Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: 1930's Train restored in Dalat

Sunday, December 6, 2009

1930's Train restored in Dalat

1930s train restored in Dalat

16:13' 06/12/2009 (GMT+7)

VietNamNet Bridge - A train built based on a 1930s French design began shuttling tourists in the central highlands resort town of Dalat on Friday.

The four-compartment train offers sightseeing tours around Dalat’s vegetable and flower gardens along seven-kilometers of rail between the Da Lat and Trai Mat stations.

A tour guide accompanies tourists on the trip, said Ngo Minh Chau, Da Lat Station Director.

Each compartment is adorned with old-fashioned décor and the train plays old French and Vietnamese songs about Da Lat, Chau said.

Da Lat-Trai Mat railway was part of the Da Lat-Thap Cham Railway built by the French in 1932. The 84-kilometer railway was closed down late 1960s.

In 1991 the local authorities restored the Da Lat – Trai Mat section for tourism and began building the 1930s train three months ago.

VietNamNet/Thanh Nien

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.