Da Lat Railway Station is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, known for its distinctive French colonial architecture and nostalgic charm. Nowadays, visitors come to the station not only to appreciate its heritage but also to take pictures.
Introduction To Da Lat Railway Station
One of the most charming monuments in the city is Da Lat Railway Station. The creative and colorful style of the windows, the French architecture, and the peaceful atmosphere of the area make the station welcoming and photogenic for visitors to the city. Visitors to the city, who want to take their vacation at a leisurely pace, stop at the station to take photos in front of the station and record Da Lat at its best.
Aside from the photography, Da Lat Railway Station offers a short train ride, amid the fresh air and rolling countryside of Trai Mat. If you enjoy history, take photos, or simply want the charm of a quiet place, Da Lat Railway Station makes the trip worth it!
History Of Da Lat Railway Station
The Da Lat Railway Station was constructed from 1932 to 1938 as a component of the Thap Cham – Da Lat rail line, which connected the highland city with Phan Rang in Ninh Thuan. This railway line extended for 84 kilometers and included an altitude difference of 1,500 meters. The Thap Cham – Da Lat railway line was started in 1908 under Governor-General Paul Doumer. The railway employed a cog railway system with 12 stations, 5 tunnels, and 16 kilometers of rack rail, which was the only one of its kind in Asia, with the exception of Switzerland.
In 1972, the railway was damaged during the war and operated for some time after Vietnam was reunified in 1975, before economic inefficiency ceased operations, and most of the track was dismantled. Today, Da Lat Station no longer serves the national railway system and was repurposed for tourism. The station was recognized as a national cultural and historical relic in 2001, which preserves the legacy of the only one of its kind railway in Vietnam.
Unique Architecture Of Da Lat Railway Station
Da Lat Railway Station stands as a remarkable example of architecture, constructed by two French architects, Moncet and Revéron, in the early 1900s. Not only is it a point of travel, but it is now a cultural and historical element of Da Lat that is valued for its uniqueness and sense of nostalgia.
The station contains a symmetrical form with the main body utilizing inspiration from the three peaks of Langbiang Mountain. The steep triangular roofs resemble the traditional “Rong” houses from the Central Highlands while incorporating this European elegance into a true local identity. Centrally located is a large clock that indicates when Dr. Alexandre Yersin found the Lam Vien Plateau on June 21, 1893.
Da Lat Railway Station is known as the highest, most beautiful, and oldest station in Indochina and is a phenomenal mix of French colonialism and Vietnamese identity; it is a place that should be seen for yourself.
6 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
From enchanting train cars to underrated corners bursting with nostalgia, every location here will have a picture-perfect moment. Come take a look at the unique experiences available here to make your trip to the railway station all the more memorable.
The Iconic Front Gate
The front gate of the Da Lat Railway Station is perhaps one of the most photographed spots in the whole city. As you approach, the beautiful triangular roof instantly announces that you have arrived in Da Lat. The expansive courtyard is well-kept with flower beds that border greenery whose colors sparkle. This is an excellent area to take a picture, as you can either stand before the flower beds or capture the beauty of the railway station that sits behind you. Either way, you will have a picture that embodies the charm of Da Lat.
The Vintage Ticket Hall
Once you walk inside the ticket hall, it is as if you have stepped back in time. The long windows allow in lots of natural light, which creates beautiful contrast and shadows for taking photographs, especially on the darker wooden ticket counters and chairs.
You also cannot ignore the decorative wall clocks or the wall-mounted notice board. However, tourists will find the pleasant feeling that they enjoy posing against the history of the hall. It is enchanting that the sunlight provides a soft golden hue to the background of each photograph. A photo here is the perfect combination of history and social artistry.
The Wooden Train Carriages
Those wooden cars at the station are an absolute treat for vintage lovers. They are dark brown and bear the very retro designs and inscriptions in French of a colonial past. The craftsmanship of the wooden polished panels is impressive, not to mention the old-fashioned handles and windows. They created an irresistible opportunity for portraiture and other creative compositions. While perched beside you inside, you felt like you had walked into a scene from an old European film.
The Railway Tracks
Behind the station is a quiet set of railway tracks providing an alternative and less traditional place to take photos. The iconic triangular roof of the station served as the picturesque backdrop for the tracks lined with tall pines that coupled industrial design with beauty. Travelers would often walk along the railway tracks for a perspective shot or take candid photos while sitting on the wooden railway sleepers. It is a peaceful spot to reminisce about whether you have taken a train or not, while at the same time evoking a deep sense of adventure.
The Steam Locomotive
The steam locomotive located at the Da Lat Railway Station is not only a precious remnant in Vietnam but is also one of the final preserved steam trains in the world. Its huge iron skeleton has endured the tests of time,yet stands with plenty of pride and decorum as a magnificent symbol of the past. Taking a picture with the locomotive gives the visitor the opportunity to enter into the enchanting era of rail travel. Whether one decides to take a full body image with the entire train or a close-up with all the impressive details, this spot will provide visitors with wonderful images that are charming and full of character and depth.
Inside The Train Carriages
The interiors of the wooden rail cars are every bit as awe-inspiring as their exteriors. The alluring warm tones of brown paired with the polished wooden seats and classic decorations promote a vintage charm that feels as if antique times of ease have transcended into the present. The natural light pouring through the windows creates an inviting, soft, and moody ambient light. The interior of these rail cars, especially as visitors profile beside the window gazing out across the pine forest, generously indicates that most visitors with this imagery feel as though they are traveling by train a hundred years ago.
Entrance Fee
Traveling to Da Lat Railway Station is not just about seeing the distinctive architecture but also about taking a short train ride to Trai Mat. There is a difference in ticket prices for Vietnamese tourists and foreigners. The price table below shows the updated prices:
| Ticket Type | Domestic Visitors | International Visitors |
| Round Trip | 135,000 – 150,000 VND | 170,000 VND |
| One Way | 100,000 VND | 150,000 VND |
The Da Lat to Trai Mat train has multiple services per day, allowing visitors to select a time that accords with their plans. Below is the schedule for your information.
| Train No. | Departure – Arrival Time |
| Train 1 | 07:15 – 09:15 AM |
| Train 2 | 09:20 – 11:20 AM |
| Train 3 | 11:55 AM – 01:25 PM |
| Train 4 | 02:00 – 03:30 PM |
| Train 5 | 04:05 – 05:35 PM |
Opening Hours
Da Lat Railway Station is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. This allows travelers a great opportunity to include a visit to the station at nearly any point during their trip to Da Lat.
The busiest months to visit are during peak travel months in Da Lat, November through March, and around the main holidays in Vietnam. The peak time is mainly because of the cool, dry season, when the weather is ideal for traveling and great for taking photos. If you would like to see the station without tourists, it is best to visit on weekdays, or you can try and see it as early as you can in the mornings when there are fewer tourists, and the gentle sun enhances the vintage charm of the station.
How To Get To Da Lat Railway Station
Whether you’re coming from another city or are already located in the founding area of Da Lat, you can get to Da Lat Railway Station easily. Follow the steps below to get to this beautiful place.
Getting To Da Lat City Center
If you’re coming from far away, the nearest airport is Lien Khuong Airport, which is about 30 km from Da Lat City. Many domestic airlines have flights here to serve tourism. Then, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the city center in about 30 minutes.
From Da Lat City Center To Da Lat Railway Station
Da Lat Railway Station is located at 01 Quang Trung, Ward 9, Da Lat City. From the Da Lat market, you first follow Nguy Thi Minh Khai Street to the Da Lat Fountain roundabout. You then go straight on Tran Quoc Toan – Yersin – Nguyen Trai – Quang Trung Street until you arrive at Da Lat Railway Station.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Da Lat Railway Station
Doing a little preparation before going to Da Lat Railway Station can enhance your enjoyment of your travels. Here are some recommended considerations concerning clothing, timing, and photo equipment:
- Da Lat’s cool climate will require some warm clothing. But the retro character of the station makes it a great place to dress in a retro style.
- A camera, smartphone, or tripod is a must if you want to take lots of great pictures in the beautiful photo spots at this location.
- If you intend to take the short train ride, be sure to double-check the times for the departing trains so you do not miss the experience.
- Early morning or late evening trips are usually a little quieter and sometimes cheaper than trips during the day.
- If you want to save a little money and don’t mind basic comfort, choose the regular seats.
- Consider using an online platform to verify the price and get the best price.
- Online groups usually have useful updates and tips for discounted ticket prices.
Final Thoughts: Is Da Lat Railway Station Worth Visiting?
Da Lat Railway Station isn’t simply a transport hub – it is a historical, cultural, and architecturally different landmark that adds to the allure of the city. From its French-era design to nostalgic riding experiences, the station delivers an opportunity to relive the old days while enjoying the majesty of Da Lat. If you’d like to prepare for your voyage to this dream highland city, you should count on Seni World to enlighten you about the stories and experiences that make Da Lat remarkable.
