Da Teh

Đạ Tẻh is a rural district in southern Lâm Đồng province, bordering Đồng Nai province to the south. The name comes from the Mạ language, "Daa-teh," meaning "the stream of typing." The district covers 524 km² with a population of about 48,590 (as of 2003), and the district capital is the town of Đạ Tẻh.

The district lies at the transition between the Central Highlands and the southeastern lowlands, with a warm climate year-round. The economy is based on agriculture — mainly coffee, tea, rubber, and tropical fruits. The rainy season extends from May to October, with the drier months from November to April being the best time for travel.

By Plane

Lien Khuong Airport (DLI IATA) near Da Lat is about 160 km north. Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN IATA) in Ho Chi Minh City is about 180 km southwest.

By Car / Road

Đạ Tẻh is accessible from Ho Chi Minh City (about 4.5 hr) via National Highway 20 and provincial roads. Buses run from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Dong station. From Da Lat it's about 160 km via Bao Loc.

Motorbike or xe om are the main transport options. The district centre is small and walkable. Local buses connect the surrounding communes.

• Đạ Tẻh town — The district capital with a local market and surrounding agricultural landscape.

• Đồng Nai River — Flows near the district's southern boundary.

• Rubber and coffee plantations — Extensive estates covering the countryside.

• Agricultural tours — Visit rubber, coffee, and fruit plantations.

• Cycling — Explore the rural roads through plantations.

• Local markets — Experience daily life at the Đạ Tẻh market.

Small restaurants serve Vietnamese staples such as phở, cơm tấm, and grilled meats. Freshwater fish from local rivers is a specialty.

Vietnamese coffee is widely available. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Đạ Tẻh town (from 120,000 dong).
• Mid-range: Mini-hotels (from 250,000 dong).

Locally grown coffee, rubber products, and seasonal tropical fruits. The district market has basic goods and fresh produce.

• Bao Loc (70 km north, 1.5 hr) — Tea and silk centre of the Central Highlands.
• Cat Tien National Park (40 km east, 1 hr) — Rainforest and Cham archaeological site.
• Ho Chi Minh City (180 km southwest, 4.5 hr) — Vietnam's largest metropolis.
• Da Lat (160 km north, 3.5 hr) — Cool highland hill station.