Awakening Health Tourism Potential: Lam Dong Holds the "Golden Key"
Lam Dong's tourism is experiencing robust growth, creating a golden opportunity to develop health tourism products. With its existing advantages, the "healing" tourism industry here promises to become a strategic direction, establishing a long-term competitive edge.
Nature and Culture: A Solid Foundation
From the cool highlands of Da Lat to the golden sunshine and white sands of Mui Ne, as well as the pristine beaches of Phu Quy Island, each destination boasts its unique beauty, creating an ideal space for relaxation. Beyond its natural landscapes, Lam Dong is also rich in cultural identity. The interplay of ethnic groups such as K'ho, Cham, M'nong, and Ede has resulted in a diverse culture, manifested through festivals, traditional crafts, clothing, music, and cuisine. Specialties like grilled chicken with bamboo-tube rice, Vietnamese Mini Pancakes, Quang noodles, and Can wine are not just local specialties; they embody cultural values that nurture visitors' emotions.
Additionally, Lam Dong is home to a variety of precious medicinal herbs, including artichokes, dong quai, Fallopia multiflora and herbal teas. Many herbal farming areas have developed to supply medicine, functional foods, and natural cosmetics. Numerous private establishments also offer massage, steam baths, and skincare services using herbal therapies. Local healers have preserved and applied many traditional remedies to care for both residents and tourists.
Healthcare and Tourism: A Partnership for Breakthroughs
The public healthcare system in Lam Dong is expanding its health services to meet tourists' needs. Binh Thuan Dermatology Hospital has implemented modern aesthetic techniques such as CO₂ laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, melasma treatment, and scar therapy. The Binh Thuan Traditional Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital combines Eastern and Western medicine for treatment and healthcare, employing therapies like herbal steaming, compresses, massages, and acupressure.
According to the leadership of the Binh Thuan Traditional Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, by 2025, they will launch spa and skincare services using high-pressure oxygen machines. In 2026, the hospital plans to develop a care facility for patients post-treatment, aimed at providing affordable health recovery services.
According to Medical Tourism Statistics, global health tourism is growing at 15-20% annually, making it one of the most dynamic segments. Lam Dong has all the necessary conditions for developing health tourism: clean nature, abundant medicinal resources, diverse culture, and an increasingly complete healthcare service system. This is not just potential; it is also an opportunity for Lam Dong to become a leading destination in health care linked to local resources.
Development Strategy: From Potential to Action
The reality shows that Lam Dong tourism is clearly on the rise. According to the provincial statistics office, in the first seven months of 2025, Lam Dong welcomed over 11.5 million visitors, a 13.82% increase compared to the same period last year. Among them, international visitors exceeded 791,000, and tourism revenue surpassed 31 trillion VND. This solid foundation allows Lam Dong to strengthen its health tourism segment.
To develop sustainable health tourism, it is essential to establish a clear and focused strategy soon. This includes planning suitable herbal farming areas and training specialized human resources in therapy and health care. Additionally, public and private healthcare facilities should be encouraged to connect with travel businesses to design specialized wellness-recovery tours that combine medical treatment with cultural experiences.
Close collaboration among the healthcare, tourism, culture sectors, and businesses will be the "key" to transforming health tourism from potential into a driving force for the region's green and sustainable economic development.