Da Lat, Vietnam: A Guide to the Dreamiest Cafés in the Pine Forests
Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, I thought I was ready for a city break… but nope. My heart was screaming for mountains, pine trees, and cozy cafés instead. A few clicks later, I was set: Da Lat, the promised land of cool breezes, misty valleys, and picture-perfect coffee spots. After months of tropical heat and non-stop social energy, I was craving a creative retreat. And wow, did Da Lat deliver. Let me guide you through the best hidden gems I found after 3 wholesome weeks in the city of eternal spring!
If Bali is all palm trees and ocean breezes, Da Lat is its pine-forest cousin – misty, cool, and dreamlike. Compared to Hanoi’s busy street cafés, Da Lat’s scene is slower, more creative, and deeply aesthetic – a retreat rather than a rush.
…A little disclaimer before we start: my article contains a few affliate links that may make me enough money to buy a little coffee while compiling my best recommendations. Your readership and continued support means the world to me!
How to Get to Da Lat
From Ho Chi Minh City: The quickest way is a 50-minute flight to Lien Khuong Airport (DLI). Buses (6–8 hours) are also popular and budget-friendly.
From Nha Trang: A 3–4 hour bus or motorbike ride through winding mountain roads with scenic views.
From Hanoi: Daily flights take around 1 hour 50 minutes.
Getting Around Da Lat
Grab works well in the city, but for full freedom, rent a scooter (around 120,000–150,000 VND/day). Walking is easy within the city center, but for pine-forest cafés, a bike or Grab is best.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (Nov–April): Blue skies, crisp mornings, dreamy sunsets.
Rainy season (May–Oct): Expect misty forests and cozy café weather – romantic but bring a jacket and umbrella!
Now without further ado, let’s dive straight into the best cafes in Dalat!
Tucked up a steep slope near Cam Ly Waterfall, this café is basically a treehouse dream. Bonus points: the artisan market pops up on weekends, so you can sip coffee, browse quirky handmade goodies, and maybe even snag a vintage treasure. Add in some acoustic tunes and that warm, quirky décor, and you’ve got the perfect artsy hangout. I left feeling inspired, caffeinated, and just a little in love with life.
Located close to Cam Ly Waterfall, this is a beautiful cafe nestled up a steep slope in the treetops. What made this place extra when I visited was the artisian market. On select days, its “Lang Thang Market” pops up. You can find stalls of handcrafted and vintage goods. Lang Thang also often hosts weekend acoustic performances, turning the café into a shared musical experience. The atmosphere is warm and quirky, with vintage decor, and a relaxed charm that’s both artsy and welcoming!
If you’re a serious coffee lover, this one’s for you. Think specialty Arabica brews, cold brews with gentle acidity, and a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic that makes your Instagram feed look effortlessly chic. High ceilings, black-and-white vibes, and a balcony with valley views that make you sigh every time you glance at it. Perfect for a sunset coffee moment or just feeling fancy while sipping something delicious.
Specialty coffee on a rooftop | 
Minimalist atmosphere In the heart of Da Lat, Tho’s offers a rooftop haven with artisanal coffee that tells a story. The minimalist interior, blending industrial elements with lush greenery, creates a cozy ambiance. Each cup, hand-roasted in-house, reflects the region’s unique flavors. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a place to connect with fellow travelers, Tho’s provides a warm, inviting space to savor both the coffee and the moment.
Craving a hearty meal with a side of breathtaking views? Anna’s Coffee House near the cable car station offers a diverse menu, from Mexican-inspired dishes to English breakfasts. The cozy interior, complete with books and paintings, invites you to linger. With fast Wi-Fi and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for digital nomads or anyone seeking a tranquil place to work or unwind.
The café’s interior is thoughtfully designed, creating a cozy and relaxing environment. There are books to choose from and paintings to admire as well! It’s ideal for working in the afternoon, after breakfast/brunch crowd. With fast Wi-Fi and a collection of books, Anna’s Coffee House is an excellent spot for digital nomads, students, or anyone seeking a peaceful place to work or unwind.
Housed in a classic French colonial villa, Le Petit Jardin Dalat exudes old-world charm. The café’s architecture and décor transport visitors to a bygone era. The seating situation is abundant with various indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy your coffee. I absolutely loved the dresses and props you can borrow and create content to your heart’s desire! If you’re into “Cottage Core Aesthetic”, Le Petit Jardin is an exciting choice!
The café features adorable retro styling, cozy corners, flower-adorned gardens, and vintage props that create plenty of photo-worthy settings. Similar to Le Petit Jardin and located just a 10-minute walk away, The Little Cottage embodies the concept of “Creative Retreat”, Da Lat’s signature unique selling point! Coffee is an option but the hype is all about the beautiful and aesthetically pleasing afternoon tea packages. You can enjoy this indoors in the cottage setting or outdoors on its long and narrow garden grounds. There are picnic blankets, washing lines, and painting props to create a complete album of photographic dreams.
Nestled in the heart of Đà Lạt, BIPBO Healthy is a haven for health-conscious foodies seeking nutritious and delicious options. I first found out about this place while searching for healthy food delivery options in Da Lat! This unique café specializes in seed-based beverages, from creamy seed milk teas to refreshing coffees, offering a wholesome twist on classic drinks. Their eat-clean menu features brown rice meals, fresh spring rolls, grilled fish, and vibrant salads with tuna (canned unfortunately). I would personally recommend the chicken Poke Bowl, which I ordered multiple times both on Grab and visiting the cafe in person! It’s the place to be for fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to eat mindfully while in Da Lat!
Another health food find was Cele Healthy, which I also found on Grab while searching for Greek Yogurt Bowls. They are so responsive to requests and even helped to create a new smoothie bowl base partially made from Greek Yogurt! I’ve tried a lot of yogurt and smoothie bowls around Asia, including the infamous places in Bali, and I can’t believe I found the best ones up in the mountains of Vietnam! Try out Cele Healthy while in Da Lat – it’s an absolute must!
Cala Lily in Da Lat is a dreamy café and homestay that blends natural beauty with artistic design. It feels like a remote garden escape just minutes from downtown. The space is designed with warm wood and soft lighting, giving it a calm, intimate vibe. You can sip specialty coffee, try homemade cakes, or simply watch the mist roll over the lake. It’s great for anyone who wants fresh air, relaxation, and beautiful photo opportunities.
Nhà Lồng Coffee in Da Lat is a hidden gem for coffee lovers and nature seekers. This unique café is built inside a striking glasshouse, surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountain views. The modern yet cozy design makes it the perfect spot to relax, sip on freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee, and enjoy the cool Da Lat air. It’s also one of the best coffee shops in Da Lat for remote work, especially if you grab a quiet corner on the bottom floor indoors near the bookshelves.
You’re telling me the girls can go for a cute coffee or brunch date and get their nails done at the same time?! Cochin Garden Café, Nail & Dining in Da Lat is the ultimate spot for a girly day out. This stylish café combines great food, specialty coffee, and a nail salon all in one beautiful garden setting. Whether you’re after a fresh manicure, a relaxing brunch, or an Instagram-worthy coffee date, this unique Da Lat café delivers it all in one place.
Café-Hopping Route Idea
Near Cam Ly Waterfall: Ngay Cua Nang Coffee, Lang Thang Cafe & Beer
Close to the Cable Car Station: Anna’s Coffee House
City Center: Tho’s Artisan Coffee, Nha Long Coffee, Bipbo Healthy, Cele Healthy
French Villa District: Le Petit Jardin, The Little Cottage
Garden & Lake Escapes: Cala Lily Dalat, Cochin Garden Café
🗺️ Tip: Save them all on a Google Map for an easy DIY café tour!
Best Cafés in Da Lat – Quick Picks
– Best for views: Anna’s Coffee House- Best for remote work: Nha Long Coffee
– Best for photos: The Little Cottage
– Best healthy eats: Cele Healthy
– Best hidden gem: Tho’s Artisan Coffee
– Best for live music: Lang Thang Café
– Best for a girly day: Cochin Garden Café
Insider Tips
Best time to go: Tiệm cà phê Phía Tây Mặt Trời is magical at sunset.
Hidden extras: Le Petit Jardin offers free props and dresses for photo sessions.
Avoiding crowds: Anna’s Coffee House is busiest at brunch; afternoons are peaceful.
Special finds: At Lang Thang, check their artisan market schedule before visiting.
