1. Overview of Dalat Railway Station
1.1. Location & operating hours
As Dalat Railway Station is situated in the heart of Da Lat on Quang Trung Street, getting to it should be a breeze for any tourist. From the city center, you can go around Xuan Huong Lake towards Lam Vien Square and enter Yersin Street. Go straight for about 2 kilometers up the small slope around the pine forest and you will find the station on your right. Dalat Railway Station operates daily from 7:00 AM.
1.2. History
Dalat Train Station was built from 1932 to 1938 as part of the Thap Cham – Dalat rail route, connecting Dalat with Phan Rang – Thap Cham in Ninh Thuan Province. In 1972, the route was destroyed during the war. Not until 1975, when the country was reunited, was it restored.
Now, the station is excluded from the national railway system of Vietnam. However, it still served as a tourist train with daily departures to Trai Mat Tourist Area, which resides 7 kilometers away.
1.3. Records
Dalat Railway Station holds many records, to name a few:
- The highest train station in Vietnam, with an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level.
- The only old station in Indochina with cog gear design.
- The most beautiful train station in Vietnam, with a harmonious design mixed between French and Vietnamese styles.
- The only railway station in Vietnam that operates steam-powered locomotives.
- The most unique station in Vietnam, with an iconic design inspired by the legendary Lang Biang mountain.
2. Best things to do at Dalat Train Station
2.1. Marvel at the unique architecture of the train station
Being built during the French colonial period, Dalat Railway Station reflects the bold architectural influence of the time, representing a harmonious blend of East and West. The most striking feature of the station is the front design, which resembles the famous Lang Biang Mountain of Dalat. Here, tourists are promised numerous spots for taking beautiful pictures, whether at the front yard, inside the station, or beside the display of wooden carriages and steam-powered locomotives.
2.2. Catch a train to Trai Mat
At Dalat Train Station, you should not miss the chance to experience the 30-minute train ride from Dalat to Trai Mat. According to the Dalat Railway Station timetable, there are five departures daily. Each departure is two hours apart, starting at around 7:45 AM. Tickets are priced at 108,000 VND per passenger for a round trip. The tour requires at least 20 passengers per trip, so make sure to contact the ticket booth before arrival for an uninterrupted journey
Upon arrival at Tram Mat, visitors can take a short walk to Linh Phuoc Pagoda, a Buddhist temple famous for its intricate mosaic artworks. Here, tourists can write their prayers on paper, stick them on a large bell, and ring the bell for blessings. Another highlight of this pagoda is the statue of Guanyin made of 650,000 flowers, which is 17 meters tall and weighs roughly 3 tons.
2.3. Experience a Dalat night train tour
Experiencing a night train tour in Dalat offers a memorable adventure atop the list of things to do in Da Lat. Boarding the train at 18:15 PM or 21:20 PM from Dalat Train Station, tourists will get a chance to enjoy artichoke tea, live music, free wifi, and dinner. With the romantic atmosphere and marvelous scenery of Dalat by night, a night train tour is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Dalat.
2.4. Enjoy a cup of coffee in a train carriage
At Dalat Train Station, the old train carriages are renovated into coffee shops. Here, tourists can enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee amidst the unique settings, from the charming vintage interior to the picturesque views outside the windows. Whether you are catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, the train carriage cafes offer a cozy space for relaxation.
2.5. Other unmissable experiences
Within the concourse of Dalat Railway Station, there are more than 10 tables offering nice souvenir services such as painting portraits, carving words on keychains, writing names on rice grains, etc. Usually, tourists should wait for at least half an hour for the final product. However, the unique design and personal touch of these souvenirs are what make the wait worthwhile.
Read more: Dalat itinerary: How to visit the city in 1-4 days?
3. Best places to visit near Dalat Train Station
Near Dalat Railway Station, tourists can find numerous promising spots worth exploring:
- Lam Vien Square: Located around 1.8 kilometers away from Dalat Railway Station, Lam Vien Square is a bustling public square with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to soak in the local atmosphere, do some shopping, or enjoy delicious meals.
- Xuan Huong Lake: Xuan Huong Lake is the central point of Dalat, which is located 2 kilometers away from the train station. This scenic lake is surrounded by pink cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in other seasons of the year, offering an ideal setting for picnics, trekking, or riding a swan pedal boat.
- Dalat Flower Park: Dalat is renowned as the city of flowers, so Dalat Flower Park is obviously a prominent attraction here, which is merely 2.4 kilometers away from Dalat Train Station. Besides a diverse collection of flowers for sightseeing, the park also offers stunning flower festivals during major holidays.
- Dalat Market: In the evening, tourists should head to Dalat Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere while sampling mouth-watering local street food. Located 2.5 kilometers away from the train station, the market offers a variety of stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and delicious treats.
Dalat Train Station stands as a testament to Vietnam’s historical and architectural heritage. Through many ups and downs, the station remains a beloved symbol of Dalat’s past and present, welcoming travelers from near and far to embark on unforgettable journeys and create lasting memories.
Besides Dalat, Vietnam travel awaits tourists with numerous other alluring destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc. All these destinations promise to bring visitors an enriching experience, from bustling cities to serene countryside landscapes.
When in Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to experience the leading entertainment complexes of VinWonders and opt for a retreat at Vinpearl’s luxury hotels and resorts. VinWonders and Vinpearl promise a series of exhilarating games followed by prime accommodations, guaranteeing to elevate your wonderful trip in Vietnam.
Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park beforehand!