Dalat Railway Station is one of the most beautiful and unique train stations in Vietnam. It is located in a city that is located in the central part of the country. The transport hub has become a recognizable landmark. There is no regular passenger service from the railway station anymore, there is a retro tourist route to the village of Chaimat (7 kilometers one way).
History of creation
The building of the Dalat Railway Station was designed in the Art Deco style. The roof of the facility symbolizes the 3 peaks of Langbiang Mountain. The project was designed by French architects Moncey and Reveron, who aimed to harmoniously combine French colonial aesthetics with a reference to nature and traditional longhouses of the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
In 1938, the Dalat Railway Station was opened after 6 years had passed since the design. This was an important event, as the facility connected the region to the rest of the network. The fact is that the Dalat–Tapcham line had a difficult section, and trains could not pass along this route.
Object features
The arrangement of the Dalat Railway Station has been thought out to the smallest detail. The city is located at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. The road to it does not run in a straight line, but through the mountains, and on the way there are sections where the height changes dramatically. Taking these features into account, a toothed rail system was laid on the most difficult sections.
A toothed row was added in the middle between the 2 rails. A gear wheel was installed under the locomotive so that it clung to an additional rail. Thus, additional traction was provided during ascent, and this prevented the ride from sliding during descent. Approximately 34 kilometers of toothed rails were laid along the entire line.
Short description
The Dalat Railway Station is called one of the most picturesque architectural monuments in Vietnam. The two-storey building of about 1600 square meters has an elongated rectangular shape. On the ground floor there is the main passenger lounge with a ticket office where they sell tickets for a tourist train, cafes and souvenir shops. The second floor is occupied by office premises and a waiting room.
The Dalat Railway Station offers views of the city and its surroundings. The panoramas look impressive, considering that the city was built at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level. On the platform, you can see historic wagons and a 1936 steam locomotive that used to run on charcoal.
How to get
It is possible to walk from the city center to the Dalat Railway Station. The walk will take 5-10 minutes, but you need to go uphill. From Xuan Huong Lake, you need to go to the southern shore and walk to Yersen Park. Then head east to the intersection and turn left. You need to walk 650 meters before you see the station gates.
There is no public transport to the train station. People come here by taxi, motorcycle, or bicycle. When planning a trip, it is recommended to clarify the work schedule, as it sometimes changes. The attraction is usually open from 7:30 to 17:30-18:00.
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