Dalat
Dalat is also known as the "City of Infinite Spring". Pleasantly mild temperatures ensure that flowers are in full bloom almost all year round.
Destination Dalat
Da Lat is a city in the Central Highlands of Vietnam known for its colonial charm, numerous lakes and cool mountain air. In this article, we will introduce four aspects of Da Lat that you should not miss when visiting.
Da Lat was once founded as a summer residence for the French colonial rulers and has retained many European-style buildings. Among the most notable examples are the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Dalat Palace Hotel and the Da Lat railway station, which is reminiscent of a Swiss mountain hut. There are also some unique buildings such as the Crazy House, a surreal work of art made of concrete and wood that resembles a tree.
Da Lat is surrounded by green hills, pine forests and waterfalls that are ideal for hiking, cycling or canyoning. Some of the most popular destinations are Langbiang Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the city, Datanla Waterfall, which can be reached by cable car or toboggan, and Pongour Waterfall, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. You can also visit Xuan Huong Lake, which forms the centre of Da Lat and offers a picturesque walk or boat trip.
Da Lat is known for its flower and coffee production and organises festivals on these themes every year. You can visit the colourful flower markets or take a tour of a sustainable coffee plantation to learn more about the cultivation and roasting process. Da Lat also has a vibrant art and music scene influenced by the region's ethnic minorities. You can buy local handicrafts or enjoy traditional performances in Lam Vien Square.
Da Lat offers a variety of culinary experiences, from street snacks to upscale restaurants. Some of the typical specialities are Banh Mi Xiu Mai, a crispy baguette with meatballs in tomato sauce, Banh Can, small pancakes made from rice flour and filled with egg or meat, and Banh Trang Nuong, a grilled rice paper flatbread with various toppings such as egg, cheese or sausage. For those who want something sweet, there is Che Da Lat, a dessert dish made from coconut milk, beans and jelly.
Da Lat is therefore a city with many facets that has something to offer for every taste. Whether you are interested in history, nature, culture or food, you are sure to find something to delight you.
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Topics
- Culture
- Nature
Highlights
- Histroric colonial structures
- Picturesque mountain landscape
- Impressive waterfalls
Discover the magical mountain world of Dalat
The Valley of Love is a picturesque valley with rolling hills and a lake at its centre that serves as a romantic getaway for locals and tourists alike. The French originally named the area Vallée D'amour (Valley of Love) in 1930 because of its tranquil and verdant surroundings. Under the reign of King Bao Dai, the name was changed to The Valley of Peace, and in 1953 it was renamed again to its current name, The Valley of Love or Thung Lung Tinh Yeu.
Other sights in Dalat and the surrounding area
Hang Nga Crazy House
A freewheeling architectural exploration of surrealism - that's the best way to describe the Hang Nga Crazy House, where getting lost in the huge building is part of the unforgettable experience.
Xuan Huong Lake
Xuan Huong Lake is named after the Vietnamese anti-authoritarian poet from the 17th century. The lake has an approx. 7 km long promenade, which is ideal for strolling and walking. Lovingly landscaped flower gardens, a golf club and the imposing Dalat Palace Hotel enhance the lake's surroundings.
Bao Dai Summer Palace
The summer palace of the last emperor of Vietnam is now a museum. The western-style building is beautiful and a visit can always be combined with a visit to the Crazy House further down the mountain.
Dalat Cathedral
Dalat Cathedral, also known as Dalat Chicken Church with a statue of a giant chicken on the bell tower, is one of the famous Catholic churches in Vietnam that attracts tourists. Not only is it the largest church in Dalat city, Dalat Cathedral is also one of the most famous and oldest architectural works left by the French in this romantic city.
Dambri Falls
The Dambri Falls are located about 130 kilometres south of Dalat, so a day trip is necessary to visit them. At 57 metres high, Dambri is the highest waterfall in Lam Dong Province. Nearby are the smaller Dasara Falls, a toboggan run, a cave and a small village of the Ma ethnic group.
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The weather in Dalat
Dalat has a pleasant climate almost all year round and there is often sunshine even during the rainy season. The dry season is from November to March and the rainy season from April to October. The average temperature in winter is 10 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius in summer.
How to get to Dalat ?
Dalat is well connected in the central highlands of Vietnam. Buses from Saigon, Nha Trang and Mui Ne run daily and take about 7 hours from Saigon and 5 hours from Nha Trang to Dalat. However, traffic can affect journey times and it is advisable to plan for possible delays. The city's airport is about 30 km from the city centre. For flexible travel and adventurous experiences off the beaten track, private transfers can be arranged on request.
The right time to visit
The best time to visit beautiful Dalat, a breathtakingly picturesque destination in Vietnam, is from November to March. During this time of year, you can enjoy fresh and crisp air with pleasant temperatures that are not overwhelmingly hot. Moreover, there are very few storms in Dalat during the three different seasons, so you can explore the scenic spots and enjoy the natural beauty without interruptions. Although occasional winds blow from the nearby sea, they are tolerable and only add to the tranquillity that this charming town is known for. Don't hesitate to plan your visit during these months, as Dalat is best enjoyed in cooler temperatures!
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Our recommendations
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from 189 € private transfer
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