Da Lat city surrounded by pine-covered peaks and beautiful countryside offering lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests to explore. The temperatures are pleasantly warm by day, and quite cool at night, down to perhaps 10 degrees Celsius.

Be aware that during summer months, rain comes at least once a day and can sometimes dictate the activities you are planning.

• Destination: mid-sized city
• Location: Southern Central Highlands of Vietnam
• International airport: no
• Domestic airport: yes (Muong Khuong airport)

Da Lat is very much a niche tourism town, open to those seeking a respite from the heat of the rest of Vietnam, a change in scenery to lush pine forests and rolling hills, or those seeking world class golf. There is a steady flow during some parts of the year of tourist from all walks of life and places, small hotels, cafe’s lining its streets and plenty of small shops offering anything from orchids to knitwear.

The vast majority of visitors are Vietnamese, although plenty of Americans and Europeans find their way, either on short package tours, soul searching, or drawn by the scenery, vivid blue skies, fresh air, flower-filled parks, and local culinary treats. Da Lat is a favorite destination for company weekend outings, family get-aways, and honeymooners. Most guidebooks for overseas visitors describe Da Lat as a tourist town with a colorful approach to tourism.

Place to visits: Xuan Huong lake, Domaine de Marie (Nha Tho), Da Lat train station, Golden Spring lake, Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery, Lang Biang mountain, Valley of Love, Lake of Tuyen Lam Lake, Prenn Falls, Prenn Falls…