Buzz
If you're planning a motorbike trip, it's best to start at 4 a.m. to ensure safety when navigating the winding roads of Bao Loc. Alternatively, you can send your motorbike via public transport.
Day 1: Enjoying Da Lat Cherry Blossoms
Morning: Cherry blossom hunting.
6 a.m.: Fuel up with Quang noodles, pho, or chicken heart steamed rice cakes, accompanied by a steaming cup of soy milk, and you're ready for an exciting exploration journey.
7 a.m.: Enjoying morning coffee in the cool air of Da Lat is a wonderful feeling, especially when accompanied by the iconic Da Lat cherry blossoms. These flowers bloom only during Tet Nguyen Dan, and you can sit at Thuy Ta coffee shop by Xuan Huong Lake to admire them.
9 a.m.: After coffee, embark on a journey to capture beautiful photos of cherry blossoms or take some souvenir shots of the charming corners of Da Lat. The best cherry blossom spots include Tran Binh Trong Street along the ancient villa Cadasa, where many young people come to pose and couples come for wedding photos. Le Dai Hanh Street in the city center, along Xuan Huong Lake, and the streets around Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
12 p.m.: Enjoy a Dalat lunch with clay pot rice, Hue beef noodle soup, or steaming hotpot dishes suitable for the Dalat weather.
Afternoon: Pilgrimage to Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
Visiting temples is a meaningful journey at the beginning of the new year to pray for the health, peace, and prosperity of loved ones. Truc Lam Zen Monastery is the perfect destination for both pilgrimage and enjoying the majestic natural scenery with clouds and cherry blossoms.
Evening: Night street stroll and indulging in street food delights.
The ultimate pleasure in the city of thousands of flowers is strolling the night streets, dressed in a cozy coat and warm scarf like a local, and enjoying famous street foods. Visit Dalat market, where you'll find a variety of culinary delights such as fragrant grilled meats, flavorful snails with lemongrass, or piping hot grilled spring rolls. Don't forget street foods like: clear noodle soup, water fern cake, pork meatball bread, mini pancakes, and especially grilled rice paper with egg. Before snuggling into a warm blanket, enjoy a hot cup of soy milk and a creamy ice cream to end the perfect evening.
Day 2: Exploring the pristine island of Cam Ranh - Khanh Hoa
Continuing your journey, you head to the coastal town of Cam Ranh, known for its warm sunshine, blue sea, and seafood feasts. From Da Lat, travelers take National Highway 20, also known as the Dran Pass, to the Ninh Binh intersection in Ninh Son District, Ninh Thuan Province. From there, they turn left onto National Highway 27B to reach Cam Ranh, a beautiful new route adorned with wildflowers and misty fog along the way.
Suggestions for travelers to explore 3 pristine islands in Cam Ranh:
– Binh Ba Island: Dubbed the 'lobster island' of Cam Ranh, it boasts rich natural scenery and seafood, including famous affordable lobsters for travelers to enjoy. The island still retains some wilderness, and if you're willing to explore and climb to high places, you'll find many majestic photo spots.
When visiting Binh Ba Island, make sure to schedule time to witness the sunrise, sunset, and indulge in delicious and inexpensive food by the beach. The islanders are friendly and approachable.
– Binh Lap Island: One of the three islands considered pristine in Cam Ranh. It offers many beautiful beaches for you to choose from. Visit Binh Chau Beach where you can freely immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water or go to Rang Beach to admire colorful corals peacefully amidst the waves.
– Binh Hung Island: Just a 10-minute boat ride from the shore, Binh Hung Island is a popular choice for many travelers. Setting foot on the island, you'll be captivated by its pristine and magnificent beauty. Beneath your feet is fine white sand, while the clear water reveals colorful coral reefs. On the shore are countless vividly shaped and colored rock formations. Swimming, basking in the warm spring sun, and enjoying grilled lobsters are activities travelers should indulge in here.
Day 3: Explore Cham culture in Ninh Thuan
From Binh Hung Island, travelers take Provincial Road 702 to reach Phan Rang city, where they can explore the mysterious Cham culture.
Suggestions for travelers at popular spots:
– Po Klaong Garai Tower: With three majestic and unique towers representing Cham culture. These are the most original towers among the surviving Cham towers. Entrance fee is 15,000 VND for each visitor, photography included. Visitors should refrain from donating money as it is taboo in Cham culture.
– Po Rome Tower: Built last among the Cham towers. Its rugged, mystical appearance along with the adjacent Cham village make it the best spot to explore Cham culture. At the foot of the tower are tidy herds of sheep grazing, adding a romantic and peaceful touch. Admission is free.
– Bau Truc Pottery Village: One of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia, employing entirely handmade techniques. Travelers can handcraft their own products under the guidance of artisans.
– My Nghiep Weaving Village: Along with the pottery village, the Cham weaving village also attracts many visitors. Travelers can visit the village to find a variety of patterns to buy as gifts or capture the most beautiful photos with gentle Cham girls beside looms.
Souvenir shopping:
Travelers can buy delicious jams in Da Lat, seafood in Cam Ranh, and fresh grapes and apples in Ninh Thuan as gifts for family and friends.
A few small notes:
– Travelers should book accommodation in advance when visiting Da Lat as it can easily get fully booked during Tet.
– Dress neatly and respectfully when visiting pagodas, Zen monasteries, and temples. Respect local customs and traditions, do not write or draw on ancient Cham towers. Do not litter on islands, beaches, or along the way.
Source: VnExpress
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 18, 2015
