Reflections in the Land of Dreams
When the explorer Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943) discovered Da Lat (June 21, 1893), he was truly astonished by the unique climate of this western highland region, unlike anywhere else in Indochina. Even in the height of summer, Da Lat remained cool and crisp, like late autumn. At an altitude of 1,500 meters, the Langbiang plateau is surrounded by the pristine beauty of towering mountains and dense forests, relatively isolated from the rest of the region due to its topography and altitude. This provided ideal conditions for building a resort in Indochina.
Following his trip, Alexandre Yersin reported and proposed to the Governor-General of Indochina, Paul Doumer (1857-1932), the potential of this land. From then on, the French began planning and building Da Lat, gradually transforming it into a "resort city," and later a famous tourist city of Vietnam. This shows that, from its very discovery, Da Lat had a clear objective. All subsequent planning projects by the French (Champoury (1906), O'Neill (1919), Hébrard (1923), Pineau (1932), Lagisquet (1943)...) further clarified the city's development mission as a resort city.
Da Lat today is likened to a giant natural air conditioner. Winters are not cold, summers are not hot, and it remains pleasantly cool year-round. The Langbiang plateau is always a top choice for tourists when considering destinations. Once visitors arrive, they are reluctant to leave, as if held back by an invisible hand, gently yet persistently. Da Lat is like a delicate painting, existing amidst magnificent nature. It's the moss-covered architectural structures hidden beneath the green pine canopy, the pensive willow trees drooping over the murmuring lakes, or the rhythmic sound of horses' hooves echoing in the distance…
At the end of the year, the first rays of sunlight timidly peek through the straight rows of pine trees. The scent of damp grass mingles with the wind, and the chirping of birds in the tranquil space makes one's heart slow down, becoming as gentle as a love song. Winding slopes lead travelers past rows of jacaranda trees and cherry blossoms sparkling in spring. A thin mist descends, and the scent of night-blooming jasmine lingers in the night. Da Lat is neither hurried nor noisy. This highland city captivates travelers with a feeling difficult to name. It's a mix of memories, nostalgia, a touch of wistfulness, and a hint of disappointment at having to say goodbye, becoming a peaceful silence amidst the hustle and bustle of life...
Thanks to this attractiveness, in 2025, Lam Dong province is expected to welcome over 21.7 million tourists (an increase of 18.1%), including 1.287 million international tourists (an increase of 39.7%). Tourism revenue is projected to reach approximately 56,800 billion VND. This figure not only reflects the appeal of the destination but also shows that the quality of tourism services in Lam Dong province is continuously improving. This is also an inevitable trend to meet the more stringent standards of tourists, thereby gradually positioning Lam Dong's tourism brand on the world tourism map.
However, amidst rapid development, Da Lat is facing numerous negative consequences. Most evident are infrastructure overload, commercialization of tourism spaces, declining service quality, and the risk of losing its unique identity. The mindset of prioritizing the number of tourists is becoming a major pressure point, while tourism services remain largely unimproved. Overcrowding beyond its capacity leads to traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and a erosion of the tourist experience. Da Lat cannot and should not compete based on crowds and quantity, but rather on quality, uniqueness, and the emotions that tourists bring back. Arbitrary price increases and a lack of clear price listings not only frustrate tourists but also damage the destination's image.
One of the biggest concerns for the tourism industry in this region today is the miniaturization of services. While this may create a temporary attraction for a segment of low-spending tourists, in the long run, it truly becomes a serious threat. Da Lat has already paid the price for the distorted homestay accommodation model. Even greenhouses, originally intended for agricultural production, have been repurposed and renovated for overnight tourist stays. Similarly, numerous short-term "check-in" tourist spots have sprung up, aggressively advertising on social media platforms to attract visitors.
The reality did not live up to the advertising and expectations, which has become a negative point. The increasing number of negative reactions on social media, amplified by those who have had bad experiences, is impacting Da Lat's tourism industry.
Giving Lam Dong an unprecedented opportunity…
Lam Dong Province is a convergence of fertile highland land, a mild climate, and the dreamy city of Da Lat. It is aiming to become a smart ecological city, a center for high-tech agricultural research, high-quality tourism, and innovative education for the whole country. The western region is rich in potential, with a global geological heritage site, primeval forests, and valuable mineral resources…
The Eastern Delta is a region of blue sea and white sand, where resilient coastal people have transformed pristine nature into a driving force for development. With its rich Cham culture, unique folk festivals, it is one of the leading high-end resort centers, a major renewable energy hub, a center for high-tech agriculture, and a modern marine economy.
Three localities, three regions with three distinct characteristics, yet they have converged and closely linked into a unified whole in terms of geographical space, cultural history, and development aspirations. Therefore, during his working session with Lam Dong province on June 9, 2025, General Secretary To Lam emphasized: “History is bestowing upon Lam Dong province unprecedented potential, resources, and opportunities for development. Therefore, it is necessary to seize these opportunities, develop sound strategies, and transform these resources and advantages into concrete development results, improving the lives of the people!”
To fully exploit the tourism potential and strengths of the three regions, each with its own distinct characteristics, the Lam Dong province's tourism industry requires strategic and long-term policies and planning. In 2025, Lam Dong's tourism sector focused on targeted and prioritized development. Many historical and cultural relics were restored and renovated, contributing to the preservation of national identity and the education of traditions.
The development of historical sites for tourism has generated additional income and jobs for local people, while simultaneously promoting the unique cultural image of Lam Dong to domestic and international tourists. Lam Dong has also gradually built and positioned its brand in a synchronized and unified manner, affirming itself as a safe, civilized, and friendly destination. Places like Da Lat, Bao Loc, Mui Ne, Phu Quy, and the UNESCO Global Geopark Dak Nong are becoming attractive choices for international visitors.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Loc, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province, with its exceptional natural and cultural potential, Lam Dong possesses a competitive advantage on the national tourism map. To effectively exploit this opportunity, the locality is implementing many programs to promote, connect, and welcome domestic and international tourists. The Lam Dong provincial tourism industry is also comprehensively assessing its natural and cultural tourism resources to develop suitable, strategic, and long-term experiential programs so that every visitor to Lam Dong has an emotional and enjoyable experience…
Source: https://cand.com.vn/doi-song/de-da-lat-niu-chan-lu-khach-i797582/
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