Moments in Da Lat

UNESCO's network of 350 creative cities in over 100 countries focuses on seven areas: design, literature, music , crafts and folk arts, gastronomy, film, and media arts. Da Lat is honored to be included in this network.

Since 1893, when French-style resort buildings were constructed, Da Lat established itself as a unique resort area for the then-Indochinese government. After the country's reunification, it continued to maintain its distinctive architectural heritage while integrating with and developing the city in a modern direction. The photo shows Xuan Huong Lake and the center of Da Lat city.

The entire city covers an area of ​​394.64 km², located on the Lam Vien plateau at an altitude of 1,500 m.

Tuyen Lam Lake is a famous ecotourism destination in Da Lat. The city's geology includes mountain ranges, valleys, lakes, and vast pine forests.

Located on a plateau, Da Lat enjoys a mild, cool mountain climate year-round, with beautiful, romantic scenery, making it a creative hub for many artists, writers, and musicians. Photo: Nguyen Hue .

The winding roads at the foot of the pass, curving around the mountains, are characteristic of Da Lat's transportation system. (Photo of Mimosa Pass, where there are many villas with ancient tiled roofs built during the French colonial era).

With a rich history spanning 130 years, Da Lat preserves many unique architectural heritage values, often likened to a museum of 20th-century European architecture. Notable architectural heritage sites in Da Lat include: the Chicken Church, Da Lat Teacher Training College, Bao Dai's Palace, and Da Lat Railway Station… The image shows Da Lat Railway Station, built by the French between 1932 and 1938, connecting to the 84km railway line from Phan Rang.

Da Lat is also an ideal location for landscape photography for many photographers. At dawn, the city of a thousand flowers is as beautiful as a colorful painting. Pictured is Da Lat Teacher Training College (formerly Grand Lycée Yersin), recognized by the International Union of Architects (UIA) as one of the 1,000 unique architectural works of the 20th century. Photo: Le Trung Hieu.

According to statistics, Da Lat currently has 20 national-level historical sites and scenic spots, a system of French architectural heritage, 16 provincial-level historical sites, 5 public and private museums, and dozens of heritage collectors. Pictured is the Chicken Church.

Truc Lam Zen Monastery is one of the three largest Zen monasteries in Vietnam, belonging to the Truc Lam Yen Tu lineage, covering an area of ​​30 hectares. It is approximately 5km from the monastery to the center of Da Lat city. The road leading to the monastery is surrounded by vast pine forests. Photo: Le Trung Hieu.

With its temperate climate, suitable temperatures, and humidity, this highland region is ideal for ornamental flowers to grow, develop, and bloom brilliantly in all seasons of the year. Photo: Thao Nguyen.

Da Lat currently has a population of approximately 250,000 people. After 130 years, from a pristine highland region, the city of a thousand flowers has become a leading tourist destination in the country. Lifestyle Asia magazine once suggested it as one of the 12 most romantic destinations in Asia in 2022.

In 2022, the total number of tourists visiting and staying here reached 6 million, an increase of 205% compared to 2021. The entire city has more than 2,400 tourist accommodation establishments, with approximately 31,000 rooms. Over 1,000 food and beverage service businesses are operating to meet the needs of tourists.

From now until 2030, Da Lat will focus on making tourism a key economic sector with a high proportion, ensuring safety, civility, modernity, and friendliness for tourists. The photo shows the Valley of Love. Photo: Thao Nguyen.

In its urban development plan, Da Lat is envisioned to become a smart city, a heritage city, and a regional center for culture, arts, sports, and entertainment. Pictured is Lam Vien Square in the city center, with a total area of ​​over 70,000 square meters and a capacity of approximately 60,000 people at a time.

By 2050, Da Lat aims to become a modern, world-class urban area with unique climate, natural landscapes, cultural and historical heritage, and architectural heritage of national, regional, and international significance.

On World Cities Day (October 31st), UNESCO announced the list of 55 cities recognized as participating in the "Creative Cities Network," with Da Lat being Vietnam's first Creative City of Music. This is great news and a source of great pride for the people of the city of a thousand flowers. The photo shows Cu Lan Village. Photo: Thao Nguyen.

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