Buzz
Take advantage of the rain to be a bit lazy!
If Saigon's weather flits between sunshine and rain like a capricious girl, Đà Lạt's rain pours consistently throughout the day. There are times when you might eagerly plan to go out, but a prolonged rain shower will undoubtedly erode your initial enthusiasm. However, for me, Đà Lạt's rain is still charming, still enjoyable, no different from sunny days. And on rainy days in Đà Lạt, there are plenty of things to do, not just confining yourself to taking shelter!
1. Wake Up to the Melodic Rainfall: “Well, I Guess I'll Sleep in a Few Minutes Longer'
In Đà Lạt, there are countless homestays ready to elevate the romance of seemingly melancholic rainy days into a fantastically warm experience. I proudly identify as a 'pluviophile' – someone immersed in the sound of rain, passionately captivated by the wettest of days.
Stretch out beside the window, listening to the rhythmic rain—it's simply incomparable.
Gaze out at the lush, water-laden garden.
Therefore, one of the most wonderful mornings for me is waking up to the rhythmic sound of raindrops on the tin roof, with the first sight upon opening my eyes being the tiny droplets racing down the windowpane. For a day like that, what could be more blissful than lazily sharing it with a companion? Sometimes, all it takes is curling up in a blanket, sluggishly flipping through a long-intended book, or simply sitting by the window frame, counting the falling raindrops.
It's raining; let's not 'lotus' around anymore!
'Come inside and play with the little one.'
2. Getting lost in the pine forest at Dinh II
Getting lost in the pine forest to experience a bit of the 'dampness' of the rain.
Escaping the dreary rain, we suddenly pondered how the most 'Dalat-esque' scenes under the rain would look like. So, we all 'guided' each other to the pine forest - an unmistakable image of this misty city.
The deserted road becomes even more tranquil in the rain.
Just a two-minute drive from the homestay, we reached Dinh II, where the green pine forest, old houses, and an even quieter road awaited us on these rainy days. In the pine forest, it seems like all you need is an umbrella in hand to conquer the world. The rain is still falling steadily, not heavy, yet enough to add a touch of romance to the quietness of the pine forest.
Dinh II boasts numerous old houses adorned with the hues of green moss and time.
Just stepping along the stone steps, and you've captured a beautiful picture.
3. Seeking shelter at Tuyen Lam Lake
The symbol of Tuyen Lam Lake under the thick blanket of clouds.
Leaving Dinh II, luck was on our side as the rain eased off. We returned to our initial plan, heading straight to Tuyen Lam Lake. However, the melancholy of Dalat rain is not just a fleeting visit; it returns swiftly. We barely spent much time at Tuyen Lam when the clouds once again descended, signaling another imminent rain shower.
I sat on the roadside opposite the lake shore.
Even on our escape route, seizing the opportunity for a snapshot remained a priority.
If you're a city dweller, you'll rarely feel the fierceness of the wind by the lake. Tuyen Lam Lake is vast, surrounded by emptiness, so when the weather turns rainy, the wind rustles through the clouds. Plans disrupted, we all hastily revved up our engines in search of shelter.
After running for a few minutes, the rain poured down, so I had to seek refuge on the porch of a wooden house by the roadside.
Couldn't outrun the rain, might as well take advantage and snap some pictures!
XQ Embroidery Village exudes an ancient atmosphere with tiled-roof houses, gates carrying a profound 'ancient style,' and an exhibition area resembling a 17th-century antique house.
The gate resembling the traditional Torii gate in Japan.
They say Dalat rain is quite melancholic. If you want to fully embrace that melancholy, come to XQ Embroidery Village and immerse yourself in a palette infused with a touch of mystique, a bit of serenity as if time has stood still in this place.
XQ Embroidery Village overflows with colors yet maintains an enigmatic allure even in the rain.
Dao Hieu Street is renowned for its authentically Japanese ambiance.
Located on Mai Anh Dao Street, XQ Sử Quán exudes an ancient atmosphere with tiled-roof houses, gates carrying a profound 'ancient style,' and an exhibition area resembling a 17th-century antique house.
The ancient house roof in the rain.
The painting and antique vase exhibition looks like a scene from some period drama.
A corner of embroidered art at XQ Sử Quán.
5. Taking shelter from the rain at Doha Cafe
Lâm Viên Square immersed in the mist of the rain.
Roaming around in the boring rain, we decided to take shelter at another symbol of Da Lat - Lâm Viên Square and Doha Cafe. Located next to Xuân Hương Lake, the road to Doha in the rain was equally challenging due to the fierce wind blowing from the lake, and the square was almost obscured by the thick mist.
Every time it rains, the wind at Xuân Hương Lake is quite fierce.
But once we reached a safe haven, especially when the artichoke flowers lit up, all the complaints and frustrations about getting wet in the rain would vanish. Imagine an empty square, rainwater still lingering on the ground, reflecting the lights and colorful mirrors - that alone is warm enough for a 'rain run,' don't you think!
However, in return, Doha appears as a luminous sphere reflecting under the water.
Extremely sparkling in the rainy night.
6. What to eat in Da Lat on a rainy day?
Actually, in Da Lat, you can eat anything on a rainy day. As long as it's warm, preferably still steaming, inhaling it will be enough to warm up those hungry and watery stomachs. However, there are some combos that I always have to eat a few times each visit to this charming little city; that is, the meatball dipping bread and grilled rice paper.
Freshly baked bread, the meatball pot still blushing in a cold shivering rainy day.
Waking up, after a cold shivering rainy night, happiness is sitting down to savor hot meatballs, tearing into a crispy fresh-out-of-the-oven baguette, dipping it into a rich, fragrant sauce with the scent of spring onions! And paradise is right there with a hot, creamy soy milk right next to it.
The moment of anticipation for the rice paper under the glowing charcoal is always more exciting than ever.
Midday, if you're hungry, just dive into a stall for grilled rice paper. The moment of waiting for the crispy golden rice paper under the glowing charcoal is also a kind of satisfaction.
How about making a pot of curry at Light Village!
Then, at the end of the day, when energy is almost depleted after a day of wandering and battling the rain and wind, why not 'cook' a steaming hot and spicy curry pot, guaranteed to bring happiness for only 25,000 VND!
Happiness is not far away, and the price is unbelievably cheap!
See, what's joyful in Dalat on rainy days? There are so many activities and beautiful scenes that become even more vibrant and lively under the rain!
Author: Nguyen Hoai Phuong
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://www.Mytour/en-vn/golocal
