Da Lat Railway Station and the Train to Trai Mat & Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Da Lat Railway Station: what you'll see

The station was built in the 1930s, during the French period, when a mountain railway connected Da Lat with the coast. Its Art Deco building with three tall, pointed roof gables is often said to echo the peaks of Lang Biang and the high roofs of Central Highlands communal houses. The old line down the mountains has long been closed, but the station has been restored and is now a popular sight.

• The main hall with its coloured glass windows and old ticket counters.
• Old locomotives and carriages on the tracks — many visitors come just for photos here.
• The platform and small cafés around it, nice for a slow morning.

The station sits on the eastern side of the centre, about 1–2 km from Xuan Huong Lake — an easy ride. There is an entrance ticket for the station area; check the current price at the gate.

The tourist train to Trai Mat

A short tourist line of about 7 km runs from Da Lat to Trai Mat, a vegetable-growing area east of the city. The ride takes roughly 30 minutes each way, passing gardens, greenhouses and pine slopes. The train runs only a few times a day and the timetable changes, so ask at the station or the day before. You usually have some time in Trai Mat before the train goes back.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda (Ve Chai)

From Trai Mat station it is a short walk to Linh Phuoc Pagoda, known locally as Chùa Ve Chai — "the broken-glass pagoda" — because its walls, pillars and statues are decorated with mosaics of broken pottery, porcelain and glass. Highlights include a long dragon covered in pieces of beer bottles, a tall bell tower with a huge bell, and detailed altars inside. It is an active temple: dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), speak quietly and take off your shoes where asked.

Want more temples? Our pagoda map shows other pagodas worth a ride around Da Lat.

Train or motorbike?

• Train both ways: the classic experience. Park your bike at the station (paid parking — keep your ticket) and take the train there and back.
• Motorbike both ways: the most flexible. Trai Mat is about 8 km east of the centre on city roads, so you choose your own time and can stop at farms and cafés on the way.
• Mix: visit the station by bike, then ride to Trai Mat yourself if the train times don't fit.

The route is short and mostly in town, so any of our scooters works — including an electric one. Vietnam drives on the right; ride slowly near the market streets in Trai Mat, where traffic and pedestrians mix.

Tips for a good visit

• Go in the morning: softer light for photos and fewer groups.
• Bring a light jacket — the train has open windows and mornings are cool.
• Combine it with nearby sights: the station is easy to pair with Xuan Huong Lake or the city centre, see our things to do in central Da Lat.
• For a full day, add the station and Linh Phuoc to our Da Lat in one day loop, or look at our route ideas.
• No alcohol or beer when riding, and strictly follow Vietnamese traffic law.

Rent a scooter for the trip

Van Phu Da Lat rents the Honda Vision, the Honda Air Blade and electric scooters for 150,000 VND per day, with a free helmet, a phone holder and no cash deposit — you leave your passport or ID card. Message us on WhatsApp, Zalo, Telegram or WeChat and ride to the station and Trai Mat at your own pace.

Written by Ngô Văn Phú (Phu) – owner of Van Phu Dalat, local travel services in Da Lat since 2018: motorbike rental, homestay and villa booking. About me →