The proposal to merge Lam Dong, Binh Thuan, and Dak Nong provinces into a single administrative unit, tentatively named Lam Dong, has sparked widespread public interest.
Both Lam Dong and Binh Thuan are renowned tourist destinations. In 2024, Lam Dong ranked ninth among the top ten provinces with the highest tourism revenue nationwide, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Binh Thuan also saw a sharp rise in tourist numbers and revenue following the operation of an expressway linking Ho Chi Minh City with the South Central provinces.
Lam Dong, a mountainous province, boasts popular highland destinations like Da Lat and Bao Loc, while Binh Thuan, located along the coast, attracts visitors with island and beach tourism in areas such as Phan Thiet and Mui Ne.
Although not yet as prominent in the tourism sector, Dak Nong offers several fascinating spots including Ta Dung National Park, volcanic cave systems, waterfalls, and ancient villages.
News of the potential merger has spread widely across travel communities online, with many referring to the new Lam Dong province as a “tourism paradise” featuring “towering mountains, vast lakes, blue seas, and beautiful islands.”
Da Lat
Tourists gather at Cau Dat Tea Hill (Xuan Truong, Da Lat) to catch the sunrise and “hunt clouds.” Photo: Linh Trang
Located on the Lam Vien Plateau at 1,500 meters above sea level, Da Lat enjoys a cool climate year-round and is famed for its floral beauty.
Since the mid-1910s, the French transformed Da Lat into a resort town with elegant villas, government buildings, schools, and hotels, establishing its reputation as a romantic highland retreat.
Top attractions include Da Lat Railway Station, Da Lat Teachers College, the Cathedral, the palaces of King Bao Dai (I, II, III), Tran Le Xuan Palace, and Linh Phuoc Pagoda. The natural wonders around the city such as Tuyen Lam Lake, Datanla Waterfall, Golden Stream Lake, Da Phu Hill, and Cau Dat Tea Hill also draw crowds.
Bao Loc
Bao Loc captivates visitors with its lush nature, fresh air, and tranquility. Sitting at 900 meters above sea level, the city is defined by mountainous terrain, slopes, and valleys.
Tourists often explore nature spots like Dambri Waterfall, Dai Binh Mountain, Tam Chau Tea Hills, or spiritual sites like Bat Nha Monastery and Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda.
Phan Thiet
The fishing village market in Mui Ne draws many tourists. Photo: Linh Trang
Phan Thiet features a stunning coastal road stretching for dozens of kilometers and boasts historic landmarks. Its tourism map is divided into four main zones: the city center, Mui Ne, Ke Ga Cape, and Hon Rom.
Visitors often frequent Doi Duong Beach Park, Duc Thanh School relic site, Ong Hoang Tower, and the famous rock beach Ong Dia. Mui Ne has been hailed by international travel sites as a “beach paradise,” ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Phu Quy Island
Also known as Cu Lao Thu or Cu Lao Khoai Xu, Phu Quy is a small island located about 120 kilometers from Phan Thiet. With its unspoiled landscapes, it is emerging as a top island getaway alongside Ly Son, Con Dao, and Co To.
The island is home to pristine beaches such as Bai Nho and Trieu Duong Bay, a natural “infinity pool” at Ganh Hang, and scenic viewpoints like Cao Cat Peak and Lang Duong fishpond.
Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark
Covering 4,760 square kilometers in southwestern Central Highlands, the geopark encompasses 65 geological and geomorphological heritage sites, including nearly 50 volcanic caves stretching over 10,000 meters, along with craters and waterfalls.
Most sites within Dak Nong Global Geopark remain untouched by human development, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Ta Dung National Park
With more than 40 islands and islets, Ta Dung Lake in Dak Nong is dubbed the “Ha Long Bay of the Central Highlands.” Photo: Xuan Ngoc
Located in Dak Som Commune, about 45 kilometers southeast of Gia Nghia City via National Highway 28, Ta Dung National Park is centered around the stunning Ta Dung Lake.
In recent years, Ta Dung has become a popular destination for its breathtaking natural scenery. The lake covers nearly 5,000 hectares and is dotted with over 40 islands and peninsulas.