Originally the playground of the French who built villas in the clear mountain air to escape the heat and humidity of the south, Da Lat is Vietnam like you’ve never seen it before. Unlike its famous neighbors, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat is a mid-sized city that looks, due to its pine-covered surroundings, like a cross between Vietnam and the French Alps. The area encompassing the small city center is covered in hills, lakes and higher peaks, making for some very romantic scenery that bears little resemblance to the rest of Southeast Asia. Even the agriculture differs widely, with local farms cultivating strawberries and flowers instead of traditional crops such as rice.
A famous work by Dr. Dang Viet Nga, the crazy house is a fairy tale come true for many. Each room/ section of the house is modelled after an idea such as the monkey room, tiger room, spider web room. Crazy House is currently offering accommodation for guests who want to stay overnight at one of the most unique architectures in Vietnam.
The place is about 2km from Da Lat Central Market and fully accessible by taxi.
If you are interested in bird watching or exploring the local fauna and flora, look no further than Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. Established in 2004, the park names the two highest peaks in Lang Biang Plateau where Da Lat is based. Bidoup Nui Ba is currently home to many Red List animals and plants. It is best to book a tour from Da Lat which often includes transportation and English speaking guide.
If you plan a visit to Dalat, then Truc Lam Pagoda is a must-see attraction. The pagoda encompass a vast area of land overlooking Dalat valley. The pagoda is famed for its fardens with year round blossoming flowers and a separate area for worshipping/ teaching Buddhism. You can catch a taxi, or local bus to the front part which is a cable ride away from the Pagoda.
Da Lat’s long-distance bus station is located only 1.5 kilometers south of Xuan Huong Lake. It’s dominated by smart Phuong Trang buses who offer free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs and cover all main regional destinations.
Vietnam Airlines has daily services to HCMC and Hanoi from Lien Khuong Airport, located only is 30 kilometers south of Da Lat proper.
Da Lat, as an emerging international tourism destination, has a large selection of quality accommodation for a variety of budgets. Clean, comfortable hostels can set you back just five USD per night, whilst four-star French-colonial style hotels can cost ten times this. Hotels, hostels and guesthouses are scattered throughout the city and, as to be expected, you’ll find better value away from the main tourist center.
The French harnesses Da Lat’s temperate climate to cultivate produce that couldn’t grow in the hot lowlands of the country. This farming has persisted, and as well as strawberries you will also find brilliantly colored bell peppers and capsicums, and much more. This variety and nuance has, of course, shaped the local cuisine, and you will find many dishes in Da Lat that are difficult to replicate in other parts of Vietnam. Some dishes include:
The city itself is small and tranquil which explains further for the lack of busy shopping scene. The most famous shopping place is Dalat central market which are frequented by locals and tourists alike. There are many sections which sells different things from ready to eat food, to local fruits (persimmons and avocados), to flowers and clothing. If you don’t bring enough sweaters with you for Dalat weather then this is the place to get some cheapies on the go as well.
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