STREET FOOD
Vietnam has some of the world’s best street food. The humble local filled baguette bánhmì has, in fact, been voted the “World’s best street food” by several online travel sites. The varieties available are wide and varied, including bánhmìopla, a favorite. There is, of course. The famousphở, several bún(noodle) dishes, the great savory breakfast beef stew,bòkhoor bò né, a thin slice of beef steak and egg served on a sizzling platter. This is just a fraction of the street food available. Look for it being served up in street stalls all over the city, and be sure to give it a go.
VIETNAMESE COFFEE
It is a relatively unknown fact that Vietnam is the world’s second largest producer of coffee after Brazil. So it should come as no surprise to discover that coffee plays a large role in Vietnamese culture. Coffee shops are everywhere, from tiny street stall, to flash ones with waterfalls and koi fish swimming around. But one thing they all do is serve great local style coffee. Try Café sữađá(with condensed milk and ice) café đen (hot black) for a real taste sensation. It is strong and brewed in small aluminum drip pots. As you are in Dalat, and for a real caffeine adventure, “Weasel coffee” has to be on your list to experience. Suffice to say that the beans are internally brewed in the weasel, before being recovered and prepared the traditional way. Not to everyone’s taste, but for coffee connoisseurs, a must do.
SWAN PEDAL BOATS
It’s very much a tourist thing, but to float around and explore the view for an hour or so at sunset in one of the Swan pedal boats on XuanHuonglake is very pleasant. Pedal yourself and your sweetheart down to the far end of the lake, hop off and have a coffee and cake, then cruising back as the sun disappears is very special. There are spectacular sunsets over the water.
GOING BUSH
Dalat is the home of adventure sports in Vietnam. There is such a wide variety of activities to throw yourself into, regardless of your fitness level. There’s the adrenaline rush of abseiling down waterfalls, hurling headlong through rapids in a rubber boat, cycling through pine forests for a few days, kayaking rivers, trekking the lush green countryside, and camping out of the night. You can rough it, staying out for the night or find a lodge hidden away in the forest to make it more enjoyable. Plenty to experience.
ADVENTURE TOUR
located in the heart of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is unlike anywhere else you will visit in Vietnam. Its cool rolling hills, colorful flower gardens and European-styled chalets make it the go-to destination for local honeymooners, families seeking an escape and esspecially Dalat is great place for people love adventure tours as
Dalat in the Central Highlands of Vietnam is one of the major tourist destinations for locals in the entire country, and of the absolute best things to do in the town is go canyoning, trekking, MT biking in Dalat.
BOAT TRIP
There are many lakes to explore around Dalat. One of the most pristine and beautiful is Tuyen Lam lake, around 15 minutes from the city. You can grab one of the Swan pedal boats, or get yourself onto the motorized ones. If there are a few of you it is more economical to rent a boat for your self. There are 6 and 10 person boats available and it is around VND300,000. This area is picture perfect postcard material, with towering pine forests bordering the entire lake. A very pleasant way to spend an hour or so.
PIZZA DALAT
Dalat famous for French architecture, towering forests of pine trees, raging waterfalls, beautiful flowers, and the little known, but scrumptious Dalat Pizza. These little gems are unique, nothing like the Western pizza, only to be found in Dalat, and only at the night markets or the main square on XuanHuonglake. Rice paper spread with spring onions, egg, dried meat, cheese, a bit of chili sauce, and voila! A delicious BanhTrangNuong. Folded over and in a sleeve of paper to much on, you will not stop at one. Look for the ladies with the tiny BBQ’s who are endlessly busy with locals and visitor alike grabbing this uniquely Dalat street food.
LOCAL TOURS
Dalat and the surrounding countryside have many hidden gems to discover and explore, and the best way to access them all is via a guided tour. Run by local with experienced local guides, they know where to go and when to go. Temples, pagodas, waterfalls, markets, plantations, local artisans and so much more out there for you to see. Check with your hotel or travel agent for details.
THE HEART OF THE CITY
Dalat, with its Alpine like climate, is such a refreshing change from the bustling larger cities, jam packed with motor bikes and millions of people, it is a pleasant change. You will feel a welcome relief when you hop off the plane or bus. The city has a different vibe to the big ones, the people are friendlier, the pace is easy. Have a look at the walking map, focused around the tourist hub of the city, and set of to explore. Mix with the locals, try out some of the common Vietnamese phrases, also featured in this edition the local will appreciate you having a go. Wander around the lake in the early evening and you will see families out and about enjoying life. The main square overlooking the lake is busy as, with kids roller blading, driving tiny electric cars, and group picnicking. Dalat is a fun place.
