From Quy Non to Dalat

Stopover. Not every route in Vietnam can be completed non-stop and in a few hours. That's why we have a two-day stop in Quy Nhon on our journey from Hue to Dalat. A place on the southeast coast of Vietnam that is not yet very developed for tourism. This becomes apparent during our first walk along the beach promenade. We see - apart from us - no other tourists far and wide. Somehow a good feeling.

However, a discomforting feeling is given to us by an army of mosquitoes that we find in our hotel room upon arrival. It is almost impossible to get rid of the little pests, as they swarm in and out through the ventilation hole of our windowless (!) room.

Later in the evening, we go out to find food, visit street food stalls and restaurants, only to end up having to give in with a growling stomach in a way too expensive shop near the beach promenade. At least the side dishes here are vegetarian. One disadvantage of a less touristy place like this is that vegetarian options are even rarer than usual. On the second evening, we unexpectedly find something. Why didn't we check the internet yesterday? The result: Today we go to bed happy and full.

At a quarter to six in the morning, we set off for Dalat. Upon arrival in Dalat, it is easy to get from the bus station, which is located slightly outside, to the city center by taxi. It winds through smaller streets, along some of the many French colonial houses, and we are surprised by the hilly location of the city - our research in advance was obviously insufficient.

Our hotel, with the beautiful name Starhill, is conveniently located near the Central Market and lives up to its name, directly on a slope with a great view over Dalat. The city can be explored mostly on foot - if you don't mind long walks. One of the first attractions we visit is the Hang Nga Crazy House. A surreal building with tunnels, bridges, and walkways on the roofs, which is not far from the city center. Really crazy.

Another highlight is the French Quarter. It is characterized by some well-preserved colonial buildings, including a Christian church (Dalat Cathedral), and a large radio mast in the shape of the Eiffel Tower. A bit of Paris in Vietnam.

Around the city, there are a few smaller excursion destinations. For example, the Lang Biang mountain. The view from there over the city is said to be fabulous. However, here it remains in the subjunctive, because even though we are standing at the bus stop with our boots and provisions after two hours, the bus still doesn't see fit to come by. This may be due to Vietnamese New Year's Day. But we were promised something else in advance. Well, Happy New Year.

So we engage in an activity that Dalat offers plenty of options for. Drinking coffee. No matter where, there are countless small, large, and hip cafes in the city that invite you to linger and write in your diary.