By Nur Farah Izetty Binti Mohd Yusoff
Are you looking for an unusual place to visit? Look no more! Hang Nga Villa, also known as The Crazy House in Dalat, Vietnam, is a unique guesthouse that looks like it belongs in a fairytale. It is a must-visit if you are in Dalat!
The Crazy House is not just a guesthouse but also an architectural masterpiece. It was designed by architect Dr Dang Viet Nga, inspired by the works of Antoni Gaudí and Salvador Dalí.
Back in the day, it had a different name, Hang Nga (The Moon), but they changed it as it was used for other places too.
Now, let’s talk about the architect’s vision. She wanted to use the power of architecture to bring people closer to nature and make them appreciate its beauty. The architect also wanted us to stop taking advantage of nature and start loving and preserving it.
Hang Nga Villa is not just a house; it reflects the architect’s life and creative style. She studied architecture in Moscow and Hanoi and then went to Dalat, a place she loved. The beautiful landscape, fantastic climate, and the kindness of the people there inspired her to stay and create something extraordinary. She designed many projects for the state, but Hang Nga Villa allowed her to express her wildest dreams. It is a true masterpiece!
The architect had this amazing vision to break away from traditional practices and create something unique. She wanted to ditch the straight lines and square planes in favour of embracing free curves and structures. How cool is that? And get this; she even designed the rooms with open spaces on all sides, giving visitors a stunning view from every angle. It is like living in a dream!
The Crazy House was built between 1990 and 2010; and let me tell you, it is a sight to behold. It is not just a house but also a mini hotel and you can stay there and experience the magic firsthand. Thanks to the mastermind behind this masterpiece, Dr Dang Viet Nga. She nailed it with this one!
One of the most fascinating aspects of The Crazy House is that it is constantly evolving. The construction started in 1990 and is ongoing, with additions and modifications made over the years. This means that you might discover something new and unexpected every time you visit. It is like stepping into a living work of art!
The guestrooms at The Crazy House are as unique as the overall design. Imagine staying in a room that feels like a magical hideaway, surrounded by nature-inspired decor and quirky architectural elements. It is a truly an immersive experience for visitors.
Oh, and here is a fun fact; The Crazy House has become a popular spot for photoshoots and movie filming! Its unique and picturesque setting has attracted photographers, filmmakers, and artists from all over the world. So, remember to bring your camera and strike a pose in this wonderland.
I have had the pleasure of visiting The Crazy House once, and let me tell you, whimsical does not even begin to capture the sheer magic and wonder that filled every corner of that place. Picture this; as soon as I stepped into this house, I was greeted by the surreal architecture that seemed to defy gravity.
Everything about the site seemed like entering an ethereal dimension, with winding staircases, curving tunnels, and tree-like structures that seemed to grow right out of the building. It was indeed a feast for the eyes!
Exploring the different rooms and spaces within the Crazy House was an adventure. Each room had its unique theme and design, ranging from animal-inspired rooms to tree houses and caves.
One of the most memorable parts of my visit was climbing up the narrow staircases and walking along the winding paths that connect to different guesthouse parts. I wandered through a dreamland, discovering hidden nooks and crannies everywhere.
The attention to detail in the architecture and design was truly remarkable. Complex sculpture, vibrant colours and unexpected shapes adorned every element and were carefully thought out and designed to create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
But it was not just the visual spectacle that made my visit memorable. The Crazy House also offered a serene atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful gardens, it was the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
I found myself sitting on one of the balconies, taking in the breathtaking views of the city and enjoying a moment of peace. If you are a fan of nature, you will be delighted to know that The Crazy House is nestled amidst lush greenery. The gardens surrounding the guesthouse are beautifully landscaped, creating a perfect place to take a stroll and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
My experience at The Crazy House was nothing short of magical. The price is very reasonable, which is 60,000 VND (RM11) for adults, 20,000 VND (RM4) for kids and free of charge to babies.
It is indeed a guest house but also has a sightseeing service, which means you can still visit the place without staying overnight. The cost of accommodation there is also quite reasonable, ranging from 660,000 VND (RM121) to 820,000 VND (RM151) per night. It is worth every penny for a place that sparks creativity, ignites the imagination, and transports you to a world unlike any other.
Whether you are a fan of architecture art or love exploring unique places, I highly recommend adding “The Crazy House” to your travel bucket list. It will become an experience that you will never forget!
• This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
