A friend suggested we check out Da Lat, known as the French countryside of Vietnam, so when it was time to depart Nha Trang, we hired a taxi to drive us. It wasn’t the cheapest way, but it was the most comfortable. The total drive took us about three hours and cost approximately 2,000,000 VND (about 90 USD), which my girlfriend and I split. The drive was wonderful and very scenic. We passed many open fields, mountains and drove on winding roads.
When we were driving through the mountains, the sun was setting so the rays against the cliffs, trees, and the horizon were very picturesque.Although the landscape was beautiful, I was petrified driving through the mountains. I am not afraid of heights but there were a few times I wondered to myself how a big bus would drive on these roads. There were parts that were very narrow and winding, if I was looking out from a bus window, I would have had an anxiety attack from seeing the edge of the cliff and the distance to the bottom of the mountain.
Once we got to Da Lat, we felt the drop in the temperature: it was a lot colder than in Nha Trang. We checked into La Sapinette Hotel, which got a four-star rating on the internet and was located near the Central Market (3-minute car ride). The hotel appeared deserted, it didn’t seem like anyone was staying at the hotel. We went up to our room and the hallways felt very cold and creepy. I felt like I was in the hotel from the movie, The Shining.
The next morning, we went down for our complimentary breakfast and the restaurant was packed with guests. I was shocked since the night before the hotel appeared desolate. But I guess many people had been out and about or getting their beauty sleep.
PLACES TO EAT
We took a cab into town and walked around to find that there were a lot of eateries and shops. There is one huge market, called Cho Da Lat. It doesn’t come close to any other markets I’ve been to in Southeast Asia, but you can still grab some cool souvenirs, fruits, and vegetables. Even after the sun sets, the outside market is bustling and there are many vendors that lay out their goods on the street and steps. Also, there are little lawn chairs and tables set up, so visitors who purchase food can eat, drink, and people watch.
Outside of the market, we found this restaurant, called Goc Ha Thanh. The place is small and quaint, with a communal table in the middle of the restaurant. We ordered a delicious appetizer, Nem nướng, which you dip the rice paper in warm water and then fill the rice paper with pork, pickled vegetables, and lettuce. Then you roll it and Voila! A yummy spring roll! You can then dip it in some peanut sauce for extra taste.
In addition, we ordered a curry dish and some fried rice with a sunny side egg on top, which had become our “go to” dish in Vietnam. The food hit the spot. We went back the next day and ordered the fried spring rolls as a snack and some refreshments. If you’re ever in Da Lat, definitely get some grub at this joint.
For dinner, we found this place called Trong Dong Restaurant, on one of the main roads. The tables were filled with customers, so we decided to try it out. The place looked like it was connected to a hotel and very small, as there were only about 8 tables. For entrée, we ordered morning glory, fried rice, prawn stir fry with vegetables, and a chicken dish.
We were starving so we didn't get a chance to take a picture of our dishes. Although we were famished, we still thought the food was mediocre. I think we were spoiled with Goc Ha Thanh.
PLACES TO SEE
Da Lat known as Le Petit Paris is heavily influenced by the French (settlement in the early 1900s). We walked everywhere and saw a lot of French-inspired architecture, such as villas, a mini Eiffel Tower, a lake, gardens, and cafes. It was beautiful to see the mixture of French and Asian culture.
Usually, in Da Lat, the temperature is anywhere from 15 to 25 Celsius, which is perfect for me. We couldn't have asked for much better weather to walk around all day.
We took a taxi to the Crazy House. There was a small entrance fee, but it was worth it. I felt like I was entering a fun house at a carnival, but instead, it was adorned with beautiful flowers and greenery.
Once you are inside you have to follow a path. I felt like it was a town for munchkins, everything was really small. There were many different rooms, a courtyard, secret stairways, and passageways.
The architecture was designed like a surrealistic painting, similar to Salvatore Dali, and it reminded me of the Gaudi House in Barcelona. At times, it felt very trippy like something out of Alice and Wonderland. It was unusual, quirky, and fun!
Linh Phuoc Pagoda is right outside of Da Lat and it is famous because it is made out of broken glass and pottery shards. The detailing of every piece is absolutely breathtaking; the dragons, birds, statues, pillars, walls, ceiling, and flooring are perfectly meticulous. I was perplexed to think that waste could create something so wondrous. But as the saying goes, “One man trash is another man’s treasure.” There is also a big bell inside the pagoda and Buddha statues around the premises. Many locals still go to the temple to pay respect, so there are many places that you are not allowed to take a picture. Overall, it is worth the ride to go check out.
The BEST thing to do while in Da Lat is to go hiking and see the waterfalls. However, we didn’t get a chance to do this, since we didn’t have much time in the city. We stayed 2 nights/3 days, and we got to Da Lat late in the evening, so we only had 2 days to explore. A friend of mine went to the waterfalls and said it was beautiful and worth it! I’ll have to save it for another time!
If you’re looking to get some countryside, with cool weather and some French Indochina influence head to Da Lat. I was pleasantly surprised!
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