In Lam Dong, with the advantages of natural conditions, the Da Lat tourism brand, and the outstanding results of high-tech agriculture and smart agriculture, the "handshake" between tourism and agriculture will open up the prospect of new tourism products in the southern Central Highlands.

Catching up with the trend

Through assessing the potential and advantages, since 2015, Lam Dong Province has officially implemented a tourism and agriculture combining model, called "agricultural tourism", to create a unique brand for this new type of tourism.

The province also issued a pilot project entitled “Developing agritourism models in Lam Dong”, to build policies and support mechanisms to enable the strong development of agritourism and attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors.

In 2010, when Nghiem Van Minh and Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, a Vietnamese-French couple, first visited Da Lat, they were captivated by high-tech strawberry, vegetable and flower farms in the region. Then, they decided to settle in Da Lat and launched a high-tech agricultural project.

They founded Biofresh Farm, directly importing seeds, fertilisers and substrates from France to grow strawberries, melons, herbal teas, and imported roses. After a short time, Biofresh’s strawberry farm has welcomed a large number of visitors and become famous.

From humble beginnings, the couple has expanded to a new site roughly 10km from central Da Lat, covering nearly 20 hectares. The highlight remains strawberries cultivated under pine trees using French technology and methods.

“Clean agriculture and ecological, experiential tourism will undoubtedly attract visitors to the dreamy land of Da Lat,” said Thuy.

In Don Duong new-style rural district, Avocado Farm, operated by Avocado Farm Co., Ltd, has recently been recognised as a tourism site by the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, including agritourism.

In early 2024, “Tam Trinh Coffee Experiences”, a project by Tam Trinh Coffee Import-Export Co., Ltd in Lam Ha District, was also recognised as an agritourism site by the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee.

This is a closed-loop production model designed to showcase and elevate the value of coffee beans, the beauty of coffee cultivation, and the coffee culture of both the Central Highlands and Viet Nam to domestic and international tourists.

“With the desire to offer close, authentic experiences and a panoramic view of the ‘farm-to-cup’ journey, we decided to invest in the experiential stop in four hectares,” said Deputy Director Doan Manh Trinh.

Despite being in operation for just over two years, “Tam Trinh Coffee Experiences” has welcomed many delegations of international visitors and students from various countries.

“After experiencing the coffee production process, enjoying local specialities and tasting the coffee, visitors often purchase OCOP coffee as gifts. It’s a very effective way to promote the brand,” Trinh added.

Recently, numerous agritourism sites have emerged in Lam Dong Province, including Le Phuc Persimmon Garden, Da Lat Mushroom Village, Da Lat Flower Plateau, and Bong Lai Farm in Duc Trong District, which features Japanese black grapes surrounded by lush fruit trees.

Visitors can experience being a high-tech farmer, enjoy highland specialities and relax in a romantic space. These are new experiences on the journey to explore the southern Central Highlands.

Removing obstacles to promote advantages

In 2018, Lam Dong Province had 33 recognised agritourism sites operated by organisations and individuals, with recognition valid for three years. The total investment in agritourism models exceeded 377 billion VND, spanning more than 300 hectares.

In 2021, the province issued a temporary regulation on the investment and management of agritourism operations, including specific criteria for establishing such sites.

According to statistics, from 2018 to 2024, agritourism in Lam Dong attracted more than 10 million arrivals of visitors and created jobs for about 1,000 employees. Around 200 tour guides working in agritourism businesses were issued professional certificates.

Dr Pham S, former Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee and the originator of the “agritourism” concept, noted that agritourism has strong appeal for both domestic and international visitors. It helps sell farm produce on-site, spreads the brand, and brings economic benefits.

This type of tourism also contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values and has made a significant contribution to local economic growth. However, by the end of 2023, the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee revoked the temporary regulation on agritourism investment and management in the locality, as it is no longer suitable for the local situation and relevant legal provisions.

Recognition of tourism sites (including those offering agritourism products) in Lam Dong is implemented according to the Law on Tourism, Decree No. 168/2017/ND-CP on December 31, 2017, by the Government, detailing several articles of the Law on Tourism. Consequently, many businesses wishing to operate agritourism services have been unable to secure recognition due to various barriers such as requirements on construction and land use purpose conversion.

“Agritourism products are related to the Law on Tourism, the Land Law, the Law on Land, the Law on Construction and so forth, which creates institutional obstacles, and lack detailed guidance of related agencies,” said Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Based on related regulations, from 2024, the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee has decided to recognise eight tourist sites, including many agritourism destinations, or having agricultural tourism products. The province is also supporting six pilot models for rural tourism development and has launched one model for an agritourism linkage chain.

The province has also promoted the development of services, tourism associated with OCOP products, contributing to bringing local, distinctive tourism and shopping products to tourists.

To fully realise the potential of agritourism in Lam Dong Province, many experts, organisations, and businesses believe that it is necesssary to have dedicated legal documents, along with priority mechanisms, policies and solutions to accelerate development, especially regarding land conversion procedures, the scale and proportion of land allowed for building service and tourism infrastructure.

The locality also needs mechanisms to make the most of available resources, preserve cultural and environmental values, and diversify nature-based tourism models. This should be supported by tax and credit incentives, workforce training, and infrastructure improvements.