Da Lat

Da Lat is a hillside town which is a popular retreat for both Vietnamese and international visitors. It is capital of Lam Dong province. It is 306km north east of Saigon and 1,049km south of Hanoi. Da Lat is famous for its flowers, flower gardens, waterfalls and stunning scenery.

WHEN TO VISIT

Thanks to its location, Da Lat has a mild and refreshing climate all year round. It has 2 main seasons, dry and rainy

HISTORY

The town was discovered in the 1890s by Alexandre Yersin. He had been asked by Paul Doumer, the Governor General at the time, to find a suitable area that could be made into a resort, particularly as a place for recuperating from ill health.

ACTIVITIES AND PLACES OF INTEREST

Xuan Huong lake, in the center of town. 5km diameter.

Bao Dai’s Summer Palace. Bao Dai was the last Emperor of Vietnam who ascended the throne in 1926 aged 12.
Opening times – 07:00-17:00

Crazy House (Hang Nga Guest House and Art Gallery). Designed by a Vietnamese artist in 1990
Opening times – 07:00-18:00

Da Lat rail station. Built in 1943 its 5-7km section still runs with its steam train from Da Lat to the tiny village of Trai Mat
ticket price 124,000 VND return ticket
Operates 5 times per day

Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery. Accessed by cable car
Cable car fee 80,000 VND return ticket. Monastery accepts donations

Lang Biang mountain. 2,167km above sea level. Allow for a 3-hour hike

Many wonderful waterfalls including Prenn, Pongour, Datanla and Elephant Falls. Entrance fees apply

Lake of Sorrow/Lakes of Sighs. Named after some sad stories of lovers. Originally a natural lake, it was enlarged by the French as a dam.