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Da Lat, Vietnam
Da Lat: Mountain Living In Vietnam
Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong Province in Vietnam and is also known as Little Paris, the Honeymoon Capital, the City of Eternal Spring, or City in the Fog.
During the mid-19th century the French came to Da Lat, attracted by the cooler temperatures of the Central Highlands.
At 1,500 meters Da Lat offered natural beauty, game hunting and some relief from the humidity which was making life tough elsewhere in Vietnam.
The French bourgeois architecture was built, and many of the hotels, villas, gardens and churches still stand today. For example, they have a miniature Eiffel Tower.
In 1954 the French left Vietnam but their influence is still felt today.
Vietnam is the world’s second largest producer of coffee. And, much of it comes from the Central Highlands around Da Lat.
Most of the coffee production is turned into instant coffee, but the higher grade beans are set aside for the local market.
Also, Da Lat’s has a few boutique coffee shops serving the good stuff.
Cost Of Living In Da Lat, Vietnam
Very little English is spoken in Vietnam at the moment but the government is working hard to change that. English is now taught in schools, so the younger generations are more likely to be able to speak with you.
The expat community is fairly small in Vietnam although it is growing every year. Da Lat has several expat forums and Facebook group who will help you out with recommendations and keep you updated on cultural activities.
Da Lat is a safe place to live with few serious crimes. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing are also uncommon.
Taxi drivers may try and scam you, especially if you have just arrived at the airport.
The biggest danger is from riding scooters. Scooters are the easiest and most popular way to get around in Da Lat. Wear a helmet at all times and drive with care at all times.
Apartment or House Ownership – Budget (for a couple)
| Expense Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | Not included here as too variable. | |
| HOA Fees | N/A | |
| Property Taxes: | N/A | |
| Transportation (bus, taxi, etc.) | 600,000 | This allows for several taxi rides a month (a 15-minute taxi ride is less than 100,000). If you use them less, you might only spend 500,000, but if you’re commuting more often, budget for 700,000. |
| Gas (cooking/heating) | 400,000 | Per tank; used only for cooking. |
| Electricity | 500,000 | Monthly average. |
| Water | Bundled with electricity. | |
| Cell Phone | US$50 | Bundled with internet cost. |
| Garbage collection | N/A | |
| Internet | 250,000 | |
| Cable TV | 200,000 | Bundled with internet price. |
| Household Help | 3,500,000 | Monthly wage for maid service five days a week. |
| Groceries | 4,000,000 | Basic items for a couple. Shopping twice a week at the market. |
| Gym membership | 300,000 | |
| Medical appointment | 250,000 | |
| Total | 13,300,000 |
Apartment or House Rental Budget (for a couple)
| Expense Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 9,000,000 | In desirable area in the city center; unfurnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment. Range is typically between 8,000,000 to 10,000,000. |
| Transportation (bus, taxi, etc.) | 600,000 | This allows for several taxi rides a month (a 15-minute taxi ride is less than 100,000). If you use them less, you might only spend 500,000, but if you’re commuting more often, budget for 700,000. |
| Gas (cooking/heating) | 400,000 | Per tank; used only for cooking. |
| Electricity | 500,000 | Monthly average. |
| Gas (cooking/heating) | 400,000 | Per tank; used only for cooking. |
| Electricity | 500,000 | Monthly average. |
| Water | Bundled with electricity. | |
| Garbage collection | ||
| Cell Phone | Bundled with internet cost. | |
| Internet | 250,000 | |
| Cable TV | 200,000 | Bundled with telephone fee. |
| Household Help | 3,500,000 | Monthly wage for maid service five days a week. |
| Entertainment | 3,300,000 | Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week in Vietnamese and expat restaurants (2,260,000), drinks twice a week (800,000), and movie theater trip twice a month (240,000). |
| Groceries | 4,000,000 | Basic items for a couple. Shopping twice a week at the market. |
| Gym membership | 300,000 | |
| Medical appointment | 250,000 | |
| Total | 22,300,000 |
Penny-Pincher’s Budget (for a couple, bare minimum costs for all)
| Expense Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent; | 4,000,000 | Cheapest part of town, most basic kind of rental |
| Public transportation | 400,000 | Several taxi rides a month (a 15-minute taxi ride is less than 100,000). |
| Gas (cooking/heating) | 400,000 | Per tank; used only for cooking. |
| Electricity | 200,000 | Monthly average. |
| Water | Bundled with electricity. | |
| Cell Phone | Bundled with interenet price | |
| Garbage collection | N/A | |
| Internet | 250,000 | |
| Cable TV | 200,000 | Bundled with internet cost. |
| Internet | 250,000 | |
| Cable TV | 200,000 | |
| Entertainment | 2,640,000 | Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week at Vietnamese restaurants only (1,600,000), drinks twice a week (800,000), and movie theater trip twice a month (240,000). |
| Entertainment | 3,300,000 | Couples’ cost for eating out twice a week in Vietnamese and expat restaurants (2,260,000), drinks twice a week (800,000), and movie theater trip twice a month (240,000). |
| Groceries | 2,000,000 | Shopping once a week at the market. |
| Total | 10,090,000 |
Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.
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Climate in Da Lat, Vietnam
Da Lat has a subtropical highland climate, which means it only has two seasons: rainy and dry.
The rainy season in Da Lat lasts from May to October and the dry season from November to April.
For instance, the temperature stays steady at around 62°F all year. This means no snow, but lots of misty mornings.
In short, Da Lat is a great place for agriculture and flower, vegetable and fruits all thrive here.
Read about Vietnam’s climate here.
Visa And Residency In Vietnam
Vietnam doesn’t offer a retirement or digital nomad visa.
On the other hand, it has an investor’s visa.
The minimum investment threshold for this type of visa is about $123,150… which is expensive relative to its quality of life and compared to countries like Montenegro, which doesn’t stipulate any minimum threshold for its investor’s visa.
Vietnam - FAQs
Is Vietnam Safe?
The US Department of State recommends to exercise normal precautions when visiting Vietnam. However, they discourage the use of motorcycle taxis (known as “xe om”) on account of passenger safety.
What Is Vietnam Known As?
Vietnam is known as the Land of the Blue Dragons. The country is close to the ocean but also has beautiful mountain landscapes.
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