The city of Dalat is the main centre of the Southern Highlands region. In the past it was renowned as a cool, green city with a park-like environment. It is a good base for trips into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil. In Dalat, make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, nicknamed by locals ‘the Crazy House’. It’s a counter-cultural gem created by artist and architect Mrs. Dang Viet Nga (known as Hang Nga).

Dalat is famous for its coffee shops, and is extremely popular with domestic tourists and honeymooners.

The Emperor Bao Dais Summer Palace is full of interesting art and everyday objects, and is well worth a look. It’s also interesting to stroll around the old French Quarter. The Valley of Love, 5km north of the city centre, is a place 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.

There are some pleasant walks or rides (on horseback or bike) in the countryside around the city, but be aware that areas signposted with a C-sign are off-limits to foreigners. Further out, you can visit the villages of some of the hill tribes, such as Lat Village and the Chicken Village (with a huge statue of a chicken).

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