Just two hours' flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat feels like an entirely different world. Cool and green, this lovely lakeside resort town is surrounded by verdant hills, farmland and pine forests — perfect for relaxed rambles and romantic weekend breaks. Hugely popular with HCMC residents seeking a tranquil escape or a memorable honeymoon, Dalat offers a good range of accommodation options to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. Our Gurus’ choice of the best places to stay in Dalat are both historic and characterful; one small and intimate, the other a seriously imposing show-stopper.

Originally intended to be the capital of French Indochina, Dalat boasts a fascinating history. Expect to see charming French colonial-era villas and public buildings — including the Art Deco Crémaillère Railway Station — rather than more typical socialist style architecture as you stroll or cycle around. Take a guided tour of the city centre for an insight into Dalat’s past. The fabulous surrealist Hang Nga Crazy House should be at the top of any architecture buff’s list. The Lat and Koho, two ethnic minorities who have long been based in the area, invite travellers to visit their villages for a sense of Vietnamese culture and traditions — do this with an expert guide if you can.

To absorb the area’s natural beauty, kayak around Xuan Huong Lake, amble around the Dalat Flower Gardens or enjoy hiking and mountain biking excursions in the surrounding countryside. Keen golfers will be thrilled to play a round at one of the area's three courses. Return to one of the best places to stay in Dalat for mouth-watering French cuisine in superb surroundings.