Dalat looks like a cross between Vietnam and the French Alps. Many of its hotels and houses are built in a European/ French style. The city spreads across a series of pine-covered hills, with a small lake in the center and surrounded by a man made lake and higher peaks, making for some lovely scenery quite different from the rest of Vietnam. Temperatures are pleasantly warm by day, and quite cool at night, down to perhaps 10 degrees Celcius.
Dalat is very much a niche tourism town, open to some of the more adventurous travelers, or the Indo chic romantics, seeking world class golf. There is a steady flow during some parts of the year of tourist from all walks of life and places, small hotels, cafe's lining its streets and plenty of small shops offering anything from orchids to knitwear. The vast majority of visitors are Vietnamese, although plenty of Americans and Europeans find their way, in their search for this utopian Dalat, a Life style resort destination, either on short package tours, or research and soul searching, drawn by the scenery, vivid blue skies, fresh air, flower-filled parks, and local culinary treats. Dalat is a favorite destination for company weekend outings, family get-aways, and honeymooners.
I stayed at the Dalat Palace Hotel - an expansive structure built in the French Colonial style that the city is known for. Dalat Palace stands like a beacon in the hart of the city, convenient to everything Dalat has to offer.
SAFETY: Like other large cities in Vietnam, travelers must take precautions to secure valuables and keep billfolds hidden in front pockets or body wallets. Traffic is wild in most areas, and inexperienced vacationers are often hurt trying to navigate the bustling streets on foot or rented motorcycles. If you must explore in that manner, use extreme caution. I'd give Dalat a *** 3-star safety rating.
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