Raising the flag at the start of the new year, from the blue sea to the vast mountains.

Thuy Thao - Le Hao

The flag-raising ceremony for the new year 2026 at the national scenic site Bai Mon - Dai Lan Cape (Mui Dien, Hoa Xuan commune) holds special significance as it marks the first time this sacred ritual has been held in the new administrative area following the merger of Phu Yen and Dak Lak provinces.

The event not only marked the beginning of the new year but also signified a significant turning point in the journey of building a new Dak Lak with a vision that connects the blue sea and the vast forests.

Connecting the blue sea and the vast forest.

In warm, sunny weather, the solemn flag-raising ceremony took place at Dai Lanh Cape, the place that welcomes the first rays of sunrise on the Vietnamese mainland. As the national anthem resounded amidst the sea and sky, the red flag with a yellow star fluttered, creating a sacred atmosphere, a connection between the past and the present, uniting lands that once bore different names into a single unified entity.

Comrade Cao Thi Hoa An, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Council, poses for a commemorative photo with the first foreign visitors to Dak Lak in the new year at Dai Lanh Cape.

A highlight of this year's flag-raising ceremony was the online connection of multiple community tourism destinations, from the Dai Lanh Cape beach area (Hoa Xuan commune) to Ako Dhong village (Buon Ma Thuot ward) and Nghinh Phong Tower (Tuy Hoa ward). Through this online connection, locals and tourists from many regions followed the flag-raising ceremony, sang the national anthem, and shared the sacred moment on the first day of the new year.

For the first time, amidst the seascape of the national scenic spot Bai Mon - Dai Lan Cape, a cultural program featuring the resonant sound of the t'rưng instrument resonated between the sea and sky, carrying the essence of the mountains and blending with the waves, creating a unique harmonious picture of the blue sea and the mountains. The simple yet profound melodies left a deep impression on the locals and tourists attending the New Year's flag-raising ceremony.

A large number of tourists attended the flag-raising ceremony on New Year's Day 2026.

Sharing in that atmosphere, Mr. Nguyen Ca, a fisherman from Hoa Xuan commune, emotionally shared: “For us fishermen, attending the flag-raising ceremony at Dai Lan Cape at the beginning of the new year is a great honor . Seeing the national flag fluttering in the sea and sky, we feel even more confident and steadfast in venturing out to sea and clinging to our livelihoods.”

The flag-raising ceremony also left a deep impression on international tourists. Mr. Cazeaux, a French tourist, said that this was his first time visiting Dak Lak and he was truly surprised by the beautiful scenery as well as the friendliness of the people here.

“I am deeply honored to be invited to attend the New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony in 2026 at Dai Lanh Cape – the place that welcomes the first sunrise on the Vietnamese mainland. This is a solemn and meaningful ceremony. I plan to stay in Dak Lak for a few more days to fully explore the beauty of this region,” said Mr. Cazeaux.

Sharing similar sentiments, Patrick, a French tourist, said: “The eastern part of Dak Lak is truly beautiful, offering us many interesting experiences and memorable moments. I would like to wish everyone here a Happy New Year and thank you for the warm welcome.”

International tourists check in with friends at the place that witnesses the first sunrise on mainland Vietnam.

Regarding domestic tourists, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nguyen (Ho Chi Minh City) said: “In the joyful atmosphere of welcoming the new year at the place that receives the first sunrise on the Vietnamese mainland, I am truly moved and feel even more strongly the love for my homeland and country. Despite having just experienced natural disasters, storms, and floods, the optimism, warmth, and faith of the people here are still very evident. I believe that, with unity and cooperation, the people of Dak Lak province will soon overcome difficulties and continue to rise strongly.”

According to Ms. Nguyen, during her spring trip, she visited many destinations in eastern Dak Lak such as Ganh Da Dia, Bai Mon - Dai Lan Cape, Vung Ro... and noticed that this area still retains its pristine beauty and has great potential for sustainable tourism development.

Many families and groups of friends choose the New Year's flag-raising ceremony at Mui Dien as part of their travel itinerary during long holiday breaks.

At the Ako Dhong village bridgehead, Ms. Nguyen Khanh Ngoc shared: “This is the first time I have attended the New Year's flag-raising ceremony in a space connecting the blue sea to the vast mountains. Even though I am in the middle of the Central Highlands, when the national anthem played, the feeling of pride and connection was very clear.”

Spreading belief and aspiration for development.

Beyond its cultural and spiritual significance, the New Year's flag-raising ceremony also reflects a new organizational mindset following the merger, where maritime and island values, Central Highlands culture, and local identity are placed together in a single space for promotion and experience.

Connecting these locations online opens up a new approach to tourism promotion, helping visitors to fully visualize a Dak Lak rich in potential and diverse in colors.

The sacred flag-raising ceremony at the New Year's flag-raising event at Dai Lanh Cape.

According to Mr. Tran Khanh Minh, Director of Green Island Ecofarm Co., Ltd., the New Year's flag-raising ceremony at Dai Lan Cape is not only a meaningful cultural and spiritual activity but also carries a strong message about the connection of development spaces after the province's merger.

"Organizing the New Year's flag-raising ceremony in 2026 at the place that welcomes the first rays of sunrise, while simultaneously connecting online from the sea to the villages, has created a very clear image of a new Dak Lak, where the blue sea and the vast forests converge, complementing each other in the development of tourism and the economy," Mr. Minh emphasized.

Many young people are taking the opportunity to check in and take photos at the beautiful Bai Mon - Dai Lanh Cape scenic spot.

Mr. Le Phuc Long, Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized: “On the occasion of the New Year, we sincerely thank you for choosing Dak Lak for your journey to start 2026. We believe that the beauty of the sea and forests, the people, the culture and the cuisine here will bring you unforgettable experiences. Dak Lak is always ready to welcome and accompany tourists from near and far.”

Visitors can enjoy the melodies of the Central Highlands right by the waves.

The New Year's flag-raising ceremony at Dai Lanh Cape is not only a ritual to usher in 2026 but also sends a message about an open, distinctive Dak Lak, ready to embark on a new phase of development after the merger.

" Organizing the New Year's flag-raising ceremony after the merger carries profound symbolic significance, reflecting the aspiration for unity, development, and expansion of the province's tourism space. The convergence of 'blue sea - vast forests' will be an important foundation for Dak Lak to develop distinctive and sustainable tourism products in the new phase," affirmed Dao My, Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/thoi-su/202601/chao-co-dau-nam-moi-tu-bien-xanh-den-dai-ngan-c6e0ac6/