Lam Dong Enhances Halal-Friendly Tourism for Malaysian Travelers

In the misty highlands of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Lam Dong Province is making a strategic play to capture a slice of the booming global Halal tourism market. On November 6, 2025, local tourism leaders hosted a high-profile networking event in Da Lat, where Vietnamese and Malaysian operators signed memorandums of understanding to launch joint Halal-friendly tour packages. This initiative, building on a four-day delegation visit from Malaysia that began on November 5, underscores Lam Dong’s commitment to inclusive travel. With over 35,000 Malaysian visitors already flocking to the province in the first 10 months of 2025—accounting for 30% of all foreign arrivals—these partnerships promise to accelerate growth in a sector projected to reach $350 billion worldwide by 2030. As Vietnam’s tourism rebounds with 17.5 million international arrivals in 2024 and targets 25 million in 2025, Lam Dong’s focus on Halal offerings positions it as a frontrunner in Southeast Asia’s competitive landscape.

Related: How to Promote Halal Tourism in the Age of Overtourism?

Halal tourism, which caters to the needs of over 1.9 billion Muslims globally, goes beyond dietary restrictions to encompass prayer facilities, modest accommodations, and culturally sensitive experiences. For Lam Dong, renowned for Da Lat’s eternal spring climate, pine-clad hills, and vibrant flower farms, this means adapting its natural and cultural assets to appeal to family-oriented travelers from Malaysia—a market where outbound tourism hit 26 million trips in 2025. The event drew over 20 Malaysian delegates, including experts from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), who toured sites like Datala Waterfall, Po Sah Inu Tower, and the Ancient Fishing Village Fish Sauce Museum in Phan Thiet. These inspections highlighted opportunities for Halal-certified adaptations, from prayer-equipped eco-resorts to communal Iftar meals amid lavender fields.

Nguyen Van Loc, Director of Lam Dong’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, described the gathering as a “practical step to transform potential into concrete cooperation.” He emphasized Malaysia’s leadership in Halal tourism, where the country has topped the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for a decade, scoring 79 in the 2025 edition for its seamless integration of faith-friendly services. MATTA Chairman Fathir Badri Alhadad echoed this, calling the platform “invaluable for sparking new ideas and deepening ties.” The result? Six companies—three from each side—committed to co-developing tours, such as highland adventures blending coffee plantation visits with modesty-respecting cultural immersions, targeting families who spend an average of $1,200 per trip.

This move aligns seamlessly with Vietnam’s national Halal industry roadmap, approved in February 2023 by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The strategy aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem by 2030, encompassing certified products in food, cosmetics, and tourism, with projections of adding $1 billion to GDP. In 2024, the Vietnam Halal Certification Authority (HALCERT) was established to standardize labels, ensuring everything from fish sauce to spa treatments meets Sharia guidelines. Lam Dong’s efforts complement broader national pushes: Hanoi is creating Muslim-friendly zones in its Old Quarter by 2030, while Da Nang promotes Halal services to markets like Indonesia and the Middle East. Yet, Lam Dong stands out with its rural authenticity—think serene cable car rides over misty valleys or K’Ho ethnic homestays adapted for prayer times—offering a tranquil escape from urban hustle.

Related: Halal Tourism – A Growing Trend in the Global Travel Industry

Why Malaysia? Untapped Potential in ASEAN Ties

Malaysia isn’t just any market; it’s a natural fit for Lam Dong’s ambitions. Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Da Lat take under two hours, and visa-free travel within ASEAN eases logistics. With 60% of its 33 million population Muslim, Malaysia’s outbound travelers—projected at 26 million in 2025—seek destinations blending novelty with familiarity. Lam Dong’s cool climate contrasts Malaysia’s tropical warmth, drawing families to sites like Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park for eco-hikes that respect fasting schedules.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Malaysian arrivals in Lam Dong have risen steadily since 2023, hitting 35,000 by October 2025—a 30% share of foreign visitors. Nationally, Vietnam welcomed 650,000 visitors from Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia and India in Hanoi’s first five months of 2025 alone, up 15% year-over-year. These travelers spend 20% more and stay longer when accommodations feel inclusive, per experts like Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Ha of Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism. For Malaysians, a week in Da Lat could cost $800 per family—half of Bali’s rate—without faith compromises, making it an attractive alternative.

Shared ASEAN heritage amplifies the appeal. Vietnamese ethnic diversity mirrors Malaysia’s multicultural fabric, enabling exchanges like silk-weaving workshops that honor modesty or joint festivals fusing Tet with Hari Raya. Airlines like AirAsia are expanding routes, further bridging the gap. As bilateral ties strengthen—marked by General Secretary To Lam’s 2024 visit elevating relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—these tourism deals could boost trade in Halal exports too.

Related: Why Malaysia is the Gold Standard in Halal Tourism

Turning vision into reality requires more than signatures; it demands on-the-ground changes. Lam Dong is retrofitting hotels like Ana Mandara Villas with ablution stations, Qurans, and HALCERT-approved menus, while night markets swap pork for lamb kebabs. Over 500 hospitality workers have completed sensitivity training, covering greetings like “Assalamualaikum” and scheduling around prayer times. Spas now offer women-only sessions with Halal-certified oils, ensuring privacy and comfort.

These investments build trust, crucial in a market where one mishap—like cross-contamination—can spread via social media. Early adopters report positive feedback: Malaysian families praise Da Lat’s “serene vibe” on platforms like TripAdvisor. Economically, tourism drives 15% of Lam Dong’s GDP; these deals could add 2,000 jobs by 2027, from Bahasa Melayu-speaking guides to Halal chefs, while preserving sites like Bidoup-Nui Ba through low-impact eco-tours.

Challenges persist. Vietnam’s 200 certified eateries pale against Malaysia’s 10,000, and rural supply chains need bolstering for items like dates. Weather disruptions, like Da Lat’s fog, pose risks, but expanded flights mitigate them. Still, with Vietnam’s 8% GDP growth forecast for 2025, the momentum is strong.

A Sustainable Future for Halal Horizons

By 2030, Lam Dong eyes 100,000 annual Malaysian visitors, evolving into a Halal hub with 40-45 million total arrivals nationwide. This fits a regional surge: Indonesia targets 20 million Muslim tourists, Thailand certifies 500 Halal spots yearly. For travelers, it means effortless adventures—prayer mats in lakeside villas, faith-aligned hikes—fostering cultural bonds.

Lam Dong’s Halal pivot isn’t chasing trends; it’s crafting invitations. In a world of 2.2 billion Muslims by 2030, destinations that prioritize inclusivity win loyalty and growth. As partnerships deepen, the province’s highlands beckon, proving travel thrives when every detail welcomes all.