Tourism Gains Strong Momentum at the Start of 2026

Visitor Numbers Surge

The Lunar New Year has long marked a peak season for tourism. This year, from the final days of the lunar year, roads leading to major attractions became increasingly lively as travelers sought not only relaxation but also the fresh, cool climate distinctive to Lam Dong.

In Da Lat, the festive spirit was evident along steep hillsides, from the city center to its lush outskirts. Streets were bustling with visitors arriving from nationwide for spring outings. From the second day of Tet, cafés, restaurants and tourist sites gradually reopened, restoring the city’s familiar rhythm.

Nguyen Vu Quynh Nhu, Director of Mang Lin General Agricultural Cooperative (Lang Biang – Da Lat Ward), said the cooperative welcomed approximately 20,000 visitors during Tet, up year-on-year. The nine-day holiday enabled travelers more time and flexibility to visit Lam Dong – often dubbed the “land of a thousand flowers.” The cooperative also refreshed its product offerings and introduced additional experiential activities to attract guests, creating a promising start to the new tourism season.

According to official estimates, between February 14 and 22, Lam Dong Province received approximately 925,000 visitors during the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year holiday, up nearly 32% compared to the same period last year. International arrivals were estimated at 62,000, signaling positive recovery in overseas markets. Tourism revenue reached an estimated VND 1.85 trillion.

Visitor flows peaked from the second to the sixth day of Tet, when accommodation facilities entered their busiest period. Average room occupancy province-wide reached 80–85%, while three- to five-star establishments recorded 85–95% occupancy. Many hotels and resorts were nearly fully booked during peak days. The surge in arrivals not only created a vibrant atmosphere but also generated substantial revenue across the hospitality, dining, transportation, retail and entertainment services.

Diverse Spring Experiences

Beyond visitor growth, the Binh Ngo spring season was energized by a wide range of cultural, artistic and sporting events. At the provincial level, 21 cultural, sports and tourism activities were organized, notably the “Celebrating the Party – Celebrating Spring Binh Ngo 2026” art program on Lunar New Year’s Eve. The program was staged across three locations, drawing large crowds. Low-altitude fireworks were launched at 19 sites across 18 communes and wards, adding a festive highlight to the transition into the new year.

In addition, numerous spring-themed activities were held, including Tet festivals, flower markets, Spring Press Festivals, thematic exhibitions and mobile film screenings. At the grassroots level, communes, wards and special administrative areas organized 219 cultural, sports and tourism events, ranging from art performances and sports competitions to public awareness campaigns, creating a vivid spring landscape across the province.

“Da Lat has retained its inherent charm. Tourist sites were carefully decorated for Tet. Although it was crowded and booking rooms, renting vehicles or purchasing entrance tickets could be challenging, the vibrant atmosphere itself is part of the appeal of early-year travel,” said Hang Nga, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City.

Tourist sites and accommodation facilities also organized Tet markets, lion dances, folk games and re-enactments of traditional cultural spaces, enriching visitor experiences. Businesses launched promotional campaigns and service discounts to stimulate demand while maintaining competitiveness.

Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Tourism

The positive outlook for early 2026 tourism was reinforced by stable security and service conditions. According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, preparations for Party and Spring celebrations were thorough, with strengthened measures to ensure security, traffic safety, fire prevention and food hygiene at tourist sites. No major incidents were reported during the holiday period, helping maintain a safe and healthy tourism environment.

Service prices, particularly accommodation rates, remained largely stable. Businesses complied with price listing regulations and sold at listed prices. Local authorities reported no cases of price gouging or aggressive solicitation, reinforcing Lam Dong’s image as a civilized and friendly destination. Communication campaigns promoting courteous behavior and civilized tourism practices among residents and service providers were also intensified.

From these early-year dynamics, Lam Dong’s tourism sector appears to have begun 2026 on a strong footing. Rising visitor numbers, vibrant cultural activities, stable service markets and a safe travel environment together lay a solid foundation for continued growth. This spring brings not only blossoms and bustling streets, but also renewed expectations for a dynamic, sustainable year ahead.