Hello, you free spirits out there! I’m a 25-year-old from Europe, and I’ve just set foot in Da Lat – Vietnam’s city of a thousand flowers – on a journey to find myself again. Life sometimes feels like a gust of wind, sweeping me along without a clear destination. So, I decided to pack my backpack, leave behind the familiar streets of my hometown, and chase some peace and direction amidst these mountains and forests. I stayed at O Mo Hostel Da Lat, and today, I want to share with you about this place, this trip, and the spots that touched my heart.
O Mo Hostel Da Lat – Where I Found a Bit of Peace
When I arrived in Da Lat, I didn’t expect much – just a little corner to rest, to breathe, and to think. O Mo Hostel came to me like an unexpected gift in the midst of my tangled days.
- Location: The hostel sits right in the city center, just a few steps from Xuan Huong Lake or the bustling night market. I loved standing in the chilly air, hearing the mix of laughter and wind, as if all my worries were melting away. From here, I could wander anywhere, letting my feet guide me without a set plan.
- Vibe: Walking into O Mo, I was drawn in by the rustic warmth of wood and soft yellow lights. The dorm room was clean, the bunk beds sturdy, each with a curtain for privacy and a power socket nearby – perfect for curling up in my own little world. The common area didn’t have the bean bags I’d dreamed of, but the small wooden table and simple chairs kept me there for hours, cradling a hot tea, gazing out at the streets, and wondering, “Am I on the right path?” It’s not fancy, but it’s real, and it felt strangely close to home.
- Service: The staff here are angels. I asked for directions with a lost look in my eyes, and they didn’t just point the way – they shared little stories about Da Lat, like they were comforting a friend. The price, just 100k-150k VND a night, felt almost too good to be true for how warm this place made me feel.
- Tiny downside: The shared bathrooms can get crowded in the morning, especially when the hostel’s full. But standing under the hot shower in the cool weather, I felt grateful for these simple moments.
O Mo isn’t just a hostel; it’s like a temporary home where I could set aside life’s big questions and just be, even if only for a few days. I cried a little in the corner of my bed that first night – not out of sadness, but from a sense of release.
My Da Lat Journey – Searching for Myself
I came here in late March, when the weather was cool and gentle, like a soft hug. Over 3 days and 2 nights, I rented a motorbike (120k VND/day) and let myself get lost in the pine-lined roads and misty hills. At times, I’d stop, stand in the middle of nature, and scream at the top of my lungs to shake off the chaos in my head. Da Lat didn’t give me clear answers, but it taught me how to listen to my heart.
Must-Visit Spots – Places That Touched My Soul
Here are the places I went to, felt deeply, and hope you’ll experience too:
- Xuan Huong Lake: Just a short walk from the hostel, I stood by the lake at sunset, watching the still water and wondering if my life could ever be that calm. If you go, sit down, close your eyes, and let the breeze whisper its stories to you.
- Cau Dat Tea Hill: About 20km from the center, I came here at dawn when the clouds still hugged the green tea fields. Standing on the wooden platform, I felt tiny yet free. The hot tea from a nearby stall warmed my hands and my heart, like a quiet promise that things will be okay.
- Con Ga Church: I grew up with old churches in Europe, but this one felt different – familiar yet foreign. The afternoon sun hit the pink brick walls, and I stood there, snapping photos, feeling time slow down.
- Datanla Waterfall: The slide here made me laugh like a kid again, for the first time in months. The sound of water rushing through the forest made me want to linger, to forget the pressures waiting for me ahead.
- Lam Vien Square: At night, this place buzzes with life, glowing with its giant wild sunflower and artichoke bud sculptures. I ate grilled rice paper, listened to the chatter around me, and thought maybe life’s still worth loving, even if I don’t know where I’m going next.
Final Thoughts
Da Lat and O Mo Hostel didn’t hand me all the answers I was searching for, but they gave me a place to breathe, to cry, to laugh, and to believe I’ll find my way. If you’re lost like I was, come here, stay at O Mo, and let this city heal you in its own quiet way. Wishing you light on your journey – and if you ever feel like it, tell me your story someday!
Ovan. Fr
