Top things to do in Dalat

The largest and by far the most ‘touristed' town in the Central Highlands, Dalat is the capital of Lam Dong province. The bracing, cool mountain climate that  travel to Dalat enjoys at an altitude of 1,500m (4,920ft), its large open spaces, picturesque waterfalls, colonial architecture and incredibly fresh produce provide respite for those wishing to escape the heat and humidity of Ho Chi Minh City and the lowlands of southern Vietnam. Annual temperatures range between a comfortable 16°C (61°F) and 24°C (75°F), making the city Vietnam’s most popular fair-weather retreat – and its top honeymoon destination.

It is easy to see why the French were so enamoured of Dalat during the colonial days and why it was the favourite getaway for the last emperor, Bao Dai. During the American war, the city remained a haven of peace, and as a result, Dalat’s beautiful colonial architecture has been preserved as nowhere else in Vietnam. It is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Although largely assimilated now, local ethnic minorities can still be seen walking to the market in quasi-traditional dress, with baskets and large jars hanging on their backs.




Places to visit in Central Dalat
Central Market

Dalat’s Central Market (Cho Da Lat) is one of the largest in the country, set in the deep hollow of a hillside and surrounded by rows of cafés and shops selling wine and candied fruit. The food is the highlight here. The second floor of the middle building is devoted entirely to food stalls. The ground floor of the market offers a peek into the great diversity of produce grown in the surrounding region: tomatoes, avocados, asparagus, strawberries and just about any other fruit you can think of, as well as flowers in abundance.
Summer Palace of Bao Dai

Tucked away under pine trees at Trieu Viet Vuong Street is the Summer Palace of Bao Dai (Biet Dien Quoc Truong). This Art Deco-influenced abode of Vietnam’s last emperor was built between 1933 and 1938. Also referred to as Dinh III, it is actually one of three palaces (the others being Dinh I and Dinh II, neither of which is currently open to the public) belonging to Bao Dai in Dalat. It’s said that all three are connected by tunnels so that the emperor could secretly visit his mistresses in each one. Although guides will say that the furnishings and artefacts in the house were used by Bao Dai, it is a well-known fact that many of his belongings were carted away in the early years. Outside the mansion, a carnival-like atmosphere prevails, with souvenir vendors, pony rides and Disney characters. To appreciate the villa better, visit it right after it opens in the morning, or just before lunch.
Lam Dong Museum

On Hung Vuong Street is the Lam Dong Museum (Bao Tang Lam Dong), an excellent museum that has been recognised by the United Nations for its extensive collection of musical gongs used by the local K’ho, Ma and Churu minorities. Other exhibits include an impressive taxidermy collection of local wildlife; ancient relics from the Champa empire excavated near Cat Tien National Park, with others from recent excavations throughout the province; and full-sized Ma and K’ho tribal longhouses, decorated with musical instruments, weapons and common household items.