LIEN KHUONG AIRPORT TEMPORARILY CLOSED AND THE BEST TIME TO EXPLORE DALAT
The temporary closure of Lien Khuong Airport from March to September 2026 is not only important news for Lam Dong provinces tourism industry, but also a top concern for tourists who have fallen in love with Dalat. This inconvenience may cause some difficulties in travel planning, but it opens up a new opportunity for an interesting journey: slowing down, staying longer, and experiencing Dalat in the most complete and profound way.
Why is Lien Khuong Airport temporarily closed?
Located approximately 30km from the center of Dalat city, Lien Khuong Airport is the main air gateway to Dalat and the Central Highlands region. With the rapid development of tourism attracting a large number of visitors from all over the country and internationally, the infrastructure here has begun to show signs of deterioration, especially the runways and taxiway.
Therefore, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), in coordination with the People’s Committee of Lam Dong province, has officially temporarily suspended operations at Lien Khuong Airport for repairs and upgrades from March 4th to August 25th, 2026, to ensure safety and improve service quality in the long term.
Photo: Collected
The airport upgrade and repair items include: expanding the runway, upgrading the synchronized infrastructure system, improving the capacity to serve larger aircraft, and increasing service capacity in the coming years.
The news that the airport will temporarily cease operations has caused regret among many travel enthusiasts and Dalat lovers, while also creating a perfect reason to plan a more complete Dalat experience before the airport doors close.
Slow Journey – Enjoy the Inner Peace of Dalat
Dalat attracts tourists with its cool weather year-round and distinctive natural landscapes; however, many tourists get caught up in a packed “check-in” schedule and miss out on slower, more profound experiences.
Breathe in the fresh, cool air: Dalat from the end of December to the beginning of March is the most beautiful time of year with warm golden sunshine and slightly cool temperatures. This is also the ideal time for cloud hunting or camping in the pine forests. Try reconnecting with Dalat’s nature, taking deep breaths of the fresh air mixed with the scent of mist and pine wood, and you will feel refreshed from within.
Walking around Xuan Huong Lake and Dalat Market in the early morning: Sipping a warm cup of coffee or soy milk in Hoa Binh area, warming your cold hands by the crackling wood-fired stove of a breakfast stall in Dalat Market, strolling along Xuan Huong Lake admiring the clear, calm water, or sitting silently watching the slow-moving crowds in warm coats and scarves – these simple activities have a unique charm that can only be experienced in Dalat.
Photo: Collected
Exploring peaceful slopes and alleys: With its hilly and valley terrain, Dalat is famous for its towering slopes and unusually winding alleys that challenge novice drivers. However, these slopes contain the most poetic and peaceful beauty of Dalat – a place where “just point your camera and you’ll get a beautiful photo.” The winding stone paths or small garden lanes at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat are a prime example. Try taking a stroll in the early morning to appreciate the beauty and charm in the simplest things.
Photo: Collected
Reflection with the sunset: In the late afternoons, as the sun begins to set, the city transforms from yellow to red, gradually deepening into a dark, hazy night. This is also the time when our thoughts begin to settle. You can pause briefly at the steps of the French villa on the pine-covered hill, carefully observe the transformation of nature, to gain a deeper understanding of life and stabilize your current mood, preparing for the good things that await you in the future.
Enjoy local cuisine: from dishes like mini rice pancake, steamed thin rice pancake with chicken and giblets, grilled pork sausage, avocado ice cream, and chicken hot pot with basil leaves, which have become specialties of Dalat, try more familiar dishes like Quảng style noodles, vermicelli and sour crab soup, and beef noodle soup seasoned in the unique way of the locals. They will surely bring a new and explosive culinary experience.
A slow journey to deeply feel Dalat – the experience time seemingly slowing down amidst the thin morning mist, the winding slopes, the trails through the deep green pine forests, and the gentle pace of life, allowing you to listen to yourself. In Dalat, every warm cup of coffee, every breezy afternoon, or every stroll through the mountain town becomes a memorable moment. This place is not just a destination, but an emotion that lingers in the heart.
Prepare a relaxed mindset, booking your flight to Dalat today to admire the entire journey from above and savor every moment of Dalat at your leisure.