This former French colonial outpost in the mountainous Central Highlands enjoys a cooler climate than the rest of the south. The town was established in 1897 by the French ruling administration as an escape from the tropical summer heat of Saigon and was also a great favourite of the last Emperor of Vietnam. In and around town there are still many beautiful French colonial houses, a fantastic golf course, a delightful contemporary folly called Crazy House, pagodas, temples and hill tribe villages. The town is a mixture of hillside Vietnam and alpine Europe and retains a cheery atmosphere; it is also home to a number of eccentric locals who give this charming town a quirky twist.