REVIEW · DA LAT
DALAT: Trekking Pinhatt & Sup/Kayaking Tuyen Lam Lake Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Viet Challenge Tours · Bookable on Viator
Hike to a peak, then float on calm water. This Da Lat tour pairs a forest trek to Pinhatt Peak with SUP/kayaking time on Tuyen Lam Lake. It is built for people who want real fresh-air effort, then a slower finish by the water.
I like the tight group setup (max 12) and the fact you get a professional English guide who talks about the area as you walk. I also love the pacing: you get a campsite-style picnic lunch in the middle, then you’re out on the lake while the day is still bright.
The main thing to weigh is the weather and the effort. You’re hiking about 8 km total to around 1,600 m elevation, so it is not a sit-and-sightsee day.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth showing up for
- A tight day plan built around Tuyen Lam Lake and Pinhatt Peak
- Pickup and getting to Pinhatt without fuss
- The 8 km forest trek to Pinhatt Peak: views at 1,600 m
- Picnic lunch at the campsite/kayak station (grilled pork and options)
- SUP or kayak on Tuyen Lam Lake: a calm workout with swimming time
- Cost and value: why this $48.80 tour can be a smart deal
- Who should book this trek-and-lake paddle?
- A few tips to make the day smoother
- Should you book this Dalat trekking and Tuyen Lam lake kayaking tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- How far do we trek, and what elevation do we reach?
- Is pickup and drop-off included?
- What do we eat for lunch?
- Do I get equipment for kayaking or SUP?
- Are trekking poles included?
- How many people are in a group?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key highlights worth showing up for

- Pinhatt Peak panorama: a lookout over Tuyen Lam Lake from about 1,600 m
- Forest trekking with a live guide: you get explanations along the hike, not just a route
- Picnic lunch in nature: grilled pork plus fresh vegetables, with dietary preferences handled
- SUP or kayak on Tuyen Lam Lake: life jackets included, with time to paddle and swim
- Small-group feel: maximum of 12 travelers, which helps the day stay organized
- Quick reset in the middle of the day: hike, lunch, then water time before heading back
A tight day plan built around Tuyen Lam Lake and Pinhatt Peak

This is a 6-hour, get-out-there day. The structure is simple: pickup → trek to the summit area → picnic → paddle session → back to your hotel. It is the kind of schedule that works well in Da Lat, because you get mountain air and lake time without losing your whole day.
The altitude goal is part of the appeal. You will hike up to around 1,600 meters (5,249 feet), so the views feel earned. And once you reach the lake, the mood changes fast—from steady steps to quiet strokes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Da Lat.
Pickup and getting to Pinhatt without fuss
Pickup is offered, and the day starts early-ish. The flow is designed so you are not scrambling to find the trailhead: pickup happens at your hotel around 8:30am, then you transfer toward Pinhatt for the trek.
If you prefer direct meet-up logistics, the listed starting point is 38 Đường Tăng Bạt Hổ, Phường 1, Đà Lạt. Either way, you should plan to be ready close to the stated start time, since the hike portion begins soon after arrival.
The 8 km forest trek to Pinhatt Peak: views at 1,600 m

This is the heart of the tour. You’ll hike from about 9:00am to 12:00pm, covering roughly 8 km total. The trail takes you through fauna and flora in the forest, and the guide is there for more than just leading the group.
From the guide-style people highlight in the tour experience, you can expect the hike to feel like a guided walk through Da Lat nature—plants, animals, and facts about the area come up along the route. Guides you may be with (based on past participants) include Harry, Vin, Phin, Doan, and Phat, and the common theme is that they answer questions while keeping the pace realistic for a mixed group.
What you’re really going for at Pinhatt Peak is the view. At the top area, you’ll see Tuyen Lam Lake from above, with a mountain-forest backdrop. It is the payoff moment, the point where the day stops feeling like exercise and starts feeling like a view you’ll remember.
Practical consideration: this is an active section. Even if the pace is managed by a guide, you are still hiking to higher elevation, so you’ll want comfortable shoes and a steady rhythm. If you get winded easily, go slower than you think you need at the start.
Picnic lunch at the campsite/kayak station (grilled pork and options)
Lunch lands right in the middle, between the hike and the lake time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm. It is served at a campsite/kayak station setup, which helps the transition. You’re not just handed food and told to go—this feels like a proper break before the paddle session.
The standard meal includes grilled pork and fresh vegetables. What matters for your planning is that lunch is handled according to your dietary preference. Vegetarian participants have noted that the meal was prepared in a way that worked for them, so you’re not stuck with a plain backup option.
If you’re doing this tour in warm daylight, lunch in the open can feel long if you’re not hungry from the hike. The upside: it is a satisfying reset before your arms take over again on the water.
SUP or kayak on Tuyen Lam Lake: a calm workout with swimming time
Once lunch is done, the tour turns to water. From 1:00pm to 2:30pm, you’ll row a kayak or SUP boat on Tuyen Lam Lake. Life jackets are included, and you’ll have enough time to actually get a feel for the water, not just do a quick try-out.
Tuyen Lam is described as the largest lake in Da Lat, and that scale matters. With open water comes better chances for a peaceful paddle rather than constant bumping and turning. Many people like this part because it gives the body a different type of effort—core control on a board, steady paddling in a kayak—while the scenery stays calm.
Swimming is also part of the experience window, so you can cool off if you want to. Just be ready for the reality that lake time follows the hike: you may start out a bit stiff, then loosen up once you’re moving.
Cost and value: why this $48.80 tour can be a smart deal
At $48.80 per person for about 6 hours, this tour often feels like good value because several major items are bundled. You are paying for more than a guide and a route.
Included in the price are:
- Pickup and drop-off
- Picnic lunch
- Kayak/SUP equipment and life jackets
- Entrance/admission fees at Tuyen Lam Lake and Pinhatt mountain
- Trekking poles
- 500 ml bottled water
- An English-speaking guide
For many independent travelers, the real cost problem in Da Lat is piecing together transport, tickets, gear, and food. Here, you get those tied together in one plan. Also, with a max group size of 12, you’re usually not dealing with the chaos that comes with bigger day trips.
One more value angle: the tour gives you a full arc. You get the climb, the view, and then a slow-floating payoff on the lake. That mix is often what makes a half-day feel like a whole story.
Who should book this trek-and-lake paddle?

You’ll likely enjoy this most if you want:
- A nature-heavy day with movement (not just viewpoints)
- A balance of effort and comfort: hike first, then lunch, then water time
- A small-group experience with an English guide who answers questions
- Lake time on Tuyen Lam that feels calming rather than rushed
It also works well if you’re traveling with someone who wants different paces. The hike is structured and guided, while the paddle session lets you switch to a steadier rhythm.
If you prefer very easy days, or if you dislike elevation changes, you may find the trekking portion too active. This is not described as a gentle walk.
A few tips to make the day smoother
I treat a day like this as two mini-adventures stacked together. One is the climb; the other is the paddle.
- Plan for good grip footwear for the hike.
- Bring a light layer you can tolerate if the top feels cooler than the start.
- After the kayak/SUP session, you’ll likely want to feel clean and comfortable again—so keep your essentials in one easy-to-reach spot.
Also, because this experience is weather dependent, keep your schedule flexible. If clouds or rain roll in, the operator may switch dates or offer a refund.
Should you book this Dalat trekking and Tuyen Lam lake kayaking tour?
Yes—if you want a day that feels genuinely outdoorsy, with a real payoff view and a peaceful finish on the lake. The biggest strength is the three-part rhythm: hike to Pinhatt Peak, refuel with a picnic lunch, then paddle or SUP on Tuyen Lam Lake with life jackets and real time to enjoy it.
Skip it only if you’re chasing a low-effort day or you know you struggle with a hike around 8 km to 1,600 m elevation. Otherwise, this is a strong value choice for active travelers who still want comfort in the middle.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 6 hours.
What time does the tour start?
The tour start time is 8:00am, with hotel pickup scheduled around 8:30am.
How far do we trek, and what elevation do we reach?
You’ll trek about 8 km total, with the peak area near 1,600 meters (5,249 feet).
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off service.
What do we eat for lunch?
Lunch is a picnic. It includes grilled pork and fresh vegetables, and it is prepared based on your dietary preference.
Do I get equipment for kayaking or SUP?
Yes. You get kayak/SUP boat and life jackets included.
Are trekking poles included?
Yes, trekking poles are provided.
How many people are in a group?
This experience has a maximum of 12 travelers.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.











