

Final Thoughts: Is Tuyen Lam Lake Worth It?

Ab-so-lutely. Whether you’re kayaking at dawn, meditating at Truc Lam Pagoda, or just soaking in the views with a cup of ca phe sua da, Tuyen Lam Lake is Da Lat’s quiet powerhouse. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why Vietnam’s highlands are so special untouched, authentic, and full of surprises.

One administrative note. On 1 July 2025 Lam Dong absorbed Binh Thuan and Dak Nong, so the province Da Lat sits in now reaches the coast at Mui Ne, about three hours away over the pass. Nothing at the lake has changed, but a search by province name now returns beaches as well as highlands.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee?

Not for the lake itself - the shoreline and the roads around it are public. Individual sites on the shore charge their own admission, and the boat trips are priced per boat rather than per person, so a group splits it and a couple does not.

How do I get there from Da Lat?

About 15 minutes by scooter or taxi to the near shore. The cable car from Robin Hill drops you at Truc Lam monastery above the lake, which is the more scenic arrival and means you do not need a vehicle at all.

When is it best?

Early morning, and this is worth planning for: mist sits on the water until the sun clears the ridge, which is the thing people photograph and it is gone by mid-morning. November to March is the dry season; May to October brings afternoon rain rather than all-day rain.

Can you swim?

It is not a swimming lake. It is a reservoir with steep, forested banks and no supervised entry points, and the local practice is boats and shoreline walks rather than swimming. Kayaks and pedal boats are available at the main pier.

How long does it take?

Half a day covers the monastery, a boat trip and a walk along one shore. A full day if you are cycling around it or combining with Datanla waterfall, which is on the same road back into town.