For those visiting DaLat, a stop at Xuan Huong Lake shall not be missed. Once this charming city center is entered, visitors are in awe of the beauty of a picturesque lake that transfixes the heart and serves as a symbol for the entire “land of flowers”. To allow a fuller understanding of this gorgeous body of water, Localtravelidea provides an overview of the lake.
I – What is the specific location of Xuan Huong Lake Dalat?
Nestled in Ward 1 of the picturesque city of Dalat is the famed Xuan Huong Lake. This lake is enveloped by tourist hotspots such as the sprawling Lam Vien Square, the lush City Garden, the lively Cu Hill, and the beautiful Yersin Park. Due to its perfect location near a variety of attractions, it is surrounded by an assortment of hotels which entice a large number of visitors. The ideal proximity to other tourist destinations makes Xuan Huong Lake a preferred spot for accommodation in Dalat among tourists.
You can visit Xuan Huong Lake at any time because it is beautiful and available all year round thanks to wonderful weather. The lake in the initial month puts on a bright layer created by cherry blossom on the shore of the lake. When March arrives, the purple phoenix flowers begin to bloom on the streets, taking you to a dreamlike landscape. At the end of the year, clouds of misty mist, Dalat’s signature, swirl on the surface of the water, which is sure to capture your soul.
II – The Romance of Xuan Huong Lake
The name “Xuan Huong” arouses the curiosity of many people about its origin. Some say that the lake is named after a famous poet known for her romantic flair, others assume that it simply means the scent of flowers in spring (Xuan means spring and Huong means scent). Whatever the reason, this title can effectively manifest your enchanting beauty.
This lake is not a natural lake but an artificial one built in 1919. Xuan Huong Lake Dalat had an area of 25 hectares, a perimeter of about 5 km in the shape of a crescent moon. At the time of establishment, the lake was called Grand Lac (Grand Lake in French). After 5 years, that name was changed to Xuan Huong and Xuan Huong Lake has since become a symbol of the dream city of Dalat.
Around the lake are flower gardens, lawns and pine forests, making the landscape serene and peaceful in any dimension and angle. If you have the chance to look at Xuan Huong Lake from above, you will surely imagine a green heart because most of the big and small roads in the city are concentrated here.
The fresh air and purity of the lake make it a weekend gathering place for the residents of the neighborhood. Also, if you come here early in the morning, you will see some runners, cyclists,… On special occasions of Vietnamese New Year, Vietnam National Day and Independence Day,… crowds of people flood here to see Fireworks. screens. Taking advantage of the picturesque landscape of the lake, many restaurants and cafeterias rise up, serving the need to contemplate the view.
III – Top 6 Activities Worth Trying at Xuan Huong Dalat Lake
1 – Swan boat ride
Riding a Swan boat is probably the best way to see the beauty of this lake. A Swan boat is big enough to hold 2 adults and one child, making it quite suitable for couples, young families, and friends to experience together. Swaying on the boat on Xuan Huong Lake, they can enjoy the cool breeze while admiring the spectacle of the streets on the boat’s shore. This feeling is chilling in a weird way that can blow away all the worries stuck in your head.
– Boat rental address: Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, Ward 2, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province
– Contact: 0263 3827 900
– Ticket price: 60,000 VND (2.6 USD)/turn/small boat; 120,000 VND (5.2 USD)/turn/large ship
2 – Touring Xuan Huong Lake in a horse carriage
Touring Dalat by horse-drawn carriage is an essential experience! This popular mode of transport can accommodate between four to six individuals, ideal for travelling with family or a group of friends. As the gentle horses trot along the picturesque road along the lake, you will be able to soak in the area’s unique atmosphere. The journey begins at the wharf on Tran Quoc Toan street, across the Thuy Ta pavilion and ends at the city flower garden.
– Ticket price: 200,000 VND (8.6 USD)/turn
3 – Eating around Xuan Huong Lake
Tourists who visit Dalat often seek out the pleasure of watching the scenic views from the windows of the cafes and restaurants near Xuan Huong Lake. With a plethora of different menu items available and direct views of the lake, those looking to experience the joy of sipping a beverage while relaxing in a chair can choose from a number of notable establishments.
Thuy Ta Pavilion
One of the structures that is firmly attached to the Xuan Huong Dalat Lake is the Thuy Ta Pavilion, which is a restaurant and cafe that floats on the surface of the water. The building has impressive architecture, leading many visitors to mistake it for a small white cruise ship. The capacity of the Thuy Ta Pavilion is quite modest, unable to meet the needs of the large number of tourists who come to the lake every year. However, because it has been associated with Xuan Huong Lake and local people for so long that no one wants to tamper with it, another restaurant has been born on the opposite side.
Address: No.1 Yersin street, Ward 10, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province
Thanh Thuy Restaurant
The new cafe bar is called Thanh Thuy, which means “green water”, also closely related to a feature of the lake. Compared to Thuy Ta, this restaurant is bigger. That is also the reason why the atmosphere in these two places is distinguishable. Thuy Ta Pavilion on Xuan Huong Lake gives patrons a sense of peace and tranquility, while Thanh Thuy is a vibe that can somehow be embodied in its exceptional purple canopy.
Address: No.02 Nguyen Thai Hoc, District 1, Dalat City
bich cau cafeteria
Bich Cau cafeteria is located in an amazing position, on an island in the middle of the lake. There is a flower garden of the same name next to the cafeteria.
Address: Tran Quoc Toan Street, District 1, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province
4 – Campsite on the shores of Xuan Huong Lake
When you first set foot here, you may have noticed a number of people setting up colorful campsites under the pine trees and lush grass. That’s common here, especially on weekends and holidays. These activities are totally allowed and free as long as you do not leave waste or garbage.
5 – Tandem bike ride
The road around Xuan Huong Lake is smooth and flat, easier to take a walk. It is believed that if those who complete a round of the lake together, they will be next to each other forever. For the rental of tandem bicycles:
– No.1 Bui Thi Xuan Street, District 2, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province
– 2 Tran Quoc Toan Street, District 1, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province
Assuring you that your visit to Dalat won’t be complete without paying a visit to Xuan Huong Lake – its iconic appeal, the emerald heart of the picturesque city, is too alluring to pass up. Now that you have the necessary information on its beguiling beauty, it is up to you to finish the journey.