Weekend in Da Lat

A busy market running along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street after dark. Stalls sell warm clothes, local snacks, and fresh strawberries. The main draw is the food strip with grilled ske

Tip: Head to the back alleys for cheaper banh trang nuong (Vietnamese pizza) – look for the ladies working over small charcoal grills, not the touristy stalls. Bring cash, small denominations.

A modern public square with two giant artichoke-shaped glass buildings (used as a market and food court). It has a large fountain and open space where local kids ride scooters and

Tip: Come at sunset for the best light on the buildings and fewer crowds. The food court inside has clean toilets and free wifi – useful for a pit stop.

A pink-and-cream French colonial cathedral built in the 1930s, topped with a weather vane shaped like a chicken. The stained-glass windows show local mountain landscapes. Services are still held here.

Tip: Visit during mass on Sunday morning (around 7am) to hear the organ and choir – it’s open and welcoming. The small garden behind has good views of the city rooftops. Closed 11am–2pm.

A crescent-shaped lake right in the city centre, lined with pine trees and walking paths. Locals jog, fish, or sit on benches reading. The air is cool and fresh.

Tip: Go early morning before 7am to see mist rising off the water. Rent a swan pedal boat for 50,000 VND (around £1.60) if you want to get out on the lake.

A hillside campus with French-era buildings, old pines, and quiet courtyards. The small forestry museum downstairs shows taxidermy birds and animals native to the Central Highlands. It’s not polished,

Tip: The museum is free but unstaffed – ask at the guard gatehouse for the key. The campus canteen serves a decent bowl of pho for 20,000 VND (65p). Weekdays only.