ACCOMMODATIONS

For the French, Dalat was the place to escape the weather and relax in the green hills. After reunification it became the favorite go-to place for honeymooning Vietnamese or vacationing families looking for the same. If you’re welling to shell out US$150 or so – you can get some serious luxury digs in old French villas that easily justify two or more days. Ana Mandara Villas Dalat and the Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel are two of the country’s finest ‘French’ experiences, the former more modern (and relaxing) of the two.

Best Hotel EVASON ANA MANDARA VILLAS DALAT (see Over $100)
Best Private Villa Renting out a full three- or four-room villa at Ana Mandara Villas, or the seven-room VILLA GIA NGUYEN (see Under $20)
Best Mid-range Hotel EMPRESS HOTEL (see $20 to $100)
Best Budget Hotel DREAMS (see Under $20)

Hotels are listed by preference within these budget groups:
OVER $100

$20 TO $100

UNDER $20

Someday Dalat will do a better job with its ‘East Hills’ – a stretch of lovely, tree-shaded French villas (particularly along Tran Hung Dao St and Hung Vuong St – good for DIY drives). But that day hasn’t come. There are a few crusty choices that are hardly worth the dollar yet.