Tourism experienced a breakthrough right from the beginning of the year.

Following the Lunar New Year holiday of the Year of the Horse, Lam Dong province's tourism sector is showing many positive signs. The long holiday period, along with vibrant cultural and sporting activities, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, opening up expectations for positive growth in 2026.

Locals and tourists flocked to Da Lat for spring festivities and relaxation in the early days of 2026. Photo: Chinh Thanh

The number of tourists has increased sharply.

The Lunar New Year has long been a particularly busy peak season for tourism . This year, starting from the last days of the twelfth lunar month, the roads leading to popular tourist destinations have become even more bustling. Tourists come not only to relax but also to enjoy the fresh, cool air that is not found everywhere.

In Da Lat, the spring festival atmosphere is evident on every slope, from the city center to the lush green suburbs. The streets are bustling with people from all over coming to celebrate the Lunar New Year. From the second day of Tet, cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions gradually reopen, marking the return of familiar daily life.

Ms. Nguyen Vu Quynh Nhu, Director of the Mang Lin General Agricultural Cooperative (Lang Biang Ward, Da Lat), said that during the Tet holiday, the cooperative welcomed approximately 20,000 visitors, an increase compared to the same period last year. The 9-day holiday gave tourists from many places more time and options to visit Lam Dong, the city of a thousand flowers. The cooperative also proactively updated its products and organized additional experiential activities to attract visitors. This is a favorable start, creating more confidence for the new tourism season.

Tourists enjoy recreational racing in Da Lat during the first days of the new year. Photo: Chinh Thanh.

According to statistics, during the Lunar New Year holiday of the Year of the Horse 2026, from February 14th to 22nd, the province is estimated to have welcomed approximately 925,000 tourists, an increase of nearly 32% compared to the same period last year. Of these, international tourists are estimated at 62,000 – showing a positive sign from the overseas tourism market. Revenue from tourism activities is estimated at approximately 1,850 billion VND. These figures clearly reflect the attractiveness of the destination even during the first holiday of the year.

The peak period for tourists is from the 2nd to the 6th day of the Lunar New Year. This is also when many accommodation establishments enter their busiest period. The average room occupancy rate across the province reaches approximately 80-85%. Accommodations ranging from 3 to 5 stars record high occupancy rates, fluctuating between 85-95%. Many hotels and resorts are almost fully booked during peak days. The increase in tourist numbers not only creates a lively atmosphere but also brings significant revenue to the service sector. All related services, from accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, to shopping and entertainment, benefit from the influx of tourists at the beginning of the year.

A large crowd gathered to watch the fireworks display in Mui Ne ward. Photo: Thanh Nhan.

Diverse spring travel experiences

Not only was the Lunar New Year of the Horse (Bính Ngọ) vibrant with tourists, but it was also enlivened by a series of cultural, artistic, and sporting activities taking place throughout the year. In the final days of the year, the festive atmosphere was lively with art programs and community events. The province organized 21 cultural, sports, and tourism activities, most notably the "Celebrating the Party - Celebrating the Spring of the Year of the Horse 2026" art program on New Year's Eve. The programs were elaborately staged in three areas, attracting a large number of locals and tourists. The moment of transition into the new year was made even more complete with low-altitude fireworks displays at 19 locations across 18 communes and wards, creating many beautiful emotions on this spring night.

In addition, many activities reflecting the spirit of spring were also implemented, such as Tet festivals, spring flower markets, spring newspaper fairs, thematic exhibitions, mobile film screenings, etc. Notably, in communes, wards, and special zones throughout the province, 219 cultural, sports, and tourism activities were proactively organized. From art performances and sports competitions to visual propaganda and promotional activities, all created a vibrant picture of spring.

“Da Lat has retained its inherent beauty. All the places are meticulously decorated for the spring season. Although it's crowded and services like booking rooms, renting cars, and buying tickets to attractions are a bit difficult, we find that the hustle and bustle is one of the attractive aspects of tourism at the beginning of the new year,” shared Ms. Hang Nga, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City.

At tourist areas, attractions, and accommodations, a variety of festive activities are organized, such as Tet markets, lion dances, folk games, and reenactments of traditional cultural spaces, adding to the experiences of visitors. The festive atmosphere thus spreads from urban centers to local areas, increasing connectivity between regions. Businesses also proactively implement promotional programs, discounts, and service incentives, both attracting tourists and contributing to maintaining competitiveness and stimulating tourism consumption.

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

Ensuring safe and sustainable tourism activities.

The positive outlook for tourism at the beginning of the year also stems from the stability of security, order, and the service market. According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, activities celebrating the Party and the Lunar New Year were meticulously prepared; security, order, traffic safety, fire prevention and control, and food safety at tourist areas and destinations were strengthened. During the Tet holiday, no complex incidents occurred, contributing to maintaining a safe and healthy tourism environment.

Prices for tourism services, especially basic accommodation, remained stable. Businesses strictly adhered to regulations on price listing and sold at the listed prices. Local authorities did not record any instances of price gouging or aggressive soliciting of tourists, which is a positive sign contributing to strengthening the image of a civilized and friendly destination. In addition, efforts to promote and encourage the public and tourism businesses to adopt civilized behavior and cultural conduct towards tourists continued to be intensified.

From the early spring movements, it is clear that Lam Dong's tourism in 2026 has begun with many promising signs. Increased visitor numbers, vibrant cultural activities, a stable service market, and a safe tourism environment are all creating a favorable foundation for the road ahead. In the gentle rhythm of nature, this spring not only brings colorful flowers and crowds of people but also the hope for a year of continued, sustainable, and vibrant tourism growth.

During the Lunar New Year holiday of the Year of the Horse 2026, from February 14th to 22nd, the entire province is estimated to welcome approximately 925,000 tourists, an increase of nearly 32% compared to the same period last year; of which, international tourists accounted for 62,000. Revenue from tourism activities is estimated at approximately 1,850 billion VND.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/du-lich-but-pha-ngay-tu-dau-nam-425790.html