Xuan Huong Lake (Hồ Xuân Hương), the heart of Da Lat, wraps the city in a poetic and charming atmosphere. As you plan your trip to this famous highland town of Vietnam, get ready for leisurely walks around the lake, a peaceful mood and fun activities such as swan boats, horse carriages and lakeside coffee.
Follow Vietnamtour.in to explore the beauty of this famous Da Lat lake and gather essential tips for a worry-free trip there.
Xuan Huong Lake at a glance (updated November 2026)
- Xuan Huong Lake is a crescent-shaped artificial lake of about 25 hectares in the centre of Da Lat, with a lakeside path of about 5 km.
- It was created from 1919 by damming the Cam Ly stream and was named after the poet Hồ Xuân Hương in 1953.
- Entry is free and the lakeside is open all day; walking all the way around takes about 1–1.5 hours.
- Swan paddle boats cost about 50,000–100,000 VND (≈ ₹183–366) per 30 minutes, and a horse carriage ride about 300,000 VND (≈ ₹1,099) per trip.
- Swimming is not allowed; the best time to visit is the dry season from December to April.
Where Is Xuan Huong Lake?
Xuan Huong Lake is right in the centre of Da Lat, in Xuan Huong – Da Lat ward, Lam Dong province, about 1 km from Da Lat Market and opposite Lam Vien Square. Its central position makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the city and a convenient place to relax at any time of day.
The lake covers about 25 hectares and is about 5 km around. The French created it from 1919 by damming the Cam Ly stream; originally called Grand Lac (“Big Lake”), it was renamed Xuan Huong Lake in 1953, after Hồ Xuân Hương, one of Vietnam’s most famous poets. Its crescent shape, ringed by pine hills, villas and flower gardens, has made it the symbol of Da Lat.
Best Time To Visit Xuan Huong Lake
The best time to visit Xuan Huong Lake is the dry season from December to April, when the sky is clear and the air is cool and fresh. In January and February, the cherry blossom trees (mai anh đào) around the lake and across the city bloom pink, especially around Tết (Lunar New Year). From May to November, Da Lat has its rainy season, with afternoon showers, misty mornings and green hills — a romantic time for coffee by the lake.
Within the day, early morning (6:00–8:00 AM) brings mist over the water and locals exercising, while late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM) offers golden light and sunset views. Da Lat stays cool all year, at about 15–24°C, and evenings can be chilly.
How To Get to Xuan Huong Lake
Xuan Huong Lake is in the middle of da lat, so most central hotels are within a 5–15 minute walk. Many of the best hotels in da lat overlook the lake or sit within walking distance of it.
- On foot: the easiest way if you are staying near Da Lat Market or the town centre.
- By Grab or taxi: a short ride from anywhere in the city costs about 25,000–60,000 VND (≈ ₹92–220).
- By motorbike or car: follow Tran Quoc Toan or Ho Tung Mau Street, which run along the lakeshore; Yersin, Dinh Tien Hoang and Bui Thi Xuan streets all connect to them.
- From Lien Khuong Airport: about 30 km, or 40–50 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle bus.
Things to Do at Xuan Huong Lake
Stroll Along The Lakeside To Enjoy Fresh And Romantic Moments
The lakeside path offers a leisurely walk with friends or family. Flower gardens, pine trees and calm water create a refreshing atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed straight away.
The lake’s charm changes through the day. Daytime brings cool breezes and blue skies, while at night the lights along the shore turn the lake romantic and mysterious. Walking all the way around takes about 1–1.5 hours; if you prefer to ride, tandem bicycles can be rented by the lake for about 30,000–60,000 VND (≈ ₹110–220) per hour.
Ride a Swan Boat To Enjoy The Lake From the Water
Another way to enjoy the scenery is a swan paddle boat. Head to the boat wharves near Tran Quoc Toan and Ho Tung Mau streets; a boat for 2–4 people costs about 50,000–100,000 VND (≈ ₹183–366) per 30 minutes. You will be given life jackets and safety instructions before setting off.
From the middle of the lake, you can enjoy the calm water and panoramic views of flower gardens, lawns and the city’s hills. Paddle in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. Stay seated in the boat and keep your life jacket on at all times.
Relax and Picnic on the Lakeside Lawns
The green lawns and big pine trees around the lake are lovely for a relaxed picnic with family and friends. Pack some Da Lat snacks — strawberries, avocado, soy milk or warm bánh căn — find a spot under the trees and enjoy the cool fresh air. Please take all your rubbish with you before leaving.
Take a Horse Carriage Ride Around the Lake
For a charming journey around the lake, take a horse-drawn carriage. Carriages wait near the boat wharves and travel along the lakeside road, giving you views from every angle.
A carriage ride costs about 300,000 VND (≈ ₹1,099) per trip and fits 4–5 people. Agree the route and price with the driver before you start; the best time is around 4:00–5:00 PM.
Enjoy Coffee While Appreciating the Tranquillity
Many visitors, including Indian travellers, love sipping strong Vietnamese coffee by the lake while breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Several cafes sit right on the lakeshore, such as Thanh Thuy and Bich Cau, and many more line the streets around the lake. Try cà phê sữa đá (iced milk coffee) or a hot coffee on a cool morning; drinks cost about 30,000–60,000 VND (≈ ₹110–220).
Eat and Drink at Thuy Ta Restaurant
Thuy Ta is one of Da Lat’s oldest restaurants and a landmark of the lake. Its elegant white building stands on stilts over the water, surrounded by pine trees and flowers, and you will spot it as soon as you walk along the shore.
If you want a scenic spot to enjoy local dishes or international favourites with lake views, Thuy Ta is a good choice; it is also a pleasant place for Da Lat tea or coffee.
Attractions Nearby
- Tuyen Lam Lake: a large, peaceful pine-fringed lake about 7 km south of the city, with Truc Lam Pagoda and a cable car nearby.
- Da Lat Market and Night Market: about 1 km away, famous for street food, highland specialities and handmade souvenirs.
- Lam Vien Square: on the lakeside, with its famous artichoke-flower and wild-sunflower glass buildings.
- Bao Dai Summer Palace: the European-style residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, about 2 km away.
- Lang Biang Mountain: about 12 km north, with panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
- linh phuoc pagoda: a dazzling pagoda decorated with mosaic made from broken pottery and glass, about 8 km east.
- elephant waterfall: a powerful waterfall about 25 km from the city, often combined with Linh An Pagoda.
>> Discover more places in Da Lat with our guide to the best places to visit in da lat.
What Should I Know Before Visiting Xuan Huong Lake and Da Lat?
- Follow the posted rules and the instructions of the lake staff when joining activities.
- Do not swim or dive in the lake — swimming is not allowed.
- Keep a close eye on children near the water and on the boats.
- Keep the area clean, especially if you have a picnic.
- Bring a jacket or sweater: Da Lat is much cooler than the rest of Vietnam, and evenings can drop to 12–15°C.
- Agree prices for carriage rides and boat rentals before you start.
- Vegetarian food is easy to find in Da Lat — see our list of top vegetarian restaurants in dalat.
Want a Da Lat trip with lakeside hotels, sightseeing and Indian or vegetarian meals arranged for you? Share your travel dates below.
FAQs About Xuan Huong Lake
Can you swim in Xuan Huong Lake?
No. Swimming and diving are not allowed in Xuan Huong Lake; you can enjoy the water by swan boat instead.
Is there an entrance fee for Xuan Huong Lake?
No. The lakeside is free and open all day; you only pay for activities such as swan boats, bicycles and carriage rides.
How big is Xuan Huong Lake?
The lake covers about 25 hectares, and the path around it is about 5 km long — about 1–1.5 hours on foot.
When is the best time to visit Xuan Huong Lake?
December to April is best, with clear skies; January and February bring cherry blossoms. Visit early morning for mist or late afternoon for sunset.
Why is it called Xuan Huong Lake?
The lake was renamed in 1953 after Hồ Xuân Hương, a famous Vietnamese poet; before that, the French called it Grand Lac.
Prices and practical details in this guide were last checked in November 2026.
Xuan Huong Lake is a must-visit if you want to enjoy the tranquillity of Da Lat. It is known not only for its picturesque landscape but also for its fun activities for every traveller. Ready to add Da Lat to your next trip? Let Vietnamtour.in plan the best vietnam tourism package for you, and if you want a beach break as well, explore our Phu Quoc tour packages from Vietnamtour.in.
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