Mui Ne welcomes winter visitors

Kites signal the start of winter season

With its warm, sunny weather, the peak season for international winter visitors to Vietnam, including Lam Dong, usually runs from October to April. During this period, travelers from Europe, particularly Russia and Northern Europe, head to tropical beaches to escape the cold and enjoy sunshine, blue seas and relaxing holidays.

At Mui Ne National Tourist Area, known as Vietnam's "resort capital," the winter travel season is already becoming lively. Colorful kites fill the sky above Mui Ne Beach, creating a familiar scene along the coast. For many international visitors, Mui Ne is not only a place to relax but also a favorite destination for water sports.

Denis, a tourist from Russia, said: "I have been kitesurfing for more than 10 years, and this is my sixth time doing it in Mui Ne. We have a group in Russia and often travel together to coastal destinations with good wind conditions for water sports."

Repeat visitors like Denis reflect Mui Ne's appeal as a destination that attracts international travelers for extended stays.

Although the peak season has only just begun, bookings at many accommodation facilities are already showing positive signs.

"Occupancy has reached nearly 80% at certain times. We expect it to rise further, particularly during Christmas and New Year. Most international guests come from Russia, Germany, South Korea, China and France," said Tran Thi Phuong Truc, Sales Manager at Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa.

Tran Thi Ngoc Minh, a representative of Pandanus Resort in Mui Ne Ward, said European visitors tend to book longer stays, while Asian travelers usually stay for shorter periods and often book close to their departure dates.

Bookings through online travel agencies are also increasing, with the South Korean and Chinese markets showing signs of recovery.

Drawing visitors with distinctive strengths

Tour operators are also developing new tours and routes for the winter season. Alongside traditional markets such as Russia and Northern Europe, which are showing strong signs of recovery, Lam Dong is targeting travelers from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Northeast Asia and Thailand.

European visitors generally favor longer stays, pleasant weather and outdoor activities, while Asian travelers often combine relaxation with cultural, culinary and sightseeing experiences. These differences provide a basis for tourism authorities and businesses to develop products suited to each market.

Nguyen Linh Vu, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center, said the province is stepping up promotion in several markets, strengthening ties with tour operators and inviting familiarization groups to explore local tourism potential.

The province is also seeking to expand air connectivity and make better use of Lien Khuong International Airport to attract more visitors.

"Lam Dong's advantage is its diverse tourism landscape, with each area offering different strengths and target markets. Da Lat is known for highland retreats and a cool climate, while eastern Lam Dong stands out for beach tourism, water sports and warm-weather vacations. Promotion therefore needs to be tailored to each area, priority market and distinctive tourism product," Vu said.

Alongside promotion, greater attention is needed to improve workforce quality, facilities and services, while developing tourism products linked to local culture and cuisine.

Today's travelers are looking not only for pleasant weather and relaxation, but also opportunities to explore local identity, experience everyday life and discover what makes each destination distinctive.

With longer stays and relatively high spending, international winter visitors make an important contribution to tourism revenue, particularly during the low season for domestic travel. They also help sustain jobs, stabilize incomes and support related services.

The 2026-2027 winter season is only beginning. From Mui Ne's coastal resorts to the Da Lat highlands, Lam Dong has new opportunities to attract international visitors.

To make the most of its natural advantages, the province's tourism sector needs to continue improving service quality and creating distinctive experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer, return and explore more of the destination.