Also called the Hang Nga Guesthouse, owner and founder Dang Viet Nga quickly discovered that most of her guests were leaving comments about this ‘crazy house’ in her guestbook and eventually decided that would be the most appropriate name. And when one visits, one quickly realizes this space is perfectly named!
Dang earned her PhD in architecture at the University of Moscow and eventually moved back to Vietnam. She began to conceptualize this structure in 1990 through a series of whimsical paintings. The house keeps on growing – during our visit additional parts were still under construction. It is now a series of homes and rooms all connected with narrow walkways that often undulate, sometimes rather dramatically – perhaps giving those with a lesser sense of balance, vertigo at times. And the safety rails are very low – so step carefully and keep a close eye on children.
Part Disney, part Gaudi, part Dali and definitely ‘fairy-tale’ like, this space is also a guesthouse – 10 rooms that can be reserved online, each created with its own theme. Rooms that are not filled are often available to visitors to peak in over small gates – rooms that are occupied typically have the doors closed. Visitors who pay a small admission fee are allowed to wander the grounds until about 7pm – so guests of the hotel must expect many people walking the grounds all day.
One can easily spend several hours here and still not have explored every nook and cranny including tree house type rooms, random walkways, tunnels, themed rooms and many more eclectic spaces. Located about 10 minutes from central Dalat – this is an easy landmark to tell taxi drivers as it is well-known throughout town. For more information, visit: www.crazyhouse.vn
Leave a Reply