In summer 2026, coastal tourism in eastern Dak Lak is undergoing a strong transformation, gradually emerging as an attractive destination along Central Vietnam’s travel route.

Visitors exploring and taking souvenir photos at Da Dia Reef Special National Relic Site.

A combination of pristine, distinctive landscapes alongside an increasingly well-developed service system is raising expectations for a breakthrough in local tourism sector.

Beyond sightseeing as well as leisure experiences, this year’s coastal tourism offerings have been refreshed with a wider range of sports and exploration activities. Destinations such as Hon Nua, Hon Chua, along with Mai Nha Islet attract visitors with stand-up paddleboarding, while Hon Yen has become an ideal spot for coral diving. The diversification of tourism products is helping visitors’ length of stay while boosting appeal among younger travellers.

Tourism services across the area are also gradually improving. From resorts through coastal homestays, operators are proactively upgrading facilities while diversifying offerings in preparation for peak season.

Mr. Do Van Hoan, manager of Yen Hotel in Tuy Hoa Ward, said: “Summer 2026 has seen bookings rise 30% year-on-year. To create differentiation, rather than providing accommodation alone, we are expanding experience packages, including visits to Phu Tan sedge mat weaving village (O Loan Commune) as well as Long Thuy fish sauce village (Binh Kien Ward), enabling visitors to gain deeper insight into local life”.

Appeal of eastern Dak Lak’s coastal tourism stems not only from scenery but also from culture and cuisine. Ms. Thu Thao, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, said: “I particularly enjoy fresh air, local hospitality, along with largely unspoilt beach landscapes. I was also impressed by specialties such as tuna eyeball alongside seafood from O Loan Lagoon”.

Visitors checking in at Hon Yen (O Loan Commune).

Mr. David, a tourist from the UK, commented: “I am impressed by the way sustainable tourism is being developed here. Beaches have retained their pristine character despite large numbers of visitors. This is definitely a destination I will recommend to friends when they visit Vietnam”.

According to Mr. Tran Hong Tien, Director of provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during 2026-2030, tourism will be restructured with resort tourism alongside marine economy serving as key drivers, linking coastal areas with highlands into an integrated product chain. Simultaneously, smart tourism data will be expanded while an international tourism app will be deployed, positioning Dak Lak on national tourism map with a professional, civilised and sustainable image.

The province targets total tourism revenue of 16 trillion VND in 2026, up 17% compared to 2025, while visitor arrivals are projected to reach 8 million, rising 9% year-on-year.

Translated by HAI LOAN