Echoes from the past, time-worn carriages, and railways winding through Vietnam’s stunning landscapes – are you ready for an exciting journey of discovery? More than just transportation, Vietnam’s vintage railway lines are living cultural and historical legacies, offering visitors unique and unforgettable travel experiences.
Da Lat Railway Station: A Newly Recognized Tourist Destination
Da Lat Railway Station, a unique architectural marvel built between 1932 and 1938, has recently been officially recognized as a tourist destination by the People’s Committee of Lam Dong province, according to Decision No. 1061/QĐ-UBND dated June 21, 2024. Prior to this, in 2001, Da Lat station was already recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. Situated over 1,500m above sea level, the station was once a crucial hub on the railway line connecting Thap Cham to Da Lat.
Da Lat Railway Station, newly recognized as a tourist destination, is a classic and unique French architectural work
Da Lat Railway Station is not merely a station; it’s a work of architectural art. Embracing local identity, the station’s symmetrical layout features a central architectural block that mimics the three majestic peaks of Langbiang Mountain and the distinctive communal houses (Nha Rong) of the Central Highlands. Flanking it are two elongated architectural blocks, creating a harmonious whole with nature and a unique urban highlight.
Unique Architecture and Cultural Value
As the only railway station in the Central Highlands region, Da Lat station holds immense cultural and historical value. Its architecture is a harmonious blend of classic French colonial style and distinctive features of Central Highlands culture. This fusion creates a unique space that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The unique architecture of Da Lat station with roofs mimicking Langbiang Mountain and Nha Rong houses of the Central Highlands
Overall, the station’s architecture harmonizes with nature and serves as a unique urban landmark, attracting tourists to visit and explore.
Experiencing the Da Lat – Trai Mat Railway Line
Currently, Da Lat station primarily serves tourism purposes. The 7km Da Lat – Trai Mat railway line is an unmissable experience when visiting the city of flowers. Trains take visitors to Linh Phuoc Pagoda and the Trai Mat area, allowing them to explore the unique cultural and natural beauty of this region.
Da Lat Railway Station currently serves the Da Lat – Trai Mat tourist railway line
Vintage carriages are adorned with lights around the window frames, creating a sparkling and magical atmosphere. This serves both as an accent for the train and provides light for visitors to enjoy the scenery along the route.
Vintage train carriage decorated with lights, creating a sparkling atmosphere for tourists
Both domestic and international tourists are delighted to queue at the ticket office, which retains its original architecture and old-world charm.
Tourists enjoy queuing to buy tickets at the vintage ticket office of Da Lat station
At the station platform, visitors can admire a vintage steam locomotive and a cog railway track, relics of a bygone era.
Vintage steam locomotive and cog railway track at Da Lat station platform
Wooden carriages and a diesel locomotive with four passenger cars operate between Da Lat and Trai Mat stations, ready to serve tourists on their journey of discovery.
Wooden carriages and diesel locomotive carrying passengers on the Da Lat – Trai Mat line
Tourists enjoy admiring the Da Lat landscape from inside the carriage, savoring relaxing and memorable moments.
Tourists admiring the scenery of Da Lat from inside the train carriage
The tourist train travels at a slow speed of about 15km/h, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of Da Lat city, especially the sparkling beauty of the city lights at night.
Slow-moving train allowing tourists to fully appreciate the beauty of Da Lat
On the vintage train, visitors feel immersed in the atmosphere and scenery of Da Lat, fully enjoying the beauty of the city of flowers.
Tourists experiencing the atmosphere and scenery of Da Lat on a vintage train
Tourist groups, especially Korean tourists, are delighted to enjoy the scenery while listening to melodious and lively music on this special train journey.
Korean tourists enjoying the experience on the train
Ticket prices range from 72,000 to 100,000 VND per trip. Typically, visitors experience one way and then explore other attractions at Trai Mat station. Trains DL3 and DL4 run daily on a fixed schedule, while other trips operate upon request or when demand arises.
Information about ticket prices and schedule for the Da Lat – Trai Mat train
Each train carries a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 160 passengers. The new evening trains DL11/12 and DL13/14, introduced in April 2024, offer the experience of viewing Da Lat at night with the shimmering and magical lights of flower and fruit farming villages.
Other Vintage Railway Lines with Great Potential
Besides Da Lat station and the Da Lat – Trai Mat railway line, Vietnam has many other vintage railway lines with great tourism potential. Exploiting and developing these lines not only contributes to preserving cultural and historical heritage but also creates unique tourism products that attract visitors.
Some other vintage railway lines include:
- Hanoi – Hai Phong Railway Line: A long-standing railway line connecting the capital Hanoi with the port city of Hai Phong, passing through many historical and cultural landmarks.
- North – South Railway Line: Although upgraded and modernized, the North-South railway line still retains many ancient sections with bridges and stations bearing the marks of time.
Conclusion
Exploring vintage railway lines in Vietnam is a unique travel journey, taking visitors back in time to discover the cultural and historical heritage and beautiful nature of the country. Da Lat station and the Da Lat – Trai Mat railway line are must-visit destinations on this journey. Plan your trip today to experience the interesting and meaningful things that vintage railway lines offer!