Dong Nai tourism on the path to establishing a green and sustainable brand

Beyond its established destinations, Dong Nai tourism is recently reinventing itself with new products and experiences that are deeply connected to the region’s nature, culture, history, and people.

Tourists experience a cycling tour through the forest and around Tri An Lake at the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve. Photo: Ngoc Lien

A series of international tourism awards for local destinations, the collaboration and development of new products by businesses and tourist sites, promotional activities highlighting tourism and cuisine, and regional tourism development partnerships have gradually strengthened Dong Nai’s position on both the national and global tourism map.

Dong Nai – A green destination

Extending its series of international tourism accolades, two destinations in La Nga commune, Dong Nai province, were recently honored at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025. Specifically, the Panorama Glamping Dong Nai received the Best Glamping Destination in South East Asia award, while the Tropical eglamping was named Best Glamping Destination in Asia.

Both destinations have been developed and operated by Glamping Hub Co., Ltd. since 2022. The World Luxury Travel Awards 2025 is recognised as one of the most prestigious global awards in the luxury tourism sector.

Tran Thien Phu, Director of Glamping Hub, shared that Panorama Glamping and Tropical eglamping were established within a cashew farm aged 40 to 50 years, occupying prime locations offering panoramic views of Tri An Lake and the peaceful countryside. These sites are among the few that retain a pristine natural environment while providing modern comforts, including air-conditioned tents, evening BBQs, free-brewed coffee, and a variety of exploratory activities. The recognition of both Panorama Glamping and Tropical eglamping in 2025 is not only a source of pride for the Glamping Hub team but also a milestone affirming Vietnam’s glamping presence on the global experiential tourism map. Each year, these two destinations welcome tens of thousands of visitors, offering immersive experiences that blend relaxation with a sensory connection to nature and appeal to travellers of all ages.

In addition to Panorama Glamping and Tropical eglamping, Dong Nai tourism had previously received numerous international awards. Cat Tien National Park won four awards at the 2025 Asia Ecotourism Network International Ecotourism Awards (AEN-IEA 2025) in the categories of Biodiversity Conservation, Ecotourism Promotion, Destination Governance, and Community Champion. The Cat Tien Jungle Lodge in Nam Cat Tien commune was named among the World’s 10 Best Boutique Hotels 2025. The Ta Lai Eco Lodge at the Ta Lai Community Tourism Village received the Responsible Tourism Award for Southeast Asia 2025 under the ICRT-SEA Sustainable Tourism Certification Program. Furthermore, the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve was recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park at the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) held in Malaysia in early September 2025.

Positioning Dong Nai as a green tourism brand

In addition to internationally recognized high-quality green destinations, Dong Nai boasts numerous impressive sites that highlight the province’s biodiversity, cultural and historical heritage, and local communities. Notable examples include Bu Gia Map National Park, Thac Mai (Mai fall)–Bau Nuoc Soi (Boiled water pond) Tourist Area, Chua Chan Mountain Scenic Area, as well as modern recreational attractions such as Bửu Long Tourist Area, Suoi Mo, and Ula Resort Glamping.

Located in the northern part of Dong Nai province, Bu Gia Map National Park covers more than 25,500 hectares. The M’nong and S’tieng ethnic communities primarily inhabit the area. Bu Gia Map is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, both regionally and globally. The park plays a crucial role in forest conservation, the protection of rare plant and animal species, and the safeguarding of upstream watersheds for hydropower reservoirs. It also contributes to climate regulation and, importantly, serves as a protective buffer along the national border with Cambodia.

Beyond its environmental significance, Bu Gia Map National Park holds considerable value for sustainable socio-economic development in the local area, serving as a foundation for eco-tourism, community-based activities, and the promotion of green development models.

Tourists take souvenir photos at the base of a heritage tree in Bu Gia Map National Park (Dak O commune). Photo: Kieu Tien

Vuong Duc Hoa, Director of Bu Gia Map National Park, highlighted that the park, situated in the transitional area between the Central Highlands and the Southern Plain, is developing tourism routes that showcase its forest resources, waterfalls, and natural landscapes. These routes have received high praise from visitors. In particular, in 2022, the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection recognized 39 trees in the park as Vietnam Heritage Trees, helping showcase the park’s rich and diverse flora, including ancient and rare tree species. This recognition has helped make Bu Gia Map an attractive destination, facilitating partnerships with tour operators to develop diverse routes and attractions, thereby stimulating the local tourism market.

Beyond its wild nature destinations, Dong Nai is promoting large-scale tourism projects identified as key opportunities for the sector’s breakthrough in the near future. These include the Chua Chan Mountain Eco-Resort Project, tourism initiatives managed by the Tan Phu Protection Forest Management Board, and projects around Tri An Lake within the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve.

During a review meeting with provincial departments to assess tourism projects, Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee, urged authorities to continue coordinating and accelerating project development, particularly in the Chua Chan Mountain and Nui Le Lake areas, as well as projects managed by the Tan Phu Protection Forest Management Board, to ensure the timely implementation of the province’s tourism initiatives.

Assessing recent tourism activities in Dong Nai, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Le Truong Son acknowledged the sector’s positive achievements. He noted that the final months of 2025 and the 2026 Lunar New Year period will feature numerous cultural, sports, and major events, providing the province with an opportunity to vigorously promote its tourism advantages and new products to attract visitors.

By Ngoc Lien – Translated by Hong Van, Thu Ha