Once a hilltop resort for the French (thanks to its not boiling climate), Dalat is up in the Central Highlands in southern Vietnam’s Lam Dong province. Wandering around the place there are colonial buildings and other relics of its past to check out.
But aside from its past, the present of Dalat is all about its surrounding areas: think pine forests, waterfalls and plenty of chances to get out into nature. Hikes and tours abound here.
Where are you gonna stay in Dalat though? Are you here to go full outdoorsy? Or are you into more of a city feel with opportunities to drink and party?
Whatever you wanna do, we got you covered thanks to our handy list of the best hostels in Dalat! We’ve even categorised them to make it extra easy so you can find a hostel to suit you.
So… what are you waiting for? Let’s have a look at the top hostels in Dalat!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Dalat
- Best Party Hostel in Dalat – Kim Cuong house
Best Hostels in Dalat
Sitting above 1500 metres on the Langbian Plateau is a chance to see a different side of Vietnam. Often referred to a ‘Le Petit Paris’ (and even featuring its own replica – and smaller – Eiffel Tower), Da Lat standards as a favourite location in Vietnam to stay for honeymooners and love-drunk holidayers.
Despite its popularity with the vacationing crowd, there are still some awesome budget accommodation choices in Da Lat suited for backpackers.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Kim Cuong house – Best Party Hostel in Dalat
The Kim Cuong House (or King Kong Hostel) has an amazing value for the nightly price. With spacious, comfy common areas and a rooftop bar, this place is perfect for party enthusiasts. Located very close to the central area of Da Lat city, you’ll also have numerous bars just moments away – great nights out are pretty much guaranteed!
What’s also really cool about this hostel, is the owner himself. He offers guided tours for his guests. From waterfalls to coffee plantations, he’ll take you to all of the hotspots – you won’t miss out on anything. And not to forget: the hostel is pretty affordable too!
Cozy Nook Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Dalat
Looking for an actual cosy nook to stay in? Then this award-winning hostel should be top of the list for you. It’s top of the list for us, anyway: we reckon it’s the best overall hostel in Dalat. Staff, location, facilities – everything’s pretty top notch here.
The dorms are cosy with new wooden beds; they host fun and very busy family dinners where staff and guests all sit around a table for a definitive social vibe (a theme in Vietnamese hostels); it’s basically just all very nicely finished and nicely done. It’s more than just a bed for the night, it’s an experience. Cheesy, we know, but true.
Cozy Nook Hostel is one of our favourites in Dalat but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Dalat Friendly Fun – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Dalat
Friendly Fun… oh my. Everyone knew this was gonna be the best hostel for solo travellers in Dalat, I mean, just look at the name. The star of the show is the owner of this place. She’s super nice, puts on AMAZING family dinners and basically couldn’t do enough to be helpful.
And if you fancy going on a tour or something, this hostel will rustle up something for you for sure. But seriously, let’s go back to the owner. She’s genuinely amazing, so much so that it often makes the shortlist for both the best hostel in Vietnam AND in Southeast Asia. Champion.
Dalat Friendly Fun is one of our favourites in Dalat but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Dalat Backpackers Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Dalat
Great, and I mean, GREAT value for money going on here. You know it’s off to a good start when they offer a free pick-up service from the bus station. Because they don’t want you to have the hassle of dealing with scams. We all know about the hassle.
But basically, this is the best free hostel for the following reasons. You get a free dinner on arrival. You get free breakfast on the rooftop every morning. Free beer for half an hour every evening (GET IT DOWN YA). Free use of pool tables and an actual pool at their second hostel. With all those freebies, it’s perfect for budget travelers in Vietnam looking to cut back on their backpacking costs.
Dalat Backpackers Hostel is one of our favourites in Dalat but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIMr Rot’s Secret Stay – Best Hostel for Couples in Dalat
Now, don’t let the name put you off. Sure, in English it sounds weird, but that’s not the case in actuality. Mr Rot offers a ‘secret tour’ of Dalat, presumably, he shows you hidden gems around town. But if you don’t wanna pay up for the tour, you can rent a cheap motorbike from him and discover some secret shizz yourself.
The best hostel for couples in Dalat, it’s close to the downtown area where there’s a ton of stuff to do, eat and drink. Then you return to this ultra-clean hostel and chill the F out in your very modern private room. Nothing bad about that.
Chili Villa & Homestay – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Dalat
This top hostel in Dalat is literally so nice that it seems like a hotel. It’s got an indoor heated pool and a bar, which is fun. But the best thing about this place is its private rooms. It’s a new hostel so everything’s sparkly and up to date.
Sure, the dorms are new and modern, but the private rooms are where it’s AT. They’re stylish, simple, hotel quality places where you (and a friend, or a partner, whatever) can spread out as much as you like.
Chili Villa & Homestay is one of our favourites in Dalat but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Brew & Breakfast – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Dalat
Wow, wow, wow. This Dalat backpackers hostel is literally the CUTEST. They roast their own coffee here, their menu is free from animal products (well, except eggs), and the decor is simple but stylish and boutique.
The private rooms here, well, it’s the best hostel with a private room in Dalat. They’re pretty dang cool: think minimal, rustic chic. Combined with the cafe, where the coffee is as amazing as you’d expect and the food is great too, we reckon it’s one of the coolest hostels in Dalat, too.
Brew & Breakfast is one of our favourites in Dalat but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Dalat
Love Da Lat? Hell, maybe you just love the backpacker life living in cheap hostels and eating cheap baguettes and spring rolls. Either way, here are a few more amazing places to stay in Da Lat for the backpackers, social butterflies, and el cheapos!
Mr Peace Backpacker’s House
Well, when it comes to recommended hostels in Dalat, this place is definitely up there among the best of the best. For real. Firstly it’s super clean. Secondly, it’s super sociable. Thirdly it’s got nice places to hang out in. Fourthly the showers are pretty, pretty incredible.
What else do you wanna know about this Dalat backpackers hostel? Well, there’s a decent free breakfast, the family dinner, the bar and patio area which is good for chatting to other travellers. Oh and the staff like to give out free hugs. Cute.
Kim Cuong House
Complete with funky wall art (graffiti and patterns and that) and a pool table, this has less of the ‘get to know Vietnam’ vibe and more of a backpackers on tour kinda feel to it. It’s a lil’ bit of a party place; there’s little need to head out for the nightlife activities in Da Lat since there’s an actual nightclub on the 6th floor!
There’s also a movie room at this Dalat backpackers hostel, a free welcome beer when you check in (lol, amazing), and a load of activities going on. It’s also set right in the middle of the city itself. Most of all, this is a recommended hostel in Dalat if you’re looking for a bargain. Bunks are RIDICULOUSLY cheap. Like, how?
Tree House Hostel
It’s a little bit of a quirky one. The bunks here are shaped like little treehouses, which is cool and makes up for the fact that this place isn’t actually a treehouse. They really do look pretty cool.
The private rooms at this budget hostel in Dalat come with a mezzanine floor that acts like a lil’ chill out area above the beds. Crazy. And a good shout for a Dalat digital nomads hostel, we reckon. Other than they put on events that get you talking to fellow backpackers – handy if you’re by yourself.
Tree House Hostel is one of our favourites in Dalat but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
What to Pack for your Dalat Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Dalat
There you have it! Those were our picks for the best hostels in Dalat.
So many of them are family run and have such a friendly vibe that land them amazing reviews and even AWARDS. Seriously, these hostels are doing a lotta things right.
Plus there’s loads of places to go if you just want to party. Yep, just think of all that free beer and the onsite nightclubs…
And if you’re short on coin, there are Dalat backpackers hostels that’ll suit even the most shoestring of budgets. We mean it!
Can’t decide?
We don’t blame you! So we’d say just go for our top choice for the best overall hostel in Dalat, Cozy Nook Hostel. A solid option for anyone.
Get packing for a refreshing break from the tropical heat!
FAQ about Hostels in Dalat
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Dalat.
How much does a hostel cost in Dalat?
Dalat’s hostel prices are very budget-friendly. Depending on your traveling dates and how early you book, the average price starts at $3-$7+.
What are the best hostels in Dalat for couples?
Clean and modern private room, plus close to the downtown, Mr Rot’s Secret Stay is the best hostel for couples in Dalat.
What are the best hostels in Dalat near the airport?
The airport is quite far from Dalat, so it is better to find the best place in a great location. I recommend The Lake House Dalat, a relaxing atmosphere located on the lake and just a 27-minute drive from the airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Dalat
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Vietnam
Hopefully, by now, you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Dalat.
Planning an epic trip all across Vietnam?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Dalat has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Vietnam for a wealth of info!
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
