Da Lat’s rapid urbanization rate in recent years

The population increase, large numbers of tourists, and boom of many housing projects in recent years has affected the highland city of Da Lat (Lam Dong province).

Panoramic view of Da Lat center. According to statistics, in 2020, the population of Da Lat was about 620,000 - 650,000, and the urbanization rate was 55-60%. It is estimated that by 2030, the urbanization rate will be 60-65%, and the population will reach about 700,000-750,000.

Da Lat has always been a hot tourist destination in Vietnam. The number of visitors to the city has increased year by year, from 1.32 million in 2006 to 5.5 million in 2022. Along with tourism development, urbanization in the city has accelerated.

Close-up of construction works on Hung Vuong Street in the city center.

The number of tourist accommodation establishments in Lam Dong Province rose from 538 in 2006 to 2,400 in 2022.

A multi-storey building is under construction in Ward 3 in Da Lat. Statistics show that by 2023, Lam Dong province has about 3,067 tourist accommodation establishments, mostly in Da Lat. A large number of homestay and housing projects have been implemented.

Many works are built on hills, hillside areas, or agricultural land.

A resort in Ward 4 in Da Lat put into operation recently.

Many construction works have been built recently (3/4 Street, Da Lat city).

A villa area is under construction in Ward 9.

According to statistics from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Lam Dong province, the urbanization rate in Lam Dong in general and Da Lat in particular is inversely proportional to the existing forest coverage. In 1997, the forest coverage of Lam Dong province reached 69%, which dropped to 51% in 2020. Particularly, the area of pine forest in the inner city fell from 350 hectares in 1997 to 150 hectares in 2018.

According to Prof. Dr. Bao Huy, an independent consultant from the Forest Environment and Natural Resources Management (FREM), Da Lat has unsecured and unsustainable infrastructure planning. The city has been "concreted" too quickly, disrupting planning, and changing the city structure, and leading to a deteriorating landscape.

For sustainable development, Da Lat needs a specific plan for urban infrastructure development. It must maintain the area of natural forest and improve the city's greenery, experts say.