Things to do in Central Highlands
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Peace Cafe
Attached to Peace Hotel, this noisy cafe is always packed, no doubt because the women who run it do their darnedest to round up every passing traveller. There’s no hassle once you’re seated and it’s a good place to meet other backpackers (and in the day, Easy Riders too).
reviewed
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Dalat Flower Gardens
An unusual sight in Vietnam, these gardens were established in 1966. Flowers here include hydrangeas, fuchsias and orchids, the last in special shaded buildings to the left of the entrance. It’s a good place to see a well-kept selection of Dalat foliage.
reviewed
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Long Hoa
A cosy bistro-style place, run by a Francophile owner and dressed up with images of France. Westerners come here for the Vietnamese food Vietnamese come here to try the steaks. Top off your meal with a glass of Dalat wine or some home-made yoghurt.
reviewed
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Dalat Cathedral
The gingerbread-style Dalat Cathedral was built between 1931 and 1942 for use by French residents and holiday-makers. The cross on the spire is topped by a weathercock, 47m above the ground. The church itself is rarely open outside of mass times.
reviewed
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Dambri Falls
Dambri Falls is one of the highest (90m), most magnificent and easily accessible waterfalls in Vietnam. For some incredible views, ride the vertical cable car or trudge up the steep path to the top of the falls.
reviewed
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Linh Son Pagoda
Built in 1938, the Linh Son Pagoda is a lovely ochre-coloured building that fuses French and Chinese architecture. The giant bell is said to be made of bronze mixed with gold, its great weight making it too heavy for thieves to carry off.
reviewed
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Dakbla’s
One of Kon Tum’s few bona fide restaurants, Dakbla’s has a standard Vietnamese menu spiced up with meats like wild boar and frog. The decor provides the requisite local colour with tribal artefacts glowering down on diners.
reviewed
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Stop & Go Cafe
This little bohemian oasis is run by a beret-wearing poet in the front room of his house. He’ll happily recite his poetry while serving you home-made cake or (if you’re female) proffering a flower from his abundant garden.
reviewed
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Bao Dai’s Summer Palace
This art deco–influenced villa was constructed in 1933 and was one of three palaces Bao Dai kept in Dalat. The decor has not changed in decades and the place has the feel of an oversized, faded dollhouse.
reviewed
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Dak Lak Water Park
Strictly in the ‘if you have time to kill’ category, the waterslides at Dak Lak Water Park are a passable diversion on a hot afternoon. It’s about 4km from the centre of town, just before the bus station.
reviewed
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Groovy Gecko Adventure Tours
Groovy Gecko Adventure Tours is one of the more popular and experienced agencies. Prices start around US$25 for canyoning or mountain biking. Longer bike trips to Mui Ne or Nha Trang go for US$63 and up.
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Thien Thanh
If you’d like a little scenery along with your dinner, try this restaurant nestled in a valley. It overlooks pretty rice fields and specialises in goat or beef grilled in bamboo. An English menu is available.
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Cafe Tung
A famous hang-out for Saigonese intellectuals in the 1950s, Cafe Tung remains exactly as it was then, serving only tea, coffee, hot cocoa, lemon soda and orange soda to the sound of mellow French music.
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Dalat Palace Golf Club
The Dalat Palace Golf Club was once used by Emperor Bao Dai. Visitors can play 18-hole rounds on this attractive course near the lake for US$95 and up. Ask about its Twilight Specials.
reviewed
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Thanh Bao Café
Stock up on coffee here – the price is lower and the quality higher than in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. You can buy whole beans or ground coffee at around 60,000d per 500g; better varieties cost more.
reviewed
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Bo Bla Waterfall
The 32m-high Bo Bla Waterfall is on the east side of Hwy 20, 16km southwest of Di Linh, near the village of Lien Dam. There’s a steep 25-minute walk down to the base of the falls.
reviewed
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Eva Coffee
A cosy neighbourhood cafe with plenty of quirk, from the treehouselike setting to the solemn tribal masks overhead. A nice place to unwind with a beer or coffee, as local couples have established.
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Black & White Restaurant
Across from Damsan Hotel, this stylish restaurant has an extensive menu of good Vietnamese fare. More adventurous diners might want to try the turtle, sparrow or pigeon dishes.
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Café Hoa Da Quy
This stylish yet cosy three-storey bar-cafe is a popular night-time spot and good for watching what’s going on at the Damsan Hotel. The rooftop seating is pleasant and cool.
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Hoang Ha Cafe
A pair of solemn arowana fish greet you at the entrance to this three-storey cafe. The decor is as modern as it gets in Pleiku, and there’s a good range of cocktails.
reviewed
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Da Quy
It has an upmarket ambience but low prices, and earns rave reviews from travellers of all tastebuds. Try the traditional claypot dishes, such as with fish or shrimp.
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Ngoc Huong
An unpretentious restaurant with standard Vietnamese fare. There’s no English menu, but the staff will let you walk into the kitchen and point at what you want.
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An Lac (on Bui Thi Xuan)
There’s an English menu here, and options range from noodle soups to rice and banh bao (steamed rice-flour dumplings stuffed with a savoury filling).
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Saigon Nite
Your classic dive – people come for the beer, pool and company, not for the decor. There’s a friendly bartender and the place stays open till late.
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Hanoi Bakery
Part bakery, part general store, this popular neighbourhood joint is known for its pastries and breads, as well as stocks of cheese and chocolate.
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