I didn't recognize Da Lat more than 50 years ago.

In contrast to the usual crowds of tourists, Da Lat more than half a century ago was peaceful, rustic, and covered by lush green forests.

Da Lat ( Lam Dong province ) is located on the Lam Vien plateau, at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. Thanks to this, the climate here is cool year-round, earning it the nickname "Little Paris in the heart of Indochina." This land was discovered in 1893 by the French doctor and explorer Alexandre Yersin. By 1899, Da Lat was planned by the French government as a resort town, becoming a favorite stop for the Indochinese elite. In the 1950s, Xuan Huong Lake still retained its pristine beauty with sprawling green meadows embracing the calm water and dense pine forests surrounding the lake. Photo: Tu Trung.

Domaine de Marie Church, also known as Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Convent or Mai Anh Church, was built between 1930 and 1943 on Mai Anh Hill, about 1 km from the center of Da Lat. The building features a distinctive pink color, harmoniously combining classical European architecture with local materials. Formerly a convent for the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul nuns who cared for orphans, it is now a charitable institution and a tourist attraction. (Photo taken in 1948)

During a trip for LIFE magazine in 1961, American photographer John Dominis captured Da Lat through a series of valuable black-and-white photographs, which were later digitized and archived by the Center for Historical Documents, Research and Preservation at the University of Texas. His lens focused on familiar landmarks such as Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Market, and the central streets – where life unfolds slowly and peacefully. Photo: John Dominis.

Da Lat is famous for its slopes. The photo shows Minh Mang slope (now the "Western Quarter" of Truong Cong Dinh Street) leading to Cau Queo Street (now Phan Dinh Phung Street). This area was once one of the bustling streets, home to barbershops, photo studios, shoe stores, hotels, etc. Photo: John Dominis.

Located in the heart of the city, Da Lat Market was built in 1958, replacing the Cay Go Market which had been destroyed by fire. Designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, the market has two floors and sells a wide variety of agricultural products and specialty fruits. Photo: John Dominis.

The Da Lat railway station, built by the French over six years (1932-1938), is one of the few classical architectural works that remain intact in the misty city. The rack railway system connecting Da Lat and Thap Cham took 24 years to complete. From 1972, the station was abandoned due to the fierce war, but it was reopened in 1975 before ceasing operation due to economic inefficiency. Currently, the station mainly serves tourists, with a short train route from Da Lat to Trai Mat, 7 km long, where visitors can experience a nostalgic feeling on the old railway tracks. Photo: Flickr

The Thủy Tạ restaurant in Da Lat was designed and built by the French on Xuan Huong Lake between 1935 and 1938. Initially named "La Grenouillère" (meaning Frog Pond), it was later taken over by the Vietnamese after 1954 and renamed "Thủy Tạ," meaning "pavilion on water" and evoking an East Asian ambiance. It is now a popular restaurant and café for both locals and tourists in Da Lat. (Photo: Tư Trung)

Before becoming a tourist city welcoming over 10 million visitors annually (2024), Da Lat was once a resort for the Indochinese elite, a place where the French sought refuge from the heat of the lowlands. Da Lat in 1966 is depicted in images with continuous pine forests embracing valleys and small slopes. At that time, only a few scattered resort villas "sprang up" on the hills. Photo: Ross Evans.

A panoramic view of Da Lat city in 1968, seen from the direction of Lycée Yersin. Xuan Huong Lake reflects the calm blue sky, to the right is the Doi Cu golf course with its lush green grass, opposite is the pristine white Da Lat Palace Hotel, and in the distance is the Chicken Church with its bell tower soaring against the blue sky. At that time, the entire city was still nestled in vast green landscapes. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.

Another perspective of downtown Da Lat in 1968, with the Hoa Binh Hall prominently displayed on the right. In the left corner of the frame, the Thuy Tien Hotel appears, elegant and once considered a symbol of Da Lat tourism, hosting the upper class and foreign visitors. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.

Xuan Huong Lake – the "heart" of Da Lat – was formed in the 1910s when the French built a dam to block the Cam Ly stream, creating an artificial lake to serve the landscape and regulate the climate for the resort city. The lake is about 2 km long, winding around the city center. The name "Xuan Huong" is derived from the name of a famous female writer of Vietnamese literature, evoking the unique charm and romance of this highland city. (Photo taken in 1968. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.)

Pongour Waterfall, also known as the "Seven-Tiered Waterfall," is one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the Lam Vien plateau, located about 40-50 km south of Da Lat city center. The waterfall, over 40 meters high, is nestled amidst a pristine forest, with water cascading down seven natural tiers of rock, creating a white spray against the deep green backdrop. (Photo taken in 1968. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.)

In Da Lat, many buildings and urban plans have been preserved almost intact despite more than half a century having passed. Ong Dao Bridge – a gently curved bridge spanning the edge of Xuan Huong Lake – leads to the city center of Da Lat and was once a favorite strolling spot for locals and tourists. Nearby, the central roundabout and the tranquil mountain town scenery remain largely unchanged from the present day. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.

In Da Lat in 1968, the Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere permeated the mountain town. Shops were temporarily closed, making way for the vibrant colors of new clothes and the joyful laughter of people strolling along the central slopes. On the facade of the Hoa Binh Hall, the words "Happy New Year" stood out amidst the spring scenery. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.

In 1968, the Peace Hall, viewed from Duy Tan Street, appeared as a vibrant center of activity in Da Lat at that time. On the slopes, three-wheeled Lambro vehicles (commonly known as "xe lam") manufactured by Innocenti (Italy) lined up one after another. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.

Dalat Market in 1971, as captured through Bill Robie's lens, serves as a bridge between the past and present of this highland city. Previously, the old market had been completely destroyed in a major fire, prompting Ambassador Lucien Auger to decide to rebuild it with bricks on the old foundation – a more spacious and durable structure. The new building, with its modern architecture, quickly became a commercial symbol and a source of pride for the people of Dalat. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.

Wilbur Eugene Garrett (USA), a reporter for National Geographic magazine, first set foot in Vietnam in 1960. His lens wasn't only focused on the war, but also on capturing the daily lives of the Vietnamese people – simple moments imbued with profound humanistic and cultural depth. During a reporting trip to Da Lat and Nha Trang, Garrett encountered the image of a barefoot woman carrying goods on her shoulders in the midday sun of Da Lat market. Photo: Wilbur Eugene Garrett.

For decades, the sloping staircase leading down to Da Lat market has been a bustling marketplace, where street vendors crowded together under the highland sun. In 1971, the image of women wearing conical hats, carrying vegetables and fruits on their shoulders, weaving their way up the steps, became a vivid glimpse into the rhythm of life in old Da Lat. Today, it is a favorite stop for tourists, where they sit with a hot cup of soy milk and admire the city lights at night. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.

In 1971, amidst the bustling atmosphere of Da Lat market, flowers remained an indispensable commodity – a symbol of the city's distinctive beauty. Photo: Bill Robie's Photo Courtesy.

The area outside Da Lat market is bustling with buyers and sellers. Simple bamboo stalls and carts are overflowing with typical agricultural products of the highlands such as bananas, cabbage, potatoes... Photo: Wayne R. Adelsperger.

On sun-drenched streets, Japanese photographer Doi Kuro captured the peaceful rhythm of life in Da Lat in the 1990s. At that time, the city was still slow-paced, with street food stalls selling breakfast – where people gathered around bowls of beef noodle soup, crab noodle soup, rice noodle soup, or hot, crispy bread. Each meal cost only 400 to 700 dong. Photo: Doi Kuro.

Source: https://znews.vn/anh-da-lat-xua-post1602502.html