Dalat, also written Da Lat (Vietnamese: Đà Lạt ), is a city in Vietnam. It is the capital of Lam Dong Province. The name Da Lat is said to have been derived from the Lation acronym for Dat Aliis Laetitiam Aliis Temperiem, which means "Give pleasure to some, freshness to others". Located 1,500 meters above sea level, Dalat enjoys a cool climate with temperature ranging from between 17°C to 25°C, making it a popular local tourist destination.
Dalat was established as a highland resort by the French colonial government in the 1890's. The French began to design a city with French-style villas and boulevards. There are missionary schools set up by the French Catholic priests and nuns. Many of these are still standing, along with the Roman Catholic churches and convents.
You can easily explore Dalat on foot. There are also motorcycle taxis around most corners to take passengers to different parts of town. Alternatively you can rent a motorbike to ride around.
Places of Interest in Dalat
Hang Nga (Crazy House) A guesthouse of the most astounding architectural style, built by Dr Dang Viet Nga, no less the daughter of former senior Communist Party leader Truong Chinh.
Xuan Huong Lake Crescent-shaped man-made lake in the heart of Dalat.
Dalat Cathedral Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas.
Lam Ty Ni Pagoda An unorthodox pagoda of a solitary Buddhist monk who lives there with a pack of dogs.
Bao Dai's Summer Palace Summer palace of the last Nguyen Emperor.
Dalat Train Station Railway station built in the Art Deco style.
Lam Dong Museum Museum exhibiting artifacts from Dalat and its surroundings.
Thien Vuong Pagoda Pagoda erected by the Chinese community in Dalat.
Dalat Central Market One of the largest markets in Vietnam.
Chicken Village Rustic country village of the K'ho hill tribe.
Lat Village A cluster of huts of the Lat hill tribe.
Dalat Cable Car and Thien Vien Truc Lam A cable car service to a Zen monastery.
Datanla Falls A waterfall in the hills to the southwest of Dalat.
Dambri Falls The most spectacular waterfall in South Central Vietnam.
Bo Bla Falls A waterfall on the way to Dambri Falls.