Five alternative ways to see Dalat
17:00 08/02/2006

Kayaking at Tuyen Lam Lake.

During the recent Tet holiday, my partner and I decided to travel to Dalat after hearing and reading so much about the City of Flowers.

 

We did not anticipate that it would take an excruciating coach ride lasting nearly nine hours to reach the highland haven. But arriving there, we immediately fell for the place.

 

Coming from the hustle and bustle and the blazing sun of Saigon, Dalat’s relative quietness and cool climate was definitely a breath of fresh air. The hilly terrain makes every view different while the beautiful Xuan Huong Lakes gives a very European feel.

 

With its beautiful Dalat Flower Gardens and hordes of blossoming buds, the city is truly a place for flower enthusiasts. Unfortunately, we weren’t wannabe horticulturists. So we set out to see Dalat’s natural beauty in other ways and we had a ball of a time. Here’s how we did it:

 

1. Visit the Cremaillere Station

 

This old railway station with funky-colour glass ceilings and a very relaxed atmosphere – of all the stations I’ve been to, this is the only one with a comfy leather sofa for waiting passengers – is worth a visit. It’s also quirky – there’s a vintage car parked inside the station and an old Russian steam engine that you can admire.

 

The station also runs a lovely 20-minute train ride to Tri Mat eight kilometres down the road (VND 70,000 for foreigners). The journey maybe short but it was delightful, giving you a good view of Dalat’s surroundings including terraced plantations on the mountains and agriculture on a grand scale. At Tri Mat, make sure you visit the elaborate and colourful Linh Phuoc Pagoda for some cultural insights.

 

The trains run only five times a day so either check with the station first on the times or be prepared to come back.

 

2. Get close to nature through activities

 

Dalat’s lakes, waterfalls, valleys and mountains are a great place to do some active sports, whether be it kayaking in the scenic surroundings of Tuyen Lam Lake, trying your hand at rock climbing, hiking to the top of numerous mountains or navigating your way through a canyon.

It is also a great way to see Dalat’s natural beauty. Phat Tire Ventures

 

(www.phattireventures.com), an adventure company set up by an American couple, has a number of different packages to suit everyone’s levels and tastes. They are big on ecotourism too, which is a plus.

 

3. Try Vietnam’s longest cable car ride

 

On the way back from Tuyen Lam, take the cable car instead of using the boring old highway. It costs only VND 30,000 for one-way, covers over 2km and lasts 15 minutes! The sweeping views are breathtaking enough to forget your vertigo.

 

4. For a creative menu, check out V Café

 

Set up by an American-Vietnamese couple, this place at 1/1 Bui Thi Xuan is arguably one of the best eating places in Dalat. The menu, though small, is a smorgasbord of Eastern and Western flavours. There are the awesome roasted pork loins with mashed potatoes and yummy homemade tortillas and quesadillas. If you are feeling more Asian, choose from the scrumptious spicy meatballs or the divine sweet and sour pork. If you are undecided, just close your eyes and point and you won’t be disappointed. The best part? The most expensive mains cost only VND 49,000!

 

5. Leave Dalat in style

 

Why take a crammed coach or pay loads for a private hire when you can be environmentally friendly, keep fit and see some stunning beauty at the same time? Yes, I’m talking about bicycles. From Dalat, you can take a one-day (or two-day if you’re feeling particularly brave) cycling trips downhill to either Mui Ne or Nha Trang. We chose the former (US $67/pax from Phat Tire Ventures) and lived to witness the dramatic change of scenery from a city nestled in the mountains to another protected by giant sand dunes.

 

(Source: SGT)

Source : vietnamnet.vn