Da Lat, Vietnam

Da Lat: Mountain Living In Vietnam

Reviewed by Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

Aerial view of Da Lat, Vietnam, in the early morning. — iStock/huythoai

Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong Province in Vietnam and is also known as Little Paris, the Honeymoon Capital, the City of Eternal Spring, or City in the Fog.

During the mid-19^th century the French came to Da Lat, attracted by the cooler temperatures of the Central Highlands.

At 1,500 meters Da Lat offered natural beauty, game hunting and some relief from the humidity which was making life tough elsewhere in Vietnam.

The French bourgeois architecture was built, and many of the hotels, villas, gardens and churches still stand today. For example, they have a miniature Eiffel Tower.

In 1954 the French left Vietnam but their influence is still felt today.

Vietnam is the world’s second largest producer of coffee. And, much of it comes from the Central Highlands around Da Lat.

Most of the coffee production is turned into instant coffee, but the higher grade beans are set aside for the local market.

Also, Da Lat’s has a few boutique coffee shops serving the good stuff.

1. Cost Of Living In Da Lat

2. Weather In Da Lat, Vietnam

3. Visa And Residency Information

4. Vietnam - FAQs

Cost Of Living In Da Lat, Vietnam

Very little English is spoken in Vietnam at the moment but the government is working hard to change that. English is now taught in schools, so the younger generations are more likely to be able to speak with you.

The expat community is fairly small in Vietnam although it is growing every year. Da Lat has several expat forums and Facebook group who will help you out with recommendations and keep you updated on cultural activities.

Da Lat is a safe place to live with few serious crimes. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing are also uncommon.

Taxi drivers may try and scam you, especially if you have just arrived at the airport.

The biggest danger is from riding scooters. Scooters are the easiest and most popular way to get around in Da Lat. Wear a helmet at all times and drive with care at all times.

Apartment or HouseOwnership – Budget (for a couple)


Expense Item	Cost	Notes
Mortgage		Not included here as too variable.
HOA Fees		N/A
Property Taxes:		N/A
Transportation (bus, taxi, etc.)	600,000	This allows for several taxi rides a month (a 15-minute taxi ride is less than 100,000). If you use them less, you might only spend 500,000, but if you’re commuting more often, budget for 700,000.
Gas (cooking/heating)	400,000	Per tank; used only for cooking.
Electricity	500,000	Monthly average.
Water		Bundled with electricity.
Cell Phone	US$50	Bundled with internet cost.
Garbage collection		N/A
Internet	250,000
Cable TV	200,000	Bundled with internet price.
Household Help	3,500,000	Monthly wage for maid service five days a week.
Groceries	4,000,000	Basic items for a couple. Shopping twice a week at the market.
Gym membership	300,000
Medical appointment	250,000
Total	13,300,000

Apartment or House Rental Budget (for a couple)


Expense Item	Cost	Notes
Rent	9,000,000	In desirable area in the city center; unfurnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment. Range is typically between 8,000,000 to 10,000,000.
Transportation (bus, taxi, etc.)	600,000	This allows for several taxi rides a month (a 15-minute taxi ride is less than 100,000). If you use them less, you might only spend 500,000, but if you’re commuting more often, budget for 700,000.
Gas (cooking/heating)	400,000	Per tank; used only for cooking.
Electricity	500,000	Monthly average.
Gas (cooking/heating)	400,000	Per tank; used only for cooking.
Electricity	500,000	Monthly average.
Water		Bundled with electricity.
Garbage collection
Cell Phone		Bundled with internet cost.
Internet	250,000
Cable TV	200,000	Bundled with telephone fee.
Household Help	3,500,000	Monthly wage for maid service five days a week.
Entertainment	3,300,000	Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week in Vietnamese and expat restaurants (2,260,000), drinks twice a week (800,000), and movie theater trip twice a month (240,000).
Groceries	4,000,000	Basic items for a couple. Shopping twice a week at the market.
Gym membership	300,000
Medical appointment	250,000
Total	22,300,000

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (for a couple, bare minimum costs for all)


Expense Item	Cost	Notes
Rent;	4,000,000	Cheapest part of town, most basic kind of rental
Public transportation	400,000	Several taxi rides a month (a 15-minute taxi ride is less than 100,000).
Gas (cooking/heating)	400,000	Per tank; used only for cooking.
Electricity	200,000	Monthly average.
Water		Bundled with electricity.
Cell Phone		Bundled with interenet price
Garbage collection		N/A
Internet	250,000
Cable TV	200,000	Bundled with internet cost.
Internet	250,000
Cable TV	200,000
Entertainment	2,640,000	Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week at Vietnamese restaurants only (1,600,000), drinks twice a week (800,000), and movie theater trip twice a month (240,000).
Entertainment	3,300,000	Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week in Vietnamese and expat restaurants (2,260,000), drinks twice a week (800,000), and movie theater trip twice a month (240,000).
Groceries	2,000,000	Shopping once a week at the market.
Total	10,090,000

Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Climate in Da Lat, Vietnam

Da Lat has a subtropical highland climate, which means it only has two seasons: rainy and dry.

The rainy season in Da Lat lasts from May to October and the dry season from November to April.

For instance, the temperature stays steady at around 62°F all year. This means no snow, but lots of misty mornings.

In short, Da Lat is a great place for agriculture and flower, vegetable and fruits all thrive here.

Read about Vietnam’s climate here.

Visa And Residency In Vietnam

Vietnam doesn’t offer a retirement or digital nomad visa.

On the other hand, it has an investor’s visa.

The minimum investment threshold for this type of visa is about $123,150… which is expensive relative to its quality of life and compared to countries like Montenegro, which doesn’t stipulate any minimum threshold for its investor’s visa.

Vietnam - FAQs

Is Vietnam Safe?

The US Department of State recommends to exercise normal precautions when visiting Vietnam. However, they discourage the use of motorcycle taxis (known as “xe om”) on account of passenger safety.