Da Lat travel and tourist guide
Da Lat was founded as a hill station by the French during the late 19th century on the advice of Alexandre Yersin, a scientist who saw that the region’s fresh climate would be an ideal antidote for the heat and humidity of Saigon. Though the French are long gone, many of the colonial villas they built still pepper the hillsides, some renovated and others being reclaimed by nature.
These days Da Lat attracts both domestic and foreign tourists, but largely for different reasons. To the Vietnamese, it is a romantic recluse in the hills, popular among honeymooners who love to take photos in the flower gardens, pedal swan-shaped boats around Xuan Hoang Lake and ride ponies in the nearby Valley of Love.
 | Attractions & activitiesFrom adventure sports such as rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking to pony trekking and visiting regal palaces that once housed emperors - there is lots to do here...more |  | HotelsThere are high-end resorts and spas set amongst the mountainous terrain as well as budget homestays and no-frills backpacker hostels for those on a shoestring budget...more |
 | Restaurants & barsDa Lat is not a place known for all night raves but there are a smattering of chilled bars where visitors can mingle plus great restaurants and streetfood for an authentic dining experience...more |  | TransportationWith direct buses from Ho Chi Minh City there is little hassle getting to Da Lat, and navigating the region is easy with a veriety of tours and transport options for all budgets...more |
Da Lat guide - historic hill station of Vietnam
Da Lat is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Central Highlands’, though few tourists venture further into the highlands, preferring to spend their time on the beach or exploring historic cities like Hue.
Nevertheless, the town has several unusual attractions that can keep visitors busy for several days. These include the Summer Palace of Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last emperor, Hang Nga’s Crazy House – a cartoon residence made real, and the train ride to Trai Mat passing through flower and vegetable gardens.
At an altitude of 1,500 metres, Da Lat is much cooler than the coastal regions of Vietnam, and the humidity is generally lower as well. Thus it does provide relief from the tropical heat, and for much of the year it is necessary to wear a jacket, a distinct novelty in this country.
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