Sadly, I wasn’t able to climb the famous waterfall in Da Lat, though just standing before it was still an unforgettable sight. The sheer power of the water rushing down the rocks was breathtaking, framed by the lush greenery of Vietnam’s highlands. Even without climbing it, the moment carried its own magic.
The day itself turned into an adventure far richer than I expected. The tour led me through a string of experiences that veered from the spiritual to the surprising—sometimes even the bizarre. One moment I was sipping vodka infused with the so-called “essence” of crickets, laughing at the absurdity of it all, and the next I was standing before one of the largest Buddhas I had ever seen in my life, climbing step after step until I felt both humbled and exhilarated.
The journey also took me to a Kopi Luwak farm, where I learned about one of the world’s most unusual—and controversial—coffees, and to a silk farm, where I watched delicate threads being spun into something as strong as it was beautiful. Each stop was a reminder of the ingenuity, traditions, and curiosities that make Vietnam such a fascinating place to explore.
Yes, it was undeniably a tourist experience—one filled with guided paths, cameras flashing, and plenty of other visitors doing the same circuit. But I can’t deny how much fun it was. Sometimes “touristy” isn’t a bad thing; it means you’re stepping into places that people from all over the world have come to marvel at, and for good reason.
All in all, Da Lat gave me a day of laughter, beauty, and unexpected discoveries. It wasn’t the rugged, off-the-beaten-path adventure I might have imagined, but it was still an adventure worth having. And if you ever find yourself with the chance, I’d highly recommend it—whether you climb the waterfall or simply stand in awe of it.
