DestinationsDa Lat aims for Asia's top nightlife status with the government’s 9-year plan.

Could Da Lat be Asia’s next nightlife hotspot?

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Da Lat is focusing on high-quality nighttime activities and tourism revitalisation.
Da Lat is focusing on high-quality nighttime activities and tourism revitalisation. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/huythoai

Vietnam's government wants to transform Da Lat, located in the Central Highlands, into a premier tourism hub in Southeast Asia. This initiative, part of a government-approved plan spanning 2021-2030 and extending to 2050, aims to elevate Da Lat by focusing on "high-quality nightlife activities”.

Da Lat, as the capital of Lam Dong Province, is poised to develop contemporary and world-class nighttime offerings. Additionally, plans for the nearby mountainous resort city of Bao Loc include focusing on eco-tourism, wellness facilities, healthcare, and sports amenities to enhance both domestic and international appeal.

By 2030, Lam Dong Province aspires to evolve into a "green paradise”, prioritising upscale tourism amenities such as golf and horse racing.

The decline in Da Lat's tourism is attributed to rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure. To rejuvenate tourism, proposals include initiatives such as establishing a casino, enhancing night markets, and creating a designated pedestrian zone aimed at boosting the city's nighttime economy.

Despite recent challenges, Da Lat observed a significant tourism upswing in 2023, hosting 8.65 million visitors, a 15% increase, including 400,000 international arrivals, marking a notable 167% rise from the previous year.

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