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Da Lat Travel Guide
The capital of Lam Dong Province, Da Lat was established in 1897. It was originally established as a resort by the French to escape from the oppressive heat of Saigon and the Mekong Delta. At an altitude of 1,500m, an average temperature of only 17 degrees Celsius, and misty early-mornings, Da Lat is the perfect location for a highland resort.
Hotels were first built there in the early part of the 20th century, and fairly soon it was transformed into a proper colonial town with wide boulevards and many villas. Many of the old French Colonial buildings can still be seen today.
By the 1930s it is estimated that around 20% of the population of Da Lat was French, and by the 1950s, French institutions such a s boarding schools and seminaries had been established. Lam Dong Province had an abundance of wildlife and Da Lat became know for game hunting in Viernam. As a result wildlife in the area was decimated, and many so-called stuffed trophies of this wildlife once decorated many establishments in Da Lat.
Because of its fertile soil, the region also became one of Vietnam’s best agricultural provinces, and today fresh produce from Lam Dong Province, such as tomatos and strawberries, is exported to neighboring countries. The area also boasts a growing coffee and tea industry, as well as a trade in cut flowers. In addition, there is alo a fledgling wine producing industry emerging in Da Lat.
What To See & Do
Da Lat is one of Vietnam's leading destinations for Vietnamese tourists. It is tasteless and ostentatious, and for Vietnames honeymooners in particular, Da Lat is just the place to be.
However, Da Lat is a great place for foreign visitors to get out and explore parts of Vietnam's back country, and taste the outsanding produce of the area. You can also take a visit to Xuan Huong Lake. The central market in Da Lat is a real sight to see, with its abundance of fruit, vegetables, and flowers, it is unlque in the area.
Away from the town of Da Lat, there are villages that specialize in growing one kind of produce or another. If you are interested in this kind of thing, you can learn how various kinds of produce is cultivated and harvested.
Many wonder why such a tacky place is so popular, but perhaps it because it is so popular, that it became so tasteless. As they say, there is no accounting for taste.
At any rate, for most people, the beautiful natural scenery, the cool climate, and a kind of new-wave student scene, more than make up for its garishness.
Facilities & Services
In central Da Lat, there are two banks (Sacombank and Vietcombank) near the central market. Both have international ATMs, and many hotels also have ATMs.
The main post office in Da Lat is on Le Dai Hanh St., and is open daily from 7:30am to 9:00pm. Lam Dong Hospital is located on Pham Ngoc Thach St.
Cambodia
Lam Dong Province had an abundance of wildlife and Da Lat became know for game hunting in Viernam. As a result wildlife in the area was decimated, and many so-called stuffed trophies of this wildlife once decorated many establishments in Da Lat.
ostentatious, and for Vietnames honeymooners in particular, Da Lat is just the place to be. 