On September 12, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province officially requested the Saigon Railway Operation Branch, under the Vietnam Railway Corporation, to consider adjusting the entrance fee at Da Lat station to suit tourists.
According to the announcement, from 0:00 on October 1, at Da Lat Station, the ticket price will increase from 5,000 VND to 50,000 VND/person/trip for adults (over 6 years old), free tickets for children under 6 years old (under 1.32 m tall) and people with severe disabilities according to Government regulations.
Saigon Railway Exploitation Branch (currently managing and exploiting Da Lat station) announced a 10-fold increase in entrance ticket prices for Da Lat - Trai Mat station.
This ticket price is only valid for sightseeing, entertainment and using some free services in the Da Lat Railway Station architectural relic area, not including passenger transport service by train from Da Lat to Trai Mat.
The Saigon Railway Exploitation Branch explained that this fare increase is to mobilize resources and supplement funds to maintain, repair and renovate the station to match the national architectural works and enhance the image of the tourist station as well as increase the amenities serving tourists coming to Da Lat Station.
This proposal aims to build a roadmap and diversify tourism products, thereby proposing optimal solutions to preserve and promote the value of the heritage. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province also clearly stated the need to avoid negative public opinion affecting the brand image of the architectural relic of Da Lat station.
The increase in ticket prices to Da Lat station has received mixed responses from tourists.
The increase in ticket prices at Da Lat station has received mixed responses from tourists. Some people expressed their agreement, saying that investing in preserving and upgrading an architectural heritage like Da Lat station is completely reasonable. They are willing to pay a higher price, all expressing their desire to receive experiences worthy of the new ticket price. They expect there to be many accompanying services such as detailed tours, interesting experiential activities, or even special art performances at the station. In addition, tourists also hope that the station will be upgraded in terms of facilities, ensuring hygiene and creating a comfortable space for tourists to rest and relax.
In July, the station was recognized as a tourist destination by Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee.
Mr. Tran Tuong Huy, Deputy Director of the Institute for Social Tourism Research, said that it is "normal" for a tourist attraction to adjust ticket prices. However, the price increase was announced rather abruptly, which could cause a reaction from tourists during the initial period of applying the new price.
The station was built by the French in the early 20th century. The project belongs to the Thap Cham - Da Lat railway line, 66.5 m long, 11.4 m wide and 11 m high, designed by two architects Moncet and Reveron, with the appearance of the stations in the South of France - with a roof and two arched ends. In July, the station was recognized as a tourist destination by the People's Committee of Lam Dong province. From mid-April, the Da Lat - Trai Mat tourist train also has an additional night trip from 6:15 pm to 9:20 pm every day, with ticket prices ranging from 72,000 VND to 100,000 VND for a round trip.
