Promoting traditional cultural values and developing unique tourism products

Promoting the Land and People of Lang Biang – Da Lat

In the final months of the year, the highland hills of Lang Biang become more poetic and romantic as the pink hill come into full bloom—one of the most unique natural features attracting visitors to Da Lat, Lam Dong Province. When the foot of Mount Lang Biang glows in soft pink hues, photographers and young travelers flock to the area to admire the scenery and capture memorable images. Many visitors also camp there to “catch” the magical moments at sunrise, when the sun shines through dew-covered grass, or at sunset, when the hills change color under fading light.

To promote tourism and establish a winter destination for the Lang Biang and Da Lat, the former Lac Duong District (now Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward,), in coordination with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, launched the first Lang Biang Pink Grass Festival in 2017 as part of the 7th Da Lat Flower Festival. Since then, the event has become a recurring cultural festival highlight vibrant indigenous activities that reflect the unique cultural identity of Lang Biang.

The festival offers free sightseeing and photography across the natural pink grass hills, complemented by highland-themed installations created by local artisans. Visitors can also enjoy cultural exchanges, folk games, and traditional sports of the K’ho ethnic community, such as traditional costume performances, bareback horse racing, festivals dedicated to local cuisine and rice wine, alongside photo contests, mountain-climbing events, and flower exhibitions.

According to Mr. Cil Poh, Vice Chairman of the Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward People’s Committee, the Pink Grass Festival is a key annual cultural, sports, and tourism event aimed at honoring local land, people, and traditional cultural values. It helps raise awareness of cultural preservation linked to tourism, enhance community well-being, and promotes sustainable tourism development.

Although the festival is not held this year due to administrative restructuring, the pink grass hills remain open for residents and tourists to visit and take photos. In the future, the Pink Grass Festival will be organized biennially in connection with the Da Lat Flower Festival.

Bareback horse racing, featuring K’ho riders, is one of the most distinctive sporting events of the Lang Biang Pink Grass Festival, reflecting the strong cultural identity of the local ethnic community.

Lang Biang – Da Lat Ward is home to a rich diversity of traditions and ethnic cultures. The K’ho community has preserved many distinctive practices, including bamboo and brocade weaving, the artisanal brewing of traditional rice wine, and the celebration of cultural festivals associated with gong performances, reflecting their profound connection to the forested highlands.

The K’ho gong culture at the foot of Mount Lang Biang is an integral part of the Central Highlands Gong Cultural Space recognized by UNESCO. Acknowledging its cultural value, Lang Biang - Da Lat Ward has implemented various initiatives to preserve and promote gong culture in connection with tourism through performances and cultural exchanges, contributing to improving local livelihoods.

Currently, the ward operates more than ten gong clubs and performance groups serving tourists. Most are organized by ethnic minority households, alongside groups run by companies and businesses. These activities help preserve cultural heritage, create jobs for over 200 local residents, and attract an estimated 800,000 to 1.2 million visitors annually.

According to Mr. Cil Poh, Vice Chairman of the Lang Biang Da Lat Ward People’s Committee, the locality has consistently prioritized cultural preservation alongside high-quality tourism development. These efforts support economic, cultural, and social growth while ensuring stability in ethnic minority areas.