Da Lat: The Centre of Vietnamese Agriculture

Nestled in the southern highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat sits 4,900 feet above sea level and provides a refreshing respite for anyone looking to escape the tropical heat of the South. Da Lat is also the agricultural powerhouse of Vietnam and it’s definitely worth a trip to see how inhabitants have devised high-tech farming systems to feed fresh fruits and vegetables to millions of Vietnamese.

The city of eternal spring
This city is the one place in Vietnam where you can experience all seasons in one day. Spring in the morning, summer at midday, autumn in the evening, and winter at night. That being said, make sure to bring warm sweaters and pants if you plan on visiting during the Southern “winter” months of November- February.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Owing to its romantic sights (such as beautiful Xuan Huong lake) and cuddle-worthy climate, Da Lat has also made a name for itself as the honeymoon capital of Vietnam. It is also home to a mini replica of the Eiffel Tower, earning it the nickname “Le Petit Paris”.

Vietnam’s breadbasket
Da lat was established in the late 19th century by French colonialists. It began as a research station for agriculture and served as a place to catch some rest and relaxation throughout the 20th century, even during the Vietnam War. Now, Da Lat produces a staggering amount of fresh produce for the entire country. Lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, pepper, strawberries, and especially coffee are significant sources of income for the hundreds of farmers living there. The French introduced coffee cultivation to the area around the same time Da Lat was established. The coffee industry was slow to recover after the war but is now responsible for delivering the thick, strong Vietnamese coffee millions of people savour every day.

An agricultural revolution
In the past decade, Da Lat farmers have revolutionised their farming industry. Back-breaking field work has given way to unique, high-tech cultivation systems. Plant tissue cultivation is becoming the norm, and Da Lat farmers have spent billions of Vietnamese dong to build laboratories that allow for faster, better, and way easier ways of growing produce. Bacteria-resistant plants are now grown in sterilised glasshouses, generating higher yields of better quality than their field-grown counterparts.

One such popular technology is called hydroponic farming, and it completely eliminates the need for soil. Instead, shielded from the elements in modern glasshouses, plants are grown in horizontal stacks of beds that are showered with nutrient-dense water. This method also renders fertilizers and pesticides unnecessary. On average, farmers are now working less and earning more by investing in such agricultural technology.
Population boom
Da Lat is a small city of approximately 350,000 residents, but it welcomes over three million tourists every year. Sadly, to cope with the surge in tourism and demand for housing, the pristine forests around the city are increasingly being sacrificed. People who try to set up houses in the forests are using acid to kill the tree roots, and then petitioning the government for authorised tree removal. As Saigoneer reports: “In Vietnam’s battle to balance growth and preservation, the former is clearly winning.” Vietnam’s tourism industry is continuing to skyrocket and in order to preserve the natural beauty of historical cities like Da Lat, caution must be exercised to ensure that these attractions keep the charm and beauty that made them such coveted destinations in the first place.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.