Vietnam’s favourite cog railway

(VOV) - The Da Lat Railway Station, with its French Art-Deco architectural style, is without a doubt the most beautiful train station in Southeast Asia but not many people realise it once was one of the few cog railways in the world. 

A cog railway is a saw like track system, or a railroad with a toothed/serrated central rail between the bearing rails that engages with a cog wheel under the locomotive, providing traction for ascending very steep slopes and keep the train from sliding too fast when descending downhill.

Opened in 1938, the station offers an atmospheric slice of Dalat's colonial history. One can see an authentic old wood-burning steamer train on the tracks to the rear, and stroll around inside looking at the iron-grilled ticket windows, which are now empty.

It was recognized as a national historical relic on December 28, 2001.

Although the steamer train no longer makes tourist runs, a newer Japanese train makes a trip to Trai Mat Street and the Linh Phuoc Pagoda.

A ride costs US$5 and leaves when full.


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