Da Lat Sees Tet Tourist Surge; Food Prices Up 10-20%
During the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), Da Lat reaffirmed its appeal, welcoming large numbers of domestic and international tourists for sightseeing and leisure.
On February 21 (the fifth day of Tet), central streets, entertainment areas, tourist attractions, restaurants and cafés across Da Lat remained crowded with holidaymakers.
According to statistics from the People’s Committee of Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward, from February 14 to 19 (the 27th day of the lunar year to the third day of Tet), the area recorded 45,083 arrivals, including 33,358 domestic tourists and more than 11,000 international visitors. It is estimated that during the six-day Tet holiday, Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward alone welcomed over 45,000 visitors.
With the surge in tourist numbers, prices of several signature dishes such as banh can (mini rice pancakes), chicken offal rice rolls, chicken hotpot with é leaves, and fresh strawberries increased slightly by 10–20 percent compared to normal days. However, many eateries and food stalls maintained regular prices, while some businesses offered discounts or promotional vouchers to attract and thank customers.
Most establishments strictly complied with listed pricing regulations. Visitors generally gave positive feedback on service quality, noting that staff at hotels, restaurants and attractions remained friendly and professional despite the high volume of guests.
At major gathering spots such as Lam Vien Square and around Xuan Huong Lake, authorities strengthened security, traffic regulation and public safety measures to ensure a safe and orderly holiday atmosphere. Local wards also implemented coordinated solutions, including price listing requirements, food safety inspections, fire prevention measures and the deployment of rescue teams at tourist sites.
In addition to accommodation and culinary services, various cultural and entertainment activities enriched the Tet experience, including traditional Tet markets, lion and dragon dances, acoustic music performances, folk games and the recreation of traditional Vietnamese kitchen spaces. These events contributed to longer visitor stays and higher tourism spending.
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, tourism activities in Lam Dong – Da Lat during Tet 2026 were vibrant, safe and well-managed, with food and accommodation prices remaining generally stable and service quality improving. The positive results further reinforce Da Lat’s reputation as an attractive, friendly and reliable spring destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Authorities forecast that visitor numbers will remain high through around the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, in line with annual trends.