Telephone code: 063

Da Lat is located in Lam Dong province, approximately 200 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. At an elevation of 1,500 m, Da Lat bears the look of an Old French city. It was founded in 1897 when Doctor Alexandre Yersin recommended that the area be developed as a resort town.

Da Lat has many natural and artificial lakes such as Ho Xuan Huong, Than Tho, Da Thien, and Tuyen Lam bordered by lines of pine trees, which are a well-known feature of Da Lat.

A trip to Da Lat is not complete until one goes to the Da Lat Flower Gardens. The temperate climate of Da Lat is suitable for flowers such as orchids, roses, lilies, and camellias.

Nowadays, tourists not only limit themselves to Da Lat; they also visit the area of Langbian Highland and the ethnic minorities. Langbian Mountain’s highest peak at 2,165 m is very tempting for climbers. From Lom Bieng Klo peak, one can see endless green mountains reflecting the silver rays of the sun. Many tours are organized in the area, including parachuting and climbing.

Highlights 

+ Prenn Falls: Plunges into a misty valley full of flowers of the foot of Prenn Mountain .
+ Bao Dai’s Summer Palace: Built in French colonial style for the last king of the Nguyen dynasty, it is 4km from city center . A display of photographs shows the royal family enjoying themselves at the palace
+ Xuan Huong Lake: This beautiful crescent shaped lake is a favorite with young lovers.
+ Valley of Love: So named by King Bao Dai, it is 5km north of the city center and covered with towering pine trees.

Getting there

Air: Daily flights leave for Da Lat at 10a.m from CHM City ( not Sundays ). Vietnam Airlines office in Da Lat is at 1 Quang Trung; Lien Khuong airport is 29km from the city , off the HCM road.

Bus: From HCM City takes 5-6 hours. Da Lat bus station is 1.5km south of the city at 3 Thang 4 road.

Around Dalat

Cat Tien National Park: 240km from Saigon, it is home to some quite large specimens of local fauna, including the Java rhinoceros, the gaur-a recently discovered species of with ox- bears and leopards.

Lakes:

    + Dankia Lake: Situated at the foot of Lang Biang mountain 20km north of Da Lat. Ancient traditions live on this area.
    + Da Nhim Lake: 40km to the east of Da Lat, it is an area of stunning natural beauty despite the presence of Phan Rang - Da Nhim hydro-electric plant.

Waterfalls:

    + Pong Gua Falls: 50km from Da Lat city, argued to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole of Indochina.
    + Guga Falls: 17km hight, 40km from Da Lat
    + Dambri Falls: In Bao Loc district, the highest waterfall in the region.