A day at Da Lat train station

For the first time, a special wedding was held on a vintage train carriage at Da Lat station, belonging to the Vietnam Railway Corporation, leaving an unforgettable impression and emotion in the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

Dalat Railway Station viewed from above. Photo: Nguyen Nghia

On a chilly, drizzly afternoon in Da Lat on the last day of the year, a vintage locomotive pulled flower-decorated carriages from Da Lat station to the melodious sound of a violin. The 7-kilometer journey from Da Lat station to Trai Mat and back, lasting two hours, was the wedding of groom Nguyen Xuan Thinh and bride Le Tuyet Hoa, both employees of the station.

A wonderful combination of harmonica and guitar right in the Da Lat train station.

Outside, the 21-meter-long, 3-meter-wide train carriage was lavishly decorated with flowers, attracting the attention of many visitors. Inside, long tables were set with wine, sweets, and fruit for friends, acquaintances, and members of the Vietnam Railway Company to celebrate with the young couple. Along the carriage, a stage backdrop, beautifully displaying the names of the couple Xuan Thinh and Tuyet Hoa, was set up against the wall, ready for the first wedding held in a vintage train carriage.

For the first time, a wedding was held in a vintage train carriage at Da Lat station.

In a warm and joyful atmosphere, the melodious music gently guides the train as it slowly rolls along. Ceremonies such as pouring wine and raising toasts are performed with solemnity yet romance. This classic train, named "Happiness," offers friends, family, and acquaintances from both sides a fresh and delightful wedding experience.

An impressive violin performance on a vintage train.

For the first time hosting a "mobile" wedding on a train, MC My Lien shared: "With over two years of experience hosting events in Da Lat, I've mainly hosted in restaurant halls and wedding venues with large stages, vibrant lighting and sound systems, and fixed program content. Today, I had a new experience hosting a wedding in a unique setting at Da Lat train station. I found it quite interesting and enjoyable, and most importantly, these will be incredibly precious moments for the bride and groom, as well as their relatives and friends, as they experience the journey of 14 km from Da Lat to Trai Mat."

Mr. Dang Sy Manh, Chairman of the Board of Members of Vietnam Railways Corporation, said: "In recent times, to provide domestic and international tourists with new experiences when visiting the station, and especially to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the formation and development of Da Lat, Vietnam Railways Corporation has implemented many activities such as a 'coffee train'; free performances of violin, guitar, and harmonica by professional artists; installation of Wi-Fi, free photography and filming services, free drinks; and the use of LED positioning lights at night to highlight the unique and ancient architectural features of Da Lat station."

“Besides this trial of organizing weddings on trains, the unit has been implementing many other types of services to maximize efficiency. Through research and practical surveys, we have found that the railway industry is not just a means of transporting passengers from point A to point B, but it is also considered a historical witness with many cultural stories and ancient architectural works… Through this, the industry hopes that friends and tourists, both domestic and international, when visiting Da Lat station or stations in some provinces and cities will have new and interesting experiences thanks to the stories of the people and the country that the railway industry brings,” said the Chairman of the Board of Members of Vietnam Railways Corporation.

Da Lat Railway Station is one of the most prominent and iconic architectural landmarks of the city of a thousand flowers. It is also a prime example of a project designed and completed in 1936 by two French architects, Paul Moncet and Reveron. In 2001, Da Lat Railway Station was recognized as a national cultural and historical monument and has increasingly become an attractive tourist destination. Although only 7 km long, the railway line is the only remaining vestige of the old Thap Cham - Da Lat railway line. Currently, the vintage train operates regularly every day of the week, serving an average of 4 trains with over 1,000 passengers.

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