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Fairytale cottage in Da Lat
Hidden in the sleepy mountain town of Da Lat, it is probably one of the strangest architectural hotels in the world, and certainly in Vietnam. In a city dominated by traditional French colonial villas and modern concrete apartment blocks, Hang Nga Guesthouse is an unexpected architectural masterpiece. The quirky fairytale cottage set in a tree is called the "Crazy House" by locals due to its unconventional appearance, becoming one of the most visited places in Da Lat.
Communist Vietnam is not known for its architectural achievements, as individual artistic expression was viewed with suspicion for many years. The status of Hang Nga, the daughter of former Vietnamese President Truong Chinh, undoubtedly gave her the opportunity to build a structure that stands out from other buildings in the country. She practiced and studied architecture, earning a PhD with distinction from Moscow University, before starting the construction of her guesthouse, a kind of art gallery and museum that certainly lives up to its nickname, "Crazy House."
The hotel's structure defies standard architectural logic, as Hang Nga's goal was to surprise guests and visitors at every turn. A random selection of rooms and small cubicles is connected by a network of bridges, ladders, and passages, creating a labyrinthine composition. It is an ideal structure for playing hide and seek. The natural, free-form design is interspersed with rooms themed around giraffes, spiders, birds in cages, and other interesting subjects, creating a unique, fantastical jumble. 
In a city that boasts many traditional hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, including Sofitel and Novotel brand hotels, Hang Nga Guesthouse is definitely the most interesting place to stay. Rates range from $20 to $80, and each room is named after a specific animal, often complete with glowing red eyes, the most prominent feature of their decor. Staying in this extraordinary setting is primarily a tourist attraction, unlike typical hotel accommodations and amenities. Tourists arrive early in the morning, as the hotel is constantly evolving and expanding. Therefore, one cannot expect a quiet stay here.
Photos: Hotel Da Lat
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