Dalat: Mario Kart – Mongo Land – Countryside Small Group

This lively tour in Central Vietnam offers a wonderfully varied look at Dalat’s rural charm and quirky attractions. For just $22 per person, you’ll spend about a full day exploring pine-backed backroads, visiting waterfalls, sampling local coffee, and even zooming through scenic countryside in Mario Kart-style mini cars. Guides like Alex and Tom get rave reviews for their friendly demeanor and local knowledge, making each stop both educational and fun.

What we love most is the balance of authentic experiences—like seeing silk production and rice wine-making—paired with light-hearted activities such as the Mario Kart race and Mongo Land’s colorful props and animals. These moments aren’t just photo ops; they add a genuine flavor to your visit. Another highlight is the small group size (max 12), which keeps the experience personal and flexible, allowing quick stops for photos and spontaneous explorations.

A possible consideration is the cost for extras, such as Mario Kart (250K VND) and Mongo Land (100K VND), which are not included. Travelers should budget accordingly for meals, drinks, and optional activities. This tour suits those who want a fun, local-focused day with plenty of opportunities for photos and adrenaline rushes—perfect for curious travelers eager to see Dalat beyond the usual tourist spots.

If you’re after a full, lively day that combines adventure with cultural insights, this tour is a great fit. The enthusiasm of guides and the mix of activities make it especially appealing for adventure-seekers, families, and first-time visitors keen to get a taste of Dalat’s countryside in a lively, friendly setting.

This experience made our article of 15 Most Highly Rated Tours In Dalat.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Visit local farms, silk factories, and rice wine production to understand Dalat’s traditional crafts.
• Fun Activities: Race in Mario Kart-style mini cars and visit Mongo Land for playful photo opportunities.
• Small Group Size: Max 12 people, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.
• Rich Scenery: Scenic backroads, waterfalls, and panoramic views make photo opportunities plentiful.
• Guide Excellence: Many reviews praise guides like Alex and Tom for their knowledge, humor, and attentiveness.
• Value for Price: For $22, the tour offers a diverse, well-organized day with many memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Dalat Countryside Adventure

The Beginning: Comfortable Pickup and Introduction

The day kicks off with a hotel pickup within 2 km of Dalat’s center, or you can choose to meet at the central post office. The 16-seater air-conditioned van ensures a comfortable ride through Dalat’s lush scenery. Your guide, often described as friendly, knowledgeable, and full of good humor, will explain the itinerary and answer questions, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

The Highlight: Mario Kart-Style Ride Through the Countryside

The first big thrill is surprisingly unique and memorable. Hop into your mini car, designed to resemble Mario Kart vehicles, and speed along scenic backroads. Surrounded by pine trees and mountain air, this activity isn’t just about fun—it’s a chance to experience Dalat’s natural beauty in an adrenaline-fueled way. Several reviews mention the exhilaration and surprise excitement of the race. As one reviewer noted, “Mario kart was amazing fun,” and many describe it as the highlight of the day.

Coffee Culture and Local Crafts

Next, you’ll visit a local coffee plantation where you learn how Vietnam’s famous coffee is produced. Tasting weasel coffee, one of Vietnam’s most renowned varieties, is a must-do for coffee lovers. The panoramic views here add to the experience, and guides often describe the fascinating process of coffee cultivation and roasting.

A visit to a traditional silk factory provides insight into Vietnamese craftsmanship. Watching silk threads spun and woven helps you appreciate the artistry and labor behind every piece. Several reviews appreciate these stops for their educational value and authenticity.

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Sampling Local Flavors and Traditional Crafts

The tour dives into local rice wine-making, where you can see how locals ferment and distill rice wine—a staple in Vietnamese culture. Brave travelers can even try crispy crickets, a delicacy that many reviews mention with enthusiasm. One reviewer proudly noted, “crickets are a must-try,” and others appreciated the quirky, offbeat experience.

Serene Moments: Pagoda and Waterfalls

After a hearty lunch at a local restaurant—with vegetarian options available—you’ll visit the Linh An Pagoda. Home to Vietnam’s tallest Lady Buddha statue, the pagoda offers a peaceful pause with beautiful views. Nearby, the Elephant Waterfalls provide a powerful display of nature’s force. Though access may be limited directly at the falls, the scenic view and sounds are enough to leave an impression.

Mongo Land: Whimsy and Animal Encounters

The final stop is Mongo Land, a colorful, whimsical park filled with props, animals like capybaras and rabbits, and plenty of photo spots. Travelers describe it as fun and playful, perfect for creative photos and relaxing moments. Several reviews highlight how kids and adults alike enjoy the variety of colorful scenery and friendly animals.

Ending the Day

By around 5 PM, you’ll be back in Dalat city, full of memories and photos. The tour ends with a relaxed mood, and many travelers head out to enjoy Dalat’s nightlife or relaxing cafes.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price & Extras: The base price is $22, but expect to pay extra for activities like Mario Kart (250K VND) and Mongo Land (100K VND). Meals and drinks are also on you unless specified.
• Transportation: The air-conditioned van is comfortable, and small group size ensures you’re not just a number.
• Duration & Timing: Starting around 8 AM, the tour runs until about 5 PM, with a flexible schedule depending on weather and group interests.
• What to Bring: A camera for all the photo-worthy moments, comfortable clothes, and cash for extras.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of some stops and terrain.
• Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Authentic Experiences That Stick with You

This tour’s real strength lies in the mix of fun and local flavor. You’re not just ticking off touristy sights but learning about local production—from silk weaving to rice wine, gaining a deeper appreciation for Dalat’s traditions. The small-group setting enables a more personal experience, where guides like Alex and Tom often go the extra mile to share interesting facts and humor. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, making the day both educational and light-hearted.

The Mario Kart race is genuinely a highlight—not only for the thrill but because it’s an unexpected way to connect with Dalat’s natural surroundings. The Mongo Land stop highlights Dalat’s quirky side, providing a playful break with tons of colorful photo opportunities.

The Value for Money

While the tour is modestly priced, the value comes from the variety—multiple activities, insightful guides, and the chance to see Dalat’s countryside in an engaging way. Many travelers mention that the experience exceeds expectations, especially when considering the personalized touch and well-organized itinerary.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventure lovers who want a day full of excitement and discovery, particularly those interested in local crafts, scenic views, and fun activities. Families and first-time visitors will appreciate the small-group atmosphere, ensuring they get plenty of attention and time at each stop. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of cultural insight and playful moments, especially if you’re eager to capture memorable photos.

If you’re someone who values guides with good English and authentic local experiences, you’ll find this tour rewarding. However, travelers who prefer luxury or highly relaxed tours might find the pace a bit energetic.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available within 2 km of Dalat’s center, or you can meet at the central post office.

How much does the Mario Kart activity cost?
The activity costs about 250K VND extra, payable on the day.

What about Mongo Land?
Entry costs around 100K VND, also paid on site.

Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes, the lunch spot offers vegetarian and vegan options, just let the guide know in advance.

How long is the tour?
The entire day runs roughly from 8 AM to 5 PM, giving plenty of time at each location.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, wear comfortable clothes, and carry cash for extras.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many families enjoy the fun activities and animal encounters, but note that some stops involve walking or terrain that may not be wheelchair friendly.

Can I skip some activities?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible depending on weather and group preferences.

Is there a guide available in languages other than English and Vietnamese?
No, currently the tour is offered in English and Vietnamese.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Dalat tour offers a lively, well-rounded day that balances authentic local insights with fun activities. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking to see more of Dalat than just the usual sights, especially if you enjoy scenic drives, cultural stops, and adrenaline-fueled fun like Mario Kart. The small-group setting means you’ll get personalized attention and ample opportunities for photos and spontaneous adventures.

Guides like Alex and Tom receive high praise for their knowledge, humor, and attentiveness, making the day not only educational but genuinely enjoyable. If you’re traveling on a budget but want a full, engaging experience, this tour packs in value, variety, and memorable moments.

Perfect for adventure seekers, families, or first-time visitors looking to explore Dalat with a mix of culture, fun, and countryside beauty. It’s an authentic way to experience Dalat’s countryside without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

Ready for a fun, authentic, and memorable day in Dalat? This tour combines the best of local crafts, scenic beauty, and playful excitement—ensuring you leave with a camera full of photos and a heart full of stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: