At
almost 5,000 feet above sea level, Da Lat dishes a chill vibe—both literally
and figuratively—that appeals to travelers. The cool weather coupled with an
array of nature and man-made attractions—make this city in Central Vietnam—an
ideal place for wanderers crisscrossing the land of Pho, to make a pit stop for several days.
Take the Easy-Rider Day Tour
As
a city situated in the central highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat is surrounded by
jaw dropping scenery consisting of pine forests, glass-like lakes, waterfalls
and quaint towns. What better way to explore all these places than go on a motorcycle
tour.
Travelers can easily rent a motorbike in the city but for those wanting
a hassle-free exploration and also to make sure you won’t miss any place of
fascination, I suggest you avail the Easy-Rider Day tour available at most hotels and
hostels. It starts at 8:00 am and ends before 5:00 pm taking you to coffee
farms, silk factories, waterfalls, various temples, local villages, heritage
sites and more.
Hang out at Hip Cafes
In
a place where the cool weather prevails all year round—especially in a country
known for coffee—it comes as no surprise that Da Lat is spoilt with cafes each
screaming of trendy interiors and bursting with pure coffee aroma. Rest your
weary legs from hours of wandering at one of Da Lat’s hip cafes and to also enjoy a cup of coffee Vietnam is known for.
Stroll at the Old French Quarters
French
inspired buildings and houses built in the late 19th century and early 20th
century still exists in a small neighborhood in Da Lat. While some are in
disrepair, most still exude a sense of Da Lat's old character during the French
colonization years. Taking a stroll here
at the Old French Quarter will indulge you to the classic Art Nouveau
architecture of the city. Also, don’t miss the old Da Lat Train station also located
in this neighborhood.
Vietnamese Food trip
Da
Lat’s location in the highlands of Vietnam makes it as an ideal place for
farmers to grow vegetables thus earning the moniker "vegetable garden of the south". Since everything here is grown
organically, expect the freshest and healthiest savory local cuisines to be
served in the many side street restaurants in the city.
Visit Pongour Waterfalls
Gushing
over a massive boulder wall of over a hundred meters wide and 40 meters high is
the cascading waterfalls of Pongour. Truly, a marvel of sight located just 40
kilometers from downtown Da Lat. This is a side trip one mustn’t miss when
visiting Da Lat.
Go Wacky at the Crazy House
Originally
known as Hằng Nga Guesthouse, it has become more identified as the Crazy House because of its, uhm
well—crazy but imaginative architecture. Designed by Vietnamese architect Dang
Viet Nga, it incorporates influences of Antoni Gaudi by blending perfectly
the sculptured elements of Earthly natural forms such as animals, insects,
caves to go along with other non-rectilinear shapes. Described as an
"expressionist" type of Architecture, seeing the "Crazy
House" up close is definitely an experience you cannot pass up on.
Find your Zen at Xuan Huong Lake
A
man-made lake situated in the city center of Da Lat, Xuan Huong Lake is a place
teeming with lush gardens or colorful flowers and indigenous plants. Sitting
under the tree and enjoying a couple of hours of relaxation here shall have you
achieving a piece of mind in no time.
Trek to Elephant Falls
Another
waterfalls worthy of a side trip from Da Lat, Elephant Waterfalls encompasses a
bundle of energy as evidenced by its forceful flowing waters. This waterfalls
is also situated almost adjacent to Linh An Tu Pagoda - which is highlighted by
a huge white Buddha statue.
Check out my blog post Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam.
I first wrote this article for Windowseat.ph on August 15, 2019
