Clay Tunnel Da Lat is an intriguing site that combines history, culture, and art through unique clay sculptures. Spanning 1.2 kilometers, it represents the history and contemporary processes, which is a unique site to visit in the “flower city” of Vietnam.
Introduction To Clay Tunnel Da Lat
Clay Tunnel Da Lat is one of the most unique places to visit in the city of eternal spring. Located among the pine-covered hills near Tuyen Lam Lake, this pathway is 1.2 kilometers long and features clay sculptures made entirely by hand that depict the Da Lat story, from early days as a simple highland town to a modern tourist hotspot. These stories are told through tiny miniature buildings, small animals, and daily life figures, all carved out of clay from the earth.
What is most impressive about Clay Tunnel is not just the creativity of the sculptures themselves, but the atmosphere and surroundings of it! Guests can walk through the open-air gallery, enjoy the scenery, and actually feel like they have entered a dreamland. The natural red clay material, along with the surrounding greenery, and the made-up world of imagination, is a must-see experience in Da Lat for travelers who want to enjoy a different memory of their trip to Da Lat.
History Of Clay Tunnel Da Lat
The Clay Tunnel stretches over 1,200 meters in the center of lush pine forests, making it one of Da Lat’s most fascinating wonders of human construction! The tunnel opened to visitors in 2012 and has since gained prominence in many travel itineraries very quickly!
Trinh Ba Dung is the mastermind behind this attraction. He is a proud local who is passionate about the historic architecture of Da Lat. After four years of research, he discovered how to change basalt clay into a durable medium with a reddish-brown color that was perfect for large constructions and sculptures. His unique vision as an artist and commitment to creating have now captured the imagination of tens of thousands of travelers each year who visit the Clay Tunnel as an artistic accomplishment and cultural significance.
Unique Architecture Of Clay Tunnel Da Lat
Your trip to Clay Tunnel Da Lat will be characterized by great appreciation and exploration through the areas of art, history, and imagination. Every little area of the tunnel displays creativity that brings the story of Da Lat to life, as you may never have experienced it in another way.
The Historical Journey Of Da Lat
The first section of the Clay Tunnel emphasizes Da Lat’s history as it tells the story of Dr. Yersin’s discovery of the Lam Vien Plateau. People have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through clay sculptures that demonstrate Da Lat’s evolution, from the French coming to the highland to the development of Da Lat into a lovely hill station. Each item conveys momentous events and details that make up the history of the city.
Iconic Architecture And Cultural Landmarks
The second section focuses on capturing Da Lat’s most famous architectural works. The clay sculptures of Da Lat landmarks include Lycée Yersin, Da Lat University, Palace Hotel, Pasteur Institute, Con Ga Church, Linh Son Pagoda, and Da Lat market. Each sculpture represents the city’s cultural and educational endeavors.
Modern And Contemporary Creations
When visitors reach the end of the tunnel, they will find present-day and innovative representational art of Da Lat and the Lam Dong Province. Some of the works of art feature iconic attractions such as Tuyen Lam Lake, the Valley of Love, the Lien Khuong Airport, and, of course, the Da Lat Highway, which combines the classic with contemporary to finish the artistic voyage.
6 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
When you visit the Clay Tunnel in Da Lat, you don’t just walk through an art space. You build memories that will stay with you once the trip is over. From the spectacular sculptures to cultural experiences – here’s what you don’t want to miss.
Admire the Unique Clay Sculptures
Perhaps the most remarkable of these experiences is looking at the very detailed clay statues that capture Da Lat through its history and cultures. Everything from the architecture of colonial buildings to the daily life of the spirit of the mountain city is captured. The artistic scope for size and creativity will impress you and will be enjoyed by visitors looking to explore art and those who enjoy the periodic aspects of a tourist city.
Explore the Infinity Lake
Infinity Lake is one of the most photographed sites at the Clay Tunnel, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you sit quietly and appreciate the moment or take a number of photos, the incredible reflections of the pines and mountains on the lake are worthy of a postcard. The statues of K’Lang and H’Biang are in love, and the statues connect with a local legend of everlasting love.
Discover Local Culture And Try Ethnic Costumes
If you’re interested in exploring more local traditions, it is a wonderful experience to rent ethnic costumes. You can dress up in beautiful garments belonging to ethnic groups such as the Lach, Chil, Co Ho, or Sre, and position yourselves in front of clay sculptures or natural scenes. In addition to the photo-taking opportunity, this experience introduces guests to the rich heritage of the Central Highlands in Vietnam.
Taste Local Delicacies
After walking along the long clay paths, you’ll probably want to rest and eat. The Clay Tunnel makes sure that food is part of the trip. You can find places nearby that serve Da Lat’s famous foods, from snacks and drinks to local dishes that are full of flavor. Tasting the local food is a great way to add flavor to your trip, whether it’s a simple ice cream to cool down or a hearty meal of regional food.
Visit The Famous Red Basalt Houses
The two record-breaking houses made entirely of unbaked red basalt clay are some of the best parts of the tunnel. The roof of the first house has a huge relief map of Vietnam carved into it. The house is 90 square meters. The second is the first unbaked clay house in the country, and people love it for its unique and creative design. Both buildings show off the creativity of local craftspeople, and their rustic yet modern charm is sure to impress everyone who sees them.
Visit The Newest Covid-19 Park
The Covid-19 Park is one of the newest and most interesting things to see in the Clay Tunnel. Here, sculpted figures of the coronavirus are on display in the pine hills, making a one-of-a-kind mix of art and a social message. This area reminds everyone of the importance of caring for the community and working together by combining creativity with awareness.
Entrance Fee
Visiting Clay Tunnel Da Lat is affordable and well worth the trip. The following are the latest ticket prices for 2025:
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
| Adults | 90,000 VND | Applies to visitors above 1.2 meters |
| Children | 30,000 VND | Applies to children under 1.2 meters |
Opening Hours
Clay Tunnel Da Lat welcomes tourists every day from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including Saturday and Sunday. It will take one hour to visit the entire complex because of its size. Closing time for wet seasons might be postponed earlier by approximately 30 minutes; hence, booking is suggested.
For the best experience, most visitors suggest going between 8:00 and 9:30 AM or 4:00 and 5:00 PM. The weather is not as hot, the sun is not as strong, and you can appreciate the beautiful clay sculptures in detail without the blistering heat of the day.
How to Get to Clay Tunnel Da Lat
Clay Tunnel lies around 13 km from the heart of Da Lat, so accessing it in your car, taxi, or on your motorbike is a piece of cake. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll also have the liberty of blending sightseeing while en route with your ride to places on the way. Here are the main Itineraries to the Clay Tunnel:
- From the Center of Da Lat: Take the path through significant spots such as Con Ga Church, Crazy House, and Palace of Bao Dai. Along the way, through other significant spots as well as strawberry plantations, until reaching the tunnel.
- From Prenn Pass: Proceed to To Hien Thanh Street, right turn to Dong Da, then left turn to An Binh. Carry on to Hoa Hong Street and go about 5.4 km, then right turn, carry on about 2.5 km to Clay Tunnel.
- Exiting from Da Lat Market: From Nguyen Van Cu → Ba Trieu → Dao Duy Tu → Nguyen Trung Truc → Trieu Viet Vuong → Hoa Hong Street. Continue 5.4 km, then turn right according to the direction of the tunnel.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Clay Tunnel Da Lat
Before you venture out to visit the Clay Tunnel, it can be helpful to be prepared in advance to maximize your fun and limit disruption. Here are a few tips to keep in mind that can help your trip go more smoothly and safely.
- The road going in and out of the Clay Tunnel has some turns that can be sharp, so be careful if you are not used to driving on a mountain road.
- When visiting the area, be sure to keep a close eye on children when they wander near deep lakes and ponds.
- Wear soft-soled footwear or clothes, sandals. For safety reasons, be careful when wearing slippery footwear during the rainy season.
- When taking pictures at Infinity Lake or Angel Lake, make sure that you use excess care because of the potentially slippery surface.
- Keep in mind that anything food or drink at the onsite café or restaurant is not included in your entrance fee.
FAQs About Clay Tunnel Da Lat
When you plan a journey to Clay Tunnel Da Lat, it’s likely that you already have some inquiries beforehand. To help you, we’ve included a few of the most common answers to your questions for your trip!
How long is suitable to explore the tunnel?
It just takes an hour or so for an average visitor to pass through the Clay Tunnel, but there’s enough time to view the massive clay sculptures, take photos, and roam through the vast outdoor area. If, of course, you’re a photography buff or like moving slowly, there’s a possibility that you’ll spend 1.5-2 hours there.
Is the Clay Tunnel suitable for families with kids?
Yes, all ages, including children, are suitable to enter the Clay Tunnel. Children tend to like the huge clay figures because they seem like fairytale backdrops. The outdoor location also provides children with space to move around. Of course, parents should stay close to their children because the location is wide and there could be uneven walks.
Can I combine this trip with other attractions nearby?
Yes. As the Clay Tunnel is close to Tuyen Lam Lake, it is very easy to mix and match with some of the other well-known attractions in Da Lat. Tourists tend to take a day trip and include visits to Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Datanla Falls, or the strawberry plantations en route.
Final Thoughts: Is Clay Tunnel Da Lat Worth Visiting?
Clay Tunnel Da Lat is certainly a tourist site, but it is truly a place where history, art, and culture all converge with the beautiful natural environment of the highlands. From the elaborate artwork to recognizable sites like Infinity Lake, the tunnel provides an experience unlike any other place in Vietnam. If you want to experience it yourself, you should do so with Seni World as your trusted guide.
