With nearly 189 km of coastline, the provincial eastern region is poised for a breakthrough in marine tourism under its coastal development strategy. Beyond its scenic landscapes and natural resources, coastal villages, festivals, traditional crafts alongside the daily life of fishing communities are emerging as valuable tourism assets.

Hon Yen in O Loan commune attracting large numbers of visitors during this year's summer tourism season.

According to a report presented at the provincial Scientific Conference on Solutions to Promote the Green Economy, marine tourism attracts an average of more than 20 million visitors and generates over 32.2 trillion VND in annual revenue. These figures underscore the marine economy, particularly tourism, as an increasingly important engine of growth across the provincial coastal areas.

However, the provincial competitive advantage lies not only in its growth momentum but also in its ability to develop tourism in greater depth, with indigenous culture and community life serving as distinctive attractions. Numerous coastal localities have introduced novel tourism products, including eco-tourism combined with community-based tourism, in destinations involving Hon Yen, Long Thuy and Lo Village, creating unique visitor experiences.

According to Mr. Le Ngoc Tung, owner of a homestay in Lo Village, Hoa Hiep ward, the destination’s appeal extends beyond its coastal scenery to include its cultural heritage, architecture alongside community life. Visitors come not only to enjoy the beach but also to explore the village, discover local architecture, customs as well as the daily life of coastal residents.

The provincial abundant natural resources coupled with indigenous cultural heritage provide a solid foundation for sustainable marine tourism. Transforming these advantages into long-term growth drivers requires coordinated planning, appropriate policies and active community participation in preserving while promoting cultural values linked to tourism development. This is also the direction Dak Lak is pursuing in developing its tourism strategy.

Expanding development space

Dak Lak's 2026 Tourism Development Plan focuses on developing distinctive tourism products based on the provincial integrated sea - forest - highland advantages. The coastal area has been identified as one of the key development spaces for creating fresh tourism appeal. The province will further capitalise on the cultural heritage of coastal communities, preserve traditional values while encouraging local people to provide tourism services and experiential activities, thereby improving livelihoods as well as enriching visitor experiences.

Residents along with visitors gathering at Nghinh Phong Tower in Tuy Hoa ward to enjoy a hot air balloon performance.

Simultaneously, Dak Lak will prioritise investment in large-scale eco-tourism, resort alongside service projects. The province will promote green tourism together with community-based tourism linked to fishing villages, local cuisine and homestay experiences, while developing tourism routes connecting the coastline, forests, geological heritage sites and community tourism villages to diversify tourism products as well as encourage longer stays.

In 2026, the province aims to welcome 8 million visitors, including 130,000 international arrivals, with total tourism revenue targeted at 16 trillion VND. According to PPC Vice Chairman, comrade Dao My, the province will prioritise investment in transport infrastructure connecting mountainous and coastal areas, upgrade National Roads 29, 14, 26 together with 27, encourage airlines to launch novel and increase the frequency of domestic air routes, while strengthening the management of waterway tourism activities, thereby contributing to a safe, civilised and sustainable tourism environment.

Translated by KHUONG THAO