New Eco-Tourism Trail Opens at Langbiang Mountain, Promising Sustainable Highland Experience

## Trail Connects Visitors with Indigenous Heritage and Natural Beauty

A newly developed eco-tourism trail officially opened to visitors at Langbiang mountain this week, offering tourists an immersive experience through the highland's pristine forests while supporting local K'Ho ethnic communities.

The 8.5-kilometer trail, developed in partnership between Lâm Đồng Department of Tourism and the Langbiang Biosphere Reserve management board, winds through pine forests, streams, and traditional K'Ho villages on the eastern slope of the mountain.

"We designed this trail to minimize environmental impact while maximizing cultural exchange," said Nguyễn Thị Thanh Hương, director of the Lâm Đồng Tourism Development Center. "Visitors will experience authentic highland life, not a staged performance."

## Guided by Local Communities

Unlike the popular summit trek that attracts hundreds daily via jeep tours, this new route emphasizes slow travel and cultural immersion. Local K'Ho guides lead small groups of maximum 15 visitors, sharing traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, sustainable farming practices, and the spiritual significance of Langbiang to indigenous peoples.

Trần Văn Minh, a K'Ho guide from Lát village who participated in the trail development, explained: "For generations, these paths connected our villages. Now we can share our home with visitors who respect nature and want to learn our ways."

The trail passes through three traditional villages where tourists can observe coffee cultivation, traditional weaving, and sample local cuisine prepared by village families. Revenue from guide fees and homestays goes directly to participating households.

## Supporting Sustainable Tourism Goals

The project aligns with Đà Lạt's broader push toward sustainable tourism, following concerns about overtourism at popular sites like Xuân Hương Lake and the Valley of Love. City officials have emphasized quality over quantity in recent tourism development plans.

Bookings opened February 5th, with all weekend slots through March already filled. The trail operates year-round, though organizers recommend the dry season from November to April for optimal conditions.

Entry costs 350,000 VND per person, including guide services and traditional lunch. Half-day and full-day options are available, departing from the Langbiang tourist area on Lạc Dương road, approximately 12 kilometers north of Đà Lạt city center.

Tourists must book at least three days in advance through the official Langbiang Eco-Trail website or authorized agents on Trần Hưng Đạo street. The trail is closed during heavy rain for safety reasons.