Dalat

is a slice of Europe in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It found favor with the French rulers for its cool climate. Today, Dalat’s mild temperatures are popular with Focus Asia Indochina’s travelers, as is the town’s attractive landscape of colonial villas, gardens, lakes and rolling hills. Dalat’s colorful market features locally-made specialties such as artichoke tea, candied fruits, coffee and the finest cool climate vegetables and flowers in Vietnam. Visit the former summer residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, and meet Dalat’s famous artist monk Vien Thuc in his studio lined with thousands of his quirky compositions. The brilliantly colored silk weavings of the K’hor tribes people are a popular purchase, as are finely detailed silk embroideries.