Repel 100 (118ml) and Repel 100 (30ml) 663,000₫
BugX 30 (59ml) and Repel 100 (30ml) 689,000₫
The short answer: in the city and the pine hills of Da Lat, almost none. But in the primary forest of Bidoup – Nui Ba, yes, especially in the rainy season.
Many people think Da Lat is too cold for leeches. That's true for the town, but not for the trekking and trail running routes through the forest north of the city.
What Bidoup – Nui Ba is like
Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park lies in Lac Duong, north of Da Lat, and covers more than 60,000 hectares. It is the core zone of the Langbiang World Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2015.
The terrain is high: Bidoup peak is about 2,287m, one of the highest peaks in the Central Highlands. The forest changes with altitude: dry pine forest, damp evergreen broadleaf forest, and moss forest covering the tree trunks on the higher sections, where mist hangs almost all year.
Why there are leeches despite the cold
Low temperatures slow leeches down but don't get rid of them. What matters more is humidity and forest type.
- Pine forest : open, dry pine needles, little standing water: few leeches.
- Evergreen broadleaf forest : closed canopy, thick leaf litter, many streams: leeches present, especially in the rainy season.
- Moss forest : damp almost all year from the mist: leeches possible even in the dry season.
This is also why a run or trek in Lam Dong can go all morning without a single leech, then hit one after another on a damp forest section.
Leech levels by season
| Time of year | Leech level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May – November | Many | Highlands rainy season, slippery trails, big streams |
| December – April | Few | Dry season, but you may still meet them in moss forest and stream gullies |
Which routes have leeches and which don't
| Area | Leech level |
|---|---|
| Central Da Lat, lakes, pine hills | Almost none |
| Langbiang, pine hill trails | Few |
| Routes through broadleaf forest in the national park | Moderate to many in the rainy season |
| Bidoup summit climb, moss forest sections | Possible all year |
For trail runners in Da Lat
The big trail races around Da Lat are usually held in the dry season, with many routes crossing Bidoup – Nui Ba. The risk is much lower in the dry season, but three things still matter:
- Moss forest and stream gullies stay damp even in the dry season.
- Long distances cross several forest types, including at night when heavy dew settles.
- Runners are easier targets : high body heat, heavy breathing, lots of sweat.
Keep it simple: spray your shoes and socks before the start and carry a 30ml Repel 100 in your running vest pocket. In the dry season you may not need it, but it weighs almost nothing.
👉 How to prevent leeches when trail running
Preparing for a trek
Stay warm and dry. Da Lat is colder than you think, especially on the peaks and early in the morning. Wet socks make your feet cold and wash off your leech repellent.
Tuck your trousers into your socks and spray shoes, socks and trouser hems. Spray again after crossing streams.
Choose the strength for your trip:
- Day treks: Repel 40 (40% DEET)
- Bidoup summit or multi-day treks: Repel 100 (98% DEET). Adults 18+ only
- With children: BugX 30 (30% DEET)
If a leech bites: flick it off with a fingernail, wash, press to stop the bleeding and disinfect. Don't use salt or medicated oil. 👉 First aid guide
👉 Not sure which to choose? See the quick comparison in Leech repellents explained.
Frequently asked questions
Are there leeches in Da Lat?
Almost none in the center and the pine hills. The broadleaf and moss forests of Bidoup – Nui Ba do have them.
Will I meet leeches climbing Bidoup peak?
Possibly, in the damp forest and moss forest sections, even in the dry season. In the rainy season it's almost certain.
When are there fewest leeches in Da Lat?
December to April, the dry season.
Related:
- Ta Nang – Phan Dung trek , another route in Lam Dong
- How to prevent leeches in the forest: a complete guide
- 2-day, 1-night trekking packing list
