Da Lat, the honeymoon capital of the country. Đà Lạt, thủ đô trăng mật của đất nước.

Da Lat, the honeymoon capital of the country. Đà Lạt, thủ đô trăng mật của đất nước. 

More than 1,220 meters above sea level, the highland city of Dalat basks in a region of magnificent lakes, waterfalls, and a 2,135 meter mountain peak to the north. Once called the "summer capital" Dalat has a mild climate year round (16°C) and is reminiscent of the alpine areas of Europe with its pine forests rolling hills, and small lakes. The sky in the high plateau is a deep blue. Some of the many lakes in the area are Xuan Huong, Than Tho (Sorrowful Sighs). Me Linh, Van Kiep, and Suoi Vang (Golden Brook). 

Da Lat, the honeymoon capital of the country. Đà Lạt, thủ đô trăng mật của đất nước. 

Dalat was founded around 1920 by French physician, Alexander Yersin, who felt cool climate would make an ideal therapeutic retreaI for his European patients who suirered from the debilitating effects of the tropical climate. The area was originally inhabited only by highland ethnic minorities. 

As the French begin settling these areas, they brought in Vietnamese as servants, merchants, transporters, and laborers. The French built homes reminiscent of alpine cottages and initiated experimental agriculture programs for growing rubber, coffee, and European vegetables. After 1954, many Vietnamese Catholics settled in the Dalat area, and established more experimental farms. The Vietnamese population in the area gradually increased. 

In addition to its agricultural importance, the natural beauty of Dalat soon made it the honeymoon capital of the country. Even now, newlyweds enjoy walking among the gently rolling hills and having picnics on the rocks near the falls or beside the romantic lakes. Strolling or horse riding around the lake is an invigorating experience.