At first glimpse, hilly and cool Dalat feels like a foreign country: locals go about in sweaters, berets and Sunday suits, and mist hangs over hilly neighborhoods with French villas lost in the mist.
That it’s so different is why it’s long been a place for French colonials, Vietnam kings and communist-era honeymooners have come to escape Vietnam’s heat and hassle. In the last 15 years or so, guidebooks have put Dalat at par with other itinerary staples as Nha Trang and Hoi An, but to be honest not all visitors are equally swayed by its gentle green mountains, brisk temperatures and quirky take on what tourism means (like the ‘Dalat cowboys’ offering pony rides or the dream-like tree/cave hotel with red-eyed kangaroos in rooms you can tour all day).
Nightlife is limited, and the dining situation not that much more advanced. But many like it – particularly for relaxed motorbike rides or canyoning and trekking tours to minority villages in the mountains. And sitting over coffee at Dalat Lake. And grabbing a beer or upscale meal at the French-built Dalat Palace hotel. And spending a couple days out of the heat.
That it’s so different is why it’s long been a place for French colonials, Vietnam kings and communist-era honeymooners have come to escape Vietnam’s heat and hassle. In the last 15 years or so, guidebooks have put Dalat at par with other itinerary staples as Nha Trang and Hoi An, but to be honest not all visitors are equally swayed by its gentle green mountains, brisk temperatures and quirky take on what tourism means (like the ‘Dalat cowboys’ offering pony rides or the dream-like tree/cave hotel with red-eyed kangaroos in rooms you can tour all day).
Nightlife is limited, and the dining situation not that much more advanced. But many like it – particularly for relaxed motorbike rides or canyoning and trekking tours to minority villages in the mountains. And sitting over coffee at Dalat Lake. And grabbing a beer or upscale meal at the French-built Dalat Palace hotel. And spending a couple days out of the heat.
Worth It? Not all visitors like Dalat equally, but if pollution, city hustle or the heat has you down, Dalat is about the best two-day rejuvenator in Vietnam
What to Do Number one: relax in the hills and soak up the night chill, then consider more active past times (day treks, canyoning trips, self-made motorbike rides).
Best Time to Go Anytime? Traditionally the best time is February to May, perhaps for early December’s Flower Festival; it’s dry November to May, but I’ve enjoyed drizzly, cool summer breaks here (with hordes of local tourists)
How Long? Two or three days
Gateway A convenient mid-way point between Saigon and Nha Trang, with buses going to both, plus a good-value flight to Saigon.
Fact The name ‘Da Lat’ refers to a river or stream of the local hilltribe the Lat. The town was founded a century ago as an idea by French scientist Dr Alexander Yersin for a hill-station retreat with a heat-break temperate climate
What to Do Number one: relax in the hills and soak up the night chill, then consider more active past times (day treks, canyoning trips, self-made motorbike rides).
Best Time to Go Anytime? Traditionally the best time is February to May, perhaps for early December’s Flower Festival; it’s dry November to May, but I’ve enjoyed drizzly, cool summer breaks here (with hordes of local tourists)
How Long? Two or three days
Gateway A convenient mid-way point between Saigon and Nha Trang, with buses going to both, plus a good-value flight to Saigon.
Fact The name ‘Da Lat’ refers to a river or stream of the local hilltribe the Lat. The town was founded a century ago as an idea by French scientist Dr Alexander Yersin for a hill-station retreat with a heat-break temperate climate
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