LÂM ĐỒNG - Lâm Đồng Province is entering an exciting new chapter in its tourism journey, thanks to a recent merger that has opened the door to a wealth of opportunities.

This newly formed region, which combines the areas of Lâm Đồng, Đắk Nông and Bình Thuận, is now home to two of Việt Nam's most iconic tourist destinations: Đà Lạt and Mũi Né. 

As tourism businesses pivot to explore local potential, they are crafting innovative tour routes that intertwine the elements of flowers, forest and sea. This harmonious blend promises tourists an array of diverse and unforgettable experiences.

Lâm Đồng Province’s unique geographical features make it a treasure trove for travellers. From the cool, flower-laden hills of Đà Lạt to the sunny beaches of Mũi Né, Lâm Đồng offers a captivating contrast of landscapes. Local travel companies are seizing this opportunity by developing tours that connect the lush forests and serene sea, providing visitors with a variety of enticing experiences.

Imagine wandering through vibrant flower farms bursting with colour, visiting areas where local artisans create traditional crafts or witnessing the intricate art of silk weaving from silkworms. 

Tourists can also explore coffee farms to learn about production and processing and the fascinating journey from bean to brew, or stroll through abundant fruit orchards, sampling fresh produce along the way. The region is also rich in cultural heritage, with unique temples and architectural gems waiting to be discovered.

Nature enthusiasts have plenty to explore as well. The pristine beauty of Tà Đùng Lake, the lively atmosphere of Đắk R’măng Market and the idyllic cocoa, cashew and pepper gardens are just a few highlights. These experiences culminate in a trip to Mũi Né, where visitors can soak up the sun on white sand beaches while enjoying the warmth of golden sunshine.

 

A unique travelling experience

Foreign tourists are increasingly drawn to Lâm Đồng, often opting for the freedom of travelling by motorbike. This mode of transport allows them to wander at their own pace, immersing themselves in the local culture and daily life of the Central Highlands. As they navigate scenic routes, they can visit charming villages, lush orchards and breathtaking lakes, streams and waterfalls that remain untouched by modern development.

One such traveller, Amir Pinchas from Israel, recently completed a memorable motorbike journey from Đà Lạt to Buôn Ma Thuột. 

He said: "Lâm Đồng was the highlight of my three-week adventure in Việt Nam. The cheerful and knowledgeable Vietnamese guides made the experience truly enjoyable. The stunning scenery and rich culture we encountered were unforgettable. I highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to connect with Việt Nam authentically."

 

Opportunities for growth

Ngô Anh Tuấn, a representative from Dalat Discovery Company, said he believes that the merger of the three provinces has empowered businesses to develop the new tour route, called 'Flowers, Great Forest and Blue Sea'. This flexible tour can start from various locations, including Hội An, HCM City and Đắk Lắk, making it convenient for travellers to explore the rich cultural and natural landscapes of the newly merged regions.

"The tour seamlessly combines these three elements, attracting a significant number of visitors daily, particularly foreigners and overseas Vietnamese eager to reconnect with their roots," Tuấn explained. He noted that foreign tourists are willing to invest in quality experiences, with average spending of around US$250 per day, and seek high standards in service, accommodations and food.

In addition to Dalat Discovery, several other companies are launching tours that connect cultural and experiential sites in Lâm Đồng. However, the burgeoning tourism sector faces challenges, particularly regarding service quality and transportation infrastructure.

To tackle these issues, Lâm Đồng is crafting a sustainable development strategy that emphasises enhancing service quality, including increasing the number of high-end hotels. The province is keen to ensure that visitors enjoy a seamless experience from arrival to departure.

During an event titled 'Lâm Đồng Tourism Destination Experience Month 2025', held from September 9 to 10, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the local Tourism Association, organised a pilot tour.

This event attracted nearly 100 delegates, including experts, tourism managers and university representatives, who visited key destinations to assess and promote tourism products and services that encapsulate the essence of 'Flowers, Great Forest and Blue Sea'.

 

Director of DALAT TRIP Joint Stock Company Lê Văn Thức emphasised the importance of the survey in providing a comprehensive understanding of Lâm Đồng's tourism potential. 

He said: "The insights gained during this experience will help identify what needs to be done to enhance connectivity between tourism products and services in the three regions of the province."

However, he also pointed out that the biggest challenge is the current transportation bottleneck. 

"Connectivity is crucial, especially for the Đà Lạt to Mũi Né route. With construction ongoing at Đại Ninh pass, travel conditions are suboptimal. We hope to see improvements soon, making it easier to connect Đà Lạt with Mũi Né and Tà Đùng," Thức noted.

As Lâm Đồng embraces its new tour routes, exploring the harmonious blend of flowers, forests and sea coast, the region is poised for remarkable growth. With proactive involvement from local travel companies, Lâm Đồng is set to emerge as a captivating destination for both domestic and international travellers in the near future. VNS