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On September 12th, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province officially requested the Saigon Railway Branch, under the Vietnam Railway Corporation, to consider adjusting the entrance fee at Da Lat station to be more affordable for tourists.
According to the announcement, from 0:00 on October 1st, the fare at Da Lat Railway Station will increase from 5,000 VND to 50,000 VND per person per trip for adults (over 6 years old), with free fares for children under 6 years old (under 1.32 m tall) and people with severe disabilities as defined by the Government.
The Saigon Railway Exploitation Branch (which manages and operates Da Lat station) has announced a tenfold increase in entrance fees to the Da Lat - Trai Mat station.
This ticket price is only valid for sightseeing, recreation, and use of some free services within the Da Lat Railway Station architectural heritage site; it does not include tourist passenger transportation by train from Da Lat to Trai Mat.
The Saigon Railway Branch explained that the fare increase was aimed at mobilizing resources and supplementing funds for the maintenance, repair, and renovation of the station to match its status as a national-level architectural landmark, enhance the station's image as a tourist destination, and add more amenities for visitors to Da Lat Station.
This proposal aims to develop a roadmap and diversify tourism products, thereby proposing optimal solutions for preserving and promoting the value of the heritage. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province also emphasized the need to avoid negative public opinion that could affect the brand image of the Da Lat railway station architectural relic.
The increase in ticket prices to Da Lat train station has received mixed reactions from tourists.
The increase in ticket prices at Da Lat train station has received mixed reactions from tourists. Some expressed agreement, arguing that investing in the preservation and upgrading of an architectural heritage site like Da Lat station is entirely reasonable. They are willing to pay the higher price, all expressing a desire for experiences that justify the new fare. They expect more 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, hygiene, and a comfortable space for visitors to rest and relax.
In July, the train station was recognized as a tourist destination by the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee.
Mr. Tran Tuong Huy, Deputy Director of the Institute for Social Tourism Research, believes that it is "normal" for a tourist attraction to adjust its ticket prices. However, the sudden announcement of the price increase could cause a negative reaction from tourists in the initial period of implementing the new prices.
The station was built by the French in the early 20th century. Part of the Thap Cham - Da Lat railway line, it measures 66.5 meters in length, 11.4 meters in width, and 11 meters in height. Designed by architects Moncet and Reveron, it resembles railway stations in southern France – with arched roofs and vaulted ends. In July, the station was recognized as a tourist attraction by the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee. Since mid-April, the Da Lat - Trai Mat tourist train has added a night service from 6:15 PM to 9:20 PM daily, with ticket prices ranging from 72,000 to 100,000 VND for a round trip.
