Credit: Shutterstock Dalat, the mountainous town in southern Vietnam, sometimes feels like it was taken from Europe and placed in the heart of Asia. The French conquerors were the first to fall in love with the town, which reminded them of home and allowed them to escape the tropical heat of Vietnam. They left behind colonial villas, wide boulevards and a clear culinary influence (especially Banh Mi, the local baguette).
Today, Dalat is the rising star of Vietnam's domestic tourism scene and is particularly loved by locals, as well as by more and more foreign tourists who are discovering it and the beautiful areas around it.
Credit: ShutterstockDalat is known as the "City of Eternal Spring," as its temperatures are pleasant all year round, varying between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius. The ideal time to visit the city is during the dry season, between November and March, when the skies are blue, and the chances of rain are low.
You are especially recommended to visit in December and January, when the city is packed with beautifully colored trees in bloom. Keep an eye on the famous Flower Festival that usually takes place at the end of December. All year round, the evenings are cool, so make sure you pack warm clothing. In summer, the coolness turns into a refreshing breeze, while in other areas of the country, temperatures and humidity start to climb.
Xuan Hong Lake. Credit: shutterstock
Flower Pagoda. Credit: shutterstockFlower Pagoda (Linh Phuoc Pagoda): A Buddhist temple with impressive architecture, entirely covered in mosaics made of broken glass, porcelain and recycled beer bottles. The large dragon at the entrance, made of 12,000 bottles, is a sight not to be missed.
Cafes: Dalat is surrounded by beautiful sites, but the truth is that sometimes you don't even have to exit it leave to enjoy the views. The city is considered a coffee powerhouse, with Vietnam being the second largest coffee exporter in the world, and many of its coffee plantations located in the Dalat area. The city's cafes are, therefore, the most beautiful in the country, especially those built on slopes and hills, sometimes on several levels, overlooking the surrounding pine forests and green valleys. You can sit on a swing, sip an iced coffee, and enjoy the peace and the view.
A cafe in Dalat. Photo: Tomer BarkaiThose who prefer Western food will find a wide selection of restaurants in the city serving excellent burgers, pastas, and fine French food.
Banh Mi Xiu Mai. Credit: ShutterstockDalat is an excellent crossroads for continuing your trip in southern Vietnam:
Beach lovers and foodies can take a 3-4 hour drive to reach the tropical beaches of Nha Trang.
Big city fans and shopping lovers can go to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the bustling and vibrant metropolis of the south.
Adventurers and coffee lovers can continue their journey to Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital of Vietnam, a less touristy area that offers wild nature, authentic villages, and huge waterfalls.