Clay Tunnels in Dalat Vietnam: Things You Need to Know

Clay Tunnels in Dalat, located near Tuyen Lam Lake, is one of the most famous and unique architectural works in Dalat city as well as Vietnam. Clay tunnels or Sculpture tunnel attracts millions of domestic or foreign tourists annually come here to admire the beauty of the place as well as taking photos.

• Location: Ward 4, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province
• Entry Ticket: 60.000 VND/Adult, 40.000VND/Child
• Opening Hours: 07:00AM – 05:00PM; Mon to Sun

History of Clay Tunnel Sculpture in Dalat Vietnam:

"After 10 years as an officer, I would like to take a break with 4 friends in furniture, construction and tourism field. In 2007, we had a project of making the Tuyen Lam Lake tourist resort so that it could be built in the middle of the forest. The days when i was here, my shoes were always weighing several times its real weight because of the red soil. I realized that Dalat has many famous tourist destinations but people will be attracted if there is a unique Place can meet the demand. The idea of architectural materials of basalt red soil began from here, "Dung said.

Since the establishment of this "dream tunnel", Dung has continued to make practical trips to European countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, and France, where the most unique architectural works are to be explored.

"In 2008, we started doing this work, then there was no road, no electricity, no water, we started from zero. Over and over again, the original idea changed as well. In fact, I burned out most of my fortune into what my friends thought was crazy. For many nights, even though it was cold, an idea flashed in my head, and I threw my blanket to get into the garden, poking my hands into the cold clay piles. The hardest part is to find clay mixing formula so that the building can withstand the sun and rain, as durable as earthenware, "Dung said.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Clay tunnel is a completely open area so the best time would be a non-rainy day, and also preferably a day when sun is not too harsh. See the weather forecast before you plan your trip. If you are still keen to go, carry an umbrella.

How to Get to Da Lat Clay Tunnels?

• By flight : Nearest Airport is Dalat Airport DLI, and another major airport near Dalat is in Nha Trang – CXR (3-4 hours away by road).
• By train : There is no operating Train Station in Dalat, so nearest will be Nha Trang.
• By Bus : Buses are available in plenty from all major cities to Dalat, like from Saigon. The sleeper bus charge from Saigon to Dalat would be around 260k VND for a journey of 6 to 7 hours.
• By Taxi: If you are in Dalat City, take a Grab Taxi from Arizona Sedan and Limousine that would cost you around 150k VND for a one way trip. Ask the driver and he will happily wait for you to return. It takes less than 30 minutes one way from city center.

How much time to spend in Clay Tunnels ?

In case you want to know before hand how long you will spend inside so you can plan your day, then let me tell you that it will take a minimum of 1 to 1.5 hours inside including sight seeing and a bit of photography. It can take longer depending on your interest and the queue at some photo spots.

What to See in Clay Tunnels Dalat Vietnam?

Dalat Clay Tunnel is a beautiful area and the moment you enter the premises you are greeted with beautiful natural scenery and clay sculptures of monkeys, elephants, snakes, turtles etc. Move further inside and you get to see huge clay shaped trains, churches, Bikes, Flowers etc. Such sculptures keeps enticing you till its end and leaves you in awe of what clay can do !

Right at the entrance is a huge Dragon around the steps that takes you down inside the clay village. You are welcomed by monkeys doing different actions, then a stream of river passes by and you see snakes, turtles, crocodiles and more.

Pass through the village with houses made of clay, sit on the most gigantic bike you have ever been on, and admire the longest train you’ll ever see. There are many such interesting work of clay that will leave you amazed. At the end of the village is the picture we saw in the starting, the two faces that looks incredible and makes a perfect spot for most amazing Instagram pictures.

Adventure Journey

See Also:

• Dalat Vietnam Travel Guide: Things You Need to Know
• Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Da Lat Vietnam