Temples and Pagodas of Da Lat Worth a Ride by Motorbike

Why visit Da Lat's pagodas

Most of Da Lat's pagodas are active Buddhist temples where local families come to pray, light incense and spend a quiet moment. For travellers they are some of the calmest places in the city: pine trees, gardens, statues and, on a clear morning, wide views over the hills. Most are free to enter, and many are only a few minutes from the centre — perfect for a slow half-day by motorbike.

Pagodas in and near the centre

• Linh Son Pagoda — one of the oldest pagodas in Da Lat, set among pine trees on a small hill north of the centre. Quiet in the early morning.
• Linh Quang Pagoda — a small pagoda with many statues and a dragon around a pond. Few tourists, very local.
• Van Hanh Zen Monastery — known for its large golden Buddha statue and a view over the city; nice in the afternoon light.
• Chua Tau (Thien Vuong Co Sat) — a Chinese-style pagoda with a tall white Buddha statue on a pine-covered hill, south of the centre.

Linh Son, Linh Quang and Van Hanh fit into one short northern loop of about an hour and a half with stops.

Worth the extra ride

• Truc Lam Zen Monastery — on a hill above Tuyen Lam Lake, about 5–7 km south of the centre, with neat gardens and lake views. You can ride up or take the cable car from Robin Hill. Our Tuyen Lam Lake and Truc Lam guide has the details.
• Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Chùa Ve Chai) — in Trai Mat, about 8 km east, famous for its mosaics of broken pottery and glass, a long dragon and a tall bell tower. You can also get there on the old tourist train — see Da Lat Railway Station and the train to Trai Mat.
• Linh An Pagoda (Nam Ban) — next to Elephant Falls, roughly 25–30 km from the city, with a tall Buddha statue you can climb inside. Combine it with the falls in our waterfalls guide.

Easy routes by motorbike

• North loop (short): Linh Son → Linh Quang → Van Hanh. City streets only — fine on any of our scooters, including electric.
• South: Chua Tau, then Truc Lam above Tuyen Lam Lake. Go in the morning, when the monastery gardens are calm.
• East: Linh Phuoc in Trai Mat — by bike or by train.
• Far west: Linh An with Elephant Falls. This is a longer day with hill roads, so take the Honda Air Blade 125cc rather than an electric scooter.

All locations, directions and opening times are on our Da Lat pagoda map, which you can also download as a PDF. For more ideas, see our motorbike routes.

Temple etiquette

• Cover shoulders and knees — no shorts or sleeveless tops in the main halls. A light scarf or long trousers in your bag solves it.
• Take off your shoes before entering a hall where you see shoes lined up.
• Speak softly, don't point your feet towards the altar, and ask before photographing monks or people praying.
• Don't climb on statues; leave a small donation in the box if you wish.
• Parking: use the parking area at the gate and keep your ticket.

Best time to go

Early morning is the most peaceful time at almost every pagoda: cool air, soft light and few visitors. The first and fifteenth days of the lunar month and big Buddhist holidays are busier with local worshippers — a beautiful atmosphere, but be extra respectful. Da Lat mornings are cool, so bring a jacket.

Ride to the pagodas with Van Phu

Our shop opens at 4:30, so you can start your temple morning early. Every bike is 150,000 VND per day with a free helmet and no cash deposit. Message us and we'll suggest the best loop for your day. No alcohol or beer when riding, and strictly follow Vietnamese traffic law.

Written by Ngô Văn Phú (Phu) – owner of Van Phu Dalat, local travel services in Da Lat since 2018: motorbike rental, homestay and villa booking. About me →