Photo Exhibition: Dalat

A favorite getaway destination in the past as well as in the present, Đà Lạt is a lovely city in the South Central Highlands, renowned for its fresh cool mountain air, its French cultural legacy, and its romantic flair. Situated roughly 1500 m. above sea level, the ethereal city enjoys year-round cool temperatures hovering on average from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, imbuing the city with the nickname "City of Eternal Springs". It is no wonder that the French colonials established this town as their getaway resort station, allowing them much needed escape from the tropical climate of the central regions and Saigon. French-style villas and boulevards became the lasting imprint of the former colonial power, and today the city welcomes their most avid tourists, which include mostly domestic Vietnamese tourists and honeymooners.

I took a trip to the City of Eternal Springs several months ago, where I got to enjoy delightful warm weather in the daytime, and cool promenade-friendly weather at night-time. The year-round temperate climate allows Đà Lạt to cultivate beautiful flowers, fruits, vegetables, and coffee. The abundance of waterfalls, streams, valleys and forests also means that great outdoor activities as well as extreme sports such as the infamous canyoning are possible.

Here are a selection of photos from my short trip there.