Safety first for Ke Ga's sustainable tourism future
Some decisions may initially raise concerns, but prove necessary when viewed through the lens of long-term sustainable development. The recent suspension of canoe services carrying visitors to Ke Ga Lighthouse is one such case.
Safety as the foundation for growth
On July 31, Mai Thi Ngoc Anh, Chairwoman of the Tan Thanh Commune People's Committee in Lam Dong, said local authorities were working with the South Central Vietnam Maritime Safety Corporation to resolve outstanding issues and restore tourist boat services within the week.
The tighter controls on tourist boat operations are not intended to create difficulties for businesses or residents. Rather, they follow instructions from the Standing Committee of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee to ensure waterway safety, prevent accidents and protect visitors.
Inspections found that all five boats operated by three companies had the required legal documents and qualified drivers. The main obstacle is that the area currently lacks a licensed inland waterway terminal.
In recent days, the waters around the lighthouse have fallen quiet as the boats remain idle, leaving some visitors unable to complete their planned trip to the landmark. Several tours featuring the lighthouse have had to be cancelled or rerouted.
In tourism management, safety should not be seen as an obstacle to growth but as a prerequisite for long-term development. A boat trip may last only a few minutes, but without proper infrastructure and a clear legal framework, a single incident could damage the reputation of the entire destination.
The "Billionaire Road" transforms Ke Ga
Just a few years ago, few could have imagined that Ke Ga would become one of Lam Dong's popular tourist check-in spots.
At the time, the road along the fishing village was little more than a sandy, muddy stretch littered with rubbish and dust. Sand filled the air during the dry season, while heavy rains turned the road into mud.
In early 2023, a concrete road stretching more than 300 metres was built under a government-community partnership model at a total cost of just over VND 620 million. The government contributed VND 400 million, while 19 households along the road collectively provided more than VND 200 million, averaging just over VND 10 million per household.
Few expected that such a short road, jokingly dubbed the "Billionaire Road" by locals, would transform the area. Today, hundreds of cars line the road each day as visitors flock to photograph the fishing village, turquoise sea and Ke Ga Lighthouse.
The growing number of visitors has also benefited local restaurants, homestays, hotels, boat operators and fishermen, turning tourism into an increasingly important source of income for the community.
The "Billionaire Road" shows how even a small infrastructure project, when built in the right location, can have a significant impact on the local economy. Improved access has not only boosted tourism but also increased land values and created new livelihood opportunities, thereby improving residents' quality of life.
But infrastructure on land alone is not enough. If the "Billionaire Road" has opened the way for visitors to reach the coast, a properly licensed inland waterway terminal would be the final piece needed to complete Ke Ga's tourism experience.
A century-old maritime icon
Ke Ga Lighthouse is not only Vietnam's oldest and tallest lighthouse but also a maritime landmark with more than 120 years of history. At certain times when the tide recedes, a natural sandbar emerges between the mainland and the island, allowing visitors to walk or even ride motorbikes to the lighthouse — a rare experience in Vietnam.
Its historical, cultural and scenic values make Ke Ga more than a tourist attraction. It is also a heritage landmark that deserves to be preserved.
From a tourism perspective, a destination is truly attractive when it combines beauty, accessibility and safety. From a maritime safety perspective, a licensed inland waterway terminal is more than a place for passengers to board and disembark. It is a crucial part of the safety system, covering navigation routes, search and rescue operations, vessel management and emergency response.
Ke Ga Lighthouse was constructed in 1897 and first lit in 1899. The 41-metre-high granite tower stands 65 metres above sea level.
Beyond its maritime role, Ke Ga carries a rich history. The place name "Khe Ga" appeared in Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi, a historical Vietnamese geographical record, before the French rendered it as "Kéga", which gradually evolved into the familiar name used for more than a century.
The lighthouse's white light flashes in a distinctive pattern of three short flashes followed by one long flash every 20 seconds, distinguishing Ke Ga from other lighthouses.
Although its lighting technology has evolved, from French tungsten-filament lamps to American solar-powered systems, its maximum range of 22 nautical miles has remained unchanged, guiding vessels at sea for more than 120 years.
Restoring tourist boat services is therefore important, but any solution must comply with legal requirements and safety standards so that even a short trip to the island can be made with confidence.
Ke Ga already has its coastline, century-old lighthouse and the "Billionaire Road" that has transformed the surrounding area. What it needs now is not another photo spot, but coordinated infrastructure that can help the destination realise its full potential.
There is no room for chance when it comes to safety at sea, making the regulation of informal landing points a necessary step. A licensed inland waterway terminal would provide proper infrastructure, clearly designated navigation routes and standard lifesaving equipment.
Tourism may slow for a few days while legal and safety requirements are completed, but safety should never be sacrificed for speed. Once the "Billionaire Road" is complemented by a properly licensed terminal, Ke Ga will be better positioned to strengthen its place on Vietnam's coastal tourism map.