Perched at an altitude of over 1,500 meters in Lâm Đông province, the Đà Lat railway station is considered one of the oldest and most remarkable architectural ensembles in Vietnam and former Indochina. A true historical symbol, it now attracts a growing number of visitors who come to experience the unique journey connecting Đà Lat to Trai Mat, a route that blends heritage with the magnificent landscapes of the Central Highlands.

Built by the French between 1932 and 1938, the station was once a vital link on the Phan Rang – Da Lat line, famous for its unique rack railway system, a technical feat at the time shared only with Switzerland. Its architecture harmoniously blends Western influences with local identity, its three pointed roofs evoking both the peaks of Mount Langbiang and the traditional communal houses of the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands.

Classified as a national historic site in 2001, the station has managed to preserve its historical, architectural and cultural values, while turning towards tourism since 1991, when a seven-kilometer section was restored to offer an enchanting interlude to travelers.

Unlike modern high-speed lines, the train travels at a moderate pace, giving passengers time to admire the passing scenery: pine forests, vegetable greenhouses, and flower gardens shrouded in mist. After about thirty minutes, the train arrives at Trai Mat station, a peaceful district from which visitors can continue their exploration to the Linh Phuoc Pagoda, famous for its porcelain mosaics, or discover the bustling local markets.

Faced with this surge in tourism, local authorities and the railway sector have launched numerous initiatives to diversify offerings and improve service quality. Phan Thi Xuan Thao, vice-chairwoman of the Xuân Huong district people's committee, emphasizes that preserving the architectural value and heritage of this space has become a strategic priority for the region's tourism development, making the station a prime location for hosting major cultural and tourist events.

In order to meet the expectations of an increasingly diverse clientele, new services have been introduced, such as acoustic concerts on board, artichoke tea tastings, and night journeys allowing passengers to admire the city lights.

In line with modernization efforts, a railway infrastructure renovation project was launched in April 2026, including the replacement of rails and the rehabilitation of technical structures, in order to ensure sustainable and safe operation from next June.

At the same time, innovative offerings such as the “Dà Lat Coffee Train”, the “Dà Lat Night Journey” or the privatization of carriages for weddings and corporate events are enjoying increasing success, supported by various attractive promotional campaigns.

By perpetuating the memory of the Indochinese railway, the Dà Lat - Trai Mat line does not just offer a picturesque journey: it embodies a living link between history, culture and the future of tourism in the province of Lâm Dông.

(Source: VNA)