Da Lat

Da Lat sits at around 1,500 metres in Vietnam's Central Highlands, and its altitude gives it a cool, spring-like climate that the French, who built it as a hill-station retreat, prized as an escape from the lowland heat. That heritage lingers in the old villas, the mock-Norman railway station and the town's slightly surreal, romantic air, and Vietnamese honeymooners come for exactly that reason. Around it spread pine forests, a chain of lakes, tumbling waterfalls, and above all flowers and produce: the cool climate makes this the country's centre for growing strawberries, artichokes, coffee and cut flowers, and the markets overflow with them. Add quirky sights like the fantastical Crazy House, canyoning and abseiling down waterfalls in the surrounding hills, and Da Lat is a distinctly different side of Vietnam, temperate, green and gently eccentric.

Highlights

• The French villas and old station - the hill-station architecture and mock-Norman railway.
• Flower gardens and markets - the blooms and produce of the cool highland climate.
• The waterfalls - the cascades in the surrounding hills, some with canyoning.
• The Crazy House - the fantastical, sculptural guesthouse that has become an icon.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the most pleasant; the wet season brings frequent rain, though the town stays green. It is cool year-round, a genuine relief from the coast, so bring a light layer for the evenings. Weekends draw Vietnamese visitors, especially honeymooners.

What to expect

Da Lat has grown and its centre can feel over-built and touristy, with some sights, like certain flower parks and the cable car, more kitsch than beautiful; the real charm is the climate, the produce and the countryside around town. The approach roads from the coast are long and winding. Its appeal is gentle and green rather than dramatic, so those chasing beaches or big sights may find it low-key.

Nearby

The coastal city of Nha Trang lies over the mountains to the east; the coffee-growing highlands stretch north.