Dalat is the first major city as you go north into the Central Highlands of Vietnam from Saigon. The French colonists realized the value of the mild climate when they founded the city in the late 1800s. The city's architecture reflects this heritage in many villas still scene in the city. Fortunately the buildings were spared the ravages of war from the 50s to the 70s. So much of the city is as it was in colonial times.

The cool temperatures result in pine forests surrounding the lakes and rivers in the area. Waterfalls, vegetable and flower gardens attract many tourists from home and abroad. For summer tourists this is a pleasant change from the tropical heat of the lowlands and should be on any summer traveler’s itinerary. Travelers wanting to experience Dalat should consider hiring the services of one of Dalat’s Easy Riders. These guides will shuttle you around on the back of a motorbike to visit the attractions in the area. If this isn’t your style hire a taxi to take you to see the natural beauty of the mountain town.

The area is the home to first groups of montanyard (hill) tribes, also known officially as “minority peopleâ€