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Area: 9,776.1 sq. km.
Population: 1,179.2 thousand habitants (2006)
Capital: Dalat City.
Administrative divisions:
- Town: Bao Loc.
- Districts: Lac Duong, Don Duong, Duc Trong, Lam Ha, Bao Lam, Di Linh, Da Huoai, Da Teh, Cat Tien.
Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Co Ho, Ma, Nung...
Geography
Located in the Central Highlands region, Lam Dong is a mountainous province, and 70% of its area is covered in forest. To the north, it borders on Dak Lak and Dak Nong provinces, to the south-east, on Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces, and to the west, on Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai provinces. The remarkable characteristic of Lam Dong's topography is the fairly distinctive division of tiers from north to south. The north of the province is high mountains, the Lang Bian plateau, with summits of altitudes between 1,300m - above 2,000m such as Bidoup (2,287m), Lang Bian (2,167m). The east and the west are mountains with modest altitudes (500m - 1,000m). The south is topographically the transition from the Di Linh - Bao Loc plateau to the semi-flat country.
Climate: Lam Dong province has a tropical climate with monsoon. On the whole territory, due to a complex topography, there is a difference in elevation and degree of vegetation covering. However, the weather of Lam Dong is temperate and mild all the year round, notable changes are rare in the annual cycle. The temperature varies distinctly between areas and the higher it is, the lower temperature is. The range of the average annual temperature is 16ºC - 23ºC. Dry season is from December to March next year. Rainy season is from April to November. It is always sunny everyday. The annual rainfall is not distributed equally in time and place. Its range is 1,600 - 2,700mm. The side of the area towards the southwest wind (Bao Loc Town) has a high annual rainfall amounting to 3,771mm.
Tourism
The unique tourism of Lam Dong Province is made from the combination of topographical, climatic and hydrographical factors. Together with its forests and regional flora and fauna, Lam Dong offers distinctive scenery with many picturesque lakes, falls, hills and pine forests. Some of the natural scenic spots include Xuan Huong Lake, Dan Kia - Suoi Vang Lake, Tuyen Lam Lake, Lake of Sighs, Valley of Love, Da Nhim Lake, Camly Falls, Datanla Falls, Prenn Falls, Pongour Falls, Dambri Falls, Bobla Falls, Liliang Falls, Voi (Elephant) Falls, Ponguar Falls, Golf Hills, Lang Bian Mountain, etc. Places of historical and cultural interest include some French style palaces, Linh Son Pagoda, Linh Phong Pagoda, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Dalat Cathedral, Cat Tien archaeological site. Dalat, capital of Lam Dong Province, exhales its own poetic and romantic charm. Situated at 1,500m above sea level, Dalat has a cool climate. The annual average temperature is 18ºC. It is also famous for its lakes, waterfalls, pine-tree forests, vegetable gardens and flowers such as rhododendron, cherry, mimosa, hydrangea, rose, daisy, and dahlia. Dalat offers a harmonious combination of natural scenery and historical sites.
Ethnic groups
The population is mainly composed of Kinh people, Co Ho, Ma, Hoa, Nung, Tay, and Chu Ru ethnic minorities. Starting from Dalat, tourists will be able to visit villages of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands in order to discover their customs, festivities and original handicraft products. This extraordinary experience will leave the visitors with unforgettable memories to cherish.Local minority communities also hold a variety of festivals including the buffalo sacrifice festival and the gong performance festival. All visitors are invited and welcomed to share in these festivals.
Transportation
Road: Dalat is 110km from Phan Rang (Ninh Thuan), 200km from Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak), 205km from Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), 293km from Ho Chi Minh City, and 1,481km from Hanoi. Airlines: Lien Khuong Airport is 30km south of Dalat. There are daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and two flights a week to Danang
Dalat City
Area: 390.5 sq. km
Population: 130,000 habitants (2001)
Administrative divisions:
- Wards: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Communes: Xuan Tho, Xuan Truong, Ta Nung
Ethnic groups: M’nong, Ma, Co Ho...
Dalat, capital of Lam Dong Province, is located approximately 308km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. At an elevation of 1,500 m, Dalat bears the look of an Old French city. It was founded in 1897 when Doctor Alexandre Yersin recommended that the area be developed as a resort town.
Dalat has many natural and artificial lakes such as Ho Xuan Huong, Than Tho, Da Thien, and Tuyen Lam bordered by lines of pine trees, which are a well-known feature of Dalat. A trip to Dalat is not complete until one goes to the Dalat Flower Gardens. The temperate climate of Dalat is suitable for flowers such as orchids, roses, lilies, and camellias. Nowadays, tourists not only limit themselves to Dalat; they also visit the area of Langbian Highland and the ethnic minorities. Langbian Mountain’s highest peak at 2,165m is very tempting for climbers. From Lom Bieng Klo peak, one can see endless green mountains reflecting the silver rays of the sun. Many tours are organized in the area, including parachuting and climbing.
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