Crossing Roads Safely - Da Lat Retire Cheap Vietnam 07

We have arrived in Da Lat! We love the cool weather in Da Lat and it is one of our favorite places in Vietnam. The worrisome thing about Vietnam and SE Asia is crossing the roads safely as a pedestrian. In this episode I will show you how to cross the roads in SE Asia safely. We look at some food and meal prices in Da Lat and I will also talk about the good and bad points and some comparisons between Vietnam and Thailand. And we'll see if Da Lat is a good place for living full time as a retiree. I feel Vietnam has a lot to offer RIPpers (Retirees In Paradise) so let's see more about living in Vietnam and about the people in this continuing series.
Mentioned in the video. Gold Dream Hotel. Full disclosure. This is an affiliate link: www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1557596&hid=1030752
During our trip we will continue to contemplate the question, “what would life be like living in Vietnam as a retiree?” We will continue to see what the upsides and downsides are to living in a communist country like Vietnam. Here is a little info about Da Lat.
Check out our exclusive RetireCheap.Asia membership site - all the REAL life details you need to live in Thailand plus connect with other like-minded people at: goo.gl/M0nMT5
Đà Lạt, or Dalat (pop. 209,301 as of 2010, of which about 185,509 are urban inhabitants), is the capital of Lâm Đồng Province in Vietnam. The city is located 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level
The city’s temperate weather stands in contrast to Vietnam's otherwise tropical climate. With its year-round cool weather, Da Lat supplies temperate agriculture products for all over Vietnam.
When Da Lat was part of the French territory of Cochinchina, the French endowed the city with villas and boulevards, and its Swiss charms remain today.
Da Lat's year-round temperate weather, standing in contrast to central & southern Vietnam’s otherwise-tropical climate, has led it to be nicknamed the “City of eternal spring”.
Please become a friend or subscribe to this channel and you if can, link back to my website I’d appreciate it. For more videos, books on retiring abroad and a Retirement Budget Calculator go check out retirecheap.asia
Edited by Panda Sathaisong
This video features the songs Bumba Crossing by Kevin MacLeod, Allada by Kevin MacLeod, Emerging Asian and Fuji Winter Stock Media Provided by Pond5
#retirecheapjc #alwaysanoption #morelifeforlessmoney
For more postings from JC and important SE Asia retirement information check out our Facebook page! RetireCheap.Asia/

[@j.r.regenold9094]

JC .. I have lived 12 years in Vietnam ... I really have enjoyed watching your videos about SE Asia. I see so many KZbinrs that just do un-narrated walking down the street videos ... boring and uninformative. If someone really wants to learn about the area they should be watching your videos. Great job. Have a lot of respect for the work you put into portraying life here.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+J.R. Regenold Thanks JR

[@michaelmcnair1880]

Wow! another great video JC and Nat! I hope you will get some time to talk about the cost and quality of healthcare in Vietnam.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Michael Mcnair I suggest going back to Thailand for most procedures. And the insurance policy I recommend covers me in Vietnam though in case there's an emergency.

[@tymnt9779]

Love the vids! Cant wait to get over this foot surgery and finish up liquidating so I can start fresh in Vietnam. Guess ya gotta hobble a little fast when crossing too..lol Omg, watching you eat all those Asian meals looks great. When I was young my family traveled and those we met were very social sharing times w outings travel and meals. Don't happen much here now, Like the energy has been sucked out of people. Its sad. Here in the states we've lost our sense of community and collective social support for one another. Meeting at the markets and parks, places of discovery quiet. Seems making new social connections are hard to find these days. People are up tight, afraid. I've always been an extrovert and a moderate lifestyle. I learned young that life is not about things. Its about your happiness, and those who are happy along with you. Again, love watching your videos. Teaches me a lot about the lay of the land. The people, The Asian people have always been easy to be around. Tymn

[@EscapetoThailand]

Yes it's night and day difference and many feel the night in the West is getting darker all the time! 🌙

[@acajudi100]

Rents are so high and utilities, that I was thinking of moving to cool weather Da Lat. I am retired, so a furnished studio would be perfect, and I cook for myself..Kosher Soul. I am a USA Muslim, so pork or pork products are not in my diet. I love Singapore, but too expensive, and earthquakes were the deal breakers for Acapulco. I am retired fro teaching computers and English to Spanish speaking. Enjoy and thank you for the very best Da Lat video so far... You can fly from HCMC to Dalat in about an hour. Cheap. I thank the people who share the 411..Thank you.

[@Theknotman1964]

Brilliant vlog man, just been in Vung Tau, now back in the UK but planning my next trip after this COVID has passed Stay Safe

[@Mantaray911]

The best synopsis/technical analysis of how to cross a road in VNM that I've seen, not for the faint of heart but JC nailed it. Well done Nat as well, good team effort :-)

[@starcorpvncj]

As a Westerner, I have lived between Saigon and Da Lat for 32 years. Both cities have changed a lot over that time. DL only really started to improve a lot over the last 10 years or so. Now I like it the best out of all cities in Vn. It gets pretty cold at night, especially in Dec and Jan when on a motorbike. Being 'fish in a can' is common in Asia. If you have to be, better to be in the tin with Vn people. They are small and don't stink like in India. Pho (soup) tastes good, but as this guy says, you often cannot eat the offal, chicken bones, gristle and all sort of other weird ingredients Vn put into pho. Vn chickens have the head on because Vn eat everything including the head, eyes, feet, intestines, you name it..ugh! But they don't eat as many big hairy spiders etc that they eat in Thailand. They call the small rice pieces rice 'broken rice'. I agree Thai food is much nicer to my taste as well. Aircon is rare in DL. You don't need it.

[@acajudi100]

Moving to Dalat next September 2020 to the Apartment with the piped in water, electricity. water and wifi.I only need a studio. Thank you JC. ❤️💕😊🇺🇸 I love the cool weather.

[@aleks1203]

Many thanks, JC, to you and your lovely and talented videographer. Happy travels!

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Alex Steele Thanks Alex

[@dougm3037]

Hi JC. Currently in HCMC. Forced extension to my trip due to illness requiring an operation the day before my birthday. Birthday present was I woke from surgery. It can be scary being in Viet hospital as a solo traveller. My health insurance is via my visa card so I had the sharks circling for 200,000,000 dong days after the op. Went to FV hospital in district 7. Good hospital but I didn't need the financial pressure. Not all health insurance is the same. A fellow Aussie patient had NRMA insurance and had none of my hassles. So if you want a smooth time maybe better to get a dedicated health insurance package before leaving home. This bit you will love JC. I coould hear building renovations in my ward taking place nearby. You think you had it bad in Danang. lol

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Doug M Doug was this an emergency surgery? If not you could have taken a quick flight to Thailand. Yes all insurance isn't the same. That's why I recommended the Thai insurance I do. They have offices in all the SE Asian countries so it's easy. I hope all is better now and I'm sure you're next 🎂 birthday will be better.

[@dougm3037]

JC I was very sick. Travel out of the question. Recovering now and flying home tomorrow. My next birthday better be better. lol btw saw another patient who had motorcycle accident in Cambodia. Travelling all the way by bus to Vietnam for good hospital care. Must have been a hell of a journey.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Doug M OUCH! Not a fun trip.

[@dougm3037]

On the bright side makes a good anecdote but not much fun lying in bed with a tube stuck up your nose and an IV drip as your constant companion. Hope you never have to go through that. At least you have a solid relationship and won't travel solo. Btw The building renovation sound wasn't loud but made me smile after your Danang room shuffle.

[@ropersix]

In Thailand a number of years ago I was sitting at a cafe in Chiang Saen and saw a low-speed scooter collision out on the street. One person was an older lady who went down and hit the pavement. The other guy helped get her and her scooter up, and they both went on their way. So in some places Thailand is like that, too, I guess. Which is amazing coming from the West and insurance and lawsuits.

[@EscapetoThailand]

Yes Tim it's a whole other world. In Asia you're basically left on your own to pay attention to your own safety. There's really not a lot of blaming others for mishaps that could've been avoided. And some that could not have been avoided as well!🏥

[@thatsacoolone9038]

In Vietnam involving the police equals Motorbikes confiscated.

[@Sweetpixels01]

Broken rice! Used to be that the broken, imperfect grains were not taken to market, so this was what the workers and their families ate. At some point the dish gained popularity and became a common sight in restaurants. (Sorry history buff I just can't help myself lol)

[@EscapetoThailand]

Cool! Thanks for that info. 🍚

[@masonryjoe]

Your vids while you travel with Nat ( is it ?) are looking pro ,like I'm watching a TV presentation without the commercials ! She's a little sweetheart and doing a great job as your camera operator. I love the sound of the temps there but not the same happy vibe as Thailand! Nice vid cheers !

[@EscapetoThailand]

+masonryjoe Thanks 👍

[@Mantaray911]

Re. the weather & temperatures - what month were you in Da Lat JC? Video posted in March, is that when you were there? Would be great if in future videos you could make specific reference to the season/month/time of year and touch on the weather conditions in general, as you did in this post. Thank you. PS: if you could squeeze it into your explorations, perhaps also a visit to the local golf courses (and green fees etc) if the cities have one :-)

[@fredhixon2965]

Watching you cross the road brought back memories of my stay in Chiang Mai.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Fred Hixon Yes. Very similar Fred.

[@martbook]

I lived in Dalat and Chiang Mai in 2017-18. I forgot what an adventure it was to cross the street in Dalat. LOL

[@guillermomontoyo]

JC did you visit Dalat during the War?

[@ZommBleed]

I was in Da Lat this past December. Thanks for making me homesick. I haven't been to Thailand in almost a year and a half. Ugh!

[@EscapetoThailand]

+ZommBleed Yikes! Get packin'! ✈

[@UnitedPebbles]

Here is a share cropper life routine schedule: 4AM to 11AM: farm works, 11-1 PM brunch, 1 PM coffee and real luncheon, 5 PM farm check up and then cleaning up, sun down-down town night market/random trip/visitation to other Frenchman farmer daughter home!?? 9-10 PM supper then sleep. Heh. Mellow life.

[@EscapetoThailand]

Yes very mellow.

[@paulgattuso8934]

Your coffee is 3.50-4.00 in Vietnamese restaurants in Philly.Pho is 7-12.00 depending on what you order.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Paul Gattuso OUCH! 🍲

[@steven68]

I stayed in this hotel when I was there in Feb 2017, its a very nice hotel.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Boon Heong Lee Yes great value and location.

[@ht3oldnavy]

love that catchy tune at 22:32. stalking your site and the internet for the name of it and cant find it yet.

[@bananapatch9118]

Any update on Larry ? Is he still in Dalat ? How is he doing ? I was curious if he has found a girlfriend and if he has learned any Vietnamese ? Thx !

[@papisanlove5537]

your friend pans the camera really nicely thanks JC

[@drjohnwills]

Try to cross the street on New Years 10 or 20 minutes. There was a nice HUGH temple on the way down the hillside on the right that is worth visiting.

[@VagabondRob555]

Always enjoy your volgs JC and Nat. All the best.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Rob Rosengreen Thanks Rob

[@bmau09]

Can you please check out Chu Yang Sin National Park if you have a chance? I'm curious what the natural landscape is like in Vietnam. It would be cool to see you compare it to your outdoor adventures in Thailand.

[@brucenolan4384]

very informative but some questions...is there a burning season in Da Lat like Thailand and is Da Lat as rainy as say, Chiang Mai? thank you

[@paulgattuso8934]

posted on wrong site sorry JC!!!!Well anyway,the prices confirm what you say,more life for less!!!My fiancé and I will stay in Chiang mai for a month later this year;thanks to your excellent vlogs,you are our inspiration, thank you so much.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Paul Gattuso Thanks Paul. I'm glad to have been of service.

[@darinjames3313]

What a great video....very informative. I hope to be heading that way in about a month.....Im looking forward to being around a more wholesome type of PEOPLE.......The Vietmanese certainly fit the mold......The cost of living there is outstanding!!....To live in a beautiful place surrounded by beautiful PEOPLE sounds like a dream to me.....I cant wait to board the plane for a 20 flight!!....lol.....Peace and Love is wished for OUR planet......Bye Bye America.......

[@EscapetoThailand]

Keep those dreams alive Darin. See you when you get here.

[@darinjames3313]

@@EscapetoThailand Thank you very much Friends......Ok....see u in a few weeks...

[@MrYatesj1]

$20 bucks for a 4 star hotel. Yes Please :-) Pretty town!! Good looking food, two meals for $3! Amazing fresh veggies! Perfect temperatures!! Did I miss the part about monthly rent?

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Jess Yates Coming soon.

[@2phalanges]

bro with $5k you can live in vn for a whole yr without work very very comfortably.

[@2phalanges]

@ngoi choi rent for me is $250. wifi. all utilities included. $10 on phone with data. food is $6 day for me. uber $4. so one month i probably dont spend more than $450. u got ripped off or you did some extravagant stuff. no way u spend 6k i 1 month. thats insane. i dont even spend more than $1500 month in america.

[@jennycortes1792]

​@@2phalanges can you recommend any apartments in Dalat? My budget is $350 to $400 per month. $450 if utilities included.

[@martbook]

Eggs Benedict at the One More Café, my go to breakfast in Dalat.

[@mistermynini5236]

Those eggs benedict may be expensive for the locale but MY GOD!!!! I can't stop salivating!!

[@slaintecheers4753]

She’s good with the camera.👍

[@EscapetoThailand]

Agreed 👍

[@RealSpaceHobo]

Always a pleasure - from one of the old guard, JC.....:-).......was wondering if that left/right motorbike rear-view mirror issue from last time around needs to be re-ignited or shall we let sleeping dogs lay.....:-)

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Space Shadow zzz zzz... 😴

[@RealSpaceHobo]

Sorta relieved....:-)

[@bobjackson4720]

Da Lat is a city that interests me so I appreciate the useful information. Looking forward to the second part. The cool climate attracts me but does it come with too much rain?

[@stevenluu626]

Bob Jackson dalat is in dry season.it rains once in a while .i am currently in dalat for a little cool air.enjoy your vacation.

[@cajunjamis9001]

JC sounds like the food is better in Thailand? Enjoyed the video!

[@EscapetoThailand]

+CAJUN Jamis I think it'll be a better comparison once we learn more of what's on the menus and sample things. Most go to Thailand already familiar with dishes they ate in Thai restaurants back home.

[@brucedevenow4469]

Hi JC. Based on your experience, how would you rate the air quality in Da Nang and Da Lat compared to Chiang Mai? Thanks!

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Bruce Devenow Chiang Mai right now is rated almost the worst in the world so any place is better! Except some cities in Pakistan and India!

[@paulgattuso8934]

Hey JC,the rice is called broken rice.In Philly we go into Vietnamese restaurants where its mostly Vietnamese, they all eat with chopsticks. Do you find this true in Vietnam?Thanks again JC.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Paul Gattuso Yes a lot of chopsticks because it's mostly noodle dishes.

[@AdvisorDanny]

Fantastic

[@TONYSESLCAFE]

You guys look great!! Awesome! Helpful video.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+TONYMICHAELLEEBRITISHCOMEDYHIGHTEAPOLITICO Thanks

[@jammyjackson2743]

JC When I was there 8 months ago . The police had confiscated 2 motorcycle from two backpacks Because thay have no VIETNAM License

[@EscapetoThailand]

Never been harassed yet and travel a lot on the bikes. But I don't look like a backpacker! Was harassed in Cambodia though. If I was to stay long term though I'd get a license for sure. 🛂

[@quemeese]

felt like I could almost smell the roast chicken while you were talking about it.

[@hoangson8813]

I live in Hanoi. Love to see you.

[@jayback4660]

Good informative video.

[@drjohnwills]

This is the city where In 1990 I was caught by the secret police after they entered my room after I was out and found I had an American, French and British passport. That was when it was illegal for an American to travel to De lat. Got away with paying a bribe as usually.

[@RubberCityRebel]

Good info JC

[@erictiu958]

Is da lat a touristy area.?

[@EscapetoThailand]

Yes

[@sgcl10658]

More for the local, not so much for expats. Still small town, not many night clubs which young backpackers like, but a relaxing place for a retiree.

[@richierich6231]

JC it is like Frogger. Lol. Good one 👍👍

[@tymnt9779]

Yes it certainly is

[@jammyjackson2743]

JT did you try the pizzas on the Street's . There amazing

[@EscapetoThailand]

Yes tasty but I really don't consider them pizzas 🍕

[@asiaawaits5524]

How to cross roads safely in Vietnam? Slowly and steadily ... and keep moving forward.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Asia Awaits Exactly!

[@benthere8051]

Make eye contact with drivers and don't make sudden moves! Go slow and easy and all will be okay.

[@jayback4660]

Just a fun fact.You can buy good roster chicken for $5 dollars at the Cosco Store in the US.

[@mrsavoy66]

chicken is most often a deal and of good quality

[@teaearlgrey9052]

Same at Sam's. Also can get 4 split roasted breasts or 4 leg/thigh combos for $4, because they make so many they have enough for the next day. Makes great chicken salad! Nice room for $20 though. Perfect for sleeping but wouldn't rent for a whole month... too small. Great find!

[@aleks1203]

Yes, but can you get one with a head? :)

[@EscapetoThailand]

+A Dad Supreme Chicken 🐔 salad.. Yummm!

[@Mouse2409]

I am a Vietnamese living in the US. Yes, Walmart, Costco and the like have $5 roasted chickens but you can't compare with those chickens in Vietnam. They have gree range chickens over there that make the meat firmer and tastier. Some Vietnamese markets here sell those at $12 - $15 per chicken (~ 2 lbs). So yes, for beef, I prefer the US one but chicken or pork, Vietnamese is much better.

[@keithy507]

That looked a nice hearty breakfast. I’m sure it set you up for the day ahead 😋

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Kiefer Humph Yes it was more than I needed but I enjoyed the treat.

[@wm3138]

Nat is doing some cool stuff with the editing!

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Wayne Macintosh Thanks Wayne. I'll tell her you said so.

[@godfreyforbes7601]

Da lat is fabulous as far as the weather is concerned. I found Vietnam a far better option for retirement than Thailand. Less prostitution and wonderful people. Thailand with its pervasive vice and the general attitude of the authorities like the police and the immigration dept is an absolute nightmare for decent expats. Money hungry Thai women who lie all the time makes moving to Thailand a recipe for disaster. I have been to Da Lat and will recommend it without any hesitation.

[@Deltic7]

So basically you might as well cross anywhere, as they simply will not give way to you. even on a pedestrian crossing :)

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Michael McHugh I think you missed the point. They do give way (except bigger vehicles). You job is only to make your intention, direction and speed evident. I think you are comparing to the west. Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore! 🐕

[@andrewhill7595]

hollandaise is one of my favorites too

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Andrew Hill Yum!

[@andrewhill7595]

You just reminded me of something I have missed while living in Thailand

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Andrew Hill Andrew if you need a quick and easy fix you can go to a supermarket that carries some foreign items and grab a packet of McCormick hollandaise sauce and grab some eggs and toast and pour it over. Thai version! 🍳

[@andrewhill7595]

just found some last night, McCormicks. thanks JC..

[@Gator0066]

you have trouble searching for Vietnamese music ? coz you're playing Thai music all along,,,

[@celtosaxon]

You like da lat, a whole lot!

[@EscapetoThailand]

👍

[@kim_kimngo2405]

No he doesn’t like Da Lat . He’s complaining about the foods are not as nice as in Thailand. But very true from him. Vietnam is very high corruption and they are not contributing for the country.

[@paulrodger3115]

I suppose Da Lat is out for me - a heart patient?

[@paulbruyea430]

He complained about old ladies selling perishables being unfriendly after he asked the price and then didn’t buy…I agree with the ladies….he’s wasting their time and occupying space where she is trying to sell aging vegetables .Get out of the way and quit bugging them

[@Bruno-kt9xf]

Cold creamer.......

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Joe T The sweetened condensed milk is usually served at room temp.

[@metalhead1578]

broken rice

[@DarkstarDarth]

I bring my own Folgers instant, coffee there is like liquid heroine, way too strong!

[@tristanmaclennan2989]

Stop talking about the bloody coffee and talk about the food!

[@Pleasurechest985]

Hate it! F N crazy.

[@EscapetoThailand]

+Al Thanks Al

[@ptiaptia7347]

VERY expensive. They ripping tourists off. DO NOT go there. Food does not seem to be good either, not a typical tradition Viet Namese food. Thanks for the video. I wiil NOT be eating there.

[@thuylinhtran7931]

Hi guy, your reason is went wrong restaurant. If you know where to go, you should find nice food with cheap price.