Sa Pa in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai has become increasingly attractive to visitors in recent years, making it important for those who love the pristine beauty of the town to find a place where they can breathe in the fresh air, dive into the green jungle, gaze over the vast paddy fields and experience ethnic culture.
Topas Ecolodge in Ban Lich village has been named in the new list of Unique Lodges of the World (Photo: Nationalgeographic.com)
LaoCai (VNA) - Sa Pa in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai hasbecome increasingly attractive to visitors in recent years, making it importantfor those who love the pristine beauty of the town to find a place where theycan breathe in the fresh air, dive into the green jungle, gaze over the vastpaddy fields and experience ethnic culture.
National Geographic has the answer: Topas Ecolodge in Ban Lich village.
Naming the lodge in its new list of Unique Lodges of the World, the USpublisher says guests can “wake in the morning to the mist rising with the sun,and spend your days exploring the surrounding forests and ethnic villages, andyou’ll start to feel the pull of the hill tribes’ centuries-old lifestyle,native to these mountains and virtually untouched by the modern world.”
“The stilted common buildings at the heart of the lodge were sourced from anearby community of ethnic Tay people; and private guest bungalows swirl alongthe ridgeline, ensuring a spectacular view no matter which one you check into.”
Opened in 2005 on a mountaintop near Sa Pa town, Topas Ecolodge offers itsguests a rare experience of culture since there are five different ethnicgroups in the region with distinctive languages and lifestyles.
The resort is the first in Vietnam and the fifth in Asia to make the NationalGeographic list.-VNA
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently signed a decision recognising the resort town of Sa Pa in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai as a national tourism site.
Prime Minster Nguyen Xuan Phuc has stressed the need to preserve Sa Pa’s traditional culture, considering this the most important job during the transformation process.
Among the crowds of visitors in Sa Pa district in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai in the early days of 2018, many chose to stay at the homes of local ethnic minority people to experience the unique culture first-hand.
Muong Hoa, Vietnam’s longest mountain rail route developed by Sun Group, was opened on March 31, connecting Sa Pa Town and the existing cable station to Fansipan Peak.
The annual Sa Pa Summer Tourism Festival 2018, the third of its kind, kicked off at Sa Pa resort town, the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on April 28.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Topas Ecolodge in Ban Lich village has been named in the new list of Unique Lodges of the World (Photo: Nationalgeographic.com) 
