Da Lat Clay Tunnel

A kilometre of sculpture in red basalt clay retelling the whole history of Da Lat.

This is an odd piece of work: nearly a kilometre of walkway between two banks of red basalt clay, packed and carved into a continuous relief that retells the history of Da Lat — from Dr Yersin first reaching the plateau, through the French laying out the town, to its landmark buildings: the Rooster Church, the railway station, Bao Dai's palace, the teachers' college, all rebuilt in earth. The material is only rammed basalt clay, unfired, so the work has to be repaired continuously after each rainy season. It sits beside Tuyen Lam lake, which makes it easy to fit into the same outing.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Da Lat Clay Tunnel?

November to March, the dry season

How much does it cost to visit Da Lat Clay Tunnel?

About 80,000d (indicative)

How long do you need at Da Lat Clay Tunnel?

1 - 1.5 hours

What are the opening hours of Da Lat Clay Tunnel?

07:00 - 17:00

Did you know

The work runs nearly 1km and is made entirely of rammed, unfired basalt clay.
The reliefs retell the history of Da Lat from Dr Yersin's arrival on the plateau.
Many of Da Lat's landmark buildings are rebuilt in clay along the tunnel.
The site lies beside the Tuyen Lam lake area.

Travel tips

Combine it with Tuyen Lam lake and Truc Lam monastery — the three sit close together.
After rain the walkway is muddy and slippery; pick a dry day if you can.

Source: https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4368051989

Updated: 2026-08-16