Lam Dong is vibrant from the flower highlands to the blue seas
The long holiday from April 30 to May 1 coincided with widespread hot weather across many provinces, leading to a sharp increase in visitors to Lam Dong Province. Tourist activity surged across the region, from the flower-filled highlands to the coastal destinations, signaling a lively travel season with a wide range of attractive experiences.
Climate - the key to Da Lat’s appeal
During the holiday, Da Lat remained a top choice thanks to its cool climate, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25°C. This pleasant weather gives this place a strong advantage as a getaway from the heat.
Although visitor numbers increased significantly in central areas, traffic remained manageable without prolonged congestion. Unlike bustling coastal cities, Da Lat retains its charm through a slower pace of life and gentle landscapes. Many visitors prefer staying in suburban areas to enjoy fresh air and a closer connection to nature.
Around Xuan Huong Lake, Lam Vien Square, and Da Lat Market, the atmosphere remained lively but not overwhelming. During the day, visitors strolled by the lake, cycled, or enjoyed coffee. At night, the market became busier with food and shopping activities. Despite the crowds, the highlands maintained its relaxed and peaceful rhythm—one of its defining features. Hong Nhung, a visitor from Dak Lak, shared that her family had a fulfilling three-day holiday in Da Lat. She explained that they chose the city mainly to escape the heat and appreciated the growing number of spacious and scenic check-in spots, which made their trip more comfortable without overcrowding.
According to Dinh Tuan Anh, Director of TTC Hospitality’s tourism cluster, the group welcomed over 8,900 visitors during the holiday, marking a 142% increase compared to the same period last year. Travelers increasingly prefer destinations that offer multiple experiences in one place, helping them save time and costs while also supporting more sustainable, low-emission tourism.
Although limited flight availability constrained travel demand from northern markets, arrivals from the southeastern region increased significantly. International visitors, particularly from Russia, also began to return, helping diversify the tourist base.
At the same time, tourism businesses have actively upgraded facilities, diversified offerings, and improved service quality. Popular attractions such as the Valley of Love, Da Lat Flower Garden, Delight Park Da Lat, and Pi Ni Tourist Area have introduced promotions, music events, and food festivals, drawing large numbers of visitors. Other destinations have also added flexible entertainment options, giving tourists more choices during their stay.
Tourism revenue exceeds 1.4 trillion VND
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, building on the growth seen during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration holiday (April 25–27), the April 30 and May 1 holiday period recorded an estimated 620,000 visitors, up around 21% compared to the same period in 2025. Of these, approximately 21,000 were international tourists.
Total tourism revenue surpassed 1.4 trillion VND. Average room occupancy reached 70–80%, with 3–5 star hotels reporting rates of 85–96%, and even hitting full capacity on peak days.
Beyond the rise in visitor numbers, tourism in Lam Dong Province also showed a clear shift in product development and experience design. A key highlight was the opening ceremony of the “Summer Tourism 2026” program, alongside the announcement of the master plan for the Mui Ne National Tourism Area through 2040, with a vision to 2050.
Under the theme “Visit Lam Dong – chase the clouds, ride the waves,” the event attracted large crowds of both tourists and locals. It not only marked the start of the summer tourism season but also reflected the province’s strategy to develop multi-destination tourism, connecting the highlands with coastal areas.
A range of cultural performances, drone shows, and promotional activities across various tourist sites further enhanced the festive atmosphere and visitor appeal during the holiday.
Along coastal areas such as Tien Thanh, Phu Thuy, and Mui Ne, vibrant festivals, beach sports, and entertainment activities created standout attractions.
Events like the Giant Kite Festival (Sky Fest) at NovaWorld Phan Thiet and the “Hello Sunny 2026” program at The Cliff Resort & Residences drew large crowds. Dozens of giant kites—ranging from dragons to marine creatures—filled the sky with color.
One of the most striking moments was a giant Vietnamese national flag, about 100 square meters in size, lifted into the sky by a kite on April 30. The image left a strong impression on both locals and visitors. Nguyen Thi Trieu Trang, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared that her family greatly enjoyed the festival, especially the sight of the enormous kites. The sight of the flying national flag, in particular, created not only a powerful visual impact but also a deep sense of national pride.
In addition to watching the kites, visitors could take part in activities such as free kite flying, beach games, community events, and live music performances, contributing to a lively festival atmosphere throughout the holiday.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, service prices, especially accommodation rates, remained generally stable, with no significant fluctuations. Tourism businesses complied strictly with price regulations, publicly listing and charging the correct rates. There were no reported cases of overcharging or aggressive solicitation that might cause concern among visitors.