Tranquil D'ran

D’ran town, approximately 20km south of Da Lat, cradles itself peacefully by the Da Nhim Lake.

Serenity in D'ran

Not as strikingly beautiful as Da Lat or as romantically poetic as B’Lao, D’ran still possesses a hint of wilderness with its old, rustic wooden houses, dreamy rose gardens, and the cool, refreshing mountain breeze that imparts a feeling of tranquility and gentleness to passing travelers.

The peaceful town bears witness to historical landmarks associated with the early formation of Da Lat, such as the D’ran iron bridge, the Thap Cham – Da Lat railway station, and the picturesque Ngoan Muc Pass, living up to its name.

When in D’ran, explore the wooden houses nestled amidst the pine forest along the stream to immerse yourself in the serene tranquility of the wind, pine trees, and the brisk highland air.

'This house has stood for half a century,' said the homeowner I visited in D’ran. He leisurely sipped tea, surrounded by the melodious sounds of silver-throated birds singing in bamboo cages. In front of him, a garden with various trees, orchids, lemon trees, persimmons, and notably, a coffee garden intermingled with a rose garden eagerly awaiting the blossoming season. This place offers tranquility, nostalgia, and a touch of melancholy, enough to stir the emotions of any soul. A truly poetic scene amidst the rustic wilderness that deeply moved me on my first visit.

A few steps away is a rose garden, with branches burdened by lush leaves and laden with juicy, red ripe roses. Nearby, the crisp sound of a stream cascading from upstream, during the rainy season, just a simple net is enough to catch shrimp and fish for a 'grand' meal.

The people of D’ran primarily make a living through rose cultivation and the distinctive agricultural products of the cool region, such as squash, tomatoes, and green beans. If you get the chance, experience the hospitality of a local resident here; you'll be surprised by their warmth.

I revisited D’ran after 4 years; the road leading here is now paved with cement, lined with rows of squash and tomatoes on both sides. The schoolgirl from back then is now a mother of two. But the warmth from that time remains, the smiles, the eyes welcoming distant travelers who return after 4 years.

You can reach D’ran in various ways. If you're in Da Lat, you can take the road towards Trại Mát, Cầu Đất, and cross the D’ran Pass. This route offers a panoramic view of the town and Da Nhim Lake – a wonderful combination of lush mountains, azure water, and the sky creating a picturesque landscape.

For those who enjoy exploration and a bit of adventure, don't forget to pass through the eerie tunnel road adjacent to a mountain pass in D’ran when traveling from Da Lat. This is the tunnel of the old Phan Rang – Da Lat railway route. The tunnel is nearly 100 meters long, at an altitude of about 1,400 meters above sea level.

Embark on a motorcycle journey from Phan Rang City towards the Ngoan Muc Pass, simultaneously marveling at the landscapes that live up to its name. Ngoan Muc Pass, also known as Xong Pha Pass, is located near D’ran town, a picturesque pass that has become a poetic muse in Vietnamese literature, winding and twisting like a painting.

If you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City, you can ride a motorbike or take a bus along National Highway 20, then turn right at the Finom intersection. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Lien Khuong Airport and catch a taxi to D’ran.

According to VnExpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour