Tuyen Lam Lake Dalat 2026: Kayaking, Boats & Tips

Tuyen Lam Lake (Hồ Tuyền Lâm) is Da Lat’s largest lake, a pine-ringed reservoir about 6–7 km south of the city centre, off Prenn Pass. Created by a dam on the Tia stream in 1982–1987, it became Vietnam’s first national tourist area in 2017. Viewing the lake is free; boats, kayaks and resorts are paid.

Status (checked October 2026): open year-round and free to visit from the public lakeside roads and Truc Lam Zen Monastery. Boat trips and kayaking run in daytime and may be cancelled in storms; some lakeside sites charge their own entry.

Why Tuyen Lam Lake is worth seeing:

Pine forest scenery: calm water framed by forested hills, often wrapped in morning mist.
Kayaking and boat trips: paddle quiet coves or cruise to lakeside sites.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery: the monastery and cable car station sit right above the lake.
Resorts and golf: some of Da Lat’s best resorts and a golf course line the shores.
Escape the city: a quiet half day just 15 minutes from the centre.

Tuyen Lam Lake at a Glance

Vietnamese name	Hồ Tuyền Lâm (formerly Hồ Quang Trung)
Location	Off National Road 20 (Prenn Pass), mainly in Xuan Huong – Da Lat Ward, Lam Dong province
Distance	About 6–7 km south of Xuan Huong Lake (15 minutes by car)
Created	Dam on the Tia stream (Đạ Tréa) built 1982–1987
Recognition	National historical-cultural relic (1998); Vietnam’s first national tourist area (2017)
Known for	Pine forest lake, kayaking, boat trips, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, resorts
Opening hours	Lake open all the time; boats and kayaks in daytime
Entrance fee	Free to view; boats, kayaks and some lakeside sites paid
Time needed	2 hours to half a day
Best time	Early morning; dry season December–April
Nearby	Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Robin Hill cable car, Datanla Waterfall, Elephant Mountain
Find it	Google Maps · Tripadvisor

Is Tuyen Lam Lake Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want nature close to the city. Tuyen Lam Lake is the most scenic body of water around Da Lat, and the combination of the cable car, Truc Lam Zen Monastery and a kayak or boat trip makes a satisfying half day. It is spread out, though, so you need a car, motorbike or tour to get around.

Best for: nature lovers, kayakers, photographers, couples and families staying at lakeside resorts.
Skip if: you only have a day in Da Lat and prefer central sights.
Short on time: take the cable car to Truc Lam and walk down the steps to the lake shore for 20 minutes.

History of Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is man-made. Between 1982 and 1987 the Lam Dong irrigation authority built a dam about 235 m long across the Tia stream (Đạ Tréa), a headwater of the Da Tam river, creating a reservoir for irrigation and water supply. The lake was first called Quang Trung Lake before taking the name Tuyền Lâm.

In 1998 the area was recognised as a national historical-cultural relic, and on 15 February 2017 the Prime Minister’s Decision 205/QĐ-TTg made Tuyen Lam Lake Vietnam’s first national tourist area. Its master plan covers nearly 2,950 ha of forest, water and resort land.

What to See at Tuyen Lam Lake

1. Truc Lam Zen Monastery

On Phoenix Mountain overlooking the lake, the monastery offers gardens, a main hall and views over the water. Arrive by the Robin Hill cable car for the full experience; see our Truc Lam Zen Monastery guide.

2. Boat trips on the lake

Motorboats leave from the landing below the monastery for loops around the lake and to lakeside sites. Agree price, route and duration before departure.

Boats on Tuyen Lam Lake, Dalat — Boats and kayaks can be hired on the lake. Photo: Anh Khoa, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

3. Kayaking and canoeing

Kayaking is the best way to enjoy the calm coves and pine-covered islands. Several local operators run guided half-day hike-and-kayak trips.

4. Lakeside resorts and golf

The shores host resorts such as Dalat Edensee Lake Resort and Terracotta Resort, plus the Sacom Tuyen Lam golf course. A lakeside lunch at a resort is a relaxing way to enjoy the view.

5. The Clay Tunnel and other parks

Near the lake, the Clay Tunnel (Đường hầm đất sét) displays sculptures of Da Lat landmarks made from red earth. It has its own entry ticket.

6. Elephant Mountain area

To the south-west, Elephant Mountain (Núi Voi) offers forest trails and historical sites from the resistance wars.

Tuyen Lam Lake Costs (2026)

Item	Cost	Notes
Viewing the lake	Free	Public roads and the monastery
Robin Hill cable car to the lake	120,000 VND one way / 150,000 VND return (adult)	Operated by Dalattourist
Motorboat trip	Paid per boat	Agree route and price first
Kayak hire or guided trip	Paid; varies by operator	Guided trips often include hiking
Clay Tunnel and other parks	Separate tickets	Check at each gate

The lake has no single ticket office; each operator sets its own prices.

How to Visit Tuyen Lam Lake, Step by Step

Take a taxi to Robin Hill and ride the cable car to Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
Visit the monastery gardens, then walk down about 140 steps to the lake shore.
Take a boat trip or kayak on the lake.
Have lunch at a lakeside café or resort.
Continue to Datanla Waterfall on Prenn Pass before returning to town.

How to Get to Tuyen Lam Lake

From	How	Time
Central Da Lat	Taxi or Grab via Prenn Pass or Trieu Viet Vuong road	About 15–20 minutes
Robin Hill	Cable car to Truc Lam, then steps to the lake	About 12 minutes plus a short walk
Datanla Waterfall	Taxi	About 10 minutes
Lien Khuong Airport	Taxi	About 30 minutes
Central Da Lat	Rented motorbike	About 15 minutes

See our Dalat transport guide for details.

Best Time to Visit Tuyen Lam Lake

When	What to expect
December–April	Dry, clear and calm; best for kayaking
May–November	Lush and misty; afternoon rain can cancel boat trips
Early morning (6:00–8:00)	Mist on the water and mirror reflections
Late afternoon	Golden light and sunset over the hills
Weekends and holidays	Busier boat landings and cable car

Local Expert Tips for Tuyen Lam Lake

These tips come from years of arranging Da Lat tours for international travellers.

Book a guided hike-and-kayak trip if you want to explore quiet parts of the lake.
Wear a life jacket on boats and kayaks, and check the weather before going out.
Consider a night at a lakeside resort for sunrise views; compare options in our Dalat accommodation guide.
Combine with the cable car, Truc Lam and Datanla for an efficient morning.
Bring insect repellent and a light jacket.

Tuyen Lam Lake vs Xuan Huong Lake

	Tuyen Lam Lake	Xuan Huong Lake
Location	About 6–7 km south	City centre
Size	Largest lake around Da Lat	About 25 ha
Setting	Pine forest, resorts	Urban promenade, cafés
Activities	Kayaking, boat trips, monastery	Walking, cycling, swan boats
Time needed	Half a day	1–2 hours

Our view: walk Xuan Huong Lake on your first evening and give Tuyen Lam a half day for nature.

Nearby Attractions

Truc Lam Zen Monastery: right above the lake.
Datanla Waterfall: coasters and canyoning on Prenn Pass.
Bao Dai Palace: on the way back to the centre.
Valley of Love: gardens north of the city.
Domaine de Marie Church: the pink church.

Sightseeing in Da Lat for First-Time Visitors: Where Tuyen Lam Lake Fits

Tuyen Lam belongs to a “south of the city” morning with the cable car, Truc Lam and Datanla; spend the afternoon in town. Read our Dalat travel tips and sample specialities from our Dalat food guide.

Plan your trip with our Da Lat travel guide and Da Lat tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.