Dalat Railway Station is a historic and iconic site in Dalat, Vietnam, known for its unique architectural style and charming old-world atmosphere. The station is an excellent example of colonial-era architecture with its Art Deco elements and the distinctive pointed roof that is designed to resemble the indigenous communal houses of the Central Highlands. Visiting the station, you can immerse yourself in the nostalgia of a bygone era, learning about its past and the development of the Vietnamese railway system. The station currently serves as a tourist attraction, with a quaint exhibition inside showing antique train equipment and paraphernalia. Guests can wander the platform, take countless photographs, and even board the stationary vintage trains for a close-up experience. While the train service is infrequent, you can opt for a short ride on the antique train to Trai Mat, which gives you a sense of the picturesque landscapes of the surrounding highlands.
Surrounding the Dalat Railway Station are several cafes where visitors can enjoy the colonial ambiance while sipping on Vietnamese coffee. Make a cafe crawl part of your itinerary to experience the local coffee culture up close. The cafes range from vintage-themed establishments with views of the old trains to cozy spots with lush garden settings. Each cafe has its own unique charm, offering an assortment of beverages from the classic Vietnamese drip coffee to more inventive concoctions that blend local flavors and ingredients. Between each stop, take time to mingle with locals, taste an array of snacks, and soak in the atmosphere that harkens back to the golden age of rail travel.
From Dalat Railway Station, take a nostalgic trip on the vintage steam train to the nearby Trai Mat Village. This short journey offers a unique way to explore the Vietnamese countryside while experiencing the charm of old-world transportation. Along the ride, you're greeted with evocative landscapes of farms, greenhouses, and rural communities that shape the life outside Dalat. Trai Mat itself is a quaint village famous for its local market and the beautiful Linh Phuoc Pagoda, adorned with colorful mosaics made from broken glass and pottery. This half-day excursion combines cultural exploration with a classic rail experience, making it perfect for travelers looking to step back in time and witness the daily lives of Vietnamese villagers.