Da Lat Expands Night-time Economy Ahead of Flower Festival

Developing Distinctive Night-time Streets

Da Lat has long offered a range of night-time activities, concentrated mainly around Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Xuan Huong Lake and several central streets. However, these activities remain scattered, with a limited range of products and insufficient connections to create distinctive visitor experiences.

In Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward, Nguyen Ngoc Hau, Vice Chairman of the Ward People’s Committee, said the locality is implementing a plan to reorganize the Nguyen Thi Minh Khai night market and surrounding areas. The market currently accommodates 591 business households, selling mainly clothing, wool products, local specialties, souvenirs and street food.

Under the locality’s proposal, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Park, covering approximately 3,000 square meters, could be developed into a multifunctional park incorporating a high-quality food and dining area. The site is expected to be operated under a socialized investment model, with a business operator selected through a bidding process.

Meanwhile, businesses selling wool products are being encouraged to relocate to a designated area along Le Thi Hong Gam Street, more than one kilometer from the existing night market. This arrangement aims to establish a specialized shopping street while easing pressure on the night market area.

The locality has also proposed turning Le Dai Hanh Street into a pedestrian street featuring music performances and street arts, connected to the Hoa Binh pedestrian area. The Hoa Binh Theatre and nearby facilities will be studied for renovation to provide additional public spaces for residents and visitors.

According to Hau, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Park and the Hoa Binh area are expected to receive approximately VND26 billion from the provincial budget during 2026–2027. Other commercial and service areas are expected to mobilize private investment, with suitable investors selected for development.

With the 2026 Da Lat Flower Festival approaching, Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee Vice Chairman Dinh Van Tuan has asked relevant agencies to continue reviewing and finalizing plans to upgrade central Da Lat, with particular attention to aesthetics, architecture and harmony with the surrounding landscape. The scale and design of stalls, kiosks and public amenities, as well as arrangements for business households, must be carefully considered to build consensus.

“

Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Park must be identified as a highlight of Da Lat’s night-time economy. Relevant agencies must therefore promptly finalize their plans and ensure implementation on schedule so that the area can be renovated and opened to residents and visitors before the 2026 Da Lat Flower Festival.

Dinh Van Tuan, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee

Expanding Night-time Economic Spaces

In addition to the night market and Hoa Binh area, Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward has proposed studying the development of further night-time economic spaces along Nguyen Van Cu Street, at Anh Sang Park, around Xuan Huong Lake and along the route connecting to Da Lat Railway Station.

Nguyen Van Cu Street is being considered for quality shopping and commercial services. Areas around Xuan Huong Lake could host cultural and artistic events, as well as recreational activities that make use of the surrounding landscape. Connecting these locations would help create a continuous visitor experience rather than a series of isolated business spots.

The locality has also raised the need to organize and manage activities along Nguyen Chi Thanh and Truong Cong Dinh streets in ways that reflect the characteristics of each street, particularly for businesses providing night-time entertainment services.

Building on Da Lat’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed expanding community music stages in parks, around Xuan Huong Lake and in other public spaces. Street performances and acoustic, jazz and indie music programs could be held regularly, adding cultural experiences for visitors.

Another proposed direction is to study the operation of night trains on the Da Lat–Trai Mat railway, combining music with heritage experiences. In the longer term, the province could consider outdoor artistic performances that explore the cultural stories of the K'Ho, Ma and Chu Ru ethnic communities in the area.

In Lam Vien - Da Lat Ward, proposed locations for night-time economic activities include Nguyen Du and Lu Gia streets, Residential Area No. 1 and the Nguyen Tu Luc area. These spaces could accommodate pedestrian activities, food services, shopping, night markets and commercial services.

Notably, the locality has proposed studying the use of approximately 10 hectares in the Nguyen Tu Luc area to develop a complex featuring commercial facilities, a supermarket, specialty stores, dining services and entertainment venues. Nguyen Du Street is also being considered for food services, commerce and tourist accommodation.

The locality has also proposed reviewing several sites at Thong Nhat Hill and Quoc Te Hill (Da Lat Flower Garden) to assess their potential for night-time economic activities, subject to land availability and the necessary procedures. Extending Lu Gia Street to Reservoir No. 1 has also been proposed to improve connectivity between areas.

Beyond public spaces, attracting investment at tourist destinations such as the Valley of Love, Mong Mo Hill, Thong Nhat Hill, Than Tho Lake and the Hoang De commercial area is also seen as a way to develop night-time service offerings.

According to the cultural sector, Da Lat’s night-time economy still faces considerable limitations. Activities have yet to form an interconnected network, and distinctive products remain insufficiently developed. Some areas also face challenges involving public security and order, environmental sanitation, food safety, traffic and parking.

Cold weather and evening rain can also affect the organization of outdoor activities. In addition, noise, waste, street vending and service quality need to be addressed from the planning stage.

Balancing Management with Da Lat’s Distinctive Character

Da Lat has advantages in its landscape, climate, architecture and cultural and artistic life. However, developing a night-time economy does not mean expanding commercial activities at any cost. Each space needs to be planned in accordance with its scale, operating hours and local characteristics to avoid placing pressure on residential areas or affecting Da Lat’s image.

The 11th Da Lat Flower Festival 2026, themed “Da Lat – A Symphony of Flowers and Music,” provides an opportunity for the province to accelerate urban improvements and organize cultural, commercial and night-time service activities. However, the long-term goal is not simply to create more entertainment venues during the festival, but to develop tourism products that can operate on a regular basis.

Piloting activities and evaluating their effectiveness in each area, selecting capable investors and establishing appropriate management mechanisms will be important steps. These efforts could help make the night-time economy an integral part of urban life in Da Lat, creating more livelihoods and strengthening its tourism appeal while preserving its distinctive character.