Take the Da Lat cable car to Truc Lam Monastery in half a day

To ride the Da Lat cable car, head to Robin Hill Station on Dong Da Street, buy your ticket, and take a cabin across the pine-covered valley to Truc Lam Monastery. The 2,267-meter route takes about 12 minutes each way. In 2026, adult tickets cost VND 120,000 one way or VND 150,000 round trip. Start around 8:00 AM, and you can enjoy the ride, explore the monastery, and return before lunch without rushing.

Where does the Da Lat cable car go?

The Da Lat cable car connects Robin Hill with Truc Lam Zen Monastery, south of Da Lat city center. It is also commonly called the Robin Hill Cable Car, Da Lat Cable Car, or Truc Lam Monastery Cable Car.

There are two stations:

• Robin Hill Station: Located at 01 Dong Da Street, near the upper section of Prenn Pass, in Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward.
• Truc Lam Monastery Station: Located near the parking area and entrance to Truc Lam Zen Monastery, on Phung Hoang Mountain above Tuyen Lam Lake.

The cable car does not take you to Langbiang Mountain, downtown Da Lat, or the lakeside itself. Its main destination is Truc Lam Monastery.

The cable car opened on February 1, 2003. The system was installed by the Austrian company Doppelmayr and includes 50 cabins supported by 10 towers.

The route crosses pine forests, hillsides, and open valleys. On a clear day, you can see parts of Da Lat, the surrounding mountains, Prenn Pass, and sections of the Tuyen Lam Lake area.

Although visitors often describe the journey as going "up to Truc Lam Monastery," Robin Hill Station is actually at a higher elevation than the monastery-side station. The cabins travel across the valley toward another hillside rather than continuously climbing a mountain.

What makes this trip worthwhile is the view from above. You see the pine forests from a completely different angle than you would while driving through them.

Once you arrive, the experience changes. Truc Lam Monastery is about walking through peaceful gardens, admiring Buddhist architecture, and spending time in a quiet setting. The two fit together naturally, which makes the cable car one of the easiest half-day activities in Da Lat.

Da Lat cable car ticket prices in 2026

Dalattourist, the cable car operator, offers both one-way and round-trip tickets. Here are the 2026 prices:

Prices are per person and cover the cable car journey only. Food, drinks, and other services are not included.

What is the child ticket height limit?

Children under 1 meter tall can travel free of charge.

When a child must pay the adult fare is less clear. Some rules apply the child fare from 1 meter to under 1.4 meters, while others use 1.2 meters as the upper limit.

A child between 1.2 and 1.4 meters tall falls in that gray zone, so confirm the applicable fare at the ticket counter before paying. With several children in the family, this small detail can affect the total cost.

Should you buy a one-way or round-trip ticket?

Settle this before you board, because it shapes the rest of the trip.

Choose a round-trip ticket if you want to return to Robin Hill, especially when you have parked a motorbike or car at the departure station. You ride to Truc Lam Monastery, explore for around 60-90 minutes, and take another cabin back.

For adults, the round-trip ticket costs only VND 30,000 more than the one-way ticket. That small difference usually makes the return journey much easier.

Choose a one-way ticket if you already have transportation arranged on the monastery side.

For example, a private driver can drop you off at Robin Hill, drive around by road, and collect you near Truc Lam Monastery. From there, you can continue toward Tuyen Lam Lake or return to the city.

For most independent travelers visiting Da Lat for the first time, the round-trip ticket is the simpler choice.

Where can you buy tickets?

Tickets are available at the cable car station on Robin Hill. You can also use Dalattourist's online booking system to select a date and the number of passengers, then keep the confirmation details ready for ticket checks at the station.

Foreign visitors can search for "Dalat Cable Car" or "Robin Hill Cable Car" on map applications.

Ticket prices may change during holidays or special periods. For group bookings or trips during Vietnamese public holidays, ask about the latest price and ticket conditions before traveling.

Da Lat cable car opening hours

The Robin Hill - Truc Lam Monastery cable car follows these hours:

On weekdays, passenger admission ends at 11:45 AM before the lunch break and at 4:45 PM in the afternoon.

With a round-trip ticket, aim to be back at the monastery-side station by 4:15 PM at the latest. That leaves a buffer for walking back, possible queues, and operational changes.

Is morning or afternoon better?

Morning, between approximately 8:00 and 10:00 AM, is the better choice if you want to enjoy the views and explore Truc Lam Monastery without feeling hurried.

On clear mornings, sunlight reaches the pine-covered hills and visibility can be excellent. You may see the valley, surrounding mountains, and parts of Tuyen Lam Lake.

Da Lat is also known for morning fog, though. Some mornings, low clouds cover the valley well into the day. The mist has its own appeal, but it may hide the lake and distant hills.

No departure time guarantees clear views. Before buying your ticket, spend a few minutes at the Robin Hill viewing area and check the actual conditions. When thick fog fills the whole valley, waiting a while for it to lift may be worthwhile.

Afternoon rides can also be attractive, especially when the sunlight falls across the hills and brings out different shades of green in the forest. The catch is the limited time before closing: start after 3:30 PM and you may not have enough time to explore Truc Lam Monastery properly before the return service ends.

On weekdays, avoid arriving between noon and 1:00 PM because the cable car takes a lunch break. That hour is better used for a meal or a short rest than for starting your journey.

Does the cable car operate when it rains?

Light rain does not automatically close the cable car. Operations depend on actual weather conditions and the operator's safety assessment.

Strong winds, thunderstorms, or other unsafe conditions may cause temporary suspension of service. Always follow the instructions provided by station staff.

If thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon, consider taking the cable car in the morning or visiting Truc Lam Monastery directly by car instead. There is little reason to take a weather-related risk just to complete the cable car ride.

How to get to Robin Hill cable car station

Robin Hill Station is located at 01 Dong Da Street, near the upper end of Prenn Pass.

From Da Lat Market or Xuan Huong Lake, the journey is approximately 3-4 kilometers, depending on your starting point. By car or motorbike, allow around 10-15 minutes in normal traffic.

From central Da Lat, head toward 3 Thang 4 Street, then follow the road and signs toward Dong Da Street and the cable car tourist area. The final approach includes an uphill section, so drive carefully and watch for vehicles entering or leaving the station.

On Google Maps, search for "Dalat Cable Car Station" or "Khu Du Lich Cap Treo Da Lat." Some older maps still use Ward 3 in the address; the current administrative name is Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward.

Getting there by motorbike

A motorbike is a practical option if you are comfortable riding on Da Lat's hills and have a valid license for the vehicle you are using.

Ride to Robin Hill Station, ask staff where to park, and walk to the ticket counter. Since the bike stays here, buy a round-trip ticket so you can come back and collect it.

The road to the station is a normal paved road rather than an off-road track, so any ordinary vehicle will do. It can be damp after rain, though, and fog may reduce visibility. Avoid stopping on bends to take photographs.

International visitors should also make sure their driving license is legally recognized for the type of motorbike they intend to ride in Vietnam. Anyone uneasy on steep roads is better off with a taxi or a car with a driver.

Getting there by taxi or ride-hailing car

Taxis and ride-hailing cars are the easiest choice for visitors who do not rent motorbikes, families with young children, and travelers who prefer not to drive.

Set your destination to Robin Hill Cable Car Station, not Truc Lam Monastery. These are two different locations, and entering the wrong one will change your entire trip.

With a round-trip ticket, return to Robin Hill and book another ride to the city center. One-way riders need their driver waiting at the road-accessible parking area near Truc Lam Monastery, with the exact pickup location confirmed in advance.

A ride-hailing car will not always be waiting near the monastery. Waiting times may be longer during rain or quieter periods of the day.

Can you walk from Da Lat city center?

Walking is possible using the city roads, but it is not the best option for a typical half-day visit.

The route includes hills and vehicle traffic, while the most enjoyable parts of this outing are the cable car ride and the monastery itself. Save your energy for the monastery gardens and pine-lined paths, particularly if you are traveling with children or older adults.

How long is the Da Lat cable car ride, and what can you see?

The Da Lat cable car route is 2,267 meters long, and the journey takes approximately 12 minutes each way.

A round trip therefore involves about 24 minutes inside the cabins. That does not include buying tickets, waiting to board, walking between the station and monastery, or spending time exploring the grounds.

The first section: looking back toward Da Lat

As the cabin leaves Robin Hill Station, the buildings around the departure area gradually give way to open hillsides. On a clear day, you can look back toward parts of Da Lat and see roads winding between clusters of houses and green slopes.

Robin Hill is one of the elevated viewpoints overlooking the southern part of the city. Even before boarding, it is worth spending a few minutes at the station's viewing area rather than going straight from the ticket counter into the cabin.

The middle section: above the pine forests

For many visitors, the most interesting part of the journey is crossing the pine-covered hills. The trees stretch across the slopes beneath the cable car, giving you a wider perspective than you would get from a roadside viewpoint.

You can see the shape of the terrain more clearly from above. Some sections pass over steep hillsides, while others open onto valleys with roads and scattered buildings between the trees.

The cabins are enclosed and have windows for viewing. Reflections can sometimes make photography difficult, especially in direct sunlight.

For clearer photos, hold your phone close to the glass, switch off the flash, and wait for a section where the sunlight is not shining directly into the cabin. Never try to open the cabin doors or extend a phone, camera, or other object outside.

The final section: Phung Hoang Mountain and Tuyen Lam Lake

As the cabin approaches Truc Lam Monastery Station, the landscape shifts toward the forested hills surrounding Tuyen Lam Lake.

Depending on visibility and the position of your cabin, you may see parts of the lake between the trees. The entire lake is not visible from every point along the route, and on foggy mornings even nearby hills can disappear into the mist.

The lake comes into view as the cabin gets closer to the monastery-side station, so have your camera ready then. Still, do not spend the whole ride looking through your phone. The layers of pine forest beneath the cable car are just as much a part of the experience.

Is the Da Lat cable car suitable for people afraid of heights?

The cable car uses enclosed cabins, so it feels different from open-air adventure activities such as ziplining. However, some sections travel high above the ground.

Mildly nervous riders may prefer to sit toward the middle of the cabin and look toward the horizon instead of directly downward. Nobody has to sit against the window or take photographs if doing so makes them uneasy.

For travelers with a strong fear of heights or enclosed spaces, driving directly to Truc Lam Monastery is a perfectly reasonable alternative. You can still explore the monastery without taking the cable car.

What to do after arriving at Truc Lam Monastery

Once the cabin reaches the second station, follow staff instructions to exit and walk toward Truc Lam Zen Monastery.

The station is located near the monastery's parking area, a short walk from the main prayer hall. Expect to follow the visitor route and climb some steps along the way.

Truc Lam Monastery stands on Phung Hoang Mountain, overlooking the Tuyen Lam Lake area. It is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and an unhurried visit takes approximately 90 minutes.

Visit the main prayer hall first

After entering the public grounds, head toward the main prayer hall, especially if you arrive late in the morning or during the afternoon and have limited time.

The main hall is the architectural center of the monastery, featuring traditional Buddhist design, tiled roofs, and a spacious courtyard. Visitors can observe the architecture and take part in appropriate religious activities in permitted areas.

Allow around 15-20 minutes for the courtyard and main hall. That is usually enough time to appreciate the building, learn about the religious setting, and take a short break. Truc Lam is an active Buddhist monastery, so avoid blocking entrances or photographing people closely while they are praying.

Explore the bell tower, drum tower, and gardens

Continue through the areas open to visitors, including the bell tower, drum tower, and landscaped gardens.

The bell and drum towers feature traditional tiled roofs and decorative details. You can admire the architecture and observe the surroundings, but do not ring the bell or beat the drum without permission.

The monastery grounds also contain stone pathways, trees, and carefully maintained bonsai gardens.

These are pleasant places to walk slowly and enjoy the quiet atmosphere, rather than hurrying between buildings for photographs.

Certain facilities, such as exhibition rooms or library areas, open only at times. Elsewhere, the signs and local instructions will show you which parts of the complex are open for sightseeing.

Spend some time in the gardens and around Tinh Tam Lake

The gardens, walking paths, and the areas around Tinh Tam Lake that are open to visitors are worth another 20-30 minutes when you are not in a hurry.

On a cool day, this part of the visit is especially relaxing. Trees provide shade, and the paths connect several quiet corners of the monastery grounds.

Some paths have steps or slopes, so wear comfortable shoes or sandals with good grip, especially after rain. Families using strollers and visitors with limited mobility should ask staff about suitable routes, as some parts of the complex can only be reached by stairs.

What should you wear to Truc Lam Monastery?

Special Buddhist clothing is not required, but modest dress is appropriate. A shirt with sleeves and trousers or a skirt covering the knees are practical choices.

Avoid very short shorts, revealing tops, and clothing that would be unsuitable for a place of worship. Comfortable footwear matters too, since the grounds are large enough that you may walk considerably more than expected.

During your visit:

• Speak quietly, especially near the main hall and places where people are praying.
• Do not enter the monks' or nuns' residential areas or any spaces marked as restricted.
• Take photographs only where permitted and avoid flash when requested.
• Do not climb onto statues, sit on religious structures, or touch displays without permission.

Truc Lam Monastery has no scheduled performances or shows for tourists. People come for its architecture, landscaped grounds, religious atmosphere, and peaceful setting.

Should you walk down to Tuyen Lam Lake?

A stone stairway of more than 140 steps leads down from the Truc Lam Monastery area toward Tuyen Lam Lake.

The walk may appeal to visitors who enjoy exploring on foot and want to see more of the surrounding forest. Heading down toward the lake does change your itinerary, though, particularly if you have already bought a round-trip cable car ticket.

Walking downhill is easier than climbing back up, but the steps can be steep or slippery after rain. Young children should be supervised, and visitors with knee problems or balance difficulties may prefer to avoid this route.

With only around three hours, skip the walk down to the lake and spend that time at the monastery instead. Tuyen Lam Lake covers a large area and deserves a separate outing to explore it properly.

A half-day Da Lat cable car itinerary

A morning is enough for the cable car and Truc Lam Monastery as long as you keep the schedule simple. The following two itineraries work for different transportation arrangements.

Itinerary 1: round-trip cable car from Robin Hill

First-time visitors, couples, families, and independent travelers on a motorbike will find this plan the easiest.

These times are suggestions rather than guaranteed boarding slots. They include some allowance for walking and waiting, and on weekends and public holidays you may need additional time for queues.

The biggest advantage of this itinerary is that you return to your starting point, with no second vehicle to arrange at the monastery.

Léguda Vegetable Buffet, on the first floor of the cable car tourist area at Robin Hill, is the obvious lunch stop near the station.

In 2026, the basic vegetable buffet starts at VND 69,000 per person. It includes vegetables, hotpot broth, rice noodles, and noodles. Meat, seafood, and additional toppings are charged separately. The restaurant is open from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

The VND 69,000 price is for the basic vegetable buffet, not an unlimited selection of every item on the menu. Check what is included before ordering extras.

Not in the mood for hotpot? Have a drink near the station or head back to central Da Lat for lunch. The outing does not have to stretch until midday.

Itinerary 2: one-way cable car, return by car

This works better for travelers with a private driver or those continuing toward Tuyen Lam Lake.

Arrive at Robin Hill around 8:00 AM, take the cable car to Truc Lam Monastery, and spend approximately 60-90 minutes exploring the main hall and gardens.

At around 10:00-10:30 AM, walk to your agreed pickup location near the monastery's road-accessible parking area. From there, your driver can take you toward Tuyen Lam Lake or back to central Da Lat.

Settle the pickup point before you separate from your driver. The cable car station and the monastery entrance may not be the same pickup spot, so send the driver a map location or agree on a clearly identifiable place where stopping is permitted.

Do not leave your driver waiting at Robin Hill while you ride across the valley and only then decide how to return.

A one-way cable car ticket saves you the return cable car journey, but the cost of a private vehicle can easily exceed the difference between one-way and round-trip tickets. Pick this option for the easier onward route, not to save money.

Is there enough time for an afternoon cable car trip?

Yes, provided you start early enough.

A sensible afternoon plan is to arrive at Robin Hill around 1:15-1:30 PM, take the cable car to Truc Lam Monastery, and explore until approximately 3:15 PM. That leaves almost two hours on the monastery side, enough for the main hall, gardens, and a short rest, and you can still return to the station with time to spare before the final passenger admission.

Three things make an afternoon visit unnecessarily stressful: arriving too close to closing time, walking down toward Tuyen Lam Lake without a clear return plan, and spending too long at the cafe before heading to the monastery.

Reaching Robin Hill after 3:30 PM is a good reason to postpone the cable car trip. Even if tickets are still being sold, you may not have enough time to explore the monastery comfortably and return.

For families with young children, older visitors, or anyone who prefers a slower pace, the morning itinerary remains the better option.

Where to eat and take a break

Both sides of the cable car route offer places to rest, although Robin Hill is the more convenient place for a meal on a round-trip ticket.

Cafe Robin at Robin Hill

Cafe Robin is located in the Robin Hill cable car tourist area, with drinks starting at VND 20,000 in 2026 and prices varying by item.

The cafe is handy when you arrive early and want to enjoy the hilltop scenery before boarding, or when you get back from the monastery before lunch. You can have a drink without adding another destination to your itinerary.

Léguda Vegetable Buffet

Léguda is also located in the Robin Hill cable car complex. Its vegetable hotpot buffet is a convenient option for visitors returning around lunchtime.

The basic vegetable buffet starts at VND 69,000 per person in 2026, with meat and other extras charged separately. The restaurant opens at 10:30 AM, making it suitable for an early lunch after the morning cable car trip.

Cable Car Restaurant near Truc Lam Monastery

Near the monastery-side station, there is also the Cable Car Restaurant. Its menu includes dishes such as beef pho, hu tieu noodle soup, seafood fried rice, and chicken rice. Food or drinks start at VND 30,000, and the restaurant is open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

It suits travelers on a one-way ticket who plan to meet their driver on the monastery side.

For round-trip travelers, eating after returning to Robin Hill is usually simpler because you no longer have to watch the cable car schedule. And if you prefer the restaurants in central Da Lat, skip a meal at either station altogether.

What to bring for the cable car and monastery visit

This is a regular sightseeing ride followed by a walk around the monastery grounds, so hiking equipment, a tour guide, or special gear are all unnecessary.

Comfortable shoes are the most useful thing to bring. Although the cabin journey is short, you will spend much more time walking through courtyards, gardens, steps, and sloping paths.

Bring a light jacket, especially for an early morning visit. Robin Hill and the forested areas near the monastery can feel cooler than your hotel, particularly when there is wind.

Make sure your phone has enough battery for photographs, booking confirmations, navigation, and arranging a ride back. With a driver collecting you near the monastery, save the pickup location before you begin walking around.

Traveling with children

Inside the monastery, supervise children around steps, courtyards, and garden paths. Skip taking them down every stairway or around the entire complex; a shorter visit can be more enjoyable than trying to cover everything.

Traveling with older adults

Allow extra time between the cable car station and the monastery grounds, since some walking areas have steps or changes in elevation.

Anyone with limited mobility can stick to the accessible areas rather than the full monastery circuit. The surroundings are still enjoyable without visiting every building.

Visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids should ask the operator and monastery staff about available access arrangements before traveling.

Visiting in a group

Groups should allow extra time for boarding and disembarking. Everyone may not end up in the same cabin, since station staff manage cabin allocation and boarding.

When your group is meeting a driver on the monastery side, agree on a departure time that accounts for everyone reaching the station and exiting safely.

Do you need to book the Da Lat cable car in advance?

For individual visitors on ordinary weekdays, tickets can be bought directly at the station. Online booking can be useful for group planning or when you want to organize the trip before arriving.

An advance ticket does not guarantee that the cable car will operate during unsafe weather, though. Ask about the latest operating information close to your travel date, especially during Da Lat's rainy season.

Dalattourist's contact details:

Phone: +84 98 1166 088

Email: info@dalattourist.com.vn

Calling the operator directly is more useful than relying only on general map listings, especially when you plan to visit near closing time or someone in your group needs mobility assistance.

Common mistakes to avoid

Arriving during the weekday lunch break

On weekdays, the cable car takes a midday break, which can turn a short sightseeing trip into an unnecessary wait. Finish lunch, arrive at 12:15 PM, and you may be sitting around until the afternoon service resumes. Arriving around 8:00-9:00 AM or after 1:00 PM sidesteps the gap entirely.

Buying a one-way ticket when your motorbike is at Robin Hill

Some travelers compare ticket prices and automatically choose the cheaper one-way fare. The problem becomes obvious after visiting the monastery: your motorbike is still parked at Robin Hill, while you are now on the other side of the valley.

You may need to buy another cable car ticket or arrange alternative transportation, depending on the available service. A vehicle parked at Robin Hill means a round-trip ticket, unless someone else is moving it to the monastery side.

Arriving too close to closing time

The Da Lat cable car is not an evening attraction that runs until after sunset. Final passenger admission is at 4:45 PM, while the monastery's visitor hours end at 5:00 PM. Starting a round trip just before those times is too late, because you still need time to cross the valley, walk to the monastery, explore, and return. Arriving late may force you to shorten your visit or change your transportation plans.

Spending too long taking photographs at Robin Hill

Robin Hill offers attractive views over southern Da Lat, and it is easy to spend time taking pictures near the station.

When your main destination is Truc Lam Monastery, though, do not use up the whole morning before boarding. Around 15-20 minutes at Robin Hill is enough for a quick look around and a few photographs, and with a round-trip ticket you can stop here again when you return.

Assuming the cable car takes you directly to Tuyen Lam Lake

The cable car arrives near Truc Lam Monastery, not at a boat pier on the lake. Reaching the lake requires additional travel, and a boat ride or lakeside meal needs its own transportation and timing.

When you only have half a day, it is better to choose a relaxed monastery visit than to rush between too many places. You can explore Tuyen Lam Lake properly on another outing.

Is the Da Lat cable car worth it?

The Da Lat cable car is worth considering if you enjoy forest scenery and want to combine an easy sightseeing ride with a peaceful cultural attraction.

The cabin journey lasts only about 12 minutes each way, but the elevated perspective is different from what you see while driving through the pine forests. Instead of looking at individual trees from the roadside, you see entire hillsides, valleys, and overlapping layers of forest.

Truc Lam Monastery provides a different experience afterward. There are no major thrill rides or large entertainment areas. The visit focuses on Buddhist architecture, gardens, walking paths, and the quiet atmosphere of an active monastery.

Travelers whose priority is shopping, nightlife, or high-energy activities may want to put other attractions first. The ride can also be less rewarding on days when thick fog hides the valley.

For couples, families, and travelers who want a slower morning between busier sightseeing days, however, the route is easy to fit into a Da Lat itinerary. There is no 4:00 AM wake-up, no mountain to climb, and no need to commit an entire day.

Which option should you choose?

• Traveling independently or returning to central Da Lat? Buy a round-trip ticket, arrive at Robin Hill around 8:00 AM, and allow three hours for the whole outing.
• Traveling with a private driver and continuing toward Tuyen Lam Lake? Buy a one-way ticket and arrange pickup near Truc Lam Monastery.
• Traveling with someone who dislikes heights or finds stairs difficult? Skip the cable car and drive directly to the monastery, allowing 60-90 minutes to explore the accessible visitor areas.