Dalat Clay Tunnel - A Must Do Sculpture Tour

Da Lat, Vietnam, is absolutely famous for its gorgeous nature and chilly scenery. You’ve gotta take a look at the Clay Tunnel (Sculpture Tunnel), which is just plain quirky and fun to view. In this travel guide, I’m going to provide you with all you need to know to plan a half day or a day at the Clay Tunnel in Da Lat so you can get the most out of it.

P.S If you are planning to travel to Phong Nha after Da Lat then we got a perfect tour guide for you!

What is the Clay Tunnel?

The Clay Tunnel is a completely one-off park that's packed with fantastic sculptures and artworks created using red clay and basalt. The entire project was conceived of by Trinh Ba Dung, a business owner in Ho Chi Minh City, who began construction in 2010 close to Tuyen Lam Lake. The tunnel depicts Da Lat's history in sculptures, beginning in a wild forest and animals, moving to a waterfall, and finishing up with the city's industrial and architectural expansion, such as churches, cars, and libraries. I would count it in our list of best things to do in Dalat city!

Why should you visit the Clay Tunnel?

• Unique Craftsmanship: The sculptures use natural red clay that’s not baked mixed in with basalt, and even this process was awarded in Vietnam's Book of Records for it being a massive unbaked clay structure.

• Instagram Photo Stops: There's plenty of spots to take a picture or two, such as the popular "two faces" sculpture, but be prepared to stand in line a little. If I were you, I would go very early in the morning around 7-8 am.

• Historical and Cultural Education: The sculptures tell you all about Da Lat’s history and culture, making it a great way to learn all you need to know.

• Family Fun: The Clay Tunnel is a hoot for everyone regardless of age, and there's even ice cream and drink stalls to cool you off while you enjoy having a great time. If you are travelling with kids, this might very well be the highlight of their Vietnam tour!

How to plan a visit:

• Best Time to Visit: So, Clay Tunnel is outdoors, is it not? The ideal time to visit would be when it’s not rainy and also not too sunny. Definitely check ahead of time to know the weather forecast.

• Opening Hours: The Clay Tunnel is open generally between 7 AM to 5 PM every day. It’s always a good idea to check their present hours in case it’s changed.

• Entrance Charge: Visiting Clay Tunnel is approximately $5 USD (120k VND). Just a heads up, prices get changed sometimes, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time.

• How to Arrive There: Clay Tunnel is around 13 km from Da Lat City. Here are a couple of ways to get there:

• Motorbike Hire: Riding a motorbike on hire is a hit, and it’s wonderful to be independent; it’s around $5 to $6 USD per day (around 120-150 VND). The ride is around 30 minutes from downtown Da Lat. I always prefer it because you get the freedom of stopping wherever you want along the way and it's way cheaper than taxi.

• Grab Bike: Getting a ride on a Grab bike is easy and affordable, around $2.5 USD (70k VND) per direction, and also around 30 minutes from downtown Da Lat.

• Grab Taxi: In case you prefer a Grab taxi, it’s a more costly option around $7 USD (180k VND) per direction, though also around 30 minutes from downtown Da Lat.

Discover Clay Tunnel:

As you step into the Clay Tunnel, you’re welcomed to wonderful natural scenes and cold clay sculptures. Here’s a small sneak preview of what you get to witness:

• Sculptures of Clay: Witness a plethora of sculptures, such as dragons, monkeys, elephants, snakes, and crocodiles.

• Historical Illustrations: There are sculptures that tell you a story of Da Lat, its untamed aspect, and how it’s evolved to be what it is today.

• Quirky Creations: Be sure to check out these really cool clay objects such as houses, trains, churches, and bikes.

• The Faces: Don't miss that infamous "two faces" sculpture; it's great for getting a photo.

Tips for a Great Visit

• Wear Comfortable Footwear: You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so put something easy to move around in.

• Stay Hydrated: Pack a bottle of water to stay cool, especially during sunny afternoons.

• Apply Sunscreen: Slap on some sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun.

• Be Patient: The Clay Tunnel is going to be packed, especially around that "two faces" sculpture. Just relax and take it easy. If you are going as a couple then be creative with your poses :)

• Take Your Time: Be sure you’ve got time to walk around in the tunnel and view the sculptures.

• Combine With Other Attractions: Consider visiting the Clay Tunnel in conjunction with other places such as Datanla New Alpine Coaster and Datanla Waterfalls.

What to Do After Visiting the Clay Tunnel

After you’ve taken in the sights at the Clay Tunnel, relax and enjoy the ambiance. There’s a coffee shop just outside where you can get a smoothie or a local beer. Or, you can just go check out a nearby pagoda or two, or the Datanla waterfall. If you have one extra day in Dalat city then I highly recommend doing this Dalat adventure tour which includes Datanla waterfall and also rappelling down this huge over 100m waterfall called Phi Lieng.

Is the Clay Tunnel Worth Visiting?

Oh, absolutely! The Clay Tunnel in Da Lat is a must-see if you’re looking for something unique and memorable. It's great sculptures, great views, and retro atmosphere make it a place you definitely won’t want to miss when you’re in Da Lat.

If you have already tried out all the famous street food at Dalat night market and are interested in art, history, or just looking for a fun day out, the Clay Tunnel is the place for you.

And if you are travelling with family and with kids then this is the top place to visit in Dalat hands down since kids love activities like this!