Dak Lak is gradually emerging as a multi-dimensional travel destination, bringing together the Central Highlands and the coast.

Cham dance performance during a cultural and artistic event at Nghinh Phong Square.

This summer, Dak Lak is hosting a wide range of tourism programmes and events. From the Central Highlands gong culture performances at the Dak Lak Museum to coastal festivals alongside contemporary art showcases, the province is offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Among the highlights is the "Dak Lak - Welcome summer" DJ Night, held at Nghinh Phong Square in Tuy Hoa ward, further promoting the image of Dak Lak as a dynamic and vibrant destination.

The flagship event of this year's summer season is the inaugural Dak Lak Durian Festival 2026, scheduled from August 15 to September 2, 2026. The festival is expected to attract around 300,000 visitors, creating a fresh momentum for the provincial tourism, accommodation and commercial sectors.

According to comrade Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the festival is expected to become a signature cultural coupled with tourism product, stimulating the provincial tourism industry through a range of activities, including a pickup truck convoy carrying durians under the theme "Dak Lak durian journey - connecting to the world"; exhibition spaces showcasing fresh durian alongside OCOP products; a culinary festival; and a large-scale music concert; together with interactive experiences such as orchard tours, durian tasting and dedicated check-in experiences.

Another cultural highlight is the live performance "Memories of the longhouse" at the Dak Lak Museum. The production recreates the daily life of the Ede people while incorporating modern performance technology, bringing cultural heritage closer to visitors through an immersive experience.

With thorough preparation, well-planned investment and a clear development vision, Dak Lak's 2026 summer tourism programme is expected not only to attract visitors but also to serve as a novel catalyst for the provincial socio-eco development.

One destination, two journeys

Tourism in Dak Lak is increasingly evolving into a destination for extended stays, offering integrated experiences that combine exploration, relaxation, culture and cuisine, allowing visitors to enjoy both the Central Highlands along with the coast within a single itinerary.

Visitors can explore the World Coffee Museum, discover Vietnam's coffee culture, experience Yok Don National Park, visit Lak Lake, and immerse themselves in the villages of the Ede and M'nong ethnic communities to gain a deeper insight into the Central Highlands cultural identity.

Visitors posing for photographs with elephants at Lak Lake Tourist Area.

From Buon Ma Thuot, it takes only a few hours to reach the eastern coastline, where visitors can explore destinations such as Mai Nha Islet, Bai Mon - Mui Dien, Da Dia Reef, Lo Village and Hon Yen. Here, travellers can witness the first sunrise on mainland Vietnam, admire spectacular geological formations as well as enjoy coral reef diving.

Quang Trung Ban Me Tourism Trading and Services One Member Co., Ltd., based in Ea Kao ward, has developed integrated forest-to-coast tours connecting Buon Ma Thuot together with Tuy Hoa. According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Trung, the company's representative, the provincial expanded geographical space following the administrative merger has enabled the company to design itineraries combining distinctive destinations across both the western and eastern parts of Dak Lak, allowing visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Central Highlands while enjoying the coastal landscape.

From the majestic Central Highlands to the blue sea, Dak Lak's summer tourism offers a journey connecting nature, culture combined with local communities, reinforcing the provincial position as a destination with a distinctive identity.

Translated by KHUONG THAO