Cô Long at Happy Hill Overwhelmed by Crowds During Holiday Rush
A Local Icon Overwhelmed by Tourism Demand
The iconic 'Cô Long' at Happy Hill, a beloved café in Đà Lạt’s Tuyền Lâm Lake National Tourist Area, has found herself in the spotlight — and not just for her striking traditional attire. During the recent 30/4 and 1/5 holiday, the café became a magnet for visitors eager to meet and take photos with the café’s owner, Hoàng Kim Hương, affectionately known as 'Cô Long' by social media users.
The surge in visitors has been overwhelming. From as early as 7 a.m., long lines of tourists formed outside the café, many holding their phones ready to capture the moment. According to local visitor Lê Nhật Tú from Nha Trang, he arrived at Happy Hill on April 30 but left after waiting nearly three hours without getting a chance to meet 'Cô Long'.
“The crowd was too big, and everyone wanted to meet her. I didn’t know when my turn would come,” he said.
For many, the allure of 'Cô Long' lies not just in her costume, but in her warm and engaging personality. “Cô Long” is known for her natural charm and ability to connect with guests, a trait noted by visitor Minh Thư from Ho Chi Minh City, who traveled with her family specifically for the experience.
“I saw it online, but I didn’t realize it would be this crowded. My daughter loves her Hong Kong-style voice and insisted on waiting,” she shared.
The café, which typically sees 200 visitors on a regular day, was flooded with 300 to 400 guests on holiday days. To manage the demand, the café has divided the day into time slots, with each interaction kept short to accommodate more visitors.
“I used to be able to chat with each guest for longer, but now my time and energy are limited,” said 'Cô Long' herself, explaining the need to split her schedule.
While the café has become a must-visit for many, it also highlights the growing pressure on local businesses and the need for sustainable tourism practices in Đà Lạt. As the city continues to attract more visitors, the balance between preserving the charm of local spots and managing the influx of tourists remains a challenge for the community.