The New York Times recently listed delightful Dalat as one of the top 52 places to go in 2016 citing it as “A cool alternative to the usual steamy Vietnamese destination” and we at Hoi An Express fully endorse this, keep reading to find out our top reasons why!

Le Petit Paris in Spring-time

Perched on a hilltop at an altitude of around 1500m, Dalat in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region is the perfect respite from the heat and hectic pace of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) which is exactly why the French built a resort here in the early 1900’s.

The chalets, chateau-style villas and churches that the French left behind give the town a distinctly French feel. It’s even got a replica Eiffel Tower, which is actually a telecommunications tower in the shape of the famous French landmark, one of many slightly kitsch features of Dalat.

With an average temperature of around 20 degrees, Dalat’s eternal state of springtime, combined with its fresh mountainous air, flower gardens, strawberry-sprouting farms and evergreen forests add to its European vibe.

Honeymoons and Hill-tribes 

Dalat’s French-feel has earned it the reputation of being the perfect lovers’ retreat, making it a popular place for honeymoons and romantic getaways for domestic tourists.  Loved-up couples flock to the extremely kitsch Valley of Love (Dalat’s version of Disney World for Lovers) for selfies and even professional photographs in front of loved-themed statues.

Home to hill-tribes for many centuries, the town’s population also includes around 5,000 hill-tribe members. The female members of hill-tribes are talented seamstresses and their handicrafts are displayed in shops and markets all around town.  Lat village ,on the outskirts of town and at the foot of Lang Biang Mountain, is home to five different groups of hill-tribes and features handicraft shops and cultural activities.

Outdoor activities, hillside adventures and wonderful waterfalls

Dalat’s year-round cool climate also makes it a haven for outdoor activities and there’s something to suit everyone. For golfing enthusiasts there are three international standard Golf Clubs, each featuring pine tree forests and fresh mountain air. For those who like to do a bit of active exploration, the lakes, forests, hills and mountains of Dalat and its surrounds are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, white-water rafting and canyoning. It may not be blessed with a coastline, but with 11 waterfalls within an 80 km radius and the epic Dambri Waterfalls 130km away, Dalat also has plenty of options for splashing about in fresh water. Closer to town, the pretty Tuyen Tam Lake is the perfect place for a refreshing swim or peddle-boat ride. A trip to this lake can be combined with a visit to the vast Truc Lam Pagoda, perched on  a nearby hill about 7km from town and best reached by an exhilarating cable-car ride that soars over vegetable patches and pine forests.

 Delicious Dalat

Dalat’s fresh climate is perfect for growing garden fruit and vegetables that aren’t available in the rest of Vietnam. The selection on offer includes; spinach, asparagus, artichokes, yams, beets, green beans, avocados, radishes, strawberries, peaches, plums and blackberries.