Seeking signature tourism products for Dong Nai

Dong Nai's tourism sector is strengthening cooperation and reaching out to investors to develop new tourism products, with a particular focus on creating signature experiences that distinguish the province and establish its unique identity.

A corner of Tri An Lake located within the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve.

Recently, the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve signed a memorandum of understanding with Oxalis Co., Ltd. of Quang Tri Province, Vietnam's leading developer of unique tourism products, particularly world-renowned cave expeditions and community-based tourism experiences.

Unlocking untapped potential

In 2025, Oxalis entered Dong Nai and established connections and cooperation with Cat Tien National Park. After conducting research and working with the national park and residents of Ta Lai ethnic village in Ta Lai Commune, adjacent to the national park, Oxalis developed three new tourism products, with 15 local residents participating in its offerings. Since May 2026, although the products have only recently been launched, revenue has been fairly good.

Building on its initial success at Cat Tien National Park, Oxalis has now signed a cooperation agreement with the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve. Explaining the company's decision to choose Dong Nai as its next destination for tourism development, Nguyen Chau A, General Director of Oxalis Adventures, said that during its 15-year journey, the company has built an international reputation through world-class tourism products, including expeditions to Son Doong Cave, the Phong Nha–Ke Bang cave system, and several successful community-based tourism villages in central Vietnam. "Now we hope to expand our model and share our experience with other localities," he said.

According to the city's 2026 Tourism Development Plan, Dong Nai is prioritizing three key tourism segments: eco-tourism and resort tourism; cultural and spiritual tourism; and agricultural and rural tourism, alongside supporting products designed to diversify visitor experiences and attract more tourists.

Oxalis is also exploring the development of guided forest patrol experiences that allow visitors to accompany forest rangers and learn about biodiversity conservation. The company believes such products could generate significant international media attention and serve as a foundation for developing additional groundbreaking experiences that would transform the reserve into a globally recognized destination.

"I hope to receive support from the city and relevant authorities as we work to create truly unique tourism products for Dong Nai," Nguyen Chau A said. "Based on these products, we can strengthen international promotion, attract overseas visitors and establish Dong Nai as a compelling tourism destination."

Truong Hoang Lam, representative of Lam Phan Company Limited in Ho Chi Minh City, which is exploring investment opportunities in eco-tourism, said the company specializes in developing five-star eco-friendly accommodation using sustainable construction materials and has successfully implemented similar projects in Khanh Hoa Province and Quy Nhon. According to Lam, Dong Nai's greatest advantage is its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, providing access to a vast tourism market. He believes the nature reserve holds exceptional potential as an eco-tourism destination and expressed his company's interest in providing premium accommodation services there.

Creating innovative tourism experiences

The Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve manages approximately 100,000 hectares, including more than 68,000 hectares of forest and over 32,500 hectares of Tri An Lake, together supporting extensive biodiversity ecosystems. The reserve is also home to three national historical and cultural heritage sites and two city-level heritage sites, including one archaeological site.

Deputy Director of the reserve Dinh Thi Lan Huong said the Dong Nai Party Committee and People's Committee are committed to developing the city into a green and sustainable tourism destination.

She said the partnership aims to create signature tourism products unique to Dong Nai, expressing hope that the cooperation between the reserve and Oxalis will produce memorable visitor experiences that become defining brands for the province's tourism industry.

The reserve has pledged to work closely with Oxalis throughout field surveys and product development in accordance with the memorandum of understanding, while also seeking continued support from city leaders and relevant departments during the planning and implementation process.

Expressing optimism that new tourism products will soon be introduced, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vu Xuan Truong praised the cooperation between Oxalis and both the reserve and Cat Tien National Park. He described the partnership as an important milestone in the development of Dong Nai's tourism industry.

Vu Xuan Truong reaffirmed that Dong Nai has identified green tourism, eco-tourism and heritage-based tourism as the foundation of its long-term tourism strategy, emphasizing that these are unique assets found only in Dong Nai. He expressed confidence that cooperation between the reserve and Oxalis would yield tangible results, enhance the value of the province's tourism resources, and help develop tourism into one of Dong Nai's key economic sectors, in line with the strategic direction set by the Standing Board of the Dong Nai Party Committee.

By Ngoc Lien – Translated by Mai Nga,Minho