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Pedal boating within the protected area of Xuan Huong Lake (Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province) has been a activity since before the 1990s. For over 30 years, this service has provided a healthy recreational activity on the lake's surface, creating a beautiful and lively scene in the area, and is loved and participated in by tourists.
The Da Lat Center for Investment Management and Exploitation of Irrigation Works (the unit managing and exploiting the surface water of Xuan Huong Lake) stated that currently, there are 3 organizations/individuals operating Pedalo boats within the 38-hectare surface area of Xuan Huong Lake: the Lam Dong Tourism Joint Stock Company Branch (Thuy Ta Restaurant); Da Lat Urban Services Joint Stock Company; and the business owner Nguyen Tran Anh Duy, with a total of 95 Pedalo boats and 3 rescue canoes. This operation has always ensured the safety of tourists, irrigation works, and the surrounding environment.
Pedalo (pedal boat) riding, a scenic and relaxing activity around Xuan Huong Lake, an iconic tourist attraction in Da Lat, has been around for the past 30 years.
According to the Da Lat City People's Committee, despite operating for over 30 years, water-based businesses on the city's lakes have not been licensed as required by the Water Resources Law. Therefore, the city has requested the Da Lat Water Resources Investment and Exploitation Management Center to terminate contracts and cease operations of boat and pedal boat services on Xuan Huong Lake and Da Thien 3 Lake.
A representative from the Da Lat Center for Investment Management and Exploitation of Irrigation Works stated that they have worked with the businesses operating at the two lakes. "Water-based recreational activities require permits to ensure safety, aesthetics, and to complete the necessary procedures in accordance with the law," the representative said.
For over 30 years, this service has provided wholesome recreational activities on the lake's surface, creating a beautiful and vibrant scene in the area.
Currently, Ho Xuan Huong Lake has two companies and one household operating pedal boats on 38 hectares of water surface with 95 pedal boats and 3 rescue boats. Ho Da Thien 3 Lake has 50 pedal boats operating on nearly 15 hectares of water surface, 15 SUP boats, 10 kayaks and 3 rescue boats.
According to the Law on Irrigation, this activity requires a license.
The Management Center stated that water-based business services have always ensured safety for tourists, irrigation works, and the surrounding environment. To continue operations, the units have submitted applications to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, but have not yet been granted operating licenses.
During this unspecified period of suspension, nearly 100 pelado (duck boats) operating in Da Lat are forced to remain docked, awaiting permits. Many tourists have expressed regret at not being able to experience this popular activity.
