Dalat is the capital of Lam Dong province and is located at 1,500m above sea level on Lang Bian Plateau (also called Lang Biang), in the southern part of the Central Highlands. Dalat is a popular tourist destination among Vietnamese: it’s the “honeymoon capital” in the country and an escape destination for Ho Chi Minh City residents looking for fresh.
The temperate weather in Dalat area contrasts with the overall tropical climate in Vietnam. Thus, the mist that covers the valleys throughout most of the year explain why Dalat has been nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring". Dalat provides agricultural products grown in temperate climate to every province in Vietnam, including many varieties of vegetables and fruits. The city is surrounded by pine-covered hills, lakes and mountain peaks, creating a lovely scenery that differs from the rest.
The Palaces and other interesting buildings
The architecture of Dalat is dominated by the style of the French colonial period. The Railway Station, built in 1938, is designed in Art Deco style. The three palaces - the summer residence of Emperor Bao Dai and the buildings of the Dalat Palace Golf Club - are worth visiting. Not far from one of the palaces, the Crazy House, built by Dang Viet Nga, is a unique and original building decorated with quirky organic forms inspired by Spanish architect Gaudi.
Truc Lam Monastery
Truc Lam Monastery is nested on a hilltop overlooking Dalat. Besides fantastic panoramic views, this peaceful Zen temple offers the opportunity to discover the daily lives of the monks.
Lakes
Besides the artificial lake in the city center, several other lakes surrounded by pine forests can be found in Dalat, including the Lake of Sorrow, Tuyen Lam Lake, Golden Spring Lake, or the lake in the Valley of Love. You can walk around those lakes and enjoy the appeasing atmosphere.
Waterfalls
Prenn Falls (at the foot of Prenn Pass and about 10km outside of town) is not only beautiful but also provides a fun place for a walk. Behind a curtain of water, there is a bamboo bridge that allows visitors to cross the waterfall.
Pongour falls, 30km south of the city, is one of the largest in Vietnam and is especially impressive during the rainy season.
Finally, you can also discover the beautiful cascades of Dantala.
