Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Vietnam | Lượt xem: 1007
Located at 1,500 m above sea level and surrounded by high mountains, Da Lat is a mesmerizing place to cool off once you’re tired of the heat in Southern Vietnam. Affectionately referred to as the “City in the Mist”, this lovely place captures hearts with its temperate climate, rolling pine-covered hills, and charming French colonial buildings. If you’re looking for a memorable getaway during your Vietnam trip, Da Lat guarantees delight at every turn.
Da Lat City is the capital of Vietnam’s Lam Dong Province. Situated at an altitude of 1,500 m above sea level on the Langbian Plateau, the city features a cool climate and astonishing beauty that have made it a famous retreat since the French colonial era. It’s embraced by rolling hills, pine forests, and serene lakes, providing a tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation and exploration.
The city of Da Lat was recorded as being established in 1893, but it wasn’t until the mid-1910s that its construction officially began and its boundaries were legally determined. After over a century of restless development, Da Lat has flourished rapidly from a small resort town to a large urban area, attracting millions of tourists yearly.
Da Lat Vietnam’s climate is year-round mild and cool with average temperatures always ranging below 23°C, even in the hottest months. Due to its location in the tropical savanna climate zone, the city has two distinct seasons: the rainy one (late April - October), and the dry one (November - early April).
Generally speaking, the ideal time for a trip to Da Lat is during its dry season, when the weather is most pleasant with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 15°C - 24°C, creating perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, the city might be a little crowded during these months. If you don’t mind some frequent showers, the rainy season provides better peacefulness with fewer tourists and lush green scenery.
Most travelers often choose to reach Da Lat by air. Its nearest gateway is Lam Dong’s Lien Khuong Airport, which lies about 30 km from the city center and offers flights from major hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Da Lat.
Another popular option is taking local buses from nearby cities like Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. A bus ride from Nha Trang typically takes 3 - 4 hours which might be doubled if you drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Despite the long duration, the scenic journey through winding mountain roads is an adventure.
Since Da Lat is quite small, it’s not hard to find an area that suits your preferences. Ho Xuan Huong Lake and Da Lat Market are the heart of the city, providing easy access to other destinations. Accommodations vary from affordable cozy homestays to mid-range boutique hotels.
About 7 km southwest of Ho Xuan Huong Lake is Tuyen Lam Lake, another picturesque area embraced by pine forests and mountains. Accommodations here are generally mid-range to 4-star resorts.
If you prefer higher-ranked options with stunning views and premium amenities, there are many luxurious resorts and villas in the surrounding hills.
Xuan Huong Lake is a man-made lake in the city’s center, adjacent to several well-known attractions like Da Lat Flower Garden, Yersin Park, Cu Hill, and Lam Vien Square. Covering a total of 25 ha, this crescent-shaped lake is the focal point of Da Lat, offering a peaceful retreat for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the water. The name “Xuan Huong” literally means “Fragrance of Spring”, which implies the fresh, sweet aroma of nature when spring comes to this land.
Officially known as Hang Nga Guesthouse, the Crazy House is a whimsical architectural work built on a campus of nearly 2,000 m2 with many interconnected multi-functional spaces. Designed in 1990 by a Vietnamese architect who studied in Russia, this quirky house was heavily influenced by the surrealist movement. You can even stay here overnight as it also serves as a real guesthouse.
This region is home to many gorgeous waterfalls, but the most accessible and arguably sought-after is Datanla, located only 5 km from the city center. Besides the pristine and majestic beauty, this 20m-high cascade is also a great spot to challenge your adventurous self with exhilarating activities like zip-lining, canyoning, high rope courses, and alpine coaster rides.
Moving 4 km north of Xuan Huong Lake, you’ll see the Valley of Love - a romantic destination surrounded by verdant hills and flower gardens. Here, Da Thien Dam gathers small streams flowing from high mountains, forming the graceful Da Thien Lake that winds around a valley shaded by green pine trees. It’s a nice place to take a leisure boat ride on the lake or stroll through the captivating paths through the gardens.
Situated on a vast area of 7,000 m2 beside Xuan Huong Lake, the enchanting Da Lat Flower Park is a feast for the eyes. As one of the most beloved attractions in Da Lat, this park showcases the city’s floral diversity with vibrant displays of over 200 flower species, including roses, orchids, and hydrangeas, all very well cared for and organized.
Located 8 km from Da Lat’s center, Linh Phuoc Pagoda is an architectural marvel that will leave you in awe with countless pieces of broken ceramics and pottery embellishing its structures. It’s also known as Chua Ve Chai (the Scrap Pagoda), referring to the impressive 49-m long dragon made of 12,000 bottles at its gate. First constructed in 1949, this pagoda holds numerous national records, including the pagoda adorned with the most porcelain pieces, the tallest bell tower at 37m, the tallest indoor Buddha statue at 17m, and more. Linh Phuoc Pagoda is free to enter but only opens during the daytime.
Built from 1932 - 1938, Da Lat Railway Station is the oldest Indochinese station left and also the country’s highest station in terms of altitude. This station features a typical French colonial design with three pointed roofs symbolizing the three peaks of Langbiang Mountain. Today, its railway mainly serves as a tourist attraction with a 7 km-long restored section that will take you through a plethora of greenhouses and up the hill to Linh Phuoc Pagoda.
Placed on Phoenix Mountain and overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake, Truc Lam Zen Monastery is a serene destination where you can find a profound sense of calm and peace in every corner. Constructed in 1993 in traditional Vietnamese architecture, this elegant Zen monastery perfectly reflects the harmonious blend of nature and spirituality, providing a spectacular escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can directly drive here, or take a 2.3km-long cable car ride from Robin Hill for an additional cost.
Rising to a height of 2167 m, Langbiang Moutain offers breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills, lush pine forests, and the idyllic valleys below. This mountain is roughly 12 km from Da Lat City, and a trek to its highest peak often lasts 3 - 4 hours. If you don’t want to trek up the summit, you can still ride your bike or rent a jeep at the ticket booth to get there.
As the sun goes down, don’t forget to head to Da Lat Night Market and treat yourself to some mouthwatering specialties here. The market is most known for its tasty avocado ice cream, but you can still indulge in many other delicacies of Da Lat such as bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper), bánh mì xíu mại (Vietnamese sandwich with meatball soup), lẩu gà lá é (chicken hot pot with lemon basils), or hot soya milk… This is also one of the best spots to experience Da Lat’s nightlife, soak up the lively atmosphere, and shop for some meaningful souvenirs.
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