On the morning of 15/8, the Dak Lak Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism unveiled a durian tower check-in point at 10 March Square in Buon Ma Thuot ward. This unveiling is part of the Dak Lak Durian Festival, which runs from 15/8 to 2/9.

The structure measures approximately 16 m wide and 18 m tall. Its design draws inspiration from the "gui" basket, a familiar item in the daily lives and labor of ethnic communities in the Central Highlands. The upper section of the tower is shaped like a durian fruit, incorporating decorative elements characteristic of the Dak Lak region. Organizers anticipate the durian tower will become a major attraction for residents and tourists to visit and photograph throughout the festival.

Art performance at the durian tower on the morning of 15/8. Photo: Tin Nhan

The Dak Lak Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is also collaborating with specialized agencies to finalize documentation and procedures to propose a Vietnam Record for the "largest durian gui model in Vietnam". Design, aesthetic, and cultural requirements have been established to ensure the structure aligns with the festival's theme and the identity of the Central Highlands.

Organizers hope the 18-meter durian tower and the bid for a Vietnam Record will attract more tourists, simultaneously promoting the Dak Lak durian brand and Central Highlands culture.

The Dak Lak Durian Festival 2026 features 17 activities, taking place in Buon Ma Thuot ward, Krong Pac commune, and several durian-growing localities across the province. This marks the first time the festival has been organized at a provincial level, with numerous activities aimed at promoting local agricultural products and culture. This year's festival will also, for the first time, host an auction of 200 ha of standardized durian gardens in Krong Pac commune, creating new connections between agricultural production, trade, and tourism.

Tuan Anh