Đức Trọng is a rural district (huyện) of Lâm Đồng province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. It is situated in the northern part of the province and shares borders with the districts of Di Linh to the east, Bảo Lâm to the south, and the province of Đắk Nông to the north and west.
Administrative division
The district capital is the township of Đức Tòng. Đức Trọng district is subdivided into a total of 17 commune-level units, including the township of Đức Tòng and 16 rural communes: Ban Nông, Đà Nẵng, Đạ M’ri, Đạ Tâm, Đạ Lây, Đạ K Nàng, Đạ K Bưng, Đạ Bông, Đạ Lâm, Đạ Pal, Đạ Nghịt, Đạ Rông, Đạ Đơ, Đạ Kôn, Đạ Hroi, and Đạ Nùng.
Geography and climate
Covering an area of approximately 979 km², the district lies on a plateau with an average elevation of 1,200 m above sea level. The climate is tropical monsoon with a distinct wet season (May to October) and dry season (November to April). Average annual temperatures range between 19 °C and 23 °C, and the district receives an average rainfall of about 2,400 mm per year.
Population
According to the 2021 census conducted by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, Đức Trọng district had a population of roughly 120,500 inhabitants. The population is ethnically diverse, comprising Kinh (the majority), as well as significant communities of the indigenous ethnic groups such as the M’nong, Ê Đê, and Nùng.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture and forestry. Key agricultural products include coffee (Vietnam’s main export commodity), tea, pepper, and various vegetables. The district also produces timber and non-timber forest products. Small‑scale livestock raising and aquaculture are practiced in low‑lying areas. In recent years, the provincial government has promoted eco‑tourism and agro‑tourism, leveraging the district’s temperate climate, pine‑forest scenery, and cultural festivals of ethnic minorities.
Infrastructure
National Highway 20 (QL20) passes through Đức Trọng, providing road connectivity to Đà Lạt, the provincial capital, located approximately 30 km to the southeast, and to Đạ Lợ in the north. The district is served by a network of provincial and district roads that link the commune centers. Basic public services, including primary and secondary schools, health stations, and communal facilities, are distributed across the township and communes.
Historical context
The area that now forms Đức Trọng district was historically part of the Đạ Huoai principality, a semi‑autonomous region under the Nguyễn dynasty. The modern administrative unit was officially established in 1975 following the reorganization of provincial boundaries after the reunification of Vietnam.
Cultural and natural attractions
- Đá Đen Waterfall: a scenic waterfall located in the commune of Đạ Rông.
- M’Nông cultural festivals: annual events showcasing traditional music, dance, and craftwork of the M’nong ethnic group.
- Pine forests: extensive coniferous plantations that contribute to the district’s reputation as a “green” area within the Central Highlands.
References
- General Statistics Office of Vietnam, “Population and Housing Census 2021”.
- Lâm Đồng Provincial People's Committee, “Statistical Yearbook of Lâm Đồng Province 2022”.
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, “Land Use and Forest Coverage Report, Central Highlands, 2020”.
