Da Lat Railway Station still preserves the remnants of its cog railway, a system considered unique in Vietnam and rare even worldwide. This engineering marvel was constructed by the French in 1932.

Da Lat Railway Station is located on Quang Trung Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City. The French began construction in 1932, and it was completed in 1938. It remains the only railway station in the Central Highlands, sitting at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level.

Designed by French architects Reveron and Moncet, the station’s structure resembles railway stations in southern France. It features a high, curved roof with three triangular peaks, measuring 66.5 meters in length, 11.4 meters in width, and 11 meters in height.

The front facade mimics the three peaks of Mount Langbiang or the traditional communal houses of the Central Highlands. Additionally, two extended wings flank the main building.

After nearly 90 years of operation, Da Lat Railway Station has retained many of its original features. This railway line has made history as one of only two cog railways in the world that operate at an altitude of 1,500 meters.

The railway connecting Phan Rang and Da Lat spans a total of 84 kilometers. Due to the steep highland terrain, the French constructed 16 kilometers of cog railway to allow trains to ascend.

This system features three rails, with a cogged middle track ensuring stability and safety on steep inclines. Apart from Switzerland, Da Lat is the only place in the world to have used this design.

Additionally, the station still preserves its original steam locomotive, along with its cogwheel drive system, axles, and pressure control mechanism.

The station’s unique architecture continues to attract numerous visitors. Inside, various tourist services add to its appeal. Every day, the railway operates a sightseeing train consisting of a standard locomotive and three carriages, covering a 7-kilometer journey from Da Lat to Trai Mat. Visitors can also experience nighttime train rides.

“The train moves quite slowly, only about 15 km/h, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty of Da Lat, especially at night,” said Phuong Hoai, 38, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City.

At the station, Nguyen Quang Hai, 58, can often be seen playing music. Born and raised in Da Lat, he spends his free time teaching music to children and performing on the streets. Over the past three months, he has collaborated with young musicians to create a lively saxophone music space at the station.

In 2001, Da Lat Railway Station was recognized as a national cultural and historical site. In June 2024, the Lam Dong People’s Committee officially designated it as a cultural, artistic, and heritage tourism destination.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Nguyen Vo Minh Chanh, head of Da Lat Railway Station, said that 90% of the station’s original French architecture remains intact, with only a few worn-out structures beyond repair.

According to Chanh, the railway industry has introduced new attractions such as wedding parties on trains, music programs, and Da Lat–Trai Mat sightseeing tours to attract more visitors. Thanks to these initiatives, Da Lat Railway Station welcomed approximately 550,000 visitors in 2024.

Looking ahead, the station plans to collaborate with more partners to enhance its services and offer a richer experience for tourists.

Xuan Ngoc