Đà Lạt Approves 1.2 Trillion VND Cable Car Project to Langbiang Peak

## Provincial Authorities Green-Light Major Infrastructure Investment

The Lâm Đồng Provincial People's Committee officially approved a 1.2 trillion VND ($48 million USD) cable car project on February 5, connecting downtown Đà Lạt to Langbiang Mountain's summit, marking one of the city's largest tourism infrastructure investments in over a decade.

The 3.2-kilometer cable car system will feature a main station near Hồ Xuân Hương (Xuân Hương Lake) on Trần Quốc Toản Street and terminate at the 2,167-meter Langbiang peak, reducing travel time from the current 45-minute drive to just 12 minutes.

"This project represents a strategic development for Đà Lạt's tourism industry," said Trần Văn Hiệp, Vice Chairman of the Lâm Đồng Provincial People's Committee, during Thursday's approval ceremony. "We expect it to handle 1,500 passengers per hour while significantly reducing traffic congestion on the winding mountain roads."

## Construction Timeline and Environmental Concerns

The project, awarded to Sun Group—the company behind similar successful cable car systems in Sa Pa and Phú Quốc—is scheduled to break ground in May 2026, with completion targeted for late 2027.

Construction will include two intermediate stations: one near the Đà Lạt Flower Gardens and another at the base of Langbiang's hiking trails, allowing tourists to access various elevation points.

However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the project's impact on the Langbiang Biosphere Reserve. Nguyễn Thị Lan Anh, director of the Lâm Đồng Department of Natural Resources and Environment, acknowledged these concerns but emphasized strict oversight.

"We've mandated comprehensive environmental impact assessments at every construction phase," she stated. "The cable car route has been designed to minimize tree removal and avoid sensitive wildlife corridors."

## Economic Impact and Local Reactions

City officials project the cable car will attract an additional 500,000 tourists annually to Langbiang, currently one of Đà Lạt's most popular trekking destinations but often inaccessible to elderly visitors and families with young children.

Lê Minh Tuấn, owner of a coffee shop on Phan Bội Châu Street, expressed optimism: "More tourists visiting Langbiang means more people passing through downtown. This could be very good for local businesses."

The project includes provisions for 200 local jobs during construction and 80 permanent positions upon operation. Ticket prices have not been finalized but are expected to range from 250,000 to 350,000 VND for round trips.