Da Lat: The City of Eternal Spring

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [kaw]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin vui long]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [kahm uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin lawy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bahn kwe khohng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [khwe. kawn bahn]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [bahn kaw noy tyeng ahn kohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hye-u]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, vui lòng
  [toy muown sem menoo, vui long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chook sook khwe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy muown thanh toan, vui long]

• Help!Giúp!
  [yup]
• Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kahng saat]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi bị lạc
  [toy bee lack]
• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muown mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem
  [toy chi sem]
• How much is it?Bao nhiêu tiền?
  [baow nyew tea-en]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [dat qua]
• Can you lower the price?Có thể giảm giá được không?
  [koh tay yem zah duowk kohng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ mấy giờ rồi?
  [bay zow may zow roy]
• It's one o'clockMột giờ
  [mowt zow]
• Half past (10)Rưỡi (10)
  [rwee (10)]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [boo-ee saang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [boo-ee chee-yoo]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [boo-ee toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm nigh]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [ny-igh my]
• 1Một
  [mowt]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bohn]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Ở đâu là...?
  [oh dao la]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dia chi la zee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi không?
  [bahn koh tay chee chaw toy kohng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe buýt tiếp theo?
  [khee now la chwee-un say buwt tyep the-oh]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ....)
  [mowt vee (den)]

Da Lat was founded in the late 19th century when French colonialists sought a cool, temperate retreat from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. The city's establishment is attributed to Dr. Alexandre Yersin, a Swiss-French bacteriologist, who surveyed the area in 1893 and recommended it as a hill station.

The French colonialists left a lasting mark on Da Lat's architecture. The city is adorned with charming villas, European-style churches, and the iconic Da Lat Railway Station, built in the 1930s. The combination of French colonial architecture and natural beauty makes Da Lat unique compared to other Vietnamese cities.

During the Vietnam War, Da Lat served as a rest and recreation center for American and South Vietnamese troops. The city’s relative tranquility and strategic location made it a temporary safe haven amidst the chaos of war. However, it also witnessed battles and the presence of military academies.

Da Lat's temperate climate is ideal for agriculture, and the city is known as the 'City of Eternal Spring.' It has become a hub for the production of flowers, vegetables, and coffee. The agricultural sector plays a significant role in the local economy, and the annual Flower Festival celebrates this heritage.

Established in 1957, Da Lat University has become a prominent educational institution in Vietnam. Initially founded to train teachers, it has expanded to offer various academic programs. The university contributes to the city's intellectual and cultural development.

Da Lat is home to a diverse population, including several ethnic minority groups such as the K’ho and the Ma. These communities contribute to the city's rich cultural tapestry with their unique traditions, crafts, and festivals. The local markets and cultural events offer insights into their way of life.

Today, Da Lat is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, including lakes, waterfalls, and pine forests. The city has evolved while preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Attractions like the Crazy House, Xuan Huong Lake, and the Valley of Love draw visitors from around the world.

Da Lat is located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The nearest airport is Lien Khuong Airport (DLI), approximately 30 kilometers south of Da Lat. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle bus to the city center. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang. The bus journey from Ho Chi Minh City takes around 6-8 hours, while from Nha Trang, it takes about 3-4 hours. For a scenic and leisurely trip, you can take the train to Phan Rang-Thap Cham and then a bus or taxi to Da Lat.

Da Lat is a relatively small city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available, and ride-hailing apps like Grab are also popular. Public buses operate within the city and connect to nearby areas. Motorbike rentals are a common and convenient way to explore the city and its surroundings. Bicycle rentals are also available and provide a great way to enjoy the scenic landscapes at a leisurely pace.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Da Lat, and it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash for your daily expenses. Currency exchange services are available at banks and currency exchange offices.

Da Lat is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Da Lat does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of petty theft, such as pickpocketing, especially in busy markets and tourist spots.

In case of an emergency, dial 113 for police assistance, 114 for fire emergencies, and 115 for medical emergencies. Da Lat has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow of the head. A handshake is also common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Da Lat like a local, visit the local markets such as Da Lat Market and the Night Market where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and traditional Vietnamese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the famous landmarks such as the Crazy House, Bao Dai Summer Palace, and the Truc Lam Zen Monastery. For a unique experience, take a stroll around Xuan Huong Lake or ride the Da Lat Railway for scenic views of the countryside.