Introduction to Da Lat, Vietnam

Nestled at an elevation of around 1500m among the hills of the Lang Bian Plateau, the city of DA LAT is Vietnam's premier hill station, an amalgam of mazy cobbled streets and picturesque churches, spliced unfortunately with dingy East European-style constructions and touristic kitsch. In 1897, the Governor-General of Indochina ordered the founding of a convalescent hill station here, where Saigon's hot-under-the-collar colons could recharge their batteries, enjoy the bracing alpine chill, and even partake in a day's game-hunting. By tacit agreement during the American War, both Hanoi and Saigon refrained from bombing the city and it remains much as it was half a century ago, a great place to chill out, literally and metaphorically.

Xuan Huong Lake
Da Lat is also famous for its many waterfalls and lakes, one of which is Ho Xuan Huong (Xuan Huong lake). This man made lake was a site where many indigenous people of Langbian high land made their homes. In 1984, the lake was emptied for renovation purposes. At the bottom of the lake, scientists found many relics belonging to the hill tribe that once lived in this area. Xuan Huong lake is shaped like the crescent moon. Visitors to Da Lat and the town's people use the lake as a place to meet and talk. The lake is also where many honeymooners come to visit. Xuan Huong lake is the most beautiful lake in Da Lat. It is approximately 5 km2. In 1919 a dam was formed on a branch of Camly river creating a small lake. In 1923, another dam was built further down stream to create yet another lake. During a severe storm in 1932, both dams were destroyed. Between 1934-35, a larger dam was built of boulders (site of Ong Dao bridge today) below the sites of the two previous dam creating one large lake named Ho Lon or Large lake. Ho Lon was later renamed after Ho Xuan Huong, a famous vietnamese poet in the 17th-century.

 

Scenic Dalat
A small stream fed from Xuan Huong lake pours into CamLy fall leading to Suoi Vang (Gold Stream). Many people believe the name Camly has its origin in Han Viet. Cam means sweet and Ly means where the land absorbs the water. The river and fall was given the name Camly to signify a stream of cool fresh water leaving an impression (absorb) in the heart of the visitors. More probable however is the fact that Camly is the vietnamese pronunciation for K'Mly, name of the chief of Koho tribe who made their home in the Xuan Huong valley during the 19th century. Thung Lung Tinh Yeu (Valley of Love) is now a park developed by the local government to attract tourists. The valley is approximately 5 km from the center of town. At the floor of the valley is Da Thien lake. To go to the lake there is a small dirt path used for horses. Recently the park attendants have built a series of steps leading to the bottom of the valley. Lake Da Thien is quite small and there are peddles and motorized boats for rent.

Dalat Waterfalls
Prenn fall is located at the foot of Prenn pass and is about 10 km from Da Lat. Around the fall area was once a thriving wild life refuge. Visitors to the fall can visit the various habitat of the animals in this region. Today, Prenn fall is a destination to visit in Da Lat. A local compared the scenery at Prenn fall to those drawn in paintings. The water falling from the top of the fall creates a sheet of silver pouring into a pool of water at the bottom. Behind this sheet of water is a wooden and bamboo bridge where visitors can cross behind the water Gougah fall is approximately 40 km from Da Lat. The fall is located 500 m to the left of route 20. Guga is 17 m high. Its waters path is naturally split in half mid way down the fall. The path to the right flows calmly to the bottom, while the path to the left has great turbulence and mist as the water strikes the rocks on its way to the bottom

Dalat Central Market
One of Da Lats charm is the laid-back way of living of the local people. On any given day, from early morning to late at night, Da Lat's Central market is bustling with activities. Unlike most market in Vietnam, Da Lat's market has an open promenade where people can walk about. At the end of the promenade is a stair leading to the Le Dai Hanh Street, one of Da Lat's major thoroughfare. Da Lat enjoys favorable weather year round. During the winter months the average temperature in Da Lat is 10 degrees C. During the summer months the average temperature here is 18 degrees C. The locals claim that Da Lat is Vietnam's botanical garden in the middle of a pine forest. Many of the countrie's fruits and vegetables come from this part of the country.

How To Get to DaLat from others City

	Lien Khuong Airport is 30km south of Dalat. There are daily flights to Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi, and two flights a week to Danang.
	The Long distance bus station is at the end of NguyenThi Minh Khai st., Dalat city. Express buses leave for Ho Chi Minh city, Nha Trang, Phan Rang, Hue, Quang Ngai, Buon Ma Thuot, Danang and Quy Nhon. Minibus tickets to leave Dalat can be purchases in most of hotels in Dalat oe at dalat Tourist. It costs US$ 7 per person from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh city...