7 Reasons To Visit and Love Dalat

Posted by VietnamAdvisors

Video: Sapa is Awesome

The colonists loved it so much they made it a resort. You will too. In contrast to Saigon’s luxury hotels or Hanoi’s cultural kaleidoscope, Dalat offers a wonderful serving of nature at its finest. Ride on elephants and ostriches, explore stunning waterfalls, and dine by the lake. Located in Central Vietnam – which is also home to the gorgeous Douc Langurs – Dalat offers all of the above and more.

For Nature Enthusiasts: Pongour Waterfall

pongour

Pongour is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Vietnam. Located 40 kilometers south of Dalat, you can arrange for a tour or make your own way through the steps. We recommend renting a motorbike and riding it here from the city to take in the views. There also aren’t many tourists on site, so photo ops abound. You’ll have a great time taking in the nature, but do be careful of the slippery rocks!

For Fun-Loving Adventurers: Elephant & Ostrich Rides

Yes, you read that right. At Prenn Waterfalls, you can take ostriches and elephants for a stroll in the water. While getting up on the animals can be a little challenging, the experiences are some of the most astonishing you can ever have. Expect to get a little wet as you traverse through the forests, creeks, and lakes. Not a bad way to see the countryside. If you are in the mood for more adrenaline-laced adventures, check out our featurette.

For Culture Lovers: Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Let art take your breath away. The sheer amount of detail embedded in the Dragon-shaped structure is stunning. While the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum takes the cake for historical visits in Vietnam, this pagoda comes closely behind.Managed by four Buddhist monks until 1985, the Pagoda houses a place of worship, a flower garden, and living quarters for monks. You will also discover statues of renowned Buddhist figures and dragons spread across the perimeter.

For Colonial Remnants: French Villas

Live like the French colonists did. While some of the villas have remained true to their historical roots, many have been renovated into high-end guest houses that pamper their residents with atmospheres of peace and romance – resembling the luxury palaces in Saigon’s metropolis. The most renowned villa is the Ana Mandara Da Lat, which is pictured above and contains a spa. Prices for villas vary around 200,000 VND.

For Global Foodies: V-Cafe

A lovely cafe run by a Vietnamese-American couple. All day dining features both Vietnamese and American cuisines – don’t be surprised to find steaks, hamburgers, tacos, and roast pork. Think of it as a little home away from home. What’s even better is the live music, free Wi-Fi, and pool tables – all of which give it a Hard-Rock cafe type of feel. We recommend the beef lasagna. If you like cafes, you should also check out this Harry Potter themed cafe in Hanoi.

For Lakeside Dining: Bluewater Restaurant (Thanh Thuy)

bluewater A local favorite that offers a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese, and western cuisine. Enjoy an evening breeze while soaking up calming views of Xuan Hoang Lake – coffee and beer are also available. We recommend the pork ribs in fermented black bean sauce and the Hong Kong style sampler. For an especially nice experience, come here for breakfast and just watch the world sail by.

For A Great Night Out: Rain Nightclub

Every taxi driver will tell you that this is “the hottest club in town.” Live (and great) music, free entrance, and incredible light shows make for an incredible party vibe. This is an especially nice escape given that almost everything else at Dalat closes around 11 pm. Rain resembles the nocturnal party houses of Saigon, and is open until 2 am. The club performers and dancers are great for getting you in the mood.