Hang Nga Guesthouse (Crazy House)

About Crazy House

Dalat continues to inspire visitors and ignite their creativity. Designed by renowned Vietnamese architect and impressionist Dang Viet Nga, Crazy House, with its unique non-linear shapes, stands as a testament to innovative architecture. This exceptional building has been featured in various international architectural publications and remains one of the world’s most imaginative structures, earning its place on numerous lists highlighting creative architecture.

Photo: cnn.com 

Location & History

Crazy House is situated at 3 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Ward 3, Dalat City, covering an area of approximately 1,600 square meters. The construction of this unconventional residence began in 1990, born out of Architect Nga's desire to create something wholly unique. The journey to complete the house was fraught with challenges, including financial struggles that almost led to her bankruptcy when banks refused to extend loans. To sustain her project, she ingeniously decided to sell tickets to visitors, allowing them to explore the artistic structure. After 18 years of perseverance and navigating legal hurdles, she finally secured ownership and recognition for her work as a piece of art. Architect Nga remains committed to expansion plans, including the addition of a communal area within the existing premises.

Unique Architectural Design

Ambitiously intended as a fairy tale house, Crazy House is reminiscent of a whimsical tree, featuring asymmetrical windows and tunnel-like stairways. The design boasts both external and internal elements characterized by organic curves and minimal right angles. The hollow "tree" morphs in multiple directions, reaching skyward and inviting visitors to embark on an extraordinary journey through its cave-like hallways. Discovering wild mushrooms and spider webs along the way enhances the unique experience. The guesthouse contains ten creatively themed rooms such as: the Tiger Room, Eagle Room, Ant Room, and Kangaroo Room, each adorned with décor and handcrafted furniture that aligns with the respective theme. According to Nga, each room symbolizes a specific culture, including the Tiger Room reflecting the Chinese influence, the Eagle Room representing American culture, and the Ant Room celebrating Vietnamese identity.

Photo: uniqhotels.com 

Even though it functions as a hotel, Crazy House has evolved into a "museum" celebrating dreams, childhood whimsy, and extraordinary creativity. Each visitor departs with their own interpretation and experience, yet they all agree that the guesthouse evokes nostalgia, taking them back to the innocence of childhood dreams.

Photo: dreamstime.com 

Visitor Information

Visitors can explore Crazy House for a modest entry fee of VND 50,000, affirming its status as a one-of-a-kind museum of contemporary architecture.

Stay here

The cost for a single room ranges from $40 to $60 per night, while double rooms are priced between $60 and $100 per night. The rooms are creatively named after animals such as Kangaroo, Bear, Ant, and Pheasant, each reflecting the unique character of Crazy House.

Useful Information