Dong Nai seeks inspiration for new tourism products

Leveraging its existing tourism resources, Dong Nai’s tourism sector is conducting surveys to identify potential elements for the development of new travel products. These are expected to launch by the end of 2025, with the goal of promoting the province and stimulating tourism demand.

Cultural space of the Stieng ethnic community at the Bom Bo Stieng Cultural Heritage Conservation Area (Bom Bo commune, Dong Nai province). Photo: Ngoc Lien

The upcoming tourism products will connect key attractions and provide visitors with immersive experiences that highlight the province’s natural landscapes as well as its vibrant cultural and historical heritage. With the upcoming opening of Long Thanh International Airport, these new offerings are expected to draw both domestic and international travelers.

Exploring the borderlands

Dong Nai shares nearly 259 kilometers of border with Cambodia, spanning eight communes: Bu Gia Map, Dak O, Hung Phuoc, Thien Hung, Tan Tien, Loc Tan, Loc Thanh, and Loc Thanh. More than 135,000 people in over 34,800 households reside in these border areas. The province has four official border gates and one informal crossing, with Hoa Lu serving as an international border gate of strategic importance to the Southeast region.

Bu Gia Map National Park, located in Bu Gia Map commune, has long been a destination for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the forest, engage with the traditions of local ethnic minority communities, visit border markers, and hear stories of the border guards stationed deep in the forest who are dedicated to safeguarding the nation's frontiers.

Do Truong Giang, Deputy Director of the Tourism Promotion and Conservation Rescue Center at Bu Gia Map National Park, said: “Visitors are especially fond of forest exploration tours. They often take check-in photos at border markers and participate in flag-raising ceremonies held at these sites, a deeply meaningful experience. These activities not only enhance the value of the trip but also deepen visitors’ connection with nature and foster a stronger sense of civic duty in protecting Vietnam’s borderlands.”

Beyond Bu Gia Map, visitors can explore other historically and culturally significant sites, including the Southern Liberation Army Headquarters Base (Ta Thiet Base in Loc Thanh commune), the Liaison House in Loc Ninh commune, and attractions along National Route 13. These destinations offer stories of patriotism, solidarity, and the revolutionary struggle of Vietnam’s people and its army in defending the country.

Developing Dong Nai’s next-gen tourism products

Dong Nai’s 2025 tourism development plan centers on the theme: “Dong Nai tourism takes off with aviation.” In line with this, the province is accelerating key tourism projects and developing new travel products to promote the region. As Long Thanh International Airport nears completion, local authorities are also working to strengthen ties with travel and tour operators both within and beyond the province.

A delegation from the Dong Nai Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center surveys tourism sites and historical landmarks. Photo: Ngoc Lien

These initiatives reflect the provincial government’s commitment to implementing Resolution No. 04-NQ/TU (December 30, 2021) on developing tourism as a key economic sector, alongside national directives aimed at accelerating sustainable tourism recovery and growth.

In the first eight months of 2025, Dong Nai welcomed over five million tourists, including more than 4.9 million domestic travelers and over 109,000 international visitors, generating over VND 3.2 trillion in tourism revenue.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, tourism management in Dong Nai, including oversight of destinations, travel services, and tour guides, has met official standards. The province currently has 69 travel service enterprises operating domestic and international tours, as well as representative offices. In addition, there are 224 accommodation establishments across the province, offering more than 5,200 rooms, with 40 of these rated from one to five stars.

The province boasts nearly 30 tourism sites and complexes, including renowned destinations such as Cat Tien National Park, Bu Gia Map National Park, Suoi Mo Cultural Park, Ba Giot Waterfall, Buu Long Tourist Complex, Son Tien Tourist Complex, Bo Cap Vang Ecotourism Site, Qua Dieu Vang Ecotourism Site, My Le Park, and others.

Building on these existing strengths, the Dong Nai Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center recently conducted field surveys of key destinations to identify new elements for developing tourism products aimed at stimulating demand in the province.

Tran Thi Thu Trang, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center, shared: “Building on available local resources, the center will connect with cashew production facilities, known as Vietnam’s cashew capital, to develop new tourism experiences. These discovery tours will offer visitors a wide range of engaging and memorable activities in Dong Nai. The tours will be linked to Long Thanh International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, and various provinces across the country, providing visitors with fresh perspectives and a deeper appreciation of Dong Nai’s beauty and untapped potential.”

By Ngoc Lien - Translated by Le Hung, Minho