The Sculpture Tunnel (Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc): Da Lat's Unique Clay Village
The Sculpture Tunnel (Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc), often called the Clay Tunnel, is an extraordinary open-air museum located in the Da Lat Star tourist area near the picturesque Tuyền Lâm Lake. This unique destination captivates visitors with its kilometer-long path lined with massive, intricate sculptures crafted entirely from the local red basalt soil. The entire project represents an artistic journey through the history, culture, and architecture of Da Lat and the Lam Dong region.
Historical Narrative and Artistic Vision
The tunnel’s primary purpose is to visually recreate the historical development of Da Lat, making it an engaging and educational experience.
Recreating History: The sculptures guide visitors through different eras, starting from the primitive days of the Lam Viên plateau and the discovery of the area by Dr. Alexandre Yersin. The artwork highlights significant structures from the French colonial period, such as the Palace Hotel, the Chicken Church (Nhà thờ Con Gà), and the Pasteur Institute.
Architectural Marvels: The artists skillfully depict miniature and sometimes magnified versions of famous modern landmarks, including the Lang Biang Mountain and the Truc Lam Zen Monastery. This unique medium showcases the city’s identity from past to future.
The Material: The clay used for the sculptures is locally sourced red basalt soil, mixed with stone powder and cement for durability. This emphasizes a direct connection to the natural resources of the Central Highlands.
Key Attractions and Photography Spots
The Sculpture Tunnel is a photographer’s dream, offering several highly popular, large-scale installations.
The Greeting Gate and Dragon: Your journey begins at the impressive entrance gate, which features a massive clay dragon sculpture that sets the scale for the creations inside.
Infinity Lake and Kissing Heads: Arguably the most famous spot is the “Infinity Lake”. The lake features two enormous human faces—the “Kissing Heads”—that seem to emerge from the water and frame a perfect scenic backdrop. Tourists often queue to capture photos that create the illusion of standing in the middle of this serene, symbolic setting.
The Record-Holding House: The park proudly displays a small house constructed entirely from the same basalt clay, which holds Vietnamese records for the smallest structure made of this unique material.
Practical Visitor Information
Address: Đường Hầm Điêu Khắc, Phường 4, Dalat, Lâm Đồng, 66000, Vietnam.
Operating Hours: The Sculpture Tunnel is typically open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance Fee (Reference Price): Ticket prices generally range from 90,000 VND to 120,000 VND for adults and 30,000 VND to 50,000 VND for children (under 1.3 meters). Check current prices upon arrival, as they can fluctuate.
Tips for Visiting: Plan your visit on a non-rainy day, as the exposed paths can become slippery. Go early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid crowds at the major photo points. Combine your trip with visits to the nearby Tuyền Lâm Lake and Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
