Dalat Hotels

The Central Highlands of Vietnam was not immune from development. Though most justly associate hill stations with the British Raj, French Indochina was no different and sought succor in the altitudes of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Dalat, or Da Lat, is the most famous remnant of the era and, indeed, is unlike any other city in Vietnam.

More than six decades since the capital of Lam Dong province was the capital of the Federation of Indochina, Dalat still necessitates a double take from visitors fresh from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Nha Trang. The Gallic influence and aesthetic pervades still, from the Eiffel Tower radio mast homage to lakeside chalets, wide boulevards to the central marketplace. Despite the colonial residue, however, the “City of Eternal Spring” is distinctly Vietnamese in many ways, from the hill tribe villages that fringe the city limits to the swarms of domestic honeymooners who flock here to engage in the country’s most clichéd nuptial ritual.

Dalat's Top 10

Dalat, Vietnam

Dalat is a visual delight for tourists who want a change from typical Vietnamese tourist attractions, as the architecture, landscape and atmosphere of this town channel the French Alps, minus the snow and cold. Many travellers head here for its world-class golf courses, resorts and natural attractions such as the lakes, hills and mountain trails. Whether you enjoy exploring gardens and canyons or chatting about art in streetside cafés, this locale should have a star next to it on your Vietnamese travel itinerary.

Dalat Attractions

• Emperor Bao Dai's Palaces
• Crazy House
• Xuan Hong Lake

Dalat Activities

• Take a guided bus tour of Dalat
• Hike at Langbiang Mountain
• Enjoy canyoning at Thung Lung Tinh Yeu

Dalat Climate

Temperatures do not change drastically throughout the year in Dalat, and 23-25°C are typical highs and 14-17°C are average lows. There are wet and dry seasons, however, with August through October being the rainiest months (24-25 cm). January through March are very dry, with only 2-4 cm of rain per month.

Getting There & Around

Many people travel to Dalat on a tour bus from Ho Chi Minh City or Nah Trang. There is an airport 30 km from the city, and many local buses offer routes to the area. Your hotel may offer free transportation to and from the airport as well.

You can get around in this destination cheaply using the local taxis and motorbike taxis called xe om.

Dalat Events

The Dalat Cable Car is a 1.4 mi (2.3 km) adrenaline rush to Tuyen Lam Lake.

Dalat Flower Festival takes over the city in late December.

Tea Culture Festival lures thousands of tourists to Dalat in early December.

When To Go

Mild weather is at the heart of Dalat’s allure. The difference between the temperate climate of the Central Highlands and Saigon is significant, most notably in the fiery furnace of March, April and May. At minimum, Dalat is 15°F cooler than the ace metropolis of Vietnam.

Relief is on hand throughout the year, as Dalat seldom strays below or above the 55°F (13°C) to 77°F (25°C) window. The wet season wields less of a wallop as well, with 8 in (200 mm) less rain in Dalat than Saigon.

On the whole, the best months to visit the highlands city remain the dry season mainstays of December, January, February and March.

More Info On Getting Around