Minh Phung chose Da Lat as a place for tourism, combined with working after Covid-19, to breathe fresh air and watch the peaceful city.
As a programmer living in Ho Chi Minh City, I have been cherishing a long trip in Da Lat for a long time, but because of the Covid-19 epidemic, I have not been able to do it until now. I spent 30 days in Da Lat, because just breathing in the cold makes me happy. Here are my experiences with both travel and work.
Nice stay
For long stays, suburban homestays are the top choice for affordable prices. This time, I have a predestined relationship with The Attica House in Ward 11. The room here is quite large, can put things comfortably. Room for two people costs 200,000 VND/day. From the outside, it feels like a real home, inside there is a washing machine, iron, and stove. The space here is cozy, from my room I can see the whole valley of lights.
Strange check-in
La Ba suspension bridge makes me feel like I’m in the Northwest. From the center to here about 12 km towards Trai Mat, the road is difficult to go. However, the way is beautiful scenery and fresh air. The suspension bridge crosses a large stream, surrounded by a gentle pine forest, this is also a destination many people take pictures for romance.
Yahe Cafe is not as prominent as other shops in Da Lat but left the most impressive in the shops I visited. The shop is decorated in a classic Japanese style, surrounded by green trees. Another plus point is that the drinks are quite delicious and the photos are taken from any angle.
ZooDoo Zoo is far from the city center, about 35 km towards Nha Trang, but it is a must-visit destination. The service here is in a fixed time frame from 9am to 5pm and needs to be booked a day in advance, priced at 100,000 VND/person. Located on the hill in the middle of the pine forest, the feeling here is very close to nature. Especially here, there are many animals such as raccoons, Alpaca camels, kangaroos… Here visitors go on guided tours and experience taking care of and feeding animals with prepared foods.
For those who love the Korean style, Yooberi Cafe Studio should not be missed. The space is large and divided into many zones, each place has its own design with youthful colors, making visitors think of candy cafes. The drinks here are not impressive to me, most carbonated drinks imported from Korea, but the plus point is the beautiful photography space.
Delicious
Da Lat can be called a culinary paradise with all kinds of local dishes, imported from where guests come. The first destination is Tuk Tuk Chicken Shop at 45 Tran Khanh Du. The most delicious dish here is chicken with green pepper sauce, one portion is enough for two people to eat. Should come before 6pm, then this dish usually runs out.
I have been to Da Lat many times, but the first time I enjoyed Pho Uyen at 167 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh. The shop has been sold for 27 years and is famous with locals and tourists. The beef noodle soup here is impressed by the soft and fresh meat, and the rich broth. There is also a yogurt dish made by the owner, soft and smooth. A month here, I visit the shop so many times that the owner remembers her face.
Hoi An Quang Noodles at 14 Yersin is also a perennial restaurant. I’ve been to many places, but nowhere has there been such a delicious soup. Next is Hai Map restaurant, usually only people come here to eat. There is Northwest grilled chicken here, suitable for sipping on a cold day. Nhu Ngoc rice pot is the last destination on the list of restaurants because the price is a bit expensive. The plus point is that the food is rich, visitors should choose rice with fried chicken with fish sauce.
total cost
The cost of renting a homestay is 3 million VND/person, if you stay by the month, the price will be better. Most of me walk and bike, every time I go far, I need to rent a motorbike for 1 million VND. When I go out to eat and drink, I buy my own cooking, about 4 million VND/person. In addition, there are other costs incurred about 2 million VND.