Story: Ha Quyen
Photos: Quang Ngoc
The mountain town at the heart of Lam Dong captivates visitors with its time-worn architecture. Several educational institutions stand out, thanks to their distinctive design and poetic surroundings.
Dalat College of Education
Designed by a French architect by the name of Moncet, the school is a masterpiece, designed to resemble an old European castle. Construction began in 1927, the curved lecture hall unfolding like an open book. The building has been recognized by the World Association of Architects as one of the most remarkable architectural works of the 20th century.
Its most striking feature is the 54-meter bell tower rising proudly above slate roofs and red brick walls. The campus exudes both grandeur and romance. From here, visitors can take in sweeping views of Lang Biang Peak or the iconic Con Ga Cathedral. Having stood for almost a century, this National Heritage site remains an unmissable destination in the “City of a Thousand Flowers.”
Lam Dong Ethnic Boarding School
Hidden behind rows of old pine trees, this school for ethnic minority students is an architectural gem. Formerly the Couvent des Oiseaux Girls’ School, the campus blends classical French elegance with modern design.
The classroom block stands out with its solid stone-clad ground floor. Above it, the nostalgic inscription “ND Du Langbiang” – the school’s former name – remains carved into the attic wall. Within the campus, a Gothic-style chapel stands as the most prominent structure. The tranquil and graceful atmosphere evokes a sense of nostalgia, as if turning the pages of stories colored by time.
Hermann Gmeiner School
With sturdy A-shaped roofs and warm red brick tones, this school reflects architectural elements commonly seen in the “City of Mist.” Built according to the international design principles of the Hermann Gmeiner system, the campus retains a peaceful character, surrounded by pine forests and the dreamy purple hues of blooming phoenix flowers.
Rows of corridors and small windows are softened by the vibrant colors of countless flowers throughout the campus. Within this setting, the deep teal sweaters worn by students appear like harmonious brushstrokes, completing a picture of school life that feels both modern and poetic.
Dalat University
Spanning nearly 40 hectares, Dalat University’s campus resembles a vast botanical park nestled among pine forests. Originally founded in 1957 as Dalat University Institute, today, the campus features more than 40 buildings scattered across valleys and gentle hills, many designed in a neoclassical style.
Here, traces of time blend beautifully with seasonal landscapes: the soft pink blossoms of peach blossoms in spring, or the vibrant yellow of wild sunflowers beside tranquil lakes. The entire campus forms a delicate harmony between architecture and nature, where historic buildings merge seamlessly into the green highland scenery.
