La Da Unlocks Its Ecotourism Potential
La Da ecotourism is emerging as a promising model in southeastern Lam Dong, combining seasonal fruit harvests with scenic reservoir landscapes.
Developing La Da Ecotourism around Orchards and the Reservoir
La Da covers more than 264 sq km and has extensive fruit-growing areas. These include over 1,500 hectares of durian and 70 hectares of mangosteen. Hundreds of hectares are also devoted to waxy avocados, macadamia and bananas.
Previously, farmers relied mainly on traders to sell their produce. Recognising growing demand for hands-on experiences, many local households have enhanced their properties and orchards before opening them to visitors.
For visitors from nearby areas, picking and tasting durian, avocados or mangosteens directly in the orchards is a major attraction. This agritourism model is especially popular with families with young children, giving them space to play and learn firsthand about crops and farming life.
Beyond fruit orchards, access to the Ham Thuan-Da Mi hydropower reservoir system offers further potential for diversifying local tourism products.
The vast reservoir landscape, dotted with lush green islands, offers favourable conditions for developing resort packages, sightseeing cruises and water sports.
Dang Thi Kim Oanh, an orchard owner in La Da Commune, said: "The Da Mi and Ham Thuan reservoirs have enormous potential if properly planned for ecotourism, leisure and water sports. Visitors can pick fresh durians, mangosteens and star apples themselves. They can also take sightseeing boat tours across the reservoirs and visit the islands. This combination creates a varied experience that is especially memorable for families and children during the summer."
Combining orchard visits with nearby attractions such as Chin Tang and Suong Mu waterfalls has encouraged visitors to stay longer. Local dishes, including sturgeon hotpot, grilled chicken with bamboo-tube rice and jar wine, further enrich the experience.
Driving Sustainable Economic Development
The shift from simply selling agricultural produce to providing tourism services was clearly reflected in the inaugural 2026 La Da Commune Fruit Festival, themed "Flavours and Colours of La Da - Sweet Fruit Reaching Far and Wide".
The event featured more than 20 orchard-style booths and over 100 products certified under OCOP, VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. It served not only as a venue for visitors to sample local produce, but also as a trade platform linking cooperatives and producers with buyers.
La Da tourism also draws strength from its distinctive local culture. Incorporating cultural products, traditional cuisine and everyday items from ethnic minority communities adds depth to local tourism offerings. These elements also leave a strong impression on visitors.
The La Da ecotourism model, combining agriculture with reservoir scenery, is already delivering tangible benefits. By selling produce directly to visitors in their orchards, residents can increase product value and reduce their reliance on traders.
Orchards and fruit festivals also serve as effective promotional channels, making it easier for cooperatives to connect with buyers. At the same time, ecotourism helps strengthen community awareness of environmental conservation and the protection of natural landscapes.
By 2030, La Da plans to develop three economic pillars: ecotourism, high-tech agriculture, and cultural and spiritual tourism.
Combining agriculture, rivers and reservoirs with tourism services is gradually transforming local produce into complete tourism offerings. This is creating momentum for sustainable development across southeastern Lam Dong.