Guide to Vietnam
Must See Vietnam
- Ba Be National Park
- Bac Ha Market
- Cua Dai Beach
- Dalat
- Dien Bien Phu
- Ha Tien
- Halong Bay
- Hué
- Mariamman Hindu Temple
- Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
- My Son
- Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
- Thien Hau Pagoda
Places in Vietnam
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The city of Dalat is the jewel of the southern Central Highlands region. The cool climate and park-like environment (dotted with Vietnamese-style kitsch) makes it one of the most delightful cities in Vietnam. Dalat is also a good base for trips into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil.
Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace is stuffed with interesting art and artefacts, and is well worth a look. Make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, nicknamed the Crazy House by locals. It's a counter-cultural gem created by artist and architect Mrs Dang Viet Nga (known as Hang Nga).
It's also interesting to stroll around the old French Quarter, which is little changed since the French departed. The Valley of Love, 5km (3mi) north of the city centre, is a bizarre place with a carnival-style atmosphere where you can hire a paddle boat on the lake, or a horse from one of the Dalat Cowboys, who are, indeed, dressed as cowboys.