A new destination for international tourists.

Amidst the vibrant flow of Vietnamese tourism in early 2026, Lam Dong emerged as a bright spot for growth, particularly making a strong impression in attracting international tourists during the Lunar New Year of the Horse. Possessing rare tourist spaces ranging from the thousands of flowers of Da Lat, the blue sea to the majestic mountains, Lam Dong is positioning itself as a multi-experience, unique, and highly competitive destination on the global tourism map.

International tourists at the Banh Chung Festival in Mui Ne ward. Photo: Quang Nhan

Welcoming over 62,000 international visitors.

According to information from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in the 9 days from February 14th to 22nd, the province welcomed approximately 925,000 visitors, an increase of about 32% compared to the same period last year; international visitors alone are estimated at 62,000. Revenue from tourism activities is estimated at approximately 1,850 billion VND. This is not just a simple growth figure but also reflects the quality of the influx of tourists shifting to the highlands and the expanding tourism space of the province after the merger. The increasingly prominent proportion of international visitors shows that the Lam Dong brand is moving beyond its traditional domestic destination.

Notably, the peak period for tourists was from February 18th to 20th, the 2nd to 4th day of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse). This was considered the "peak" of this year's spring tourism season, with many ranked, branded, and reputable hotels and resorts reaching maximum occupancy. Accommodations such as TTC Hotel Phan Thiet, Terracotta Resort Mui Ne, Saigon Da Lat Hotel, La Sapinette Hotel Da Lat, Roy Dala Hotel, etc., recorded full occupancy for many consecutive days. Overall, the average room occupancy rate at accommodation establishments reached approximately 80-85%; 3- to 5-star establishments achieved 85-95%, with peak days reaching 100%, while other types of accommodation fluctuated between 75-85%. These figures demonstrate a significant improvement in the organization and operation of services, enabling them to meet the surge in demand during peak periods while maintaining quality.

The increase in international tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday is not a coincidence. In a global tourism landscape prioritizing safe destinations with unique characteristics and diverse experiences within a single trip, Lam Dong province, after its merger, possesses many advantages. The Da Lat plateau, with its year-round cool climate, lakes, valleys, and romantic pine hills, remains the heart of the brand. But now, the journey doesn't end there. Tourists can continue their trip with the sun-drenched blue sea, then explore the vast forests with their primeval woods, waterfalls, and distinctive local culture. The feeling of "three destinations in one trip" is becoming a key differentiator.

Tourists watch lion dance.

John Matthews, a tourist from Australia, shared that he chose Da Lat because of its fresh air. However, what surprised him most was the richness of the experience. “I came to Da Lat to relax; the weather here is perfect and the Tet holiday atmosphere is very captivating. But I was also surprised to be able to travel to the beach and explore completely different landscapes within the same province. It felt like I was experiencing three destinations in one trip.” According to him, the combination of the cool highland climate and the sunny beaches on the same journey creates an experience rarely found in many countries.

Besides being impressed by the scenery, international tourists also appreciate the cultural depth displayed during Tet (Lunar New Year). Emily Chen, a tourist from Singapore, said she was truly captivated by the well-organized traditional activities at tourist attractions. “The staff here are very friendly and professional. They explained Tet customs to us and even guided us in making banh chung (traditional rice cakes). This is not just a holiday, but truly a cultural experience.” According to her, directly participating in making banh chung, watching lion dances, and receiving auspicious calligraphy at the beginning of the year made the trip much more profound and memorable than a typical holiday.

Building trust with tourists.

Besides its resource and product advantages, the synchronized implementation of destination management is also a key factor in building trust in Lam Dong. Throughout the Lunar New Year of 2026, security, traffic safety, fire prevention, and food safety at tourist areas and attractions were ensured. No instances of price gouging or harassment were recorded; businesses strictly adhered to regulations on price listing and selling at the correct price. This transparency and professionalism are especially important for international tourists, who always prioritize safety and reputation when choosing a destination.

The number of visitors to tourist attractions increases sharply during peak days. Photo: Anh Nguyet

Mr. Nguyen Van Loc, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that the growth during this year's Tet holiday is the starting point for a new development strategy after the merger. According to him, the province is aiming to build an integrated tourism model, simultaneously exploiting the advantages of "thousands of flowers, blue sea, and vast forests" on a sustainable foundation. "We are not only aiming for short-term growth figures but also have a long-term goal of building Lam Dong into a safe, friendly, distinctive, and deeply experiential international destination. Expanding the tourism space facilitates product diversification, but the core element remains the quality of service and visitor satisfaction," Mr. Loc added.

Impressive growth figures, near-maximum occupancy rates during peak seasons, positive tourist feedback, and the strategic vision of the management agency all demonstrate that the Lunar New Year of 2026 (Year of the Horse) has become a significant milestone in Lam Dong's development journey. If it continues to leverage its spatial connectivity, invest in infrastructure, improve service quality, and sustainably conserve resources, Lam Dong has the foundation to transform from its familiar "city of a thousand flowers" into a comprehensive international tourism hub in the coming years.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/diem-hen-moi-cua-du-khach-quoc-te-426892.html