When local specialties become a tourism experience

Local specialties that keep visitors coming back

In southern Viet Nam, about 200 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark covers a landscape shaped by volcanic activity and intense tropical weathering. The geopark's oldest geological formations date back to the Early-Middle Jurassic (200-163 million years ago), but it is the volcanic activity of the last 16.5 million years that defines the area's distinctive geomorphology. 

Alongside its system of geological heritage sites, the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark has also built a network of partners including various farm models, craft villages, production facilities, and community visitor sites. These locations are linked into tour routes to introduce additional signature products, living spaces, and local cultural values.

According to a 2026 status survey, many partner sites continue to operate stably and play an active role within the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark network. Among them, the panoramic views of Ta Dung Lake and Hoa Dat were assessed as sites that help promote the geopark's image while also adding experiential activities tied to the landscape and local products.

Through these partner sites, the geopark's network of experiences has expanded to include many different types of offerings. From farms and craft villages to sites showcasing local products, each model contributes additional options for visitors alongside the geological heritage sites and scenic landmarks within the geopark area.

The survey also found that some partner sites are facing operational difficulties. Hung Long Organic Farm has expressed a wish to withdraw from the network or temporarily suspend operations; Dak Gan Mango Garden has switched to a different fruit variety and is therefore not currently maintaining its experiential activities; the M'nong ethnic community's rattan and bamboo weaving village is struggling to sustain the traditional craft; and the Dam Sen site continues to face a number of challenges in landscape protection.

These changes were recorded by the survey team during its assessment of the partner network's current status. The findings also serve as a basis for specialized units to continue reviewing and evaluating the operational effectiveness of each site and to study options for adding suitable new models.

Continuing to refine the partner network

Based on the survey results, the Dak Nong Geopark Culture and Management Center has proposed continuing to review the entire partner network in order to assess the operational status of each site, while also studying the addition of promising new models to join the network in the near future.

Under the proposal, several models, including The Lake Hill Farm Ta Dung, Phuong Vang Eco Farm, and the Dang Tam Petrified Wood Museum, along with a number of other suitable experience sites, will be studied for inclusion in the partner network of the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark. This research into potential additions will be carried out in line with the geopark's development orientation and the results of the field survey.

Along with adding new sites, the Center has also proposed building a coordination and support mechanism to help partner sites maintain stable operations and fulfill their proper role within the geopark network. This includes strengthening coordination among the management authority, partner sites, and related units in organizing activities, introducing products, and linking experience sites together.

For sites currently facing difficulties or no longer meeting operating conditions, the review process will continue in order to assess their current status and consider appropriate courses of action. At the same time, new models with the potential to add further experiential products will be studied, gradually completing the partner network of the Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark.

Continuing to review, strengthen, and expand the partner network will not only help sustain currently effective sites but also create conditions for new models to join the geopark's system of experience sites. Through this process, the partner network will continue to be refined toward greater diversity in the types of offerings, in keeping with the practical conditions of each locality and the overall direction for promoting the values of the geopark region.