Sports Tourism Connects Communities: A New Economic Driver for Lam Dong
In recent years, visitors have come to Lam Dong for more than just relaxation, sightseeing and music; the province has increasingly attracted travelers seeking sports tourism and community-based experiences.
A Vast Playground for Diverse Sports
Lam Dong boasts majestic mountains, iconic waterfalls such as Datanla, Voi, Pongour, and Ba, and vast primeval forests. These features provide a solid foundation for developing adventure tourism activities, including canyoning, jungle trekking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. Moreover, following its recent expansion, Lam Dong Province now offers a remarkably diverse landscape, establishing itself as an ideal destination for hosting a wide range of international-standard sporting events in settings ranging from the mountains to the sea.
Beyond its highland attractions, Lam Dong also offers ideal conditions for coastal and water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, and flyboarding, as well as paragliding, off-road motor racing on sand dunes, and challenging cross-country ultramarathons.
Sports tourism is not limited to extreme activities; it can be as simple as taking a morning bike ride around Xuan Huong Lake, jogging through pine forests, swimming at sunrise, or participating in a trail run, golf tournament, or cycling event as part of an extended vacation.
In March 2026, the Dalat Ultra Trail attracted more than 7,000 athletes from Vietnam and abroad, reinforcing Lam Dong’s growing reputation as an adventure sports destination. Other major events, including the 2026 international Fun Cup windsurfing competition and the SUP & Run Marathon, have further demonstrated the province’s capacity to organize professional sporting events. These events also generate substantial tourism revenue by encouraging athletes and their families to stay longer and spend more on accommodation, dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
Furthermore, Lam Dong is making final preparations for the 2026 Sports Festival, scheduled to take place from August 1 to September 22. This event will feature a continuous series of activities combining sports competitions, community engagement, and experiential tourism. It is expected to attract thousands of athletes and visitors, thereby helping to promote a culture of physical activity, strengthen community bonds, and stimulate summer tourism.
Many exciting tournaments
According to the organizers, the 2026 Sports Festival is expected to feature more than 10 sports and a range of national and international tournaments, including the National Triathlon Championship, Master Tour 100 – International Open Tennis 35+, the 2026 ASEAN Police Open Golf Tournament, the second People's Public Security Open Golf Tournament, the “81-Year Journey – For National Security” Run, as well as competitions in pickleball, beach volleyball, and beach tennis.
Speaking on behalf of the Organizing Committee, Tran Duc Phan, Vice President of the People's Public Security Sports Association said: “More than just a sporting event, the 2026 Sports Festival translates the cooperation agreement between the People's Public Security Sports Association and NovaGroup into action through practical sports programs. The festival is intended to become an annual event held to coincide with major national holidays. At the same time, it aims to underscore the partnership between the police force and the business community in enriching cultural and spiritual life, enhancing public health, and contributing to the development of the sports and entertainment industry linked to coastal tourism in Lam Dong Province.”
Lam Dong will provide the most favorable conditions and coordinate closely to ensure that the 2026 Sports Festival takes place safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulations. This is also an opportunity for the province to showcase its potential and strengths and attract domestic and international tourists to Lam Dong.
Ho Van Muoi, Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, said at a meeting with the People's Public Security Sports Association on preparations for the event
Amid the growing trend of experiential travel and outdoor sports, events such as the 2026 Sports Festival clearly demonstrate the increasing integration of sports, community engagement, and tourism. With an expanded scale and numerous international-caliber tournaments, the event is expected to become a highlight of the summer tourism season, contributing to the diversification of tourism products and attracting more visitors.
In the coming time, Lam Dong will continue to promote greater private-sector and community involvement in sports development and expand recreational and adventure sports suited to the strengths of each subregion and linked to tourism and the sports economy. This is seen as an important direction for strengthening the local brand and promoting Lam Dong's image at home and abroad.