Dalat, VietnamDalat, Vietnam
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dalat.jpg
Author: thalling55
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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.

Dalat CathedralDalat Cathedral
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Author: lionlyonne
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Visiting Dalat

Most visitors to Dalat come by bus. It is 5 hours from Nha Trang and 7 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.

Hang Nga Guesthouse, DalatHang Nga Guesthouse, Dalat
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HangNgaCrazyHouse3.jpg
Author: Kelisi
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Getting around in Dalat

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

  1. 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.

  2. Xuan Huong Lake
    Crescent-shaped man-made lake in the heart of Dalat.

  3. Dalat Cathedral
    Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas.

  4. Lam Ty Ni Pagoda
    An unorthodox pagoda of a solitary Buddhist monk who lives there with a pack of dogs.

  5. Bao Dai's Summer Palace
    Summer palace of the last Nguyen Emperor.

  6. Dalat Train Station
    Railway station built in the Art Deco style.

  7. Lam Dong Museum
    Museum exhibiting artifacts from Dalat and its surroundings.

  8. Thien Vuong Pagoda
    Pagoda erected by the Chinese community in Dalat.

  9. Dalat Central Market
    One of the largest markets in Vietnam.

  10. Chicken Village
    Rustic country village of the K'ho hill tribe.

  11. Lat Village
    A cluster of huts of the Lat hill tribe.

  12. Dalat Cable Car and Thien Vien Truc Lam
    A cable car service to a Zen monastery.

  13. Datanla Falls
    A waterfall in the hills to the southwest of Dalat.

  14. Dambri Falls
    The most spectacular waterfall in South Central Vietnam.

  15. Bo Bla Falls
    A waterfall on the way to Dambri Falls.

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