Dalat is an ideal holiday retreat, set amongst the low hills of the Central Highlands. It was originally founded in 1897 by Alexander Yersin and Dalat city was established in 1912. The city served as a hill station for the French trying to escape the heat of the plains and the delta. The city enjoys a year round spring-like climate and as a result, this lovely setting and ideal climate has made this city a hit with domestic and foreign tourists alike.

Dalat has a charming French district which is located behind the Rap 3-4 cinema. It is well worth exploring. It is also in the French District where a number of the hotels are situated. In the center of town there is a large fresh produce market which sells some of the nicest strawberries (when in season) that you can ever hope to taste!

This town is also the center of kitsch in Vietnam. Keep an eye out for the Dalat Cowboys, who ride around the town on horseback. For relaxation, you may want to take a ride on a swan boat on the lake or even buy one of the dozens of different types of souvenirs available in the market.

Dalat has a lot worth visiting, especially if you are into kitsch. Dalat has a public eighteen hole golf course and so is a worthwhile place to visit for the avid golfer. A few hours could quite easily be spent riding bikes around the lake and stopping off at the many interesting sights near it. Another place worth visiting are the lovely Botanical gardens.

Bao Dai’s Summer Palace
forest in Dalat central Vietnam

Set atop the ridge overlooking Dalat, this residence is one of the more bizarre buildings that one can visit. The building is best described as complete art decor. When one looks at it, it is easy to conclude that it should be in Paris rather than Dalat. It was used as a place to relax by Bao Dai, the last feudal king of Vietnam who was overthrown during the August rebellion in 1945. The palace is located deep in a pine forest. It is renown for its beautiful flower gardens and wonderful embroidered artwork created by talented local girls. It is really worth a half-day visit.

source : http://www.threeland.com