In a bold move to redefine its economic landscape, Gia Lai province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands has announced a sweeping plan to transform over 6,300 hectares of land into a national-level resort and eco-tourism destination. Centered on the scenic Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya area, this project is poised to become a new emblem of tourism for the region, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. With a vision extending to 2050, provincial leaders are betting on tourism as a cornerstone of economic growth, alongside agriculture and processing industries.
A Vision for Transformation
The Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya tourism complex, recently approved by Gia Lai’s provincial authorities, spans Bien Ho commune and Thong Nhat ward, nestled among the Chu Man mountain range and key transport arteries like National Highway 14. This strategic location offers connectivity to broader regional routes, positioning the area as a potential hub for both domestic and international visitors. The project is divided into five distinct zones: a spiritual-cultural tourism area at Bien Ho, a service urban zone at Chu Dang Ya, a tea tourism area, a northern gateway urban area in Pleiku, and an ecological urban zone at Bien Ho A.
Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Pham Anh Tuan, described the initiative as a strategic endeavor during a recent public address on Sunday. He emphasized its potential to elevate Gia Lai’s profile on Vietnam’s tourism map. The planning phase alone carries a price tag of over VND6.44 billion (approximately US$244,620), with more than VND3.1 billion allocated for detailed planning and VND1.3 billion for concept design competitions. Authorities aim to complete this phase by October 2025, after which they will focus on attracting investors and rolling out development. 
Natural and Cultural Riches as Economic Engines
Bien Ho, often dubbed the“Gia Lai’s Emerald Gem” is a vast lake surrounded by rich biodiversity, making it a natural draw for tourists. Nearby, Chu Dang Ya, an extinct volcano, captivates visitors with its seasonal wild sunflowers, which bloom in November and hold deep cultural significance for the local Jrai and Ba Na ethnic communities. This natural splendor is complemented by the Central Highlands’ renowned gong culture, a UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage, which adds a unique dimension to the region’s appeal.
The fusion of these elements—stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural traditions—gives the Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya project a competitive edge, with the potential to attract international attention. Beyond its aesthetic and cultural value, the project is seen as a catalyst for economic restructuring in Gia Lai. Tourism is being positioned as a leading sector, expected to generate sustainable income and create job opportunities for local communities. The scale of the project, combined with its long-term vision, underscores its ambition to become a landmark on Vietnam’s tourism landscape.
Challenges of Sustainable Development
Despite its promise, the Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya area faces significant hurdles that could temper its success. Provincial leaders have acknowledged limitations in transportation infrastructure, which could hinder accessibility for tourists. Additionally, unstable water resources in the northern and northeastern zones pose risks to the local ecosystem, a concern that could intensify with large-scale development. These challenges highlight the delicate balance Gia Lai must strike between economic ambition and environmental preservation.
To address these issues, Tuan stressed the importance of integrating technical solutions and environmental protection measures into the planning process. Water resource management will be a priority to prevent unchecked development from damaging the region’s natural assets. The provincial leadership is keenly aware that sustainable development is not just a buzzword but a necessity for the project’s long-term viability. Without careful stewardship, the very features that make Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya attractive—its pristine lake and biodiversity—could be jeopardized.
Regional Connectivity as a Key to Success
For the project to realize its full potential, Gia Lai cannot operate in isolation. Tuan emphasized the need for regional connectivity, linking Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya with other destinations across the Central Highlands and central Vietnam. This approach aims to create a diverse tourism product chain, encouraging visitors to extend their stays and increase spending in the region. By integrating with nearby attractions, Gia Lai hopes to craft a cohesive travel experience that showcases the breadth of Vietnam’s cultural and natural offerings.
This connectivity strategy also aligns with broader national goals to position Vietnam as a premier tourism destination in Southeast Asia. Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya is not merely a local project but a resource of national significance, according to Tuan. As such, its planning is being conducted with meticulous research to ensure harmony between conserving the area’s landscape and heritage and driving economic growth through tourism. The involvement of capable investors will be crucial to translating this vision into reality, with the province actively seeking partnerships to fund and execute the development.
Economic and Social Impacts
The Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya project carries far-reaching implications for Gia Lai’s economy and social fabric. By enhancing the province’s brand, it could serve as a magnet for international visitors, drawing attention to a region often overshadowed by Vietnam’s coastal and urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. The influx of tourists is expected to stimulate local businesses, from hospitality to handicrafts, providing a much-needed boost to the regional economy.
Equally important is the potential for job creation. As the project progresses, it is likely to generate employment opportunities in construction, tourism services, and cultural preservation initiatives. For local communities, particularly the Jrai and Ba Na ethnic groups, this could mean greater economic inclusion and a platform to showcase their traditions to a global audience. However, the benefits must be balanced against the risk of cultural commodification, ensuring that heritage is respected rather than exploited for commercial gain.
A New Chapter for the Central Highlands
As the Central Highlands seeks new drivers for development, the Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya tourism complex represents a pivotal step for Gia Lai. It is an opportunity to leverage the region’s natural and cultural resources, transforming them into tangible economic value while asserting Gia Lai’s position on both domestic and international tourism maps. The project’s success will depend on careful planning, robust environmental safeguards, and strategic partnerships that prioritize sustainability over short-term gains.
With its vast scale and ambitious timeline, the initiative is a testament to Vietnam’s growing focus on eco-tourism as a pathway to economic diversification. As Gia Lai moves forward with this transformative project, the eyes of the nation—and potentially the world—will be on Bien Ho-Chu Dang Ya, watching to see if it can indeed become the new symbol of the Central Highlands. The road ahead is long, but the potential rewards are immense, promising a future where nature, culture, and economy converge in harmony.
