Dalat Railway Station (Photo: Yiru)

Constructed between 1932 and 1938 by French architects Moncet and Revêron, the station stands proudly on the historic Thap Cham - Da Lat railway line, connecting the highland city of Da Lat with Phan Rang in Ninh Thuan Province. This unique line stretches 84 kilometers, peaking at 1,500 meters above sea level, and features an impressive 16 kilometers of cog railway, allowing trains to traverse steep gradients.

The station has witnessed both glory and destruction; the railway was severely damaged during the Vietnam War in 1972. However, it was recognized as a National Historical Site in 2001, marking a new chapter in its journey. Today, Dalat Railway Station is a thriving tourist attraction, offering a delightful experience on the scenic route to Trai Mat, just 7 kilometers from the city center. The 25-minute train ride allows visitors to soak in the breathtaking landscapes of the Dalat countryside, making it a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to this enchanting city.

Dalat Railway Station was built in 1932 and completed in 1938 (Photo: Truong Thi)

On July 11, 2024, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee officially recognized Dalat Railway Station as a national tourist destination. This designation reflects its importance not only in Da Lat's cultural heritage but also in its appeal to visitors seeking unique experiences. Nguyen Trung Kien, Director of the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, emphasized that the station is an integral part of Da Lat's history and adds depth to its diverse tourism offerings, which include ecological tours, relaxation retreats, and cultural explorations.

Dalat Railway Station was a part of the Thap Cham - Dalat railway line, connecting Da Lat with Phan Rang (Photo: Truong Thi)

Efforts to enhance Dalat Railway Station's tourism potential have intensified in recent years. The Vietnam Railways Corporation is committed to transforming the station into a cultural and artistic hub. Recent initiatives include the introduction of themed experiences like the “Flower railway” and the launch of “Da Lat night journey” on vintage trains, which have attracted significant tourist interest. In the first half of 2024 alone, over 275,000 visitors traveled through the station, representing a 111.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

 In 2001, the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism recognized Dalat Train Station as a national architectural relic (Photo: Truong Thi)

The architecture of Dalat Railway Station is as captivating as its history, drawing inspiration from the majestic Langbiang mountain range and traditional longhouses of the Central Highlands. As the only railway station in the Central Highlands, it stands out for its unique design and significance in the development of the flower city.

As tourism continues to flourish, the Vietnam Railways Corporation plans to invest in enhancing visitor experiences further. Plans include restoring original functional rooms from the station's early days and developing a vibrant dining area. Additionally, they aim to introduce new train cars for the Da Lat-Trai Mat route and offer sunrise train rides to witness the captivating beauty of Da Lat at dawn.

There are 5 routes serving tourists from Da Lat to Trai Mat with the road distance of 7 km (Photo: Truong Thi)

Dalat Railway Station is not just a transportation hub; it is a gateway to the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Da Lat. As visitors explore this enchanting destination, they are sure to create lasting memories of their journey through Vietnam’s picturesque highlands.

Ngoc Huyen