Da Lat–Vietnam's New Capital of Leisure and Legacy
Condé Nast Traveler editorial staff were not involved with the creation of this content.
Known by many poetic names—City in the Forest, Asia's Little Paris, Highland Garden City, City of a Thousand Flowers —it is a place where nature and nostalgia move in harmony.
Architecture That Listens to the Land
Da Lat is the political and administrative center of Lam Dong province—the largest province in Vietnam by area.
From its inception, Da Lat has been viewed as a museum of 20th-century French architecture in Vietnam. It is a resort-style eco-city shaped in the urban spatial structure of Europe, a unique blend of architecture and landscape that highly respects and incorporates the beauty of nature—in fact, nature becomes part of the architecture.
This highland city is home to approximately 1,500 villas, mansions, and ancient churches, considered quintessential examples of late 19th– and early 20th–century French architecture. Remarkably, no two buildings are alike. Rather than using traditional or neoclassical styles to convey power, architects here selected regional French architectural styles or modern aesthetics to create a resort-style complex—peaceful, nostalgic villas with spacious views that blend into the surrounding scenery.
*Pink grass hills paint a poetic scene. Photo Dang Van An
Through different historical periods, Da Lat was shaped by consistent urban planning strategies and has acquired various poetic names—City in the Forest, Little Paris of Asia, Garden City on the Plateau, City of a Thousand Flowers, and so on.
Weather and Natural Landscapes Are the True Treasures
Located on the Lam Vien Plateau, Da Lat is known for its cool climate and misty atmosphere. The average temperature ranges from 18 to 21 degrees Celsius, with highs rarely exceeding 30 degrees and lows not falling below 5 degrees.
The undulating hills, streams, lakes, and waterfalls form a picturesque natural setting. Each natural wonder in Da Lat holds its own unique charm, which is further enhanced by human creativity and craftsmanship.
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