Five thousand feet above sea level sits the city of Da Lat, known as the ‘Agricultural Capital’ of Vietnam for its rich soil and temperate climate.
In the cover of night a bus bumped along the 156 miles between Saigon and Da Lat and deposited us in front of the Pi Boutique Hotel. It was just after 4 am and thanks to having sent an email the night before, a hotel clerk was awaiting our arrival at the ungodly hour and offered my husband and I the option of an early check in for half the price of an evening’s stay.
Da Lat’s streets lack a grid system of any kind, and the twisting roads of this small city make navigation and wrong turns a formidable challenge. But despite its small size, Da Lat is a rewarding stop through Vietnam and offers a welcome break from the sweltering heat of the Mekong delta.
Originally established by the French in the late 1800’s as a getaway for the colonialists who needed a place to escape the heat of the lowlands, Da Lat’s heavy European influence is still visible today in the Swiss and French architecture that permeates almost every aspect of the city.
In no particular order:
- Crazy House
- This architectural feat is one of the most well-known attractions in Da Lat. Created by architect Dr. Dang Viet Nga, Crazy House is a fantastical creation with a history rich in creativity and the pursuit of liberation. This is an attraction not to be missed. Learn more here and as long as you don’t mind the constant flurry of activity, stay in one of the rooms as Crazy House also doubles as a lodging in several of their unique rooms.
2. Maze Bar
3. The Night Market
4. Clothing market under Colline Hotel
5. Linh Phuoc Temple
6. Avocado Ice cream
7. Phuong Nam Bookstore and Stationery
8. Highlands Coffee Shop
9. Cong Caphe
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