Driving from Ho Chi Minh City up to Da Lat takes most of a day; flying takes under an hour. For a weekend away or a family trip, flying leaves you more time in the highland city.
Flying from Tan Son Nhat to Lien Khuong
- Flight time: about 55 minutes to 1 hour.
- Arrival airport: Lien Khuong International Airport, about 30 km from central Da Lat, a 40–50 minute drive.
- Departure terminal: it depends on the airline. Vietjet uses T1, Vietnam Airlines uses T3. See which airlines use which terminal.
Search flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat on Newway SAS to compare schedules.
When is the best time to visit?
Da Lat is cool all year, with chilly mornings and evenings, especially towards the end of the year.
- Dry season (roughly November to April): clear skies and little rain, great for walking, early-morning cloud hunting and photos. Wild sunflowers paint the hills late in the year, and cherry blossoms usually bloom around Tet.
- Wet season (roughly May to October): rain usually comes in the afternoon; the hills are green, crowds thinner and rooms cheaper. Bring a raincoat and shoes with good grip.
What to pack
- A light jacket or sweater and a scarf for the evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes, as the town is hilly.
- Moisturiser and lip balm for the dry months.
A 3-day itinerary
- Day 1: fly in, stroll around Xuan Huong Lake, coffee with a hill view, then the Da Lat night market.
- Day 2: catch the morning clouds over the tea or pine hills outside town, visit a strawberry farm, then the old railway station and French-era villas.
- Day 3: browse Da Lat market for candied fruit, artichoke tea and coffee; check out and head to the airport.
Easy airport days both ways
- To Tan Son Nhat: book an airport transfer with an all-inclusive fare; the car collects you at home and drops you at your airline’s terminal.
- Skip the queues in Ho Chi Minh City: departure fast track at Tan Son Nhat, with staff escorting you through the priority lanes.
- Relax before boarding: lounges at T3 and T1, see airport lounges.
- Flying back from Lien Khuong: SH Premium Lounge Lien Khuong is airside in domestic departures, near gates 1 and 2.
- Back at Tan Son Nhat: your Newway SAS driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign; delays cost nothing extra.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lien Khuong airport from Da Lat?
About 30 km, a 40–50 minute drive.
Is the rainy season worth it?
Yes, if you like quieter streets and lower prices. Rain tends to fall in the afternoon, so plan outdoor activities for the morning.
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