Dalat is one of Vietnam’s well known vacation destinations and a place like no other in the country.  The aura and overall feel of Dalat makes it look like a cross between a Vietnamese and a French Alp town.  Mist covering the valleys almost year-round, leading to its name “City of Eternal Spring”.

Dalat is the capital of Lam Dong Province in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam.  It is about 1500 meters above sea level and is 350 kilometers away from Saigon.  The high altitude and fresh mountain air makes the temperature and overall feel of the town different from other more tropical destinations in the country.  Adding to the sense of the town’s ‘foreign feel’ is the manner in which the houses and hotels in Dalat are built.  Many are built in traditional French and Swiss chalet styles.

The roots of the town can be traced back to its history and founding in the late 19th century.  Alexandre Yershin, a renowned physician and bacteriologist, went on an expedition to the highlands in Vietnam.  The area reminded him of his homeland, especially the similarities between its evergreen forests and those in the Alps.  He asked the government to create a resort town at Dankia, not too far from Dalat, complete with health spas for government officials and foreign dignitaries.  Not too long after that, the development was moved from Dankia to its current location in Dalat.

The town is a trendy destination for Vietnamese on short package tours, company weekend outings and honeymoon retreats.  Many are drawn by the beautiful clear-blue skies, fresh air and flower-filled parks.  Overseas tourists will also find the cool weather a relief in Dalat.

This lovely mountain town is home to many sites.  The romantically named Valley of Love (originally called Thung Lung Tinh Yeu) is a very popular destination for honeymooners.  At the floor of the valley is Da Thien Lake, where peddled and motorized boats are available for couples to rent.

Xuang Houng Lake is another trendy spot for honeymooners.  It is a manmade lake shaped like a crescent moon, surrounded by serene scenes of trees, green fields and other plants.

Lake of Sorrow is another frequent stop for visitors.  The name of the lake got its inspiration from a tale of two lovers.  One committed suicide after the other was called up to serve in the army in order to defend Vietnam from invaders.  The tale can be narrated differently depending on the age and gender of the storyteller.

Dalat is also home to two waterfalls.  Prenn Falls, about 10 kilometers out of town, is a beautiful waterfall, offering tremendous hiking and picture taking opportunities.  Pongour Falls is one of the largest and widest waterfalls in Vietnam, located about 30 kilometers from Dalat.  During the rainy season, tons of water come cascading down, creating a truly magnificent sight.

With its cool temperature and lovely scenery, it is only natural that Dalat is home to one of the country’s most beautiful golf courses.  You can experience golf in Vietnam with Exotissimo’s Golfing in the Central Highlands tour, where a round of golf at the renowned and historic Dalat Palace Golf Club awaits.  Built in 1922, it is the first course in Indochina, blending in seamlessly with the rolling hills and overlooking the majestic Xuan Huong Lake.  Our Deltas, Beaches and Plateaus tour offers a bit of everything Vietnam has to offer in terms of landscape and culture, including a scenic and memorable two night stay at Dalat.  You can also see Exo Travel’s suggested Vietnam tours for other memorable trips into this varied and beautiful country.