Overview
The City of Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong Province and can be found 5000 feet about sea level towards the south of the Central Highlands Region of Vietnam. Surrounded by thousands of pine trees it is home to almost a quarter of a million people. Da Lat has its own weather system, being temperate as apposed to Vietnam’s normally tropical climate. The valleys around the city are often shrouded in mist giving rise to the city’s nickname of City of Eternal Spring. Because of the climate, the area has become the centre of agriculture of produce like cabbages and cauliflowers. The large flower industry here produces Hydrangeas and Strawflowers also known as Golden Everlasting. Strawberries and Mulberries are also grown and the local preserve of these and Sweet Potato is also very popular. The city itself is quite unique for this part of the world looking as it does like a mixture between a small Vietnamese city and A town in the French Alps. The centre is quite small and is something of a tourist town. It is however a very pleasant setting and makes for a superb holiday destination; often used as a stop off between the north and south of the country, a purpose for which it is ideally suited. It is fast becoming a centre for trekking and mountain biking. There is a quite well known monastery here. Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery is accessible by means of a cable car ride above the pine forest and makes for a pleasant few hours. [divider]
How to Get There?
By Plane: The airport is just 19 miles south of the city and a modern highway connects the two. The journey in by shuttle bus or taxi is scenic and enjoyable. Always state your hotel clearly to the driver. Vietnam Airlines customer service: +84 (0) 20 3263 2062 Vietjet customer service: +84 (0) 1900 1886 By Bus: Buses bring visitors from all parts of the country. The well known Sinh Café open tour bus from Hanoi to Saigon stops off here. It is worth bearing in mind that even from Saigon the journey will take up to 9 hours. For Western travellers it is worth finding a bus without a TV on board, if you wish for some peace and quiet. [divider]
Getting Around
Da Lat city is quite small and most parts can easily be reached on foot. Motorbike taxis (Xe Om) can be found on many street corners and for further trips, metered taxis are readily available. As always watch the meter. Motorbikes, bicycles and even tandems can be hire to give the tourist more freedom of movement.
Tags: Vietnam tours
