Unlike Da Lat, D’ran Town in Lam Dong Province is a lesser-known, more peaceful destination, offering visitors a slower pace of life.  

D'ran in Don Duong District was established at the same time as Da Lat in the early 20th century. The town was named by the French, lying halfway between two long passes, D'ran and Ngoan Muc.

 D’ran locals make a living by farming persimmons, chayote squash, tomatoes, and yardlong beans.

D'ran is known for its pristine hills, old pinewood houses, and beautiful persimmon gardens. Unlike its sister Da Lat, flooded with visitors during the weekends and holidays, D'ran is more tranquil and much less crowded.

At first, D'ran was just a stop along the railway route from Phan Rang, capital of south-central Ninh Thuan Province, to Da Lat, with rail workers eventually settling in the area.

The Da Lat – Phan Rang rail route is one of only two in the world to use rack rails. The track, laid by the French colonial administration of Indochina in 1932, runs a total length of 84 km, including 40 km of rack rails.

About 40 km from downtown Da Lat, D'ran vegetable patches are irrigated via automatic watering systems.

Hills are leveled, forming beautiful terraced fields, seen here from above.

A small house hugs green vegetable beds in the suburbs of Da Lat.

Female farmers in conical hats cultivate vegetables in D'ran.

At this time of year, D'ran is blanketed by wild sunflowers.

A peaceful parish in Don Duong District.

 From D'ran, tourists can follow National Highway 27 to Phi Nom junction to return to Da Lat or to Ngoan Muc Pass to explore Ninh Thuan Province, home to many beach resort destinations.