Da Lat: Mountain Living In Vietnam
Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong Province in Vietnam and is also known as Little Paris, the Honeymoon Capital, the City of Eternal Spring, or City in the Fog.
During the mid-19th century the French came to Da Lat, attracted by the cooler temperatures of the Central Highlands.
At 1,500 meters Da Lat offered natural beauty, game hunting and some relief from the humidity which was making life tough elsewhere in Vietnam.
The French bourgeois architecture was built, and many of the hotels, villas, gardens and churches still stand today. For example, they have a miniature Eiffel Tower.
In 1954 the French left Vietnam but their influence is still felt today.
Vietnam is the world’s second largest producer of coffee. And, much of it comes from the Central Highlands around Da Lat.
Most of the coffee production is turned into instant coffee, but the higher grade beans are set aside for the local market.
Also, Da Lat’s has a few boutique coffee shops serving the good stuff.
Cost Of Living In Da Lat, Vietnam
Very little English is spoken in Vietnam at the moment but the government is working hard to change that. English is now taught in schools, so the younger generations are more likely to be able to speak with you.
The expat community is fairly small in Vietnam although it is growing every year. Da Lat has several expat forums and Facebook group who will help you out with recommendations and keep you updated on cultural activities.
Da Lat is a safe place to live with few serious crimes. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing are also uncommon.
Taxi drivers may try and scam you, especially if you have just arrived at the airport.
The biggest danger is from riding scooters. Scooters are the easiest and most popular way to get around in Da Lat. Wear a helmet at all times and drive with care at all times.
Climate in Da Lat, Vietnam
Da Lat has a subtropical highland climate, which means it only has two seasons: rainy and dry.
The rainy season in Da Lat lasts from May to October and the dry season from November to April.
For instance, the temperature stays steady at around 62°F all year. This means no snow, but lots of misty mornings.
In short, Da Lat is a great place for agriculture and flower, vegetable and fruits all thrive here.
Read about Vietnam’s climate here.
Visa And Residency In Vietnam
Vietnam doesn’t offer a retirement or digital nomad visa.
On the other hand, it has an investor’s visa.
The minimum investment threshold for this type of visa is about $123,150… which is expensive relative to its quality of life and compared to countries like Montenegro, which doesn’t stipulate any minimum threshold for its investor’s visa.