Few drives in Vietnam change scenery as dramatically as Mui Ne to Da Lat. In about 150km you leave the golden sand dunes and blue sea of Phan Thiet, wind up a mountain pass, and arrive in the cool city of pines at over 1,500m. The temperature can drop by ten degrees or more as the hot, dry coast gives way to crisp mountain air and the scent of pine. That is why this route is a favourite of both backpackers and Vietnamese families.
Why the Mui Ne – Da Lat route is worth it
- A complete scenery change in half a day: from beach and dunes to pine forest and mountain lakes.
- A beautiful pass with valley views, waterfalls and tea hills along the way.
- It links two major destinations without backtracking to Saigon.
How far is Mui Ne to Da Lat, and how long
The distance is about 150km and takes roughly 3.5–4 hours by car, depending on stops and weather. Most of the trip climbs the Lam Vien plateau on a winding mountain road, so vehicles drive slower and steadier than on the flats. Allow extra time in the rainy season or if you want to stop for photos.
Mui Ne – Da Lat shuttle: fares & schedule
- Vehicle: shared 19-seat van with air-conditioning, wifi, USB charging, drinking water and a separate luggage hold.
- Fare: from 250,000 VND per guest (paid in VND).
- Fixed daily departures: 07:30 and 13:30.
- Pickup and drop-off at set points; share your address in advance so the driver can plan the route.
Pickup and drop-off points
- Pickup (Mui Ne/Phan Thiet): 117 Nguyen Dinh Chieu.
- Drop-off (Da Lat): 257 Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street.
If your hotel is far from the pickup point, message Go365 in advance for the nearest meeting spot.
What to see along the way
The pass offers plenty of viewpoints: green valleys, long stretches of pine hills and reservoirs on the climb to the highlands. As you near Da Lat the air cools and you start to see the area's signature vegetable plots and flower gardens. With a private car you can stop freely for photos; on the shared shuttle the driver usually makes a mid-route rest stop.
What to wear and pack for the mountain road
- Bring a light jacket: Da Lat is usually 8–12°C cooler than Mui Ne, especially early morning and at night.
- If you get carsick, take medicine 30 minutes before departure — the road is winding.
- Carry water and snacks; charge your phone for photos of the pass.
- Book ahead for weekends and holidays, when seats fill quickly.
Suggested itinerary
A popular plan is Saigon → Mui Ne (2–3 days of beach and dunes) → Da Lat (2–3 days of cool weather, cloud hunting and night markets) → back to Saigon or fly out from Lien Khuong airport. The Mui Ne – Da Lat leg is the link that connects coast and highlands without turning back.
The return: Da Lat – Mui Ne/Phan Thiet shuttle
Starting from Da Lat? Go365 also runs the reverse: the Da Lat – Mui Ne/Phan Thiet shuttle picks up at 257 Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street (Da Lat) and drops off at 117 Nguyen Dinh Chieu (Mui Ne/Phan Thiet), departing 08:00 and 13:00, from 250,000 VND. See and book the Da Lat – Mui Ne shuttle.
Book on Go365
See details and book the Mui Ne/Phan Thiet – Da Lat shuttle on Go365 (go365.vn) — a licensed Vietnamese OTA. Pay in VND via 9pay or bank transfer, with 24/7 support on hotline 0789.9000.77 – 0789.9000.99 – 0789.9000.55.