Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

By Huynh Phuong, Le Hoang Men   August 20, 2022 | 06:00 am PT
Photographer Le Hoang Men captured moments of Da Lat in the mist, during night and day.
Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

Nature bestows Da Lat with breathtaking scenes, all kinds of flowers, emerald hills, pine forests and especially its fog season.

This photo was taken in the center of Cau Dat Farm, Xuan Truong Commune, Da Lat at 5 a.m.

Men, 30, based in HCMC, has won many domestic and overseas photography awards. This set of photos was taken during his trips to Da Lat in 2020.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

"Each time of the day in Da Lat has a different beauty. During my process of taking photos in the mist, I also took some pictures of the Milky Way in the night sky at Cau Dat Tea Hill at 2 a.m.," Men said.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

Visitors who want to see the night mist must climb the hills of Da Lat from 11 p.m. the day before. At that time, the mist from the highlands will gradually pour down into the city. The photo was taken at 2 a.m. from Du Sinh Hill, about 6 km from the center of Da Lat with a landscape view of the city.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

Men said that if visitors want to reach Du Sinh Hill, they will have to pass Du Sinh cemetery in the dark of night. At dawn, the view of the lush pine forests in the mist, adorned by the early morning sun, will satisfy the eyes of any tourist.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

In the photo is Da Lat Pedagogical College basking in the mist at dawn, one of Men's favorites.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

A peaceful morning at Bao Dai Palace 1, located 1,550 meters above sea level, surrounded by pine forests. Visitors can take a walk to enjoy the natural beauty of Da Lat when the sun is up, relax themselves and listen to romantic love stories, temporarily forgetting the hardships of everyday life.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

For those who want to see the clouds, they will have to go further. The distance from central Da Lat to the cloud viewing spots range from 10 to 55 km.

In the photo is a view of Omega Pass (55 km from the center) in the mist as the sun rises at 6 a.m. Aside from the name Omega, the pass is also known by other names like Hon Giao, Khanh Le, Bidoup or Long Lanh.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

The view is hypnotic from Da Phu Hill, one the most beautiful places for cloud hunting in Da Lat. It’s 12 km from the city center.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

"Most destinations have asphalt roads, but when you reach the foothills, you have to climb or you can drive a motorbike up the grassy hills along the trails. Capturing all the misty moments also depends on the weather factor. There were times when I reached the location but there was no fog, so I had to leave," Men said.

He captured this photo one early morning on a hill 18 km from Da Lat center.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

The center of Dasar Commune, Lac Duong District, about 20 km from Da Lat, is basked in the mist and sunshine at 6 a.m. There is nothing more wonderful than going to the suburbs to watch the scenery in the mist. The scene was so peaceful when immersed in the misty atmosphere.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

A corner of Tia Stream, Tuyen Lam Lake, about 5 km from the center of Da Lat, which attracts many photographers during the fog season. Even when the sun is up, this place is still covered with thick fog, creating fairyland scene.

Men said tourists who want to take photos during fog season here should rent a car with enough power to climb the hills, fill up the gas tank before evening because at late night, Da Lat doesn’t have a working gas station. In addition, warm clothes, gloves, and wool beanies are needed to keep warm as temperatures drop really quickly at night.

Da Lat in its most mysterious guise

Mist and sunlight at the pine forests on Highway 20, Xuan Tho Commune.

 
 
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