Turn your device in landscape mode.
Book tickets

curent lang en

Log in
Book VinWonders tickets
Select a destination

Select a date
Adults
*Above 140cm
*Height from 140cm
Children
*от 80 см до 140 см
*Height from 100cm-140cm *Height from 80cm-140cm
Elders
*From 60 years old
*From 60 years old
French Quarter in Da Lat

French Quarter in Da Lat: Relax and soak in the poetic scenery

11/06/2024 1.022 views

The French Quarter in Da Lat, located on Le Lai Street, Ward 5, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, is perched on a pine hill approximately 3 kilometers northwest of the city center. It is renowned for its collection of villas built by the French. Today, it has been transformed into Ana Mandara Villas Da Lat Resort & Spa, offering visitors a chance to experience the charm of early 20th-century French architecture in Vietnam.
French Quarter In Dalat

Admire French architecture in Da Lat, Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1. The century-old history of Da Lat French Quarter

  • Early 20th century: The area was initially developed as “Cư xá Jean Oneil” by Jean Oneil, a French army colonel in Indochina under Governor-General Doumer.
  • 1929: Jean Oneil, after retirement, began constructing the first villa, inviting top French architects to design the area. It served as a retreat for his friends, French officers, and civil servants working in Saigon and Indochina.
  • 1938: The villas in the estate were completed, all featuring characteristic French architecture. The locals referred to it as Cité Bellevue. The French also built a dam for hydroelectric power and water supply.
  • 1954: After the end of the First Indochina War, the villas became known as Le Lai Villa Complex.
  • 1975: Following the end of the Second Indochina War, the villas were returned to several Vietnamese families. However, the properties fell into disrepair due to years of neglect.
  • 2003: Restoration of Le Lai Villa Complex began, led by Bernhard Bohnenberger, CEO of Six Senses Resorts & Spas, and French designer Brigitte DuMont De Chassart.
  • 2006: The restoration was completed, with the entire villa complex nearly restored to its original state.
The century-old history of Da Lat French Quarter

The French Quarter in Da Lat’s history traces back to the early 20th century (Source: Collected)

Discover: Dalat itinerary: How to visit the city in 1-4 days?

2. Romantic architecture of the French Quarter in Da Lat

Nestled amidst the lush green hills of Da Lat, the French Quarter boasts a collection of 17 individual villas spread across 0.7 hectares of land. Each villa is strategically positioned to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. Designed with 1-2 floors, excluding the basement for food storage, these villas feature direct access to charming gardens. The expansive grounds include walkways, flower gardens, and open spaces for planting trees, ensuring a serene environment for each residence.

The villas in the French Quarter of Da Lat are not only remarkable for their scenic locations but also for their distinctive architectural style. Each villa embodies the unique cultural heritage of various regions of France and reflects different historical periods. A notable feature is the arched roofs and paneled ceilings of the doors and windows. The elegance of old French architecture is also further accentuated by antique light switches, balconies, ceiling fans, and floor tiles.

These elements are seamlessly blended to create a harmonious French ambiance, reminiscent of the luxurious lifestyle of the French elite in early 20th-century Indochina. The careful attention to detail and the incorporation of classic French architectural features make the French Quarter in Da Lat a historically rich attraction, capturing the sophistication of a bygone era.

Romantic architecture of the French Quarter in Da Lat

The French Quarter in Da Lat features sophisticated villas (Source: Collected)

Explore: Top 23+ things to do in Dalat for an amazing 2025 trip

Best-selling products

3. Are there any tours to the French Quarter?

Yes, there are tours available to explore the French Quarter in Da Lat. One such tour is offered by Ana Mandara Villas Da Lat Resort & Spa itself. This tour takes you on a journey back to the 1930s, allowing you to immerse yourself in the timeless charm of a French village.

As you walk through the beautifully preserved villas and lush landscapes, you will be transported to a bygone era that reflects the sophisticated architectural heritage of French colonial influence in Vietnam. The tour, which costs 500,000 VND per person, lasts for one hour and provides a comprehensive insight into the cultural significance of the area. Tours are available daily from 9 AM to 3 PM.

One of the highlights of the tour is the delightful afternoon tea. This special activity allows you to relax and savor a variety of teas in the serene ambiance of the resort, further enhancing your journey through the French Quarter.

By joining this tour, you will not only explore the picturesque settings of Ana Mandara Villas Da Lat Resort & Spa but also gain a deeper appreciation of Da Lat’s rich heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking to experience something unique, this tour offers a memorable experience that captures the essence of the French Quarter in Da Lat.

Explore the French Quarter in Da Lat on a 1-hour tour

Explore the French Quarter in Da Lat on a 1-hour tour (Source: Collected)

4. How to get to the French Quarter in Da Lat?

To reach the French Quarter in Da Lat, follow these directions starting from the Da Lat Market area:

  • Head onto Nguyen Van Cu Street.
  • Turn right onto Ba Thang Hai Street.
  • Continue for about 50 meters until you reach a three-way intersection, then turn left onto Hai Thuong Street.
  • Proceed to the end of Hai Thuong Street and turn left onto Tran Binh Trong Street.
  • Turn right onto Le Lai Street to reach Ana Mandara Villas Da Lat. The resort will be on the left-hand side.

After visiting the French Quarter in Da Lat, you can also explore several nearby tourist attractions: Da Lat Market, Lam Vien Square, Dalat’s Crazy House, Cam Ly Waterfall, etc. Combining your visit to the French Quarter with these attractions will provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience of Da Lat’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

*The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

The French Quarter in Da Lat, with its picturesque villas nestled amidst pine hills, offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance. Through the tours, travelers can immerse themselves in the nostalgia of the 1930s and explore the history of this enchanting attraction. 

Besides Da Lat, you can visit other popular destinations in Vietnam like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang etc., where there are a myriad of attractions to visit. Notably, VinWonders stands out as a series of entertainment complexes which offer all sorts of games and shows. For accommodation, the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl are a stellar choice. At Vinpearl, you can choose from a range of well-equipped rooms and avail yourself of world-class amenities.

VinWonders Nha Trang

Enjoy the diverse entertainment options at VinWonders

Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park now!

 

Grab the hottest deals at VinWonders

Best-selling products

Share news via:
  • Copy to clipboard
https://vinwonders.com/en/wonderpedia/news/french-quarter-in-dalat/

Related Posts

Posts for you

Can Gio Mangrove Forest: The green lungs of Ho Chi Minh City

09/02/2025 2.262 views

Map of Ho Chi Minh City’s districts & travel tips

18/04/2025 2.191 views

15 Ho Chi Minh City shopping malls to visit for all-day fun

25/01/2025 2.093 views

Saigon Square: Your go-to shopping spot in Ho Chi Minh City

25/01/2025 2.011 views

Search

Featured offers

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

Tìm vé

Search history

Most popular

News & Experiences

Thanh An Island: A perfect place for a day trip from Saigon

Thanh An Island: A perfect place for a day trip from Saigon

Escape the bustling streets of Saigon and discover the tranquil charm of Thanh An Island – a hidden gem just a short ride away from the city. Nestled within Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, this peaceful island offers a refreshing change of pace with its unspoiled landscapes, fresh seafood, and friendly locals.

 03/12/2025
Xoi xeo Hanoi: A favorite food for breakfast of the local

Xoi xeo Hanoi: A favorite food for breakfast of the local

Xoi xeo Hanoi is a delicious combination of sticky rice with mung bean paste, fried shallots, and sometimes additional toppings like shredded chicken or pork floss. Trying a dish of xoi xeo as breakfast should be a must in your Hanoi travels to experience the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine while immersing yourself in the local food culture.

 03/12/2025