VIETNAM TRAVEL

	Sign In Sign-Up

Ša Lat

The city of Ša Lat is the center the Southern Highlands region. In the past it was renowned as a cool, green city with a park-like environment. This is changing fast, as the economy booms and life speeds up. Still, Ša Lat is definitely worth a visit and it's a good base for trips into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil. In Ša Lat, make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, nicknamed by locals the Crazy House. It's a counter-cultural gem created by artist and architect Mrs. Dang Viet Nga (known as Hang Nga).

The Emperor Bao Šai's Summer Palace is stuffed with interesting art and everyday objects, and is well worth a look. It's also interesting to stroll around the Old French Quarter. The Valley of Love, 5km (3mi) north of the city center, is a bizarre place where you can hire a paddle boat on the lake or a horse from one of the Ša Lat Cowboys (no relation to the Dallas Cowboys), who are, indeed, dressed as cowboys.

There are some pleasant walks or rides (on horseback or bike) in the countryside around the city, but be aware that areas signposted with a C-sign are off-limits to foreigners. Further out, you can visit the villages of some of the hill tribes, such as Lat Village and the Chicken Village (with a huge statue of a chicken).

Ša Lat is famous for its coffee shops, and is extremely popular with domestic tourists and honeymooners. There's a lot of accommodation but much of it is fully booked. You can fly to Ša Lat from Saigon, but the airport is 30km (19mi) from town; express buses also link the two cities.

Da Lat Landscapes

Da Lat Water Da Lat by Night Elephant Water Da Lat at Sunset Lake Xuan Huong Fall Fall

Back to Recreation&Sports