Valley of Love (Thung Lung Tinh Yeu) is one of the most visited sites in the Da Lat area. Located about 5 km from the city center, it combines forested hillsides, a lake, flower gardens and themed zones spread across more than a hundred hectares. The place attracts both Vietnamese couples coming for photo sessions and curious travelers interested in the somewhat kitschy character of Vietnamese landscape parks.

Why visit Valley of Love

Three main reasons justify a visit. First, the natural setting: an open valley overlooking a small lake, bordered by pine forests and flower beds that change with the seasons. Next, historical and cultural interest: the site illustrates the use of the highlands as a retreat destination during the French colonial era. Finally, the diversity of facilities: gardens, viewpoints, restaurants, pedalo rides and architectural reconstructions allow you to spend a half-day without boredom.

This is a visit particularly suited to families and travelers who want to understand the aesthetics of Vietnamese recreational parks, where staging often takes precedence over raw nature.

History of Valley of Love

The site owes its name to the French colonial era: residents of Da Lat, a highland station appreciated for its temperate climate, had named it Valley of Love because of its setting conducive to couple walks. Under the reign of Emperor Bao Dai, the place was renamed Valley of Peace. In 1953, it took on its Vietnamese name, Thung Lung Tinh Yeu (Valley of Love), which it still bears today.

Over the decades, the valley has evolved from a simple walking space into a structured landscape park that now blends romantic heritage and modern tourist amenities.

What to see and do

The park spans approximately 137.5 hectares, divided into eight themed zones. Here are the main ones:

• Hill of Dreams: a romantic zone with bungalows, Dragon Lake, wishing tree and restaurants (the Mimosa and the Joyful serve classic Vietnamese cuisine).
• The heart of Valley of Love: plant maze, interactive games, dining spaces in "Little Da Lat" style.
• Marina Aria: esplanade by the lake, pedalo rides, book staircase and charming retro-style old house.
• Venus Flower Garden: landscaped flower beds, love bridge and flamingo enclosure.
• Vong Canh Hill: panoramic viewpoint over the valley and rose garden, well-placed for a coffee break.
• Valley of Flowers: miniature park featuring around thirty replicas of world monuments, complemented by rope climbing activities and a strawberry garden under greenhouse.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the rapid succession of very different settings, typical of Vietnamese parks. Others can focus on the more vegetated zones, more peaceful than the central sector.

Practical information

Address: 7 Mai Anh Dao, District 8 of Da Lat, Lam Dong province, approximately 5 km from Xuan Huong Lake.

The site is open daily during daylight hours. Entrance fees are moderate and generally include access to the main zones; certain activities (balance courses, cultural shows, pedalo rental) are charged separately. Since prices change regularly, it's best to check current rates upon arrival in Da Lat.

Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the main zones, longer if you take time to have lunch on-site or try several activities. Electric buggies circulate within the park for an additional fee.

When to visit

The best period runs from December to March, during the dry season: mild temperatures, low humidity and blooming cherry blossoms and hydrangeas. The transition months (April-June and September-November) remain pleasant and less crowded. The peak Vietnamese tourism season (July-August, public holidays and Tet) brings heavy crowds; it's better to arrive early morning to enjoy the park more peacefully.

How to get there

From Xuan Huong Lake, take Dinh Tien Hoang street for about 1 km to Da Lat University. Across from it, take Phu Dong Thien Vuong street and continue for 3.5 km to Mai Anh Dao street, which leads to the site's entrance.

• Motorbike or scooter: the most flexible option for combining the valley with other nearby sites. Daily rental available through hotels and local agencies.
• Taxi or Grab: convenient for families and groups, short ride from the center.
• Organized tour: the valley features in most day trips around Da Lat, with transport included.

Nearby attractions

Da Lat and Lam Dong province have several complementary sites to include in the same stay:

• The botanical garden and zoo, for a visit focused more on highland tropical flora.
• Di Linh, a coffee-growing town on the route between Da Lat and the coast.
• Phan Rang-Thap Cham, the former Cham capital with remarkable brick towers.
• The coastlines of Song Cau and Ca Na, possible stops when heading back down to the sea.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

Valley of Love fits easily into a circuit around the central highlands. To build a complete itinerary including Da Lat, the coast and the Mekong Delta, check out our suggestions for customized travel to Vietnam.