Xuan Huong Lake

Hồ Xuân Hương

A crescent-shaped artificial lake in the heart of Da Lat, with a 5 km loop path, bike rides, swan pedal boats and lakeside cafés. It is the living room of this 'City of Eternal Spring'.

Xuan Huong Lake lies in the centre of Da Lat. The French built the dam that created it in 1919, and it is named after Hồ Xuân Hương, an 18th-century Vietnamese poet. The lake is crescent-shaped, with a circumference of about 5 km, and it is the geographic and social heart of Da Lat. It was designated a national scenic site in 2004. Smooth walking and driving paths run around the lake. Early in the morning, locals stroll, jog and practise tai chi here, and the lake is at its most beautiful when mist hangs over the water. On the south shore, the Thủy Tạ café, a 1930s French-style building that juts out over the water, and the Garden Café are the classic spots for Vietnamese drip coffee and lake views. In the northeast, Da Lat Flower Garden (Vườn hoa Đà Lạt, entry about 50,000 VND) displays hydrangeas, moth orchids and many flowers unique to Da Lat. Steps on the north shore lead to Da Lat Market and the night market. On the west side, the lawn and pine trees are a popular photo spot.

Things to do: rent a bicycle (about 50,000 VND per hour) or a tandem bike and ride around the lake in about an hour. Swan pedal boats cost about 100,000–150,000 VND per half hour, and horse-drawn carriages are also available. Xuan Huong Lake is free to enter and open all day. The early morning (6–8 a.m.) and evening are the most pleasant times. Each year in January and February, Vietnamese mountain cherry trees bloom along the lakeshore, making this one of Da Lat's famous sights around Tết.

Within walking distance: Da Lat Market, the Chicken Church (St. Nicholas Cathedral, a French-style building where visitors can go inside outside Mass times), and the Lâm Đồng Provincial Museum. Getting around: most hotels in the city centre are within walking distance of the lake.

Note: traffic around the lake can be heavy, so ride on the right. Afternoon showers in the rainy season come quickly, so bring a raincoat.

Xuan Huong Lake

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby