LEADING YOU TO YOUR LIFETIME EXPERIENCE
DA LAT
Largest city in and located at southern Vietnam's Central Highlands, known as the "City of Eternal Spring". It was developed as resort by French in early 1900s hence it also has a name of "Little Paris". It Is now center to a lake and golf course, surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls.
Things to Do
1. Visit Bao Dai's Summer Palace. Bao Dai was the last emperor of Vietnam and he was known for owning this summer palace in Da Lat which was built in 1933. He uses this palace as summer retreat and it is now still filled with Bao Dai's furniture and his personal possessions.
2. Walk to Datanla Waterfalls. One of the most famous set of falls in Da Lat and you can easily reach here from the center of the town. You may trek to the falls or just simply walk on the trails next to the waterfalls and enjoy the cool mist at the base.
3. The Lake of Sighs. A sad legend that this its the place where several star-crossed lovers met but were unable to be together. This place is now popular with local couples. You can rent paddleboat and go out on the water which will give you more sights of Da Lat from a different vantage point.
4. Da Lat Flower Gardens. Da Lat is famous for its beautiful sceneries and for sure flowers play a part in it. The gardens stretch to some 7000 square metres and have more than 300 kinds of flowers on display. The flowers all bloom at different time in the year so you will always have something to see. But if you wish to admire them at their height of beauty, visit during the summer months.
5. The Crazy House. One of the quirkiest attractions in Da Lat or even Vietnam, even its real name is Hang Nga Guesthouse or Art Gallery. The house was built and designed in 1990 by Dang Viet Nga, who is a famous Vietnamese architect. There are rooms with different themes with some tunnels, ladders and statues of animals. You do not have to stay here if you do not fancy staying here, you can just just check this out from outside.
6. Elephant Falls. Another falls that has less crowd as this is more difficult to travel to. You can enjoy peace here if you have extra time. It is close to Linh An Tu Pagoda so you may also arrange two places to visit together.
7. The Pongour Falls. The 20 meters high waterfalls is just out of the side of scenic mountains on the edge of Da Lat. The mountains are 100 meters high which means they are also the largest falls in Vietnam.
8. Valley of Love. It is a theme park often visited by the local couples. The park is on lush green hills and at the back of lakes and garden. It is a perfect place to picnic and if not you may also take horse or pony rides or a swan-shaped pedal boat out on one of the lakes.
9. The 100 Roof Cafe. The cafe is designed about the same style as the Crazy House. It looks like a scene from The Hobbit and they have a picturesque roof garden which looks like something out of the fairytale. It is a good place to watch sunset with a cold drink after a long day.
Accommodation
Not to look for international big names. There are good hotels for all range, from backpacker hostels, boutique hotels, to very fine resorts. Go for a resort if you are travelling with friends or family, or you are here to purely relax.
Transport
Da lat has domestic flights inwards from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, and Hai Phong. International flights come in from Bangkok, Thailand and Wuhan, China. If go by land, most ideally you can go from Nha Trang (140km) or Ho Chi Minh City (300km). Within the city, you can rent a motorbike or bicycle to tour around. Otherwise, you may just walk and get a taxi or motorbike ride if distance is too far to walk.
Recommended Length of Trip
Da Lat is the perfect and romantic place for photo shooting, especially for honeymooners. Besides the French style architecture, there are many natural sceneries and cultural beauties for you to discover. You may spend two to three nights here to fully immerse yourself in the city of everything. You may definitely stay longer if you are going for vacation and relaxation.
Best Time to Travel
Due to its hilltop location, Da Lat has consistently cool climate. Dry season takes place between November to March while rain season starts from April to October. Temperate in Da Lat averages between 24-29 celsius degree therefore it becomes a favourite spot for locals and expats for vacation or long weekend getaway.