Sa Pa resort town recognised as national tourism site
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.
Foreigners prefer homestay tourism in Sa Pa (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuchas recently signed a decision recognising the resort town of Sa Pa in thenorthern mountainous province of Lao Cai as a national tourism site.
The PM assigned the Lao Cai provincial People’s Committee to coordinate withthe Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and relevant ministries and sectorsto organise a ceremony to announce the decision.
They were also urged to promote tourism in Sa Pa and submit to the PM aproposal on suitable policies and mechanisms to develop Sa Pa in a sustainable manner.
Located 350km northwest of Hanoi capital city, Sa Pa is 1,600m high above sealevel, with the average temperature of 15-18°C. The whole town is dominated bythe Hoang Lien Son mountain range which is famous with the Indochina’s highestmountain of Fansipan at a height of 3,142 m above sea level.
Discovered in 1903 by the French, Sa Pa has many natural scenic sites such asHam Rong Mountain, Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall), Cau May (Rattan Bridge), BambooForest and Ta Phin Cave. The hill town is home to six main ethnic minoritygroups, including Kinh, Hmong, Dao, Tay, Day and Xa Pho with varioustraditional festivals and unique cultural practices, especially the Bac Hamarket and Sa Pa love market.
According to statistics of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports andTourism, Lao Cai welcomed more than 1.1 million tourists in the first quarterof 2017, including nearly 230,000 foreigners, a year-on-year rise of 56.6percent.
It is striving to welcome more than 6 million tourists, and become a keytourism centre of the north western region by 2020.
The province hopes to welcome at least 3.1 million tourists in the NationalTourism Year 2017.-VNA
Bac Ha district in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai experienced a 200 percent surge year on year in number of tourists in the first five months of the year, according to Ta Cong Huy, Chairman of the local People’s Committee.
The Northwest Cuisine Festival opened in the northern province of Lao Cai on July 8, as part of the activities of the Lao Cai – Northwest National Tourism Year 2017.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on September 25 held a roadshow in Jakarta, aiming to introduce Vietnamese tourism products to Indonesians.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.