In the Valley of Love

Among well-known tourist attractions in Dalat city in the Central Highlands, Thung Lung Tinh Yeu (The Valley of Love) appeals to many travellers thanks to its romantic landscape.
The plateau on which Dalat city is located was discovered by French bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin and was mapped in 1893. In the middle of the 1910s, the urban area of Dalat was formed and gradually became a resort center for French governmental officials and rich French people in Indochina.
In 1930, the French named the green and romantic valley “Vallé d’Amour” (“Thung Lung Tinh Yeu” - “Valley of Love”). During the reign of King Bao Dai, the region was called the Valley of Peace. Since 1953, it has again been known as the Valley of Love. In 1972, a dam was built and Da Thien Lake formed. In 1998, the Da Thien Lake - Valley of Love was recognized as a national landscape.
The attraction of the landmark is based on the natural, romantic features of its green and charming space. Reclamation and investment projects have also added more fascinating features for guests enjoy, from a hill of flowers and green trees to tiny paths which draw many love-struck couples. Arriving at the valley, travellers will see the image of two pairs of hands exchanging rings, statues of affectionate couples, and benches symbolizing well-matched couples.
Covering 242 hectares, the Valley of Love is an ideal venue for those who love picnicking and camping. Poetic landscapes plus the melodious sounds of the pine forest in the wind, and the 13-hectare Da Thien Lake make the scene there more stunning.
The Valley of Love has been chosen to host many special events such as Valentine’s Day (February 14) celebrations, the Kissing Festival in 2008 attracting the participation of 500 couples, and the Dancing Festival in 2009. In 2011, the Rose Park, a garden of rose flowers in various colors, was built on a romantic hill.
There are iron frames designed into two hearts as a place for couples to make vows, as well as fasten their symbolic love locks, the keys for which are thrown into the lake in the center of the park near the statue of love.
At the foot of the hill is Da Thien Lake whose water is clear amidst the beautiful greenery. Many couples hire boats to explore the lake, and then sit in the shade of the immense pine forest to speak softly love to each other.
The hill in the valley is covered by green grass and pine trees where guests can enjoy their private dreamland. Another path leads tourists to Mimosa Stream flowing from Da Thien Dam and surrounded by mimosa flowers. It is a heaven on earth as visitors can listen to the singing of the stream while smelling the scent of flowers.
The Valley of Love well deserves its reputation as a place imbued with love, thanks to its natural beauty. The road around Da Thien Lake is lined by shade trees and leads to Eden Hill, where there is a small garden, tiny tents, and tables and chairs made from stumps. Sitting on this hill, visitors can view the entire lake sparkling below.
In the Valley of Love, tourists can indulge themselves in nature and let their minds drift away with the pine trees’ songs. Those who want to discover and conquer the heights can trek, or hire a car, up Vong Canh Hill. From the zigzagging paths climbing Vong Canh Hill, tourists will contemplate a panoramic view of the Valley of Love full of pine trees, flowers and lawns.
On Vong Canh Hill, guests can witness the perfume production process of Miss Dalat Company and visit its perfume showroom. Travelers can buy original souvenirs and over 100 types of perfume there. Leaving Vong Canh Hill, tourists can take a walk around the valley and visit souvenir shops to select their favorite gifts.
Many couples, even those who have already spent most of their lives together, often go hand in hand through the Valley of Love as though this were an exclusive venue for them only. Many love promises made in this valley have turned out to be beautiful love stories.