The Central Highlands town of Da Lat ranks fourth in a list of 10 cheapest Asia-Pacific destinations for the year-end holiday season compiled by online travel agency Agoda.
An Agoda report said that the average room rate in Da Lat was $68, only more expensive than Hat Yai in Thailand ($43), Yogyakarta in Indonesia ($56) and Kuching in Malaysia ($60). The rates were based on an analysis of average room rates of tourist destinations across the region in December 22–31, 2023.
“Da Lat is a popular tourist destination year-round, but especially worth a visit during the Christmas and New Year season. The town is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations and a joyful atmosphere,” the report said.
The town’s cool weather was ideal to explore its hotspots like the Crazy House, Xuan Huong Lake and the flower-filled Valley of Love, it added.
“Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly vacation, or a festive celebration, Da Lat is the perfect place to visit during Christmas and New Year.”
“2023 has seen a great resurgence in travel across Asia as people reconnect with friends, family and loved ones and that special end-of-year holiday window is likely to be no different” said Lam Vu, country director Vietnam at Agoda.
“But whether you’re on a solo adventure or making memories with loved ones, traveling during peak season means higher demand, so finding that special bargain can make all the difference. By highlighting the tourist destinations with the most affordable average accommodation rates, Agoda helps travelers, whatever their budget, celebrate the year-end in style,” Vu said.
The other cheapest destinations in Asia-Pacific region on the list were Goa in India, Baguio in the Philippines, Nagoya in Japan, Taichung in Taiwan, Melbourne in Australia and Busan in South Korea.
Situated on a plateau around 1,500 meters above sea level, Da Lat enjoys year-round cool weather that stands in contrast to Vietnam's tropical climate. It used to be a summer hideout for French officials who built villas in the hills to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands.
Da Lat is also known as one of Vietnam’s biggest flower-growing regions, producing around three billion blooms every year.
Last July, budget carrier Vietjet launched a direct route connecting the resort town of Da Lat with Busan, the largest coastal city of South Korea - the biggest source of tourists for Vietnam.
In 2023, Da Lat aims to welcome 6.5 million tourists, an increase of 18.2% from the previous year. This includes 250,000 international visitors, up 67% year-on-year.
In the first eight months of this year, Da Lat welcomed 4.7 million visitors, up 1.8% year-on-year.
Vietnam welcomed 8.9 million foreign tourists in the first nine months of the year, surpassing the year target of 8 million as the country relaxed visa policies.