Cool temperatures lured the French here in the early 1900s when this hill station was founded. Today this outpost continues to be a refreshing retreat for tourists, especially during the hot season.
The French began laying the foundations for their villas in 1919, and within a few years there were 200 grand residences. The war with France in the 1950s wasn’t kind to these colonial relics, and most of them were torn down. The few structures that remain today are mostly in ruins but still radiate old-world charm.
Infrastructure is constantly being built, sometimes at the expense of colonial atmosphere. Even so, tourists will still feel like they’ve escaped the noise of life in the cities. There isn’t even an ATM onsite.
Walking trails cut through the forests and lead to waterfalls and observation points along the way. Linh Ung Pagoda is the major attraction in the area. It was built ten years ago and is joined by an enormous white statue of the Buddha. A cable car runs to and from the hill station.
Getting There & Away
Access to the hill station is from provincial capital Da Nang, where there’s an international airport with flights to regional capitals like Singapore and Bangkok. From Da Nang you can book a tourist service or take a taxi to the base of the mountain. From here road quality varies, and four-wheel drive is advisable. A shuttle bus is available to take visitors from the base of the mountain to the hill station.