Visit Vietnam’s Fantastical Crazy House

Situated in the lush greenery of the Vietnamese city of Da Lat, a fantastical guesthouse known as Crazy House that could easily double as a fun-filled exhibit at Disney World never fails to enchant visitors. Crazy House—which is also known as the Hang Nga, or “Goddess of the Moon” guesthouse—has the appearance of a magical Banyan tree surrounded by spider webs, seashells, and tree branches that spiral like octopus arms.

Architect Dang Viet Nga created Crazy House in the late 1980s as a passion project. Dang Viet Nga studied architecture in Moscow and spent the majority of her career working on public projects that did not allow her to fully exercise her imagination. The rounded lines of Crazy House are inspired by trees, shells, and bones. Dang Viet Nga stated that she was influenced by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi and sought to create a visionary space that inspired visitors to respect the beauty of nature.

Crazy House features cave-like hallways, an ocean-themed Aquarium Room that serves as a coral-lined dance hall, and a pair of stately giraffe statues that overlook a vibrant garden. Dang Viet Nga designed Crazy House so that every line curves like a rolling wave or a twisting vine. The absence of right angles creates a whimsical feel. In lieu of traditional architectural blueprints, every chamber and garden of Crazy House is derived from paintings by Dang Viet Nga that have been executed by local craftsmen.

Crazy House is also home to 10 animal-themed guest rooms. Each room represents a different nation. The Bear Room is a celebration of all things Russian, the Eagle Room pays homage to the United States, and the Ant Room is a nod to the industriousness of the Vietnamese people. Each guest room emulates a cozy tree trunk with a comfortable bed and soft lighting. In the spirit of respecting the natural world, Crazy House guest rooms do not feature television sets or air conditioning units. Each Crazy House guest room does feature a bathroom with hot water.

Dang Viet Nga has stated that she considers Crazy House to be a living space that is constantly evolving. Local craftsmen are forever adding new flourishes including blooming plants, nature-inspired sculptures, and new tree trunk rooms. No two visits to Crazy House will ever be the same. A trip to Crazy House is an absolute must for those seeking an enchanted getaway in a whimsical setting.

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