Lam Dong – A new destination for international visitors
In the dynamic vibe of Vietnam’s tourism sector in early 2026, Lam Dong has emerged as a standout growth hub, leaving a strong impression on international visitors during the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse). With its unique tourism landscape, ranging from the thousand flowers of Da Lat to blue seas and majestic forests, Lam Dong is positioning itself as a multi-experience, distinctive, and highly competitive destination on the global tourism map.
Welcoming over 62,000 international visitors
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during the nine days from February 14th to 22nd, the province welcomed approximately 925,000 visitors, up about 32% compared to the same period last year. Of these, international arrivals were estimated at 62,000. Tourism revenue reached around VND 1,850 billion.
These figures reflect not only growth in numbers but also a qualitative shift in visitor flows toward the highlands and the province’s expanded tourism space after administrative consolidation. The increasing proportion of international visitors demonstrates that Lam Dong brand is moving beyond its traditional domestic tourism market.
The peak period occurred from February 18th to 20th (the second to fourth days of the Lunar New Year), considered the “high tide” of this year’s spring tourism season. Many reputable and well-rated hotels and resorts reached full occupancy.
Accommodation facilities such as TTC Hotel Phan Thiet, Terracotta Resort Mui Ne, Sai Gon Da Lat Hotel, La Sapinette Hotel Da Lat, and Roy Dala Hotel reported being fully booked for several consecutive days.
Overall occupancy rates averaged 80–85%. Three- to five-star properties reached 85–95%, with some days hitting 100%, while other types of accommodation ranged between 75–85%. These numbers indicate significantly improved service capacity, capable of meeting peak demand while maintaining quality standards.
The rise in international arrivals during Tet was no coincidence. As global tourism increasingly favors destinations that are safe, culturally distinctive, and capable of offering diverse experiences within a single trip, Lam Dong—after its administrative consolidation—has brought together multiple advantages.
The cool climate of Da Lat, with its lakes, valleys, and romantic pine hills, remains the “heart” of the province’s brand. Yet the journey no longer ends there. Visitors can continue to sunny coastal areas before venturing into vast forests filled with primeval woods, waterfalls, and vibrant indigenous culture. The feeling of experiencing “three destinations in one trip” has become a defining competitive edge.
Mr. John Matthews, a visitor from Australia, shared that he initially chose Da Lat for its fresh air. However, he was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of experiences: “I came to Da Lat to relax. The weather is perfect, and the Tet atmosphere is captivating. But I was amazed that I could also travel down to the beach and explore completely different landscapes within the same province. It feels like experiencing three destinations in one trip.” According to him, the combination of the highland mist and coastal sunshine within a single itinerary is rare in many countries.
Beyond its scenic beauty, international visitors highly appreciate the cultural richness on display during Tet. Ms. Emily Chen from Singapore shared that she was truly impressed by the curated traditional activities at tourist sites: “The staff here are very friendly and professional. They explained Tet customs to us and even guided us in making banh chung. This wasn’t just a vacation. It was truly a cultural journey.”
Participating directly in wrapping banh chung, watching lion dances, and requesting calligraphy at the beginning of the year made her trip far more meaningful than a typical holiday.
Building trust among visitors
Alongside natural advantages and tourism products, effective destination management has been a key factor in strengthening trust. Throughout Tet 2026, security, traffic safety, fire prevention, and food safety at tourist sites were ensured. There were no reports of overcharging or aggressive solicitation, and businesses strictly complied with price listing regulations.
This transparency and professionalism are especially important to international visitors, who prioritize safety and reliability when choosing destinations.
Mr. Nguyen Van Loc, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that this Tet’s growth marks the start of a new development strategy following consolidation. The province aims to build an integrated tourism model, simultaneously unlocking its strengths of “thousand flowers, blue sea, and vast forests” on a sustainable foundation. “We are not only aiming for short-term growth figures, but also setting a long-term goal of building Lam Dong into a safe, friendly, culturally distinctive international destination with depth of experience. The expansion of tourism space creates opportunities to diversify products, but the core pillars remain service quality and visitor satisfaction,” Mr. Loc added.
With impressive growth figures, near-maximum occupancy during peak days, positive visitor feedback, and a clear strategic vision from authorities, Year of the Horse 2026 has become a significant milestone in Lam Dong’s development journey.
If the province continues to enhance spatial connectivity, invest in infrastructure, improve service quality, and preserve resources sustainably, Lam Dong has every foundation to transform from the familiar “City of Thousand Flowers” into a comprehensive international tourism hub in the years ahead.