Da Lat: 130 Years of Formation and Development

Caption: Da Lat City with a 130-year history of formation and development.

From pristine highlands to famous tourist cities

Da Lat is recorded as having originated in 1893 when Dr. Alexandre Yersin set foot on the Lam Vien plateau (June 21, 1893). Thanks to this, he offered a very convincing suggestion when Paul Doumer, the Governor-General of Indochina, asked for a highland location to build a resort. From then on, Da Lat gradually became the "summer capital" of Indochina, and today it has become a very familiar destination for Vietnamese people and international tourists alike.

According to the Da Lat Gazetteer, since ancient times, Da Lat and the entire Lam Vien plateau have been the dwelling place of the Lach, Chil, and Sre people, belonging to the K'Ho ethnic group. Shortly after Dr. Yersin discovered this plateau, the population of Da Lat increased to 1,500 people in 1923, then to 2,400 in 1925, and to 11,500 in 1939... and currently stands at approximately 250,000. After 130 years, from a pristine land, having gone through many stages of development with numerous ups and downs, Da Lat is now a famous tourist city, a city of flower festivals, and is currently in the process of building a smart city, a heritage city, participating in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Music, becoming a regional center for culture, arts, sports , and entertainment. Da Lat has been recognized as an "ASEAN Clean Tourist City" for the period 2022-2024. Meanwhile, Lifestyle Asia magazine suggested Da Lat as one of the 12 most romantic destinations in Asia in 2022.

According to Mr. Dang Quang Tu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Lat City, in 2022, the total number of tourists visiting and staying in Da Lat reached 6 million (a 205% increase compared to 2021); of which international tourists were estimated at 135,000. Da Lat City currently has 2,437 tourist accommodation establishments with 31,152 rooms (an increase of 194 establishments compared to 2021). This includes 367 hotels ranging from 1 to 5 stars with 10,752 rooms. In addition, there are over 1,014 restaurants and food businesses, ready to meet the needs of tourists.

Promoting the Da Lat style of "Gentle - Elegant - Hospitable"

According to Da Lat city leaders, besides the year-round cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and unique architecture, the "gentle, elegant, and hospitable" character of the people of Da Lat is also a valuable asset for tourism development.

Throughout history, the influx of people from all over the country to Da Lat has shaped the distinctive character of its mountain town residents: "Gentle - Elegant - Hospitable." This can be understood as a distillation, a "synthesis" of the honesty and innocence of the indigenous people, the subtlety and respect for etiquette of the North; the thoughtful, reserved, and cautious nature of the people of Thua Thien-Hue; the diligence and determination of the people of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai ; the kindness and generosity of the people of the South; the skillful communication of the Chinese; and the progressive, non-obstinate spirit of the French.

Mr. Le Anh Kiet, Head of the Culture and Information Department of Da Lat City, said that preserving and promoting the Da Lat style has been comprehensively directed by the City Party Committee, the City People's Council, and the City People's Committee of Da Lat over the years, thereby creating a widespread impact of the Code of Conduct for Da Lat people among residents and tourists in the area. Specifically, since April 2022, the city has issued the Code of Conduct for Da Lat people for 9 groups of people, including 6 groups directly related to tourism activities.

It is easy to see the positive transformation in preserving and promoting the "Gentle - Elegant - Hospitable" style of Da Lat's small business owners, as they consciously adhere to civilized commercial practices, uphold integrity and sincerity in business, and treat customers courteously.

By 2030, Da Lat aims to make tourism a truly leading economic sector with a high proportion, high quality, and high professionalism, becoming a safe, civilized, and friendly destination.

Da Lat in the future

The "General Planning Project for Da Lat City until 2030 and Vision to 2050," approved by the Prime Minister (Decision 704/QD-TTG dated May 12, 2014), aims to transform Da Lat into a modern, world-class urban area with unique characteristics in terms of climate, natural landscape, historical culture, and architectural heritage of national, regional, and international significance.

Specifically, the period 2021-2025 aims to complete the construction of a comprehensively and sustainably developed city, oriented towards modern civilization, with a high-middle income level. The period 2025-2030 focuses on building a green growth city, a heritage city; with synchronized, modern, and smart infrastructure adapting to climate change; a developed tourism and service city with an income level approaching the high-income threshold. By 2045, Da Lat will be developed into a modern tourism and service city; with modern, rational, and smart infrastructure linked to the digital economy and digital society, and a high-income level.

Recently, the Standing Committee of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee agreed on a plan to merge Lac Duong District into the administrative unit of Da Lat City in the period 2026-2030. This plan is consistent with the decision approving the task of adjusting the overall master plan of Da Lat City and its surrounding areas until 2045, which was approved by the Prime Minister (expanding Da Lat urban area towards Lac Duong, Cau Dat and surrounding areas within a radius of 30 km with an elevation of 850 m or more).

The People's Committee of Lam Dong province also assigned Da Lat City to coordinate with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other relevant departments, agencies, and units to research, develop a project, complete the dossier and procedures to propose Da Lat as a heritage city. A heritage city is understood as a distinctive historical entity, a product of urban civilization, organically combining material and spiritual elements, architecture and culture, in harmony with nature.

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