Dalat: The City of Eternal Spring

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tahm byet]
• YesCó
  [koh]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeLàm ơn
  [lam uhn]
• Thank youCám ơn
  [kahm uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
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  [bahn kweh kohng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kweh. kohn bahn]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [bahn koh noy tyeng ahn kohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hyeuh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem thực đơn, làm ơn
  [toy muhn sem took dun, lam uhn]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng uhn tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuhk sook kweh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, làm ơn
  [toy muhn thanh toan, lam uhn]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
• Go away!Tránh xa!
  [trahn sah]
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  [goy caynh saht]
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  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy laht doong]
• I'm illTôi bệnh
  [toy benh]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muhn moo-ah...]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem thôi
  [toy chee sem toy]
• How much is it?Giá bao nhiêu?
  [jah bao nyew]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [daht kwah]
• Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá được không?
  [bahn koh te zahm zah doh kohng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [by zoh la may zoh]
• It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ
  [by zoh la moot zoh]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ mười phút
  [moo-ee zoh moo-ee foot]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwuoy sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwuoy chee-oo]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwuoy toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm nigh]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [nyai my]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bohn]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [cho...uh zow?]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [jah chee la zee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [bahn koh te chee chaw toy (trern barn doh) kohng?]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe buýt tiếp theo?
  [khee nahw la chw-yen se bwuwt tyep the-ow?]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đi...)
  [moot vay (dee...)]

Dalat was founded in the early 20th century by the French colonial government. The city was established as a resort town to provide a cool retreat from the sweltering heat of the lowlands. The site was chosen primarily for its temperate climate, pine forests, and serene landscapes.

Alexandre Yersin, a Swiss-French physician and bacteriologist, played a significant role in the founding of Dalat. He was tasked with finding a suitable location for a hill station and recommended the Lang Biang Plateau, where Dalat is situated today. His efforts laid the groundwork for the city's establishment in 1893.

Dalat is renowned for its colonial architecture, a remnant of its French colonial past. The cityscape is dotted with French villas, the Da Lat Railway Station, and the Domaine de Marie Church, all of which reflect French architectural styles and contribute to the unique cultural tapestry of the city.

Xuan Huong Lake, a central feature of Dalat, was created in the 1930s by the French. Initially a swamp, it was transformed into a lake to beautify the city and provide a central recreational area. Today, it remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

During the Vietnam War, Dalat was less affected by the conflict compared to other regions. However, it did serve as a strategic location for both the South Vietnamese and American forces. Its relative tranquility made it a refuge for soldiers and civilians alike.

Founded in 1957, the University of Dalat is one of the key educational institutions in the city. Initially established as a center for higher education by the Catholic Church, it has grown to become a significant academic hub, contributing to the cultural and intellectual life of Dalat.

Dalat is home to various ethnic minority groups, including the K'Ho, the Lach, and the Chil people. Their traditions, crafts, and festivals add a rich layer of cultural diversity to the city. The Gong culture of these communities has even been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In contemporary times, Dalat has evolved into a popular tourist destination known for its flower gardens, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. The city hosts the annual Dalat Flower Festival, celebrating its reputation as the 'City of Eternal Spring' and attracting visitors from all over the world.

Dalat, located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, is accessible by air, road, and rail. The nearest airport is Lien Khuong Airport (DLI), approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights connect Dalat to major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. For road travel, buses and private cars are available from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and other nearby cities. The journey by road from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat typically takes around 6-8 hours. Although there is no direct train service to Dalat, you can take a train to nearby cities like Nha Trang or Phan Thiet and continue by bus or car.

In Dalat, transportation options include taxis, motorbike taxis (xe om), and car rentals. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the street or booked via apps like Grab. Motorbike rentals are popular for tourists who prefer to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. Public buses operate within the city, but they can be infrequent. Walking is also a great way to explore Dalat's charming streets and attractions, especially in the city center.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Dalat, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in the city, and you can withdraw cash using international credit or debit cards. Currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange offices.

Dalat is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places such as markets. Petty theft can occur, so keep your valuables secure. Areas around the night market and tourist hotspots can be more prone to pickpocketing.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical assistance. Dalat has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Always carry a copy of your passport and emergency contact numbers.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Public transport can be crowded, so be prepared to stand. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake can also be appropriate in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite. When eating with locals, wait for the host to invite you to start the meal.

To experience Dalat like a local, visit the local markets such as Dalat Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional 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 attractions like the Crazy House, Dalat Railway Station, and the Valley of Love. Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee at one of the many charming cafes. For a unique experience, take a stroll around Xuan Huong Lake or explore the lush pine forests and waterfalls surrounding the city.