Lam Vien Square
Iconic modernist domes and vibrant lakeside square, a social hub for locals and a stunning photo spot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant local atmosphere
Lam Vien Square
Best Time
Vibrant local atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic modernist domes and vibrant lakeside square, a social hub for locals and a stunning photo spot.
"Spectacular sculpture building, great for sunrise/sunset with panoramic lake and mountain views."
🎯 Grab a coffee with a view
Enjoy a drink at the Highlands Coffee inside the artichoke building for unique views and a cool vibe.
📸 Perfect photo ops
The unique architecture offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artichoke Dome
Highlands Coffee
A striking modernist glass building shaped like an artichoke, housing a popular coffee shop.
Sunflower Bud Dome
Central Plaza
Inspired by Da Lat's wild sunflower, this vibrant yellow dome is a unique architectural landmark.
Xuan Huong Lake Views
Waterfront
Enjoy panoramic views of Xuan Huong Lake and the surrounding mountains, especially magical at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Vibes & Local Life
Architectural Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lam Vien Square
🎯 Grab a coffee with a view
Enjoy a drink at the Highlands Coffee inside the artichoke building for unique views and a cool vibe.
📸 Perfect photo ops
The unique architecture offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
I have a free day in Da Lat tomorrow, whats a must do or must skip?
🛍️ Underground shopping
Explore the underground mall for a supermarket, shops, and cafes to escape the heat.
🪁 Weekend family fun
On weekends, locals fly kites and enjoy the open space, creating a lively atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Grab a coffee with a view
Enjoy a drink at the Highlands Coffee inside the artichoke building for unique views and a cool vibe.
📸 Perfect photo ops
The unique architecture offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🛍️ Underground shopping
Explore the underground mall for a supermarket, shops, and cafes to escape the heat.
🪁 Weekend family fun
On weekends, locals fly kites and enjoy the open space, creating a lively atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lam Vien Square is celebrated for its unique modernist architecture, particularly the artichoke and sunflower bud domes, offering stunning views of Xuan Huong Lake. It's a vibrant social hub on weekends, ideal for people-watching and experiencing local life, though it can get crowded. The underground mall adds convenience with shops and dining options.
"Right across from Xuan Huong Lake, Lam Vien Square is a massive, open urban space that truly comes alive on weekends. The stepped walkways from the lakeside road lead up to the heart of the square, where two eye-catching structures steal the show: the green glass artichoke-shaped dome, which houses a Highlands Coffee shop, and the bright yellow flower bud-shaped dome, inspired by the wild sunflower (da quy) — one of Da Lat’s floral icons.
The design is modern and symbolic, giving this square a unique architectural identity. Along the steps and throughout the plaza are plenty of places to sit and relax, making it perfect for people-watching or taking in the scenery.
On weekends, the square becomes a vibrant gathering spot for locals. Families fly kites, students hang out, and street vendors set up stalls selling snacks and toys. Beneath the square is an entrance to a shopping center with a cinema, GO! Supermarket, cafés, and various specialty shops — ideal for grabbing a bite or cooling off inside.
With the lake views, creative landscaping, and cultural vibe, Lam Vien Square is a great place to unwind, explore, and snap some memorable photos."
John Winter
"This sculpture building is spectacular and definitely an attraction here in Dalat. Located beside the Dalat Opera House and above one of the rarest shopping centre asides Dalat Center, GO!. Very crowded and full of patriotic visitors by the row of Vietnam flags 🇻🇳 🇻🇳 🇻🇳"
Kong Wen Sheng
"Really great place for the sunrise and sunset time with the panoramic view with the lake and the mountains and Pagoda in the background, which is definitely unique to witness. In the surrounding area you can enjoy different activities such as cinema, gym exercise, various restaurants and also an opera house which seems to be famous. There were also many for what it seemed to me graduation student, maybe? Anyway, it's truly a place to go when the sun goes down around 5pm because the colors of the sky are indescribable and yet beautiful and majestic. Your girlfriend would be happy if that's what they would say. The locals I mean"
Guimo-D Brando
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lam Vien Square is conveniently located across from Xuan Huong Lake, making it easily accessible by taxi or a pleasant walk from the city center. Many visitors find it a central point for exploring Da Lat.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the square, you can usually find parking spots along the roads surrounding Xuan Huong Lake or in the underground shopping center's vicinity.
Yes, it's a very walkable distance from the main Da Lat city center, especially if you're exploring around Xuan Huong Lake. The walk offers scenic views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lam Vien Square is a public space and does not have an entrance fee, making it a great free attraction in Da Lat.
The square is generally open 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, the shops and cafes within the buildings have their own operating hours.
Lam Vien Square itself doesn't typically host ticketed events, but the underground complex may have a cinema or other venues that sell tickets separately.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the unique architecture, people-watch, take photos, relax by the lake, and explore the underground shopping center. On weekends, it's lively with local activities. +1
Absolutely! Families enjoy the open space for kids to run around, kite flying on weekends, and the variety of snacks available from vendors.
The most iconic are the modernist glass structures: the green artichoke-shaped dome and the yellow sunflower bud-shaped dome, inspired by local flora.
Yes, kite flying is a popular activity for locals and visitors, especially on weekends when the square is bustling with families.
It can get quite crowded, particularly on weekend evenings when locals gather. Weekday mornings offer a more tranquil experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you'll find street vendors selling snacks and drinks, a Highlands Coffee inside the artichoke building, and various cafes and eateries in the underground shopping center. +1
Expect a mix of local snacks, coffee, and casual dining options within the underground mall. Street vendors offer quick bites.
Many visitors recommend it for the unique architecture and the views it offers. It's a popular spot to relax and people-watch.
📸 📸 Photography
The artichoke and sunflower bud buildings themselves are prime subjects. The waterfront offers great shots of Xuan Huong Lake and the surrounding landscape.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting and beautiful sky colors, making the architecture and lake views even more stunning.
The modernist architectural designs are highly unique. Capturing the buildings against the backdrop of the lake and mountains provides a distinctive Da Lat photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while keeping an eye on their kids. The unique buildings also provide fun visual elements for children. Grabbing snacks from street vendors or enjoying a coffee break at Highlands Coffee are simple pleasures that make a family outing enjoyable.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Combine the unique structures with the scenic backdrop of Xuan Huong Lake and the distant mountains for breathtaking landscape shots. The lively weekend atmosphere also provides opportunities for candid street photography, capturing the local life and energy of Da Lat.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
For affordable refreshments, explore the street vendors for local snacks and drinks, or head to the GO! supermarket in the underground mall for budget-friendly options. It's a great way to experience Da Lat's local culture without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels of Lam Vien Square
The design is intentionally symbolic, blending modern aesthetics with local inspiration. The stepped walkways leading up to the square from the lakeside provide a grand entrance and offer excellent vantage points. Visitors often praise the creative landscaping and the overall architectural uniqueness that sets this public space apart.
These structures are not only landmarks but also functional spaces, with the coffee shop being a popular gathering spot. The contrast between the sleek glass buildings and the natural beauty of Xuan Huong Lake creates a captivating scene, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and photographers alike.
The Heartbeat of Da Lat: Weekend Life
Street vendors set up stalls selling a variety of snacks, toys, and souvenirs, adding to the festive ambiance. This is when the square is at its most dynamic, offering a glimpse into how locals spend their leisure time. For visitors, it's an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the energetic surroundings.
While weekdays offer a more serene experience, the weekend buzz is what many visitors seek for a more engaging and lively visit. It's a place where you can simply relax, people-watch, and soak in the cheerful atmosphere of Da Lat.
Social
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