The Crazy House in Da Lat, Vietnam
Tucked away in a mountain resort town in southern Vietnam, this unique guest house offers any traveler a unique experience. The Crazy House (also known as Hang Nga Guesthouse) is a maze of narrow bridges, little hidden nooks, wild staircases, fabulous murals, vibrant colors, tree trunks, and branches, and it’s all tucked in amongst its natural surroundings.
The Crazy House is a popular sightseeing spot and a mini hotel.
An Architect’s Call To Nature
The idea for this guesthouse came from the imagination of 79-year-old Dr. Dang Viet Nga. In 1965, she earned her architecture degree in Moscow and, a few years later, her PhD. After working in Russia, she moved to Ha Noi to work for the Building and Cultural Ministry.
In 1983, she was transferred to Da Lat, where she worked for the Building Institute. Her love for the beautiful landscapes of the town, its climate, and the good nature of the local people influenced her to stay there and live her life.
From 1990-2010, her dream of the Crazy House became a reality. Her desire to break from traditional architectural practices soon gave form to the open, curvy, and unique one-of-a-kind architecture.
The Design
One of the first things you notice when you enter the Crazy House is the cool climate amongst the natural trees and water designs. It feels like you are walking into a fairy tale.
Dang Viet Nga has designed the Crazy House to bring nature into people's lives. She hopes to inspire people worldwide to protect our environment and decrease deforestation. She expresses these ideas through her creative design, the unique surfaces, and the natural materials used in the construction.
The Staircases
Staircases are everywhere at the Crazy House. Here are some of the designs.
The Aquarium Gallery
The "Aquarium", also known as the "seabed on the plateau", truly feels like a fairy garden. You will be immersed with colors of the sea and nature as you enter the second floor.
The Guestrooms
When To Visit
There are two seasons in Da Lat, Vietnam: rainy season and dry season. Between October and March is the dry season and you are best to visit during these months.
The Crazy House is open daily 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. I would give yourself a few hours to explore all of the beautiful architecture and natural surroundings.
Stay At The Crazy House
If you are interested in staying in one of the guest rooms at Crazy House, simply visit their website, or go to your favorite accommodation source such as www.booking.com where prices start at $32 USD/night.
Da Lat, Vietnam is a beautiful place to visit should you find yourself in southern Vietnam. The Crazy House is just one of many great things to do in the region. The unique architecture and design is sure to bring some color into your day!
All my best,
Marla