Month: August 2022

Vietnam Visa and Travel Information

this is about getting Visas for Vietnam. It covers tourists but is mainly for English teachers.

Vietnam Visas for ESL and EFL Teachers.

So why is now the opportune time to look at your visa and resident details? Well for one it is the start of a new semester and doing it now before the schools are running at full steam, makes sense. The latest updates seem to be around trying to woo foreign tourists back into Vietnam.

March 15th Updates.

The Vietnam Government on Tuesday (March 15, 2022) agreed to resume its unilateral visa exemption policy for citizens from 13 countries as Vietnam seeks to reopen inbound tourism after nearly two years of closure.

Citizens from Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K. will be allowed to visit Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa regardless of passport type and entry purpose.

The Vietnam Government also announced to resume other pre-pandemic immigration procedures for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese.

Contact Phone Numbers.

Before I start flooding you with information about visas, I will provide a list of contact details and phone numbers that will help you get your questions answered.

1. Address:

+ In Hanoi: No. 44 – 46 Trần Phú street, Ba Đình ward, Hanoi, Vietnam. Phone: (+84) 4 38257941.

Related procedures: Renew visa, Extend visa, issue Temporary Resident Card for foreign citizens staying Vietnam.

+ In Ho Chi Minh: 254 Nguyễn Trãi street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Phone: (+84) 8 9201701

Related procedures: Renew visa, Extend visa, issue Temporary Resident Card for foreign citizens staying in Southern Of Vietnam and provinces of Mekong Delta.

+ In Danang: No. 7 Trần Quý Cáp street, Đà Nẵng city, Quảng Nam province, Vietnam. Phone: (84) 07511.823383

Related procedures: Renew visa, Extend visa, issue Temporary Resident Card for foreign citizens staying in Center and Central Highlands of Vietnam.

2. Phone Number:

+ Number (+84) 4 8264026: ask for entry, exit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam; repatriation of Vietnam citizens residing abroad.

+ Number (+84) 4 8260922: ask for the exit and entry of citizens of Vietnam.

+ Number (+84) 4 9345609: ask for the sanctioning of administrative violations in the field of Immigration.

+ Number (+84) 4 8257941: ask for the exit and entry procedure at the border and other related issues in fields of Immigration.

Types of Visa.

Popular types of Vietnam visas: In total there are 20 different types of visas, with the below being the most popular.

  • Tourist visa (DL)
  • Business visa (DN)
  • Student/internship visa (DH)
  • Working visa (LĐ)

A1 is granted for official members who are invited guests of Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam or Congress, President, Government and equal guest of Minister, Deputy, President or vice president’s people committee of province or centrally run cities combination with those relatives or assistants coming with them.

– A2 is granted for those who are members or representations of foreign governments and those relatives or assistant entering with them.

– A3 is used for those who enter into Vietnam to work with foreign commissions or are invited by foreign commissions.

– B1 is used for those who enter into Vietnam to work with the People’s Supreme inspectorate, the Supreme people’s court, ministries, and equal ministries, government agencies, the people’s committee of a province, central cities, and central agencies of people’s organizations, union or public.

– B2 is granted for those who enter Vietnam to process investment projects accepted by Vietnam-authorized organizations.

– B3 is granted for foreigners who co-operate with Vietnam enterprises

– B4 is used for those who are staff working in foreign authorized offices, branches of culture-economic organizations or other fields, and non-government foreign organizations whose branches are located in Vietnam.

– C1 is granted to those who enter into Vietnam for tourist purposes.

– C2 is granted for those who want to enter into Vietnam with other purposes that are different from the above purpose.

– D is used for those who haven’t been sponsored by Vietnam commissions, organizations, or other individuals.

Note: D visa category which is not more than 15 days validity. The Other visas are more than 30 days validity.

Visa Stamping Fee.

The fee you have to pay on arrival is called the “Visa Stamping Fee” and must be paid in cash at the “Landing Visa Counter” at the airport you arrive.

25 USD/person for less than 90 days single entry

50 USD/person from 30 days to less than 90 days multiple entries visa

95 USD/person from 90 days to less than 180 days multiple entries visa

135 USD/person for 1-year multiple entries visa

Are You Confused Yet?

If you wish to come to Vietnam to teach, this is the best advice I can give you.

There are 2 main options if you want to be a teacher or conduct business in Vietnam. These include.

Arriving on a Tourist Visa. ( Or an E-Visa on arrival)

Arriving on a Business Visa. (Sponsorship letter needed for business visa)

Look here at Vietnam-e-visa dot org to find out more information.

You can enter Vietnam on a tourist or business Visa, which a lot of future ESL teachers do. You can organize this via a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or you can apply online. Here is a sample of each ( Do not use these as they are samples only)

A lot of teachers then organize jobs (if not done before) and will negotiate with the schools to do the work permit and other documentation needed or arrange for a private business to do it for them. Please be careful as there are some less than scrupulous businesses around.

It is a good idea to join a Facebook group like Vietnam Visa advice who will guide you in the right direction. If you join these forums you will get advice to the latest “visa runs” or runs to the border to get new visas.

More Paperwork.

Vietnam is a country that loves its paperwork and there is a lot more for you to do before you can walk inside the classroom. For a start, you will need work permits and doctors certificates along with a police record check from your home country.

Now we are opening up again after covid, there will be a strong need for ESL/EFL Teachers. To stay ahead of the pack and get recruited first I would make sure I have all my documents available.

Look at my past post about what extra paperwork to bring to Vietnam here at “How to teach English in Vietnam“

Visa and covid rules.

All destinations in Vietnam are open and self-isolation is not necessary. The main ideas of the new rules are entry requires a visa and travel insurance. The minimum level of insurance is $10,000 of medical insurance that covers covid-19 treatment.

The simple entry standards also include that the covid-19 app (available on Apple or Google Play), is required if visiting any Vietnamese establishments.

Visitors are asked to self-monitor for 10 days following admission and should contact the closest medical facility if they see any COVID-19 symptoms.

Sanitation, social isolation, and surgical masks are always necessary. Children under two are permitted outside with an adult. And teachers are advised to wear masks in the classroom.

Final Thoughts.

This is a very brief overview of a forever-changing and challenging set of rules to comply with. While it is not overly complicated,( unless you have a temporary Resident card), it can become extremely annoying having to forever (or feels like it) deal with visas.

Stephen.

Any or all links on this site may be affiliate links, and if you purchase something through those links I will make a small commission on them.

There will be no extra cost to you and at times due to my affiliation, you could actually save money.

You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.

How to be an ESL Teacher.

This will give you some things to think about if you want to become an ESL teacher.

So You Want To Be an ESL Teacher.

This is not the sort of career that you sit down when you are 12 o 13 and think, wow, I want to be an ESL teacher. But for whatever reason you have chosen to be an ESL teacher, this will show you how it can be done.

There are a few different ways you can become an ESL teacher as not all schools and not all countries demand that you have a University degree. And even those that require a degree can be pretty flexible in their approach to what degree is relevant. I have seen people with degrees in non-related topics that are accepted for a teaching job.

However, I will give you what is considered by most countries as needed for this position. And I will also show some alternatives to the traditional approach.

What is The Job About?

Being an ESL or EFL teacher can be an immensely satisfying job, but don’t expect the salary to be extraordinary. ( I will talk more about salaries soon.) ESL or English as a Second Language or EFL, or English as a Foreign Language are the acronyms you will become most used to seeing.

Teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) assist non-native English speakers in learning to speak, read, understand, and write the language. They may work at language academies, public or private schools, or out of their homes or the homes of their students, giving private lessons.

ESL Teachers Responsibilities.

The objective of an ESL instructor is to instruct and guide pupils who are learning English as a second language. ESL instructors frequently employ a real-world setting to help their students better understand the language’s intricacies. When interacting with pupils from other cultures.

ESL teachers need to be flexible, inventive, and attentive to the expected cultural variations. Teachers of English as a second language frequently serve as mentors, counselors, and liaisons for families and students who are just settling into a new location.

All grade levels (K–12) of students may be served by ESL teachers in the public school system. They frequently remove ESL students from the regular classroom and place them in a separate space where they can work with them in small groups or one-on-one to develop their English abilities. These small groups may include English language learners of various ages and grade levels who all require assistance with their language skills, depending on the size of the school.

This does not always happen. I have been in classes with 50 students that learn on a regular basis with limited resources. If nothing else, ESL teachers need to be flexible and able to think on their feet. It can be one of the most mentally challenging jobs out there. But when you have had a great day, you will feel like a “rock n roll” star.

But do not think all students who wish to learn English as a second language are K-12 or learn only through a private schooling system. As different as the student and their needs are, there are different ways to teach the student for their skill levels and age.

Who Will You Be Teaching?

One, amongst many, things I enjoy about teaching ESL is that after a while you can have a better choice of who you wish to teach. Depending on which schooling system and country you teach in will determine who you teach.

Let’s look at a few alternatives. First, if you are teaching in a public school system for children you can expect to be teaching K-12 and everything that comes with it. The good and the not-so-good, depending on your outlook. Teaching younger children can be extremely rewarding but should be mixed up with games and a lesson plan that takes into account a reduced attention span for learning. Read more about “How to teach ESL to Kids“

If you are teaching older children or teenagers in the public school system your approach will be different again. And you will also have a different curriculum if you are teaching in an academy. But teenagers need to be taught differently from children and adults. You can read more here. “How to Teach ESL To Teenagers”

And, age group-wise, adults will normally be taught in a private school or a private lesson situation. Some companies will also arrange for lessons to be conducted in-house or at a place that is suitable for everyone. I have even rented out rooms in coffee shops that can be used as a temporary classroom. You can read more about teaching adults here at “How to teach ESL to Adults.”

While you can change throughout your career as an ESL teacher, it is a lot better if you choose the age groups that you wish to teach first. But try a few lessons with each age group first. Because what you believe may happen in the classroom is probably different from what you will experience. Remember, a good teacher is a happy teacher.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

The 1990s and thereabouts have gone and so has the more laid-back approach to teaching ESL and EFL. In the days when you could jump off a plane in a foreign country, like Thailand or Vietnam, and start teaching English the following week have long gone.

These days most countries have a more stringent approach. But there are still some places that are open to a less rigorous educational background. Some of the Asian destinations are prime examples.

Ideally, you will have a 4-year bachelor’s degree that is teaching or linguistic focused. When you start applying for positions make sure you have transcripted copies of your degree ( and your other paperwork) as you do not wish to hand over any originals.

On top of your degree, you will need an English Teacher license. You will find most Universities are more than willing to provide a course that will give you an English teacher’s License. At the end of the day, employers will not differentiate between a university or private course.

Udemy, as per my side banner, provides TEFL teacher training courses. You can also find a little more information here in my post “ESL Teacher Training”

The advice I would give here is to look online at the country you have chosen to teach in and see what teacher training is offered. Only because most teacher training schools will have contacts with schools within their own country that may make getting a job easier and quicker

What can I make?

Most information as soon as it is posted is out of date. And when it comes to salaries it is, in my opinion, doubly so. However, I have used some information provided by The International TEFL academy to give you a quick rule of thumb.

I have been teaching in Vietnam now for 15 years and have 2 English schools. I have worked in private companies and public schools and have taught all levels of students.

Source; International TEFL Academy.

The amount that is shown here is an indication only of what you can make. If you are ambitious and have a passion for teaching your business will be exponentially better than the figures shown. Likewise, if you hate teaching and do minimum work your salary may be less. You can find more salary information here about “ESL salaries“

Final Thoughts.

Teaching English overseas is a truly wonderful way to see the world and find out what people are like in their own country. The job itself is both challenging and rewarding. Without trying to sound cliched, you will be pulling your hair out one day and cursing your choice of jobs. The next day when things click you will feel like that rock star I talked about before.

Yes, you can make a great living if you are prepared to adjust to a different lifestyle and work while others are partying. And you will meet some great people. Teaching EFL in another country may mean that your new friends come and go. A lot of teachers use teaching EFL as a passport to travel the world, so while you meet a lot of new people, old friends become scarcer and scarcer.

In my opinion, the lifestyle of an ESL teacher is extremely rewarding and the positive input that you give to your students’ lives is second to none.

Stephen.

Any or all links on this site may be affiliate links, and if you purchase something through those links I will make a small commission on them.

There will be no extra cost to you and at times due to my affiliation, you could actually save money.

You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.

Are ESL Teachers in Demand in Vietnam?

There is a strong demand for Native and Non Native English teachers in Vietnam. The new school semester is about to begin.

Taking my students to the zoo in Ho Chi Minh City

The Effects of Covid on ESL.

As livelihoods were snatched by the Covid-19 pandemic, many foreign teachers ran online classes at cheap rates to survive, while others left Vietnam.

After living in Vietnam for 15 years and being married, my options were somewhat limited. I had been teaching in both public schools and had my own students. Covid kicked me in the proverbial teeth. Schools and language centers were shut down and I, like many, had to teach online to survive.

Others, left for their home countries ( Some, never to return) or battened down waiting for the lockdown to cease. Some gave up the teaching profession as they refused to be vaccinated.

ESL Teaching Pre-Covid.

In a country that was among the world’s nine countries that pay the highest salaries to ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers, who could earn up to $2,000 and more per month, many ex-pat teachers were then in a distressing situation.I had one friend who ran out of money and ended up walking the streets for a week. (He had no computer so could not teach on-line.)

As English is compulsory from sixth grade across Vietnam and in large cities like Hanoi and HCMC, many primary schools opt for English programs for students and demand high proficiency. And because of these Government directives, the ESL industry had thrived in Vietnam in recent years, with jobs offering high salaries available all year round.

But the year-long pandemic and prolonged lockdown changed the table. Over the last few months, the tables have changed again.

ESL Teachers in Demand.

Vietnam has kicked off the constraints of Covid and the government is back pushing English in public schools again. Tourism and the rumored relocation of some major businesses from China ( Apple, Samsung, and LG) to Vietnam are behind this.

It implies that if locals speak English, the country will be able to draw in more tourists, businesses from other countries, jobs for the locals, and competitive economic growth

Іf уоu vіѕіt аnу eхраt Fасеbооk grоuрѕ оr ѕіmрlу Gооglіng tеасhіng Еnglіѕh іn Vіеtnаm, іt wіll ѕurеlу оvеrwhеlm уоu wіth the plethora of јоb оffеrѕ. Whеthеr уоu dесіdе tо lіvе іn Наnоі оr Но Сhі Міnh Сіtу (Ѕаіgоn), оr еvеn іn ѕmаllеr сіtіеѕ lіkе Dа Nаng, оr Nhа Тrаng, уоu саn gеt уоurѕеlf а јоb еаѕіlу.

The Good, The Bad and…

Тhеrе аrе lоаdѕ оf рrіvаtе Еnglіѕh сеntrеѕ аnd рublіс ѕсhооlѕ thаt аrе dеѕреrаtе tо gеt thеіr hаndѕ оn а fоrеіgn tеасhеr.

Ноwеvеr, thеrе аrе а fеw uglу truthѕ уоu nееd tо knоw аnd рrераrе уоurѕеlf.

Most schools play by the book and get people with the right qualifications. That is everything from police and health clearance forms up to a University degree, however, there are a few that won’t care so much about your qualifications but more about your accent and the color of your skin. Or to clarify that, the whiteness of your skin.

The Ugly.

Racism is quite the norm when it comes to ESL teachers and it always makes me sad when I see a perfectly qualified black African teacher placed 2nd over an unqualified white backpacker.

Nоn-nаtіvе English speakers who are not native speakers will face a bigger challenge in finding the job they are looking for, but it is still possible. If you are well qualified, you should look into larger companies and international schools because they are more professional and interested in your qualifications than the color of your skin.

ESL Teacher Pay in Vietnam.

It is generally advertised that the pay rates for ESL teachers in Vietnam can range anywhere between $1200 – $ 1800 U.S. or $2,000 – $2,400.U.S. depending on whether you have just started or whether you are qualified with a few years of experience. And what levels have you taught before etc.

After working and having my own school in Vietnam for the last 15 years it still appears that those advertising they still haven’t worked out an easy way to show pay rates for foreigners.

An hourly rate works best for those schools that are more upfront about their pay scales. Then when the teachers weekly hourly schedule is worked out then you know exactly what you are earning.

Normal Pay Rate.

The normal pay rate is between $18.00 to $30.00.per hour with each class running for about 1.5 hours.

There are 2 types of teaching for ESL, and that is the public system or Government schools that generally pay less and are daytime hours, Monday to Friday. And then the private schools or academies that run in the evenings and the weekends.

Obviously depending on where you are in Vietnam will have an effect on the pay scales.

You will find out some more about the education system in Vietnam here at……….

The Vietnam Education System and ESL | Stephen (vietnamesl.com)

Native and Non-Native Speakers.

Native English speakers are deemed to be those who have passports from the U.S.A, England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with South Africa coming somewhere in between the Philippines and the U.S.A. But generally, any Europeans will be seen as Non-Native speakers. And similar to the Filipinos they will be paid at a lesser rate.

For example, if a “native speaker” was being paid at 450,000 dong per hour the non-native speaker would be paid around the 370,000dong rate. n.b. All pay rates should be quoted in Vietnam dong ( Even though it is not) by government decree.

My Daughter-in-law back to school in 2022

School Holidays

Vietnamese students often attend school for only half of the six-day school week, which starts on Monday and ends on Saturday. However my daughter-in-law attends an International school and only goes 5 days a week, but full time. And she has just finished her close on 3 month holiday. Generally, private or international schools have a five-week summer break in July and August.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the academic year normally lasts from September to May. While a typical school day only lasts for half a day, the school week starts on Monday and finishes on Saturday. The 15th of June marks the end of the academic year. The summer break lasts from June 16 to August 7.

Desperate Recruiting Measures.

After 3 months at home, the students and especially the parents are ready for public schools to start again. And even though there has been “Summer-school” everyone is ready to start a full-time curriculum again. And there is now a pent-up demand for teachers for the next semester.

So from now until the schools start again, there will be a big drive for teachers for public schools. This is often filled not only by the schools but also recruitment agencies who are desperate to get people on board. And when people are desperate, corners will be cut. The enforcement of University degrees and even English teaching licenses may well take a back seat until vacancies are filled.

Where to Find a Job.

Vietnam loves Facebook, and so do the recruiters. There are a large number of Facebook groups you can join or you can work via “Teacher Placements” to find a position for you. Whichever you feel most comfortable with.

Here is a small list of Facebook groups for jobs.

Foreign English Teachers Vietnam.

Below are some links that can help with your teaching.

How to teach ESL to Kids.

How to teach ESL to Teenagers

How to teach ESL to Adults.

Any or all links on this site may be affiliate links, and if you purchase something through those links I will make a small commission on them.

There will be no extra cost to you and at times due to my affiliation, you could actually save money.

You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.

How to Escape the Heat in Dalat Vietnam.

Cooling off in Delightful Dalat.

It is somewhat ironic to hear people in The United States, Europe, and England talking about the heat and looking for ways to cool off. And here I am in Vietnam about to write about going to Dalat to cool off from the hot weather of Ho Chi Minh City.

Dalat is a beautiful city that is well loved by both locals and tourists alike. Dalat or ‘Da Lat” as the Vietnamese say is the city of flowers, the city of love, and strikingly beautiful. But above all else, it has a lovely moderate temperature because it is situated In Lâm Đồng Province in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

It is centered around a lake and golf course and surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its distinctive temperate climate, Đà Lạt was developed as a resort by the French in the early 1900s, and many reminders of its colonial heritage remain.

Đà Lạt was chosen as a site for a city for the same reason it remains popular today. It is a cool alternative to a hot Vietnam climate. The population of full time residents in 2022 reached 321,000 with 300 of those being ex-pats. Add into that a yearly influx of tourists at around the 1,172,000 (In 2017 which has probably dropped because of the pandemic) and you have a busy little town.

The Dalat Climate.

As stated, one of the main reasons Da Lat is so popular with natives and non-natives alike.is the temperate climate. A favorite Vietnamese saying is when talking about the Fresh air. If the air was any fresher you could use it instead of any “pick-up” lines.

Dalat is bordered by a big, lush pine forest, which, along with the city’s year-round cold temperate environment, gives the impression that you are in the middle of Europe. Even on the hottest days, the average temperature seldom rises above 24 or 26 degrees Celsius due to the moderate climate. Additionally, Dalat is fortunate in that the temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees Celsius in the Winter months..

The Christmas months are the dryer months with May to October being the months that attract the rain. What a lovely way to spend Christmas either alone or with others. Cool and dry.

A Brief History of Dalat.

At 3:30 pm on June 21, 1893, after a long expedition in the Southeast region, Dr. Yersin set foot on the Lang Biang Plateau to change a wasteland into a wonderland. Dr. Yersin was a Swiss man with French nationality who had been tasked by the French authorities of the time to explore the Central Highlands and reach the Lang Biang plateau. He played a significant role in Dalat’s history by helping to turn it into a well-known city that is now listed in many nations’ encyclopedias.

Origin of the name, Da Lat.

Dalat’s name originated from the words ‘Da Lach’ which is pronounced in the language of the Lach people. One of the three different tribes belonging to the K’ho system that share the northern regions of Lam Dong province.

The Lach people live from the base of Lang Biang Mountain to (the now) Dalat city, occupying land around Xuan Huong Lake area where a small stream flows. In the language of K’ho, Da or Dak means water, river or stream; Lach (Lat) is the name of the tribe of the ethnic K’ho. So Da Lach is the stream of Lach people.

Alternative Origins of the Name.

The first five characters of the Latin phrase “DAT ALLIIS LAETITIUM ALLIIS TEMPERRIEM,” means “giving this person the joy and giving the other the coolness”.are claimed to have been chosen by the “French founders” for this lovely city. And if you take the first letter of each word you get “Dalat”.

Whatever you chose for the origins of the name Da Lat the one thing you can say is true is that it is beautiful.

Getting There.

Da Lat is a bit less than 5,000 feet above sea level in the southern parts of the central highlands. If you are traveling from Ho Chi Minh City by car it will take you about 6- 8 hours. Thankfully you have flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh, Da Nang, and Hanoi. The flight time from HCMC to Dalat is less than 1 hour and about $33.00 USD. There are also bus sleepers you can take which are very cheap and get you there refreshed for around $5.00 to $6.00. . However, if you are tall the sleeping compartment may be a bit short for you.

Getting Around.

A motorbike taxi, or XE OM as they are known, is one of the simplest methods to move around Dalat. These guys can be seen on most local corners. Remember that they are independent contractors and not employees of a taxi business, so be sure to haggle the price beforehand and have the right amount of cash on hand because they never seem to have change. There are also taxis and grabs available. The local taxis are “Lam Dong”, “Red Star”, “Thang Loi”, “Quoc Te” and, my favorite, “Mai Linh”

Taxi Tips.

One of the more frequent gripes I hear is about the “entrepreneurial ship” of the taxi drivers. These things don’t happen all the time, but enough to be annoying. Some Vietnamese think all foreigners are rich. 

If you are looking for a hotel to stay in, don’t take a taxi to find a hotel room.

If you are only going for a short trip, wait until you are moving to tell the driver the destination. A lot of drivers dislike doing short trips.

If you are looking for a one-day tour, hire a car not a taxi for the whole day.

Make sure the meter is turned on, then there are no excuses for additional charges. And to avoid taking the “scenic route” turn on Google maps on your phone so the driver sees what you are doing.

But please don’t be rude about it. And if you like the drivers attitude and service, get his phone number so you can call him directly for further hiring and give a tip for the same reasons. 20,000 dong is less than $1.00 and would be appreciated by the driver.

Things To See in Dalat.

Da lat has been called Vietnams vegetable garden and provides anything from avocados, plums, peaches, and an endless string of local ethnic fruits. However, if you come at the right time the bursts of color from orchids, roses, azaleas, camellias, and carnations will captivate you.

The Most Memorable Moments of Dalat

Flower festival

The National Flower Festival is held every 2 years since 2005 in Dalat and it attracts people from all over the world.

If you are lucky enough to visit during the National Flower Festival, I would definitely put this at the top of the list.

Lakes and Waterfalls

Dalat is famous for its beautiful lakes, waterfalls and pine forests. The lakes in Dalat city are “Xuan Huong” , “Tuyen Lam”, ‘Than Tho” Da Thien Lake, “Van Kiep” and Me Linh Lake. They are located right in the heart and surrounds of the city and each lake associated with an ancient legend. They should be put on your “must do list” while you are in Da Lat.

Amazing Architecture.

The French built Dalat and gave it its large boulevards, huge roundabouts, and lovely flower gardens. They also built enough European houses, schools, and offices in Dalat to compete with those in Hanoi or Hoi An.

You’ve come to the right site if you’re looking for French architecture in Vietnam.

Domaine de Marie

A Catholic church, Domaine de Marie (Nhà Th Domaine De Marie). It was constructed by the French in 1940, and in recent years, it has gained notoriety for its lovely pink façade, which, depending on the lighting, actually looks to be more of a coral or brick color. People go to this location to take selfies with one another in front of the church and on the tiny Juliet balcony. Not me on the balcony.

The Pasteur Institute

The Pasteur Institute in Dalat, which was constructed between 1930 and 1936, was once one of the main vaccine manufacturers in the area. It was established by Swiss bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin who invented fermentation and pasteurization and became the first ex-pat in Dalat. This building is owned by the Vietnamese Government. It should be ok to photograph, but if there is a guard present please ask first and obey all requests.

And many more including the Dalat Cathedral, the French quarter Villas, and arguably the most famous of all, “The Dalat Railway Station”

The Crazy House

This is not French architecture, but you can’t talk about “architecture”in Dalat and not include the Crazy House.

.Artist Dang Viet Nga designed and constructed this extraordinary edifice, which she describes as the pinnacle of her creativity.

She created the Crazy House “blueprints” in February 1990. And produced a number of paintings to convey her magical concept rather than blueprints.

The house is an example of expressionist architecture and lacks perfect angles in favor of organic shapes intended to resemble natural objects like mushrooms, shells, caves, and spiderwebs. This is something that can not just be talked about, it should be visited and enjoyed. And what better way of doing it than sleeping overnight?

Creating that Coffee moment in Dalat.

There are plenty of cafes in Dalat, so make sure to visit a few of them while you’re there. The most romantic thing you can do here is to sip a fragrant cup of coffee while taking in the view of the city shrouded in mist from some of Dalat’s top cafes. Popular examples with great views can be found at “The Vietnam Coracle”

Final Words.

While this certainly doesn’t give you a 100% list of what can be done in Dalat, I hope it does give you a little taste of what it is like. Do yourself and the locals a favor and spend more than a few days here. Dalat has a lot to offer and it is very easy to spend 2 weeks here without even scratching the surface.

You can use booking.com to arrange all your travel needs to Dalat or anywhere in Vietnam.

Stephen.

Any or all links on this site may be affiliate links, and if you purchase something through those links I will make a small commission on them.

There will be no extra cost to you and at times due to my affiliation, you could actually save money.

You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.