Dalat Railway Station, the symbol of French architecture

Dalat is a highland city likened to an oasis on the mountain. Being a Vietnamese city, Dalat has a French climate and is influenced by French architecture. The typical symbol of this architecture is the Dalat Railway Station.

A memorial built by the French

Only 5 km from the city center, Dalat Railway Station is a must-see destination not to be missed when visiting this dream city. The building is located near Yersin High School, on a long hill.

Designed by two French architects, Moncet and Reveron, the construction began in 1932 and was put into service four years later. It is supposed to evoke the Deauville Railway Station in France.

Dalat Railway Station is shaped like the majestic Lang Biang Mountain, with a length of 66.5 m; a width of 11.4 m, and a height of 11 m, this monument resembles the railway stations of the southern provinces of France, with a roof and two arched ends.

>> Read more: What to visit in Da Lat, city of eternal spring?

Seen from the front, three triangular spires represent the three peaks of Lang Biang Mountain. Its steeply sloping roofs are an imitation of the architecture of communal houses in the central mountains.

Under each roof is a multi-colored stained glass window, and a large clock that has been recently restored under the central roof.

Dalat Railway Station was once part of an 84-kilometer railway line, including 16 rack railways connecting Thap Cham (Ninh Thuan province) and Dalat. Today, only one 7km line connecting Dalat and Trai Mat is still in service.

A tourist attraction of the city

Dalat Railway Station is no longer used for transportation but for tourism. It promotes the visit to Trai Mat where visitors can visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda, contemplate the panorama of the city, and breathe the pure air of the plateau.

With a route of 7 km, the train will take, despite the modest speed and loud noise, travelers to discover the mountain city. Old locomotives are exhibited for tourists to visit and take photos.

Most tourists are foreigners who want to visit and discover this oldest and most beautiful railway station in Vietnam. Not only tourists but also couples come to take wedding photos.

The oldest remaining station in Vietnam, Dalat Railway Station was a rack railway, unique and rare in the world. In 2001, it was recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a national architectural monument. It is a harmonious combination of Western architecture and the architecture of Tay Nguyen communal house. Dalat has made the station one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the city. 

Related articles:

>> Top 10 tips and tricks for a successful trip to Cambodia

>> Best things to do in Vietnam

>> Tour 3 weeks in Vietnam, an exciting tour of the Dragon

>> Vietnam tour 15 days: What to do? What itinerary ideas do you have?

>> Tour 1 week in Vietnam: Good deals for a 7-day tour in Vietnam

>> Tour in Vietnam in one month: 3 options to absolutely enjoy!

>> Preparations for the traditional Tet, the Vietnamese New Year

>> Tour to the Mekong Delta: itinerary ideas in 1,2,3,4,5,6 days to know

>> Vietnam Cambodia tour 2 weeks: What to do?