REVIEW · DA LAT
DALAT: Trekking Pinhatt & Sup/Kayaking Tuyen Lam Lake Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Viet Challenge Tours · Bookable on Viator
Pinhet woods, Tuyen Lam Lake, and time on a SUP or kayak in one 6-hour day. This is a simple combo tour that trades city noise for mountain air and a real workout, with a big pay-off view from Pinhatt Peak.
I especially like the rhythm: hike first, then eat in nature, then cool off on the lake. I also like that the tour covers the practical stuff for you—pickup, guide, entry fees, and even trekking poles—so you can show up and move.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s a hike to about 1,600m, and the total walking is roughly 8–10 km. If you’re not used to inclines, take it slow on the way up.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you go
- Morning start: pickup to Pinhatt trailhead
- Pinhet woods to Pinhatt Peak: a hike with real payoff
- Lunch by the campsite/kayak station: fuel, then float
- Paddle time on Tuyen Lam Lake: SUP or kayak, plus swim time
- English guides and under-12 groups: more than just logistics
- What’s included (and what you won’t have to track down)
- Price and value check: is $48.80 a good deal?
- Who this Dalat combo tour fits best
- Should you book this Pinhatt + Tuyen Lam lake adventure?
- FAQ
- How long is the Trekking Pinhatt & SUP/Kayaking Tuyen Lam Lake Tour?
- Is pickup and drop-off included?
- What activities are included in this tour?
- Is lunch included, and can it accommodate dietary preferences?
- How big is the group?
- What if weather is bad?
Quick hits before you go

- Pinhatt Peak viewpoint at around 1,600m with panoramic views over Tuyen Lam Lake
- 8–10 km total hiking through forest scenery and chance wildlife sightings
- Picnic lunch at a campsite/kayak area with grilled pork and fresh vegetables, plus vegetarian options
- SUP or kayak on Tuyen Lam Lake with life jackets provided
- Small groups (max 12) and an English-speaking professional guide
- All-in feel with pickup/drop-off, bottled water, trekking poles, and admission fees included
Morning start: pickup to Pinhatt trailhead
The day kicks off with hotel pickup at about 8:30am. From there, you’ll transfer toward Pinhatt for your trek, aiming to start walking around 9:00am. It’s a good setup for people staying central in Da Lat because you don’t waste time figuring out transport or paying for separate rides.
This tour also has that all-in structure that makes a difference in real life. You get bottled water (500ml) and trekking poles included, plus a guide who’s speaking English. For a short 6-hour experience, that matters. You’re not juggling gear or hunting down tickets mid-day.
If you’re the type who likes a calm start, you’ll appreciate the flow: a morning on foot, then a scheduled break on the lake.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Da Lat.
Pinhet woods to Pinhatt Peak: a hike with real payoff

You’ll hike from the Pinhatt area up toward the peak near Tuyen Lam Lake, with the total trekking distance listed as around 8km (and “8–10 km total” across the day). You also climb to roughly 1,600m altitude. That’s why the tour is described as a nature hike and not a gentle stroll.
What I like about this style of hike is that it’s long enough to feel satisfying without being an all-day ordeal. About 3 hours on the trail (9:00am–12:00pm) gives you time for that slow-uphill rhythm where the forest sounds get louder and the city gets quieter.
And you’re not just walking for walking’s sake. The goal is the view—Tuyen Lam Lake from Pinhatt Peak. On clear weather, you’ll get those broad, mountain-and-lake sightlines that Da Lat is famous for. The route is also through areas where you might spot wild flora and fauna by chance. Don’t expect a safari-style guarantee, but the forest setting is exactly the kind of place where surprises happen.
A small practical note: with altitude and grade, you’ll feel it more than you might think from the distance alone. If you plan to go, bring a steady pace mindset. This isn’t a race.
Lunch by the campsite/kayak station: fuel, then float

After the hike, you’ll take a lunch break from about 12:00pm to 1:00pm at a campsite or kayak station area. The meal is a picnic-style lunch, and it’s specifically mentioned as including grilled pork and fresh vegetables.
I also like that dietary needs are handled. The lunch is prepared according to your dietary preference, and the vegetarian angle is specifically supported in the way the tour delivers separate vegetarian food. That’s a big deal on outdoor days, where “I’ll just eat rice” can turn into a disappointment fast.
This stop is more than just eating. It’s also where you reset for the water portion. If you’ve been hiking for a few hours, the best lunch is the one that doesn’t drag on. Here, you’re fed and back on schedule, which keeps the whole day feeling smooth rather than rushed.
Paddle time on Tuyen Lam Lake: SUP or kayak, plus swim time
The middle-to-late afternoon is for water. From about 1:00pm to 2:30pm, you’ll do stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking on Tuyen Lam Lake. Life jackets are provided, and the lake time is presented as relaxing and scenic, not intense technical paddling.
Why this part is worth your time: it’s a change of pace that still uses your body. Hiking works your legs and core. Paddling brings your upper body into play, and it’s a great way to enjoy a view without needing to keep climbing.
The tour also mentions that you’ll be able to swim in the largest lake in Da Lat, Tuyen Lam Lake. That’s not something every lake tour includes, so it’s a nice bonus if you want to cool off rather than just paddle around.
A practical consideration: lake sessions can feel great when the water is calm. The day is scheduled for outdoors, so you’ll want to go with the understanding that weather matters.
English guides and under-12 groups: more than just logistics
This tour caps at 12 travelers, which changes the feel. In a group that size, you’re less likely to feel like you’re just following a dot on a map. It also helps the guide manage pacing on a hike with altitude and keep everyone together for the lake time.
The guide experience is a major theme in the feedback tied to this tour. Guides such as Harry, Phin, Vin, Phat, Doan, and Vim have shown up leading different departures, and what stands out is how they talk about the forest and the area. One guide was noted for answering questions about plants and animals, and others brought in context beyond just the trail—things like Vietnamese cuisine, society, and local history.
That kind of guiding can make the hike feel like you’re reading the forest, not just walking through it. And on a day this tightly scheduled, that turns “activity time” into actual learning time without slowing you down.
Also, it’s not hard to see why people like the guides by name. When you’re outdoors for hours, small personalities matter.
What’s included (and what you won’t have to track down)

This is a solid “you show up, we handle the basics” package. Included items are:
- Pickup and drop-off service
- Picnic lunch (grilled pork + vegetables, with dietary preferences accommodated)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Kayak/SUP boat and life jackets
- Admission fees at Tuyen Lam Lake and Pinhatt mountain
- Trekking poles
- Bottled water (500ml)
- Mobile ticket
For value, those inclusions matter because they remove several common hidden costs: lake entry, gear rentals, and the transport gap between Da Lat and the trail/lake area. It’s easier to compare against other Da Lat “tour combos” because you can see what’s covered.
Price and value check: is $48.80 a good deal?
At $48.80 per person for a roughly 6-hour day, the key question isn’t just the price—it’s whether you’re getting enough to justify it.
Here’s the value logic I’d use:
- You get two separate experiences in one day: a hike up toward a peak and paddling on a major lake.
- You’re not paying extra for entry fees, life jackets, or trekking poles.
- You get transport (pickup/drop-off) which often costs more than people expect once you add it in.
- It’s run in a small group (max 12) with an English guide, which usually costs more than the cheapest self-guided options.
Another detail: this tour is often booked about 43 days in advance. That doesn’t guarantee anything about availability on your exact day, but it does suggest demand. If you want a specific schedule, booking earlier is smart.
If you’re looking for a low-commitment nature day—active, scenic, and structured—this price feels reasonable for what’s included.
Who this Dalat combo tour fits best
This tour is best for you if you want a day that’s:
- Active but not full-day exhausting (around 6 hours total)
- Built around outdoor variety: forest hike + lake paddling
- Structured with pickup, guide, and included fees
- Friendly for people who like stopping for a proper meal outdoors, not just snacks
It may not be the right fit if:
- You’re very sensitive to hills or altitude, because you’ll climb to around 1,600m and walk roughly 8–10 km total.
- You’re hoping for a pure relaxation day. Even though the lake portion sounds calm, the morning is still hiking-focused.
If you’re a nature lover who likes clear goals—peak view, then time on the water—this is a great match.
Should you book this Pinhatt + Tuyen Lam lake adventure?
I’d book it if your ideal Da Lat day looks like: morning hike through forest, picnic lunch in nature, then SUP or kayaking on Tuyen Lam Lake with life jackets and time to cool off. The combination is efficient, and the inclusions remove a lot of the friction that can make short tours feel overpriced.
Before you reserve, think honestly about the hike. The distance and altitude are the main factors that can make or break the day. If you’re good with a moderate uphill walk and you want a scenic payoff, this tour is an excellent way to spend your limited time in Da Lat.
FAQ
How long is the Trekking Pinhatt & SUP/Kayaking Tuyen Lam Lake Tour?
It runs for about 6 hours total, with the main activities from roughly 9:00am to 2:30pm including lunch and the lake paddling time.
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off service, with hotel pickup starting around 8:30am.
What activities are included in this tour?
You’ll do a trek toward Pinhatt peak, have a picnic lunch, and then go SUP or kayaking on Tuyen Lam Lake with life jackets provided.
Is lunch included, and can it accommodate dietary preferences?
Yes. Lunch is included as a picnic lunch prepared according to your dietary preference. The tour notes grilled pork and fresh vegetables, and vegetarian needs are accommodated.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, and it runs with a professional English-speaking guide.
What if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.








