Lâm Đồng: A Guide to the City of Flowers and Lakes

Lâm Đồng (Lam Dong) is a province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious coffee. The provincial capital is Da Lat, which is a popular tourist destination due to its cool climate, pine forests, and lakes. Lam Dong is also home to the Lang Bian Plateau, which is the highest plateau in southern Vietnam and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Location

Lam Dong is located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, bordered by the provinces of Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and Khanh Hoa. Da Lat is located about 300 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City.

Transportation

The best way to get to Lam Dong is by plane. There are daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Lien Khuong Airport, which is located about 30 kilometers from Da Lat. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from Ho Chi Minh City. The bus journey takes about 6 hours, while the train journey takes about 8 hours.

Weather

Lam Dong has a mild climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season (from May to October) and the dry season (from November to April). The best time to visit Lam Dong is during the dry season, when the weather is sunny and pleasant.

Top destinations to explore

1. Đà Lạt (Da Lat)

Da Lat is often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant year-round temperatures. The average temperature in Da Lat is around 18°C (64°F), making it a welcome respite from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. This cool climate is also ideal for growing a variety of flowers, which bloom in abundance throughout the city.

Da Lat is surrounded by lush pine forests, rolling hills, and picturesque lakes. Some of the most popular natural attractions in Da Lat include Tuyen Lam Lake, the Love Valley, and the Elephant Falls.

2. Xuan Huong Lake

The moment you set foot on the shores of Xuan Huong Lake, a sense of tranquility washes over you. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore, the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the symphony of birdsong create a soothing ambiance that invites relaxation and reflection. Whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside path, rent a paddleboat and glide across the tranquil waters, or simply find a quiet spot to contemplate the beauty that surrounds you, Xuan Huong Lake provides an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Xuan Huong Lake is not only a haven for those seeking tranquility but also a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The lake’s serene waters are home to a variety of fish and birdlife, creating a vibrant ecosystem that is both fascinating and beautiful to observe. Surrounding the lake, lush greenery stretches as far as the eye can see, offering a refreshing escape from the urban landscape. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a passionate botanist, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, Xuan Huong Lake will undoubtedly captivate you with its natural splendor.

3. Thung lũng Tình Yêu (Valley of Love)

The Valley of Love is a haven for couples seeking to rekindle their passion or celebrate their love amidst nature’s embrace. Stroll hand-in-hand along winding paths adorned with heart-shaped flowers, or rent a swan-shaped paddleboat and glide across the tranquil waters of the lake. Capture cherished memories with your loved one against the backdrop of picturesque bridges, statues, and miniature castles that dot the landscape.

Beyond its romantic allure, the Valley of Love is also a symphony of natural beauty. Cascading waterfalls add a touch of drama to the landscape, while hidden caves offer a glimpse into the secrets of the valley’s past. The air is crisp and refreshing, invigorating the senses and inviting exploration.

4. Vườn quốc gia Bidoup Núi Bà (Bidoup Nui Ba National Park)

Bidoup Nui Ba National Park is home to a diverse array of ecosystems, from the towering peaks of Mount Bidoup and Mount Nui Ba to the verdant depths of the ancient rainforests. The park’s rich vegetation provides habitat for an abundance of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. As you venture through the park, you’ll encounter giant rhododendrons, towering trees, and a symphony of birdsong that fills the air with a sense of serenity. The park is also a home to a variety of mammals, including the critically endangered Annamite gibbon, the elusive leopard cat, and the majestic sambar deer.

Bidoup Nui Ba National Park is home to a network of cascading waterfalls that add a touch of drama and beauty to the landscape. The Datanla Falls, one of the park’s most popular attractions, plunges over a cliff face, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Other waterfalls, such as the K50 Falls and the Pongour Falls, offer equally stunning sights and refreshing mist that invigorates the senses.

5. Chùa Linh Sơn (Linh Son Pagoda)

Linh Son Pagoda is a masterpiece of architectural artistry, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese and French influences. The pagoda’s three-tiered structure, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful mosaics, reflects the deep reverence for craftsmanship and artistry that permeates Vietnamese culture. As you admire the pagoda’s ornate rooftops, gracefully curved arches, and shimmering sculptures, you’ll be transported into a realm of exquisite beauty and spiritual significance.

Linh Son Pagoda serves as a testament to Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage, dating back to the 1st century CE. The pagoda’s construction in 1938 marked a significant milestone in the spread of Buddhism throughout the region. Today, the pagoda remains a vital center of spiritual devotion, attracting pilgrims and visitors from all walks of life seeking guidance, wisdom, and inner peace.

Food

Bánh Căn (Can Cake): This pancake dish is made with rice flour, water, and coconut milk. It is often served with a variety of toppings, such as shrimp, squid, and vegetables.

Hoa Atiso (Artichoke): A great detox tea is made from artichokes. People in this region also make a variety of other delectable foods from this blossom, including artichoke stew with pork, fried artichokes, and boiling artichokes dipped in sour sauce. Many people enjoy artichoke stew with pig’s feet because the combination of the chilly taste of the artichokes and the fatty taste of the pork legs creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Chuối Laba (Laba Banana): It originated from Indonesia’s Java island and does exceptionally well in Lam Dong’s lush soil and temperate environment. The lovely yellow bananas are also known as Chuoi Da Huong (bananas having aroma at night) or Chuoi Tien Vua (bananas to offer kings) because of their sweet flavor and passionate aroma.

Dâu tây (Da Lat Strawberry): It has developed into a rare specialty that everyone enjoys because they are a specialty since they are exceedingly difficult to grow in a country with a tropical monsoon environment like Vietnam. Strawberry is a berry that can be used to make jam, dried fruit, or juice. It has tart, sweet, and sour flavors.

Gà Đập Lu: A whole chicken full of spices will be lightly steamed and then grilled directly over hot coals. Then put the finished product in a clay pot and steam it on volcanic rocks until cooked evenly. Before eating the dish, you need to use a hammer or bang to break the pot and then take the chicken out. Finally, the staff will sprinkle beer over the hot chicken to make the flavor of the dish more rich and attractive.

Sữa Đậu Nành Bò: This is made from fresh soybeans, water and condensed milk. Soybeans are soaked overnight, then ground into a paste. This mixture is then mixed with water and boiled until it thickens. Condensed milk is added at the end to create a rich, sweet taste. Cow soy milk is usually served hot. It can be found in many restaurants and eateries throughout Da Lat.

Accommodation

– Dalat Palace Golf Hotel & Resort: This 5-star hotel is located on the shores of Xuan Huong Lake
– Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Da Lat: This 4-star hotel is located on the shores of Tuyen Lam Lake, Lam Dong.
– NovaWorld Da Lat Hotel: This 3-star hotel is located in the heart of Da Lat.

Lam Dong is a beautiful and diverse province with something to offer everyone. Whether you are interested in nature, culture, or food, you are sure to find something to love in Lam Dong. If you plan to visit this beautiful place, don’t forget to apply for a Visa. With the easy and fast Visa procedures, you can travel to Vietnam at any time!