Da Lat is Vietnam’s storied mountain resort. Its cool climate makes for a nice escape from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. In fact, in December it gets downright chilly at night.

Da Lat is a destination in its own right, so I spent three days there, just relaxing and seeing the sights. I could have spent longer. It’s a really pleasant place.

There are several waterfalls to see. In Vietnamese fashion they have been turned into mini amusement parks, with cable cars, roller coasters, carnival games, and elephants and ostriches to ride.

There is a scenic cable car that starts in the city and goes to a pagoda. In the city there is the Crazy House, a tourist trip, but a very photogenic one. A bit outside the city there is a funky pagoda.

All of these places are full of tourists, but they are still fun to see. It’s also fun to enjoy all the good food, cafes, and the night market in the city.

I liked Da Lat, and wish I could have stayed longer. But I had to continue my road trip.

In Vietnam it's not enough to look at a beautiful waterfall. You have to ride an elephant too.
In Vietnam it’s not enough to look at a beautiful waterfall. You have to ride an elephant too.
The pagoda on the hill.
The pagoda on the hill.
The pagoda was eclectic, mixing several styles.
The pagoda was eclectic, mixing several styles.
Flowers and mountains.
Flowers and mountains.
I liked the Crazy House.
I liked the Crazy House.
Looking out a crazy window.
Looking out a crazy window.
Looking down on the Crazy House.
Looking down on the Crazy House.
Enjoying the view from the roof.
Enjoying the view from the roof.
They are still working on making the Crazy House crazier.
They are still working on making the Crazy House crazier.
Swan boats on the lake.
Swan boats on the lake.
Strawberries at the night market.
Strawberries at the night market.
On Christmas Eve crowds of Vietnamese visited the church across from my hotel's huge nativity scene.
On Christmas Eve crowds of Vietnamese visited the church across from my hotel’s huge nativity scene.
Looking down at Da Lat.
Looking down at Đà Lạt.
A scenic cable car ride.
A scenic cable car ride.
An eclectic temple.
An eclectic temple.
Weird statue and church.
Weird statue and church.
A dragon made of bottles slithers by.
A dragon made of bottles slithers by.
Vendors and dragon.
Vendors and dragon.
The hills of Da Lat are covered with greenhouses.
The hills of Da Lat are covered with greenhouses.
Dusk in the botanical garden.
Dusk in the botanical garden.
Terry
I'm Terry, former cubicle-dweller, and now traveler, photographer, writer, and entrepreneur. I quit my job in 2014 to travel to US national parks, then to South East Asia. I write about independent, flexible, long-term, budget travel. Sign up to my newsletter to get the latest news on what I'm up to. I hope you join me on my trek around the world.

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