Dalat overview

Sat deep within the Southern Highlands between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, Dalat is the main city in this otherwise remote area affectionately known as Le Petit Paris. Its lofty setting lends it a cooler and fresher air than the typical Vietnam tourist spots and it is decidedly more sophisticated than your average town here. The French built it to escape the heat and humidity during their tenure of Vietnam and erected a load of fancy villas in the distinct Franco style. It is particularly popular with moneyed, holidaying Vietnamese and also with foreign tourists and its beautiful surroundings complements the pretty town to a tee. Most arrive by bus from Ho Chi Minh or Nha Trang – several hours from either – although there is also a small airport nearby.