Dalat Railway Station - Walking at the railway station - Dalat, Vietnam.
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Dalat Railway Station

4.1
·1k reviews·Thành phố Đà Lạt, Vietnam

A picturesque French-colonial railway station adorned with vibrant flowers, offering a nostalgic train ride and stunning photo opportunities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Dalat Railway Station - Walking at the railway station - Dalat, Vietnam.

Dalat Railway Station

Best Time

Morning

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque French-colonial railway station adorned with vibrant flowers, offering a nostalgic train ride and stunning photo opportunities.

4.1
(1k reviews)

"The historic small railway station evokes memories of the colonial era, adorned with vibrant flowers, highly Instagrammable."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Snap-Worthy Blooms

The station is bursting with flowers, especially in the front. Perfect for those iconic travel photos! :camerawithflash:

🎟️ Small Entry Fee

A small fee (around 5,000 VND) grants access. It's worth it for the upkeep and beautiful gardens. :admission_tickets:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

French Colonial Architecture

French Colonial Architecture

Main Station Building

Step back in time with this stunning example of French-colonial design, a picturesque backdrop for any traveler.

Vibrant Floral Displays

Vibrant Floral Displays

Station Entrance & Gardens

The station is famously adorned with colorful flowers, creating an incredibly Instagrammable scene.

Vintage Train Carriages

Vintage Train Carriages

Platform

Explore the nostalgic charm of old train carriages, offering a tangible connection to the station's history.

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Planning Your Visit

A Token Fee for Timeless Charm

While once free, Dalat Railway Station now has a small entrance fee (around 5,000 VND) to help with upkeep. This fee grants access to the charming French-colonial architecture and vibrant floral displays, making it a worthwhile stop for photographers and history buffs alike.

Beyond the Photo Op: A Scenic Ride

Don't just visit for photos! Consider taking the short, scenic train ride from Dalat to Trai Mat (about 7km). It's a unique way to experience the station's historical significance and enjoy the surrounding countryside, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's past railway network.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Maybe you don’t know that Vietnam used to have a unique cog railway, the Da Lat - Thap Cham line.

📸 Snap-Worthy Blooms

The station is bursting with flowers, especially in the front. Perfect for those iconic travel photos! :camerawithflash:

🎟️ Small Entry Fee

A small fee (around 5,000 VND) grants access. It's worth it for the upkeep and beautiful gardens. :admission_tickets:

reddit.com

Bus or train from Da Lat, Vietnam to Nha Trang?

🚂 Ride to Trai Mat

Consider the short train ride to Trai Mat for a unique experience and to appreciate the railway's history. :train2:

☕ Coffee Break

There are a couple of cafes on-site serving good coffee without being overpriced. :coffee:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Snap-Worthy Blooms

The station is bursting with flowers, especially in the front. Perfect for those iconic travel photos! :camerawithflash:

🎟️ Small Entry Fee

A small fee (around 5,000 VND) grants access. It's worth it for the upkeep and beautiful gardens. :admission_tickets:

🚂 Ride to Trai Mat

Consider the short train ride to Trai Mat for a unique experience and to appreciate the railway's history. :train2:

☕ Coffee Break

There are a couple of cafes on-site serving good coffee without being overpriced. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dalat Railway Station is praised for its charming French-colonial architecture and beautiful, vibrant flower gardens, making it a highly photogenic spot. Visitors appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and the option of a scenic train ride to Trai Mat. Some find the modern touches slightly out of place and note that it's primarily a photo opportunity rather than a place with extensive historical exhibits.

"If you take a private car to visit Chùa Linh Phước, the journey takes only about 10 minutes. However, we chose to travel by train, which took around 30 minutes. The experience was fantastic. The historic small railway station evokes memories of the colonial era. Today, the station is adorned with vibrant flowers, highly Instagrammable. While beautiful, the modern touches seem somewhat out of place compared to its old world charm."

Cheiro Theorem

"The railway station is a charming spot to visit, though it has changed a bit since I was here two years ago. Back then, it was free and open to the public, but now there’s a small entrance fee, likely to help with maintenance and the lovely gardening. While there isn’t much to explore, it’s a great place for photos, especially with the vibrant flowers in the front and the iconic building in the background. Inside, you can check out the vintage train, which adds to the nostalgic vibe. There are also vendors selling handmade crafts, which makes for a nice touch. It’s a quick stop but worth visiting if you enjoy history and photo-worthy spots."

Jamie Heiden

"A place of historical significance, has all the info and history on the railway network in Vietnam. Has a few trips from dalat to trai mat trains about 7kms, it’s not just a museum sort of
So look for the timings and experience the train ride. Has a small platform and some shops. Has Some dummy racks and a steam engine"

Manish Tiwari

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Colorful flowers
Nostalgic train ride

What People Dislike

Modern touches
Limited historical exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dalat Railway Station is located about 3km south of the city center. You can easily reach it by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or a local bus. Many visitors combine a visit here with other Dalat attractions like Linh Phuoc Pagoda, often using private car services for convenience. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for cars and motorbikes near the station. It's convenient if you're arriving by your own vehicle or a rented motorbike. Reddit

While you can take a bus from Dalat to Nha Trang, the train service from Dalat is primarily a short tourist route to Trai Mat, not a long-distance passenger service to Nha Trang. For longer train journeys, you'd typically need to travel to a larger hub like Nha Trang or Da Nang. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a small entrance fee, typically around 5,000 VND, which helps maintain the station and its beautiful gardens. Reddit

The station is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to check locally or aim for morning or late afternoon visits for the best light and atmosphere. Reddit

For general entry to the station grounds, you can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. If you plan to take the tourist train to Trai Mat, you'll buy separate tickets for that journey. Reddit

No, Dalat Railway Station is no longer used for regular long-distance passenger services. It primarily operates as a tourist attraction and offers short scenic train rides to Trai Mat. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most popular photo spots are in front of the main station building with its French-colonial architecture and the vibrant flower gardens. The vintage train carriages on the platform also make for great shots. Reddit

The station can get busy, especially during peak tourist times. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds and capture more serene photos. Reddit

Yes, you can usually access and photograph the vintage train carriages on display on the platform. They add a wonderful nostalgic element to your pictures. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, for professional photoshoots or commercial purposes, it's always best to inquire about potential permits or fees. Reddit

🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience

You can admire the historic French-colonial architecture, stroll through the beautifully maintained flower gardens, take photos with the vintage train, and enjoy a short scenic train ride to Trai Mat. There are also small shops and cafes. Reddit+1

The train ride to Trai Mat is a short, scenic journey of about 7 kilometers. It offers lovely views of the countryside and is a popular activity for visitors wanting to experience the old railway. Reddit

Yes, there are small vendors and shops on the platform selling handmade crafts and souvenirs, which can be a nice addition to your visit. Reddit

The main station area and platform are relatively flat, but access to certain parts or navigating uneven surfaces might be challenging. The train itself may also have steps. It's advisable to check accessibility details if needed. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there are a couple of cafes located within the station premises that serve coffee and light refreshments. They are generally considered reasonably priced. Reddit

The cafes typically offer coffee, tea, and some local snacks or pastries. It's more of a place for a quick break than a full meal. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dalat Railway Station is a fun and engaging stop for families. The vintage train carriages are a big hit with children, sparking their imagination about travel from a different era. The vibrant flower gardens provide a colorful and safe space for kids to explore while parents capture photos. The short train ride to Trai Mat is also an exciting adventure for younger travelers, offering a novel way to see the scenery. Reddit+1

Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as options within the station are limited to cafes. The small entrance fee is usually very reasonable, making it an affordable addition to your family's itinerary. The station is generally accessible, but keep an eye on little ones around the tracks and platform edges.

📸 Photographers & Instagrammers

This station is a dream for photographers. The French colonial architecture provides a timeless backdrop, while the abundant floral displays add pops of color that are incredibly photogenic. The vintage train and carriages offer unique compositional elements. Reddit

To get the best shots, aim for the golden hour in the early morning or late afternoon for soft, flattering light. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, and consider using a wider lens to capture the grandeur of the station and its surroundings. The train ride itself also offers opportunities for unique shots of the landscape and the train in motion.

🏛️ History Buffs

For those interested in Vietnam's past, Dalat Railway Station offers a tangible connection to the French colonial period and the country's railway development. You can learn about the station's history and its role in the region. Reddit

While the station is no longer a hub for regular travel, its preservation allows visitors to appreciate the architectural significance and imagine the bustling activity of its operational days. The short train ride to Trai Mat also provides a glimpse into the historical routes that once connected communities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Vietnam's Railway History

Dalat Railway Station, once a vital part of Vietnam's colonial-era railway network, stands as a testament to a bygone era. Built by the French in the 1930s, its distinctive Art Deco and French colonial architectural style sets it apart from many other stations in the country. For decades, it served as a crucial link, transporting goods and passengers. While regular services ceased, the station has been lovingly preserved and revitalized as a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to step back in time. Reddit

The station's unique design features a striking cogwheel-shaped clock tower and a long, open-air platform. Today, its primary function is to offer a nostalgic train ride to the nearby village of Trai Mat, a journey of approximately 7 kilometers. This short excursion allows visitors to experience the charm of steam engines and vintage carriages, while also enjoying the picturesque highland scenery. Reddit

Beyond the train ride, the station itself is a visual delight. It's renowned for its vibrant floral displays that change seasonally, making it an incredibly Instagrammable location. The blend of historical architecture and colorful blooms creates a captivating atmosphere, drawing photographers and travelers alike. Reddit

Experiencing the Dalat to Trai Mat Train Ride

The Dalat to Trai Mat train ride is a highlight for many visitors. This short, scenic journey is operated using vintage steam locomotives and carriages, offering a unique and memorable experience. The train departs from Dalat Railway Station and chugs along a picturesque route for about 30 minutes, winding through the lush countryside and offering glimpses of local life. Reddit

Upon arrival in Trai Mat, visitors can explore the small village, visit the local pagoda, and perhaps purchase some local produce or handicrafts. The return journey offers another chance to soak in the views. It's important to note that this is a tourist-oriented service, and the dalat railway station timetable for these specific rides should be checked upon arrival, as they can vary. Reddit

Travelers often recommend this ride not just for the novelty of the train itself, but for the opportunity to see the landscape surrounding Dalat from a different perspective. It’s a gentle way to connect with the region’s past and enjoy a slower pace of travel. Reddit

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