Lake of Sighs (French name: Lac des Soupirs) is located on a high hill amidst quiet pine forests, about 6–7 km east of central Da Lat. Built by the French in 1917, it was originally a small pond, later dammed and expanded to supply domestic water to the city. Over time, it has evolved into a destination steeped in cultural and emotional value beyond its scenic role.

What makes Lake of Sighs uniquely distinct are the tragic love stories associated with it. According to folk legend, an ancient tale of Hoang Tung and Mai Nuong during the Tay Son era tells that before going to battle, Hoang Tung promised to return and marry her when the peach blossoms bloomed. However, due to false rumors of his death, Mai Nuong chose to end her life by the lake. Upon returning and discovering the truth, Hoang Tung also took his own life at the exact same spot.

In addition, another story with a more modern touch, set during the resistance war against the US, tells of the romance between Tam—a military cadet—and Thao—a young teacher. Despite their deep love, family barriers kept them apart. After Thao passed away, local residents built two tombs on the pine hill so they could rest near each other. Later, one person's remains were moved to their hometown, but the story remains deeply etched in the memory of generations. 

These stories, intertwined with the whispering wind through pine trees year-round, gave rise to the poetic name “Lake of Sighs” (Hồ Than Thở). Since 1997, the area has been designated as a tourist destination and gradually recognized as a historical and cultural monument, attracting numerous visitors to explore and experience its romantic yet melancholic beauty.

For your visiting convenience, below is a concise summary of the location and directions to Lake of Sighs:

Address:

• Ho Xuan Huong Street, Ward 9 (Lam Vien area), Da Lat City
• Near the Army Academy
• About 2–3 km (10–15 minutes) from the city center

Directions: Lam Vien Square - Ong Dao Bridge - Yersin - Quang Trung - Phan Chu Trinh - Ho Xuan Huong - turn right at the end of the road to arrive

Notes:

• Flat, easy-to-find roads
• Suitable even for first-time visitors to Da Lat

With its central location and convenient access, Lake of Sighs is an easy addition to any Da Lat exploration itinerary.

Da Lat enjoys a cool climate year-round; however, the ideal time to visit is from December to March—the dry season coinciding with spring, offering favorable weather conditions and beautiful landscapes.

During this period:

• Nature comes alive with lush greenery and colorful blooms such as hydrangeas, wild purple rose myrtles, and wild sunflowers...
• The weather is pleasant with gentle sunshine, magical morning mist, low rainfall, and dry roads, making travel and sightseeing convenient

Conversely, visitors should avoid the rainy season (June to October) as wet weather, slippery roads, and thick fog can impact the experience. Additionally, early morning or late afternoon are considered the “golden hours” for visiting and photography, when the light is beautiful, the air is crisp, and the scenery is at its most romantic.

To easily plan your visit and control costs effectively, please check the latest Lake of Sighs ticket prices and opening hours below.

• Entrance Ticket Prices:
  • Adults: 20,000 VND/person
  • Children: 10,000 VND/person
• Opening Hours:
  • From 08:00 – 17:00 daily
• Ticket Includes:
  • Sightseeing around the lake area
  • Two-Grave Pine Hill
  • Biofresh Strawberry Farm

Note: Experiential activities such as horseback riding and pedal boating incur separate fees, so it is recommended to ask for prices before participating to avoid unexpected costs.

Described as a “symphony” of nature and emotion, Lake of Sighs offers a variety of activities suitable for both adventurous explorers and those seeking relaxation. Here are the top experiences you shouldn't miss when visiting:

• Lakeside stroll & scenic check-in: Walk along the lake, listen to the whispering pine trees, and admire the tranquil water reflecting pines and clouds. An ideal spot for couples and photography enthusiasts.
• Visit Two-Grave Pine Hill: A peaceful, solemn space associated with touching love stories. Many visitors, especially couples, come here to wish for lasting love.
• Pick strawberries at Biofresh Farm (3 ha): Experience harvesting clean strawberries using high-tech methods without pesticides. Reference price is around 200,000 – 300,000 VND/kg, combined with fun photo opportunities.
• Horseback or horse-carriage riding around the lake: An experiential activity priced at around 150,000 VND/person, delivering a sense of relaxation amidst pine forests and open fields.
• Pedal boating on the lake: Costs around 60,000 VND/hour/boat, suitable for groups of friends or couples wanting to enjoy the serene atmosphere.
• Flower watching & nursery gardens: An area featuring characteristic flowers such as hydrangeas, purple rose myrtles, lavender... changing colors throughout the day to create vivid scenery.

Currently, the tourist area is being developed into a large-scale flower and light art park, promising many fresh experiences, especially future nighttime activities. 

To ensure a smooth and memorable visit to Lake of Sighs, keep these important tips in mind:

• Preparation: Sneakers, a light jacket, sunscreen, drinking water, and a power bank
• Follow regulations: Do not pick flowers or strawberries arbitrarily; maintain general cleanliness
• Safety: Listen to instructions when horseback riding; children must be accompanied by adults
• Costs: Inquire about prices before joining activities
• Combine attractions: You can visit Golden Valley, Army Academy, or Xuan Huong Lake nearby

Proper preparation and knowing these tips will help ensure a safe, cost-effective, and memorable experience at Lake of Sighs.

Exploring Lake of Sighs is more than just sightseeing—it is an emotional journey where you can find peace amidst nature and nostalgic stories. With this detailed A–Z travel guide to Lake of Sighs, you hold all the essential information to confidently plan a well-prepared, cost-effective, and unforgettable trip to Da Lat. However, if you want to make your trip effortless—without worrying about itineraries, transportation, or extra costs—a Lake of Sighs all-inclusive tour is a worthwhile choice. Partnering with Sovaba Travel, you will not only experience an optimally designed itinerary but also enjoy professional, flexible service tailored to your personal or group needs.