Night-Time Economy – A New Growth Frontier
Lam Dong Province has positioned tourism as the cornerstone for developing and scaling up diverse night-time economy (NTE) models. By expanding service offerings after dark, the province aims to lengthen visitors’ stays, boost tourism spending, and unlock a new engine of growth for the local economy.
Untapped Night-Time Potential
Lam Dong possesses a distinctive tourism space spanning three ecological zones.
The central area regularly hosts national and international festivals and major events, including the Da Lat Flower Festival. Da Lat’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music further bolsters its competitive edge in developing a vibrant night-time economy.
The eastern area is oriented toward high-end resort services, entertainment, gastronomy and marine cultural-tourism events. Meanwhile, the western area, characterized by pristine natural landscapes and a global geopark, is well-suited for experiential, exploration-based and educational night-time tourism.
In 2025, the province welcomed nearly 20.8 million visitors, including close to 1.3 million international arrivals, up 18.1% and 39.7% year-on-year, respectively. Total tourism revenue was estimated at VND 56.8 trillion.
Despite robust growth in visitor numbers and revenue, night-time services and entertainment activities remain limited. The lack of diversity in tourism products has resulted in average stays and visitor spending that do not yet fully reflect the province’s potential
Surveys indicate that early-stage NTE models in Lam Dong primarily focus on cultural and artistic performances, sports, wellness and beauty services, shopping and entertainment, sightseeing, and culinary experiences. However, these activities are not yet organized into concentrated zones, lack distinctive flagship products and value-chain linkages, and remain constrained by operating hours, infrastructure limitations and management mechanisms.
Pilot Projects and Scalable Models
Tourism experts in Lam Dong emphasize that management and operational frameworks for NTE models must align with the characteristics of each pilot area, while safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring close coordination among local authorities, regulatory agencies and businesses. Clear delineation of state management responsibilities and operator accountability is essential, alongside the protection of residents’ and visitors’ interests.
For the 2026–2027 period, the province plans to study, select and pilot NTE models at locations and tourist areas that meet infrastructure, security and planning requirements and demonstrate effective risk management capacity.
From 2028 to 2030, Lam Dong aims to refine its institutional frameworks and support policies while expanding effective NTE models in line with the province’s tourism development orientation toward 2035.
Specifically, pilot and expansion proposals target wards within Da Lat urban area, Ward 1 Bao Loc, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet Ward, and Bac Gia Nghia Ward. These areas feature modern lighting systems, commercial infrastructure suitable for night markets, pedestrian streets, squares, parks, night-time culinary streets, shopping avenues, supermarkets, commercial centers and convenience store chains.
Plans also include designated spaces for showcasing and promoting local products, along with selective development of cultural and artistic performances, experiential tourism activities, culinary culture, sports, wellness and beauty services.
With tailored solutions aligned with master planning and long-term strategy, Lam Dong’s night-time economy is expected to open new growth space while strengthening the province’s tourism brand on both domestic and international maps.