Da Lat a cheap year-end destination: Agoda

Hat Yai in Thailand was the most budget-friendly destination in the region for the year-end holidays with average room rates standing at $43, followed by Yogyakarta in Indonesia ($56) and Kuching in Malaysia ($60).

To compile the list, the online travel agency analyzed the average room rates of tourist destinations across the region for the dates December 22 – 31 this year.

"Da Lat is a popular tourist destination year-round, but especially worth a visit during the Christmas and New Year season. The town is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a joyful atmosphere," Agoda said.

It recommended tourists visit the Crazy House, Xuan Huong Lake, and the Valley of Love.

The other cheap destinations in Asia-Pacific region were Goa ($92) in India, Baguio ($95) in the Philippines, Nagoya ($107) in Japan, Taichung ($115) in Taiwan, Melbourne ($155) in Australia and Busan ($158) in South Korea.

Situated on a plateau around 1,500 meters above sea level, Da Lat is famous for its French colonial heritage because it used to be a summer hideout for French officials during the colonial times thanks to its year-round cool climate and foggy landscape.

In 2023, Da Lat aims to welcome 6.5 million tourists, an increase of 18.2% from the previous year, including the arrival of 250,000 international visitors, an increase of 67%.

In the first eight months of this year, Da Lat welcomed 4.7 million visitors, jumping 1.8% year-on-year.