You may be wondering how we got to Dalat; a beautiful, alpine town perched on top of a mountain 1,500 metres above sea level.
Sleeper Bus
Well we're terribly sorry to announce that we cheated...we got the bus. After much deliberation and anguish, we decided that we simply could not do the journey by bicycle. The journey from Nha Trang to Dalat was 86 miles, with over 5,000 metres of climbing (according to maps.me). There are no hotels/hostels/guesthouses along the way, so it would all have to be done in a single day. We like a challenge, but this would surely be too much, especially for my little legs. I was quite relieved when Mike eventually confirmed that no, it could not be done. So a sleeper bus it was for the 4 hour stint to Dalat. I found it relatively comfortable, stretched out reading my book. Mike's 6ft frame begged to differ, he couldn't fit his long legs into the sleeper compartment.
Canyoning
$40pp (£32) - Highland Sport Travel
Canyoning is the number one thing to do in Dalat so we had to give it a go. It was quite terrifying for me in places as I don't like being out of control in the water, but Mike loved every minute of it! We opted for the 'mini tour' as our hostel said it was the best value for money.
The scariest part was when we had to abseil down a ferocious waterfall nicknamed 'The Washing Machine'. If the water hits you wrong, it spins you round and round mid abseil. Naturally I panicked and almost drowned. Other people seemed to manage it just fine though.
Mike nailing the washing machine
Head first down a waterfall
The canyoning itself was fantastic, the location idyllic and the guides were top notch. The lunch was absolutely phenomenal!! Loads of fresh mango, pineapple, banana bread and plenty of Banh Mi's (baguettes) for everyone to have 2 or 3 sandwiches. We also found a cute praying mantis! We definitely recommend this activity!
After the washing machine
Crazy House
40,000VNDpp (£1.40)
This Crazy House is apparently the second best thing do do indo Dalat after canyoning. If you like half-built, ugly concrete structures and birds trapped in filthy cages, knock yourself out. I'd probably give it a miss though. It just seems like a money making scheme to me. You can pay a premium to spend the night at this strange place and have people wondering around peering into your window from 08:30-19:00 everyday. Not for me!
Vino
Of course we also indulged in tasty Dalat red wine, to help us forget that we had to get a bus for part of our journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. We hope that you'll forgive us!