This spring, the land of Dak Lak not only carries the rustling winds of the vast forests but also the salty taste of the sea, painting a colorful cultural tapestry where the breath of the ancient forest blends with the rhythm of the distant waves.
The scent of the forest, the taste of the sea
In the sacred emotional flow of the new year, an inspiring heritage journey has opened a spring with the intermingling of forest and coastal cultures. Now, the gongs of the Central Highlands not only linger under the ancient longhouses but also fly far, resonating freely beside Nghinh Phong Tower (Tuy Hoa ward) and the windy Mui Dien scenic spot (Hoa Xuan commune). Conversely, the refined Bai Choi art of the coastal region finds its “home” in the heart of the Central Highlands.
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| New Year's flag-raising ceremony 2026 at the national scenic spot Bai Mon - Dai Lanh Cape (Mui Dien, Hoa Xuan commune) |
In the cultural and economic life of Dak Lak province, the presence of both forest and sea is evident in every product. In the warm spring sunshine, what could be better than enjoying the rich flavor of coffee grown in the red basalt soil right on the shores of the romantic Tuy Hoa beach, or experiencing the exquisitely marinated tuna with the spicy kick of pepper - a characteristic product of Central Highlands agriculture.
Ms. Nguyen Thuy Phuong Hieu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that the department has been striving to create connections and cultural exchanges between regions through various activities so that people can enjoy, learn about, and contribute to promoting and preserving the traditional culture of the nation. Coastal culture will appear in activities in the western region, and Central Highlands culture will be present in the eastern region of the province. Similarly, the upcoming coffee festival and durian festival will be held in the eastern part of the province so that people can understand and love their homeland even more.
Together, forest and sea
After the merger, Dak Lak province possesses unique tourism resources, diversely distributed across the ecological spaces of sea, forest, and plateau. The Eastern coastal region is notable for its unique landmarks such as Da Dia Cliff, Xuan Dai Bay, O Loan Lagoon, Mai Nha Island, and a system of pristine beaches like Bai Xep beach and Bai Mon beach, etc. The Western highland region attracts tourists with its majestic, unspoiled nature and indigenous culture. Highlights include Yok Don National Park and Cu Yang Sin National Park, which still retain their wild and mysterious beauty; Lak lake - the second largest natural freshwater lake in the country; and the Dray Nur - Gia Long waterfall complex, one of the most beautiful waterfall complexes in the Central Highlands; Buon Don - a legendary land famous for its long-standing tradition of hunting and taming wild elephants, etc.
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| New Year's flag-raising ceremony 2026 at the national scenic spot Bai Mon - Dai Lanh Cape (Mui Dien, Hoa Xuan commune) |
“Tourism not only generates direct revenue but also promotes related industries such as agriculture, services, transportation, and cultural industries, etc. contributing to the shift in economic structure, creating jobs for people, especially in rural areas and ethnic minority regions. Developing tourism products in a continuous chain helps Dak Lak extend the tourism season, increase the length of stay and increase the spending value of tourists”, said Mr. Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak.
Translated by TRINH THUY
