Da Lat Railway Station: Step Back in Time Aboard the Heritage Train
Da Lat Railway Station (Ga Đà Lạt) stands proudly as one of Vietnam’s most celebrated architectural landmarks and a national historical relic since 2001. Built between 1932 and 1938 by French architects Moncet and Reveron, the station immediately captures attention with its unique design. The building beautifully fuses the European Art Deco style with the distinctive high, pointed roofs of the Central Highlands’ communal houses (Nhà Rông). Visitors often note that the three stylized roofs intentionally represent the three peaks of Da Lat’s iconic Lang Biang Mountain.
History and Unique Architecture
The station originally formed part of the 84-kilometer Tháp Chàm–Đà Lạt Railway line, connecting the cool highlands to the main north-south route in the lowlands.
Architectural Details: The design features three pyramid-shaped roofs and a multi-colored glass window beneath the central peak. A prominent clock marks the front facade. Architects effectively achieved a harmonious blend of French colonial elegance and local ethnic minority culture. This architectural mastery earned it the reputation as the most beautiful and unique station in Indochina.
The Steam Locomotive: The station proudly displays a vintage steam locomotive, which contributes significantly to the site’s nostalgic, historical ambiance and serves as a favorite photography spot.
The Tourist Train Experience
While the original line is no longer fully operational, the station runs a popular tourist train service to preserve its heritage and offer visitors a scenic experience.
The Route: The train travels a short 7-kilometer track to Trại Mát station. This gentle 30-minute journey allows travelers to savor the beautiful, rolling countryside and pine forests of Da Lat.
Destination: Linh Phuoc Pagoda: The Trại Mát stop provides direct access to the famous Linh Phước Pagoda (Chùa Linh Phước), known for its intricate mosaic design made from broken pottery and glass. Passengers typically spend about 30-45 minutes exploring the pagoda before boarding the return train.
Practical Visitor Information
Address: 7a Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 10, Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam.
Architecture: French Art Deco with Central Highlands influence.
Entrance Fee (Station Access): The station charges a small fee (usually around 5,000 VND) for simple access and photography on the platform.
Operating Hours: The station is generally open for visitors from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
Tourist Train Ticket Price (Approximate):
Round-trip tickets are required for tourists and usually range from 116,000 VND to 166,000 VND per person, depending on the class of seat (Hard Seat, Soft Seat, VIP).
Train Schedule: The tourist train usually runs multiple times daily. Travelers should check the current timetable in advance, as the daily schedule often changes based on tourist demand.
