Dalat is Vietnam’s premier hill station, which sprung up as a cool respite for the French from the stifling tropical heat of Saigon. The area surrounding Dalat is extremely picturesque with many tiered plateaux whose perpetual spring-like climate is able to support a diversity of crops not generally associated with Vietnam.
The French influence is evident in the hundreds of colonial villas dotted throughout the town in various states of repair. Aside from its colonial legacy, Dalat is considered by many Vietnamese to be the 'prettiest town in Vietnam'. It is a popular honeymoon spot due to its alpine landscape of pine forests, rolling hills and tranquil lakes.
After a morning of sightseeing or trekking you can enjoy afternoon tea and cakes on the impressive lawn of the Dalat Palace - once the centre of colonial society, this recently refurbished property is a pleasant reminder of days gone by.