Dalat is located in the Western Highlands of Central Vietnam, approximately 300km from Saigon. The majority of the area is mountainous and covered thick forest. Due to the regions climate, rarely under 10°C in winter and 20°C in summer, Dalat was developed as a hill station by the French as a cool respite from the tropical heat of Saigon.
The surrounding area is famed for its stunning views, waterfalls, lakes, pine forests and flower gardens. French-built villas, some renovated to extremely high standards and others sadly decaying, are located all around the town. It is also known by Vietnamese as the prettiest city in the country and a popular holiday and honeymoon destination for well heeled locals.
