Captivating Adventures: Transforming Neglected Havens into Tourist Magnets

The northern mountainous provinces of Ha Giang and Son La and the Central Highlands provinces of Kon Tum and Lam Dong have witnessed a remarkable tourism boom, showcasing how unique tourism products can turn once-forgotten lands into shining stars on the map.

Administrator

18 March, 2025

Dak Ke Lake – A Renowned Tourist Attraction in Mang Den Town (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – The creation of distinctive tourism products, leveraging natural resources and local culture, has enhanced the allure of various destinations.

The tourism boom in northern mountainous provinces like Ha Giang and Son La, and Central Highlands provinces of Lam Dong and Kon Tum, showcases how unique offerings can transform obscure regions into sought-after destinations.

Moc Chau township in Son La province witnessed a record influx of tourists in early 2025, with vehicles lining up for kilometers and accommodation in high demand. From January 25 to February 2, the township hosted approximately 105,000 visitors, as per the local Culture and Information Division.

Moc Chau’s appeal lies in the springtime transformation of valleys and hills, blanketed in apricot and plum blossoms, coupled with the rich cultural heritage of ethnic minority groups such as the Thai, Muong, Dao, Mong, and Kho Mu.

Mang Den town in Kon Tum province’s Kon Plong district, often dubbed “the second Da Lat,” experienced a surge in popularity during the Lunar New Year holiday. Social media platforms were abuzz with “check-in” photos, with Prunus cerasoides, originally from Da Lat, being a key attraction. The blooming trees painted the town pink, giving it a fairy-tale-like ambiance.

During the nine-day Tet holiday, Mang Den welcomed nearly 230,000 tourists and generated approximately 80 billion VND (3.13 million USD) in revenue. The district plans to plant 1 million Prunus cerasoides trees to further enhance the town’s beauty and tourism potential.

Da Lat Flower Festival – A Signature Event in Da Lat City (Photo: VNA)

Lam Dong’s tourism industry rebounded impressively in 2024, attracting over 10 million visitors, including a significant number from Russia and the Republic of Korea. This success is attributed to events like the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival and the recognition of Da Lat as a UNESCO creative music city, along with festivals celebrating wild sunflowers, cherry blossoms, and pink grass on the Langbiang plateau.

At a recent international conference on Da Lat’s green tourism and cultural industry development, experts emphasized the significance of unique tourism products and offered insights on their promotion.

Dang Quang Tu, Chairman of the Da Lat People’s Committee, shared their focus on creating quality tourism offerings that showcase Da Lat’s brand and identity. These include agricultural tourism experiences in high-tech vegetable, flower, and specialty production areas, as well as adventure sports tourism such as forest trekking, waterfall climbing, and camping.

Apinya Iamampha, Deputy Governor of Thailand’s Suphanburi city, underscored the importance of developing products with a strong brand identity and distinct character. This entails a deep understanding of consumer trends, local advantages, and core values, especially those rooted in indigenous culture and nature. Avoiding duplication with other regions and implementing effective promotional strategies are also key.