When visiting Da Lat, take the train to Trai Mat.

Tickets are now on sale online for Vietnam's only rack railway line.

On the afternoon of February 27th, Mr. Tran Van Dung, Director of the Binh Thuan Railway Transport Branch of Saigon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, announced that trains on the Da Lat - Trai Mat route have resumed operation since Tet (Lunar New Year), after more than half a year of suspension due to Covid-19. In early March, passengers can book tickets online through the railway's ticket sales channels (such as www.dsvn.vn, www.giare.vetau.vn, www.vetau.com.vn), instead of having to purchase tickets directly as in the past.

The Da Lat - Trai Mat train service runs regularly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with at least two trains per day. Specifically, train DL5 departs from Da Lat station at 9:50 AM and arrives at Trai Mat at 10:20 AM. In the opposite direction, train DL6 leaves Trai Mat station at 10:50 AM and arrives in Da Lat at 11:20 AM. In the afternoon, train DL11 departs from Da Lat at 4:05 PM and arrives in Trai Mat at 4:35 PM; train DL12 departs from Trai Mat at 5:05 PM and arrives in Da Lat at 5:35 PM.

In addition to the trains mentioned above, there are four other train pairs ready to operate and will run to serve tourists when demand increases.

Single-trip ticket buyers can choose between two seat types, priced at VND 88,000 and VND 98,000 each, with a 25% discount on round-trip tickets. Groups purchasing tickets collectively may also receive discounts ranging from 15% to 40%, depending on the number of passengers.

The Da Lat - Trai Mat railway is the remaining part of the 84 km Thap Cham - Da Lat line, connecting Ninh Thuan with Lam Dong, which was put into operation in 1932 and built by the French. It is considered the most unique railway in Vietnam, with approximately 16 km of rack railway designed in the Swiss style, exceeding an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level.

In 1972, due to the war in the South, the Da Lat - Thap Cham railway ceased operation. In mid-1975, the line resumed operation but soon had to stop again due to inefficiency. Most of the tracks and sleepers were dismantled, and the specialized locomotives used for climbing the mountain passes were later sold to a Swiss company. Currently, the trains at Da Lat station are no longer used for freight transport as before; some are converted into cafes, while others are used for photo shoots. The only trains still in operation carry tourists for a short distance between Da Lat station and Trai Mat station and back.

Located about 7 km southeast of Da Lat city center, Trai Mat is considered a "hidden gem" nestled amidst the highland mountains and is a familiar tourist destination for many visitors to Da Lat. The train journey from Da Lat station to Trai Mat station takes about 30 minutes, passing by houses, flower villages, and orchards of fruit-bearing roses. Upon reaching Trai Mat station, the train stops to pick up passengers returning to Da Lat station.

What are there to do in Trai Mat?

Towards the end of the Nguyen dynasty, Emperor Bao Dai chose this area to build a summer camp and hunting lodge. Since then, Trai Mat has become increasingly well-known on the Da Lat tourist map.

Leaving the bustling city behind, heading to Trai Mat, visitors are treated to unforgettable "specialties" such as admiring the ethereal mist and clouds in the early morning, visiting the old train station and ancient market, and strolling among the quaint old houses lining the streets... Trai Mat doesn't have flashy and colorful tourist attractions, but it offers plenty of fun activities to please those seeking a relaxing day off.

Right from the first stop – Trai Mat station – is a must-visit spot if you want to reminisce about old Da Lat. This century-old train station captivates visitors with its antique charm and design modeled after the legendary Langbiang peak. Like Da Lat station, this place has witnessed countless ups and downs throughout history.

Located next to Trai Mat train station is Trai Mat Market - the largest agricultural market in Da Lat. A stroll around the market allows you to admire flowers and shop for quality goods at affordable prices. Temperate-type vegetables and fruits, as well as bouquets of fresh roses and chrysanthemums, are popular souvenirs and choices for tourists visiting the area.

The most well-known spiritual tourist attraction in Trai Mat is Linh Phuoc Pagoda (also known as Ve Chai Pagoda or Sanh Pagoda). If you buy a round-trip ticket and only have an hour to visit, you can still explore this pagoda, as it is only 400 meters from Trai Mat train station, about a 5-minute walk.

As its popular name suggests, Linh Phuoc Pagoda is also known as the "Bottle Pagoda," built from millions of pieces of recycled glass. It boasts the tallest bell tower in Vietnam and a giant statue of Quan The Am (Guan Yin).

When you're feeling a little tired, you can stop by the cafes in Trai Mat to enjoy the fresh air, admire the greenhouses and lush green nurseries. If you visit Trai Mat at night, from the cafes on higher ground, you can also admire the valley bathed in lights.

If you have time, visit the hydrangea field (Xuan Tho commune), located about 2 km from Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Here you'll find many scenic spots like a golden bridge, swings, an infinity staircase, etc., making it a popular check-in spot for young people due to its unique atmosphere. Visitors are not allowed to pick the flowers; if you wish to buy them, please contact the owner of the garden.

An synthesis