Vietnam: City of Da Lat proposes casino as part of night-time economic development plan

The tourist city of Da Lat in Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Lam Dong intends to open a casino, as reported by the municipal administration during the release of its night-time economic development plan. 

According to the plan, recently submitted by local authorities to the Lam Dong Province government for approval, the city has selected 16 potential locations for facilities that would constitute its night-time economy for the 2023-30 period. 

The proposed casino, which would be the first of its kind in Da Lat, is expected to open in Thung Lung Tinh Yeu (Valley of Love) as part of a recreational complex covering the valley and the hills of Mong Mo and Thong Nhat, reports Tuoi Tre News.

The new establishments would also include a modern night shopping area replacing the current night market in the city center, city authorities said on Wednesday. The Valley of Love is considered one of the city's most-known destinations.

Besides the casino, for which the operation mechanism has yet to be announced, the complex would also include nightclubs, shophouses, and other entertainment areas. If approved by the provincial authorities, the complex project will be developed by Da Lat-based Thanh Thanh Cong Lam Dong Tourism JSC, officials said.

The local administration also expects to create many other facilities related to the city’s night-time economy in the coming time, including a musical water park at the city’s flower garden, a 900-meter long street food area, and several night-time streets that accommodate pubs, bars, cafés, shopping areas, and other establishments.

As for the new night market, it would be situated at the Anh Sang (Light) Garden on Nguyen Van Cu Street in the city’s downtown area, about 100 meters from the existing night market on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, added the cited source. 

The city will also extend the operation hours of coffee shops, cinemas, bowling centers, shopping outlets, and other services to meet public demand.

Da Lat’s night economy model is aimed to promote economic growth, generate more jobs, improve resident income, and boost cultural exchanges between locals and tourists, especially foreign travelers, local authorities said.

Da Lat is not the only locality in Vietnam seeking to develop the nighttime economy, reports VN Express. Other popular tourist destinations like Hanoi, HCMC, Ha Long, Nha Trang, and Can Tho in fact already offer entertainment, cultural and shopping experiences until late at night.

Though Da Lat is famous for its French colonial heritage and year-round cool climate in a tropical country, it is not too popular with foreign visitors due to limited transport and tourism services.