Lao Cai sets ambitious goal for tourism in 2026
In January 2026 alone, Lao Cai province is estimated
to have welcomed over 951,000 tourists, reaching 8.43%
of the annual plan. This result demonstrates the strong
appeal of tourism in Lao Cai, especially in the
international market -
Sapa train booking
Lao Cai, with its experiential tourism, ecotourism, and
cultural tourism products linked to the unique
identities of its ethnic groups, continues to be a
highlight, attracting the attention of a large number of
tourists.
Located right in the heart of Sa Pa ward, this tourist
destination, run by a community-connected cultural
cooperative, is a popular meeting point for many foreign
tourists whenever they visit. Although it only opened at
the beginning of 2026, it welcomes thousands of visitors
each week who come to explore, experience, and use its
services.
Ms. Hoang Thi Vuong, General Director of the Community
Connection Cultural Cooperative, said that building
cultural tourism products associated with the identity
of ethnic minorities has created a great attraction for
tourists.
"This space is a miniature Sapa, showcasing the cultural
life of the Mong, Dao, Tay, and Xa Pho ethnic groups. We
invite artisans to perform for tourists. After a short
time, visitors want to come and interact and explore.
Every weekend, we have 200-300 visitors". Vuong said.
In the overall tourism landscape of Lao Cai, Sa Pa
continues to be the brightest spot with over 345,000
visitors, accounting for approximately 36% of the
province's total. A series of tourism events organized
by the local authorities, with the highlight being the
winter festivals associated with the New Year
celebrations, attracted hundreds of thousands of
domestic and international tourists.
According to To Ngoc Lien, Chairman of Sa Pa Ward, the
locality is focusing on improving transportation and
tourism infrastructure, and strengthening links with
satellite communes to diversify tourism products.
Lien said: "We divided the areas into zones such as:
areas needing urban development and infrastructure,
areas needing preservation, and areas for developing
homestays with high standards. We also delineated areas
that need preservation, areas for tourism development,
and areas for homestay development to create a connected
and integrated area".
Along with Sa Pa, neighbouring destinations such as Mu
Cang Chai,
Y Ty, and Bac Ha have also recorded a high
increase in visitor numbers. From the vibrant flower
seasons to the sweet fruit ripening seasons, these
localities are effectively exploiting their natural
advantages to develop tourism. In Bac Ha, the plum
blossoms covering the hillsides have left many tourists
amazed and delighted.
A tourist from Hanoi, said: "I think this is a gift from
nature to the people in this mountainous region,
enabling them to develop their economy and change their
lives."
Sa Pa continues to be the biggest highlight with over
345,000 visitors, accounting for approximately 36% of
the total number of visitors in the province.
Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and
Tourism of Lao Cai province, said that with positive
signs from the beginning of the year, Lao Cai has high
expectations for a breakthrough year in tourism.
"With the efforts of the tourism industry, the business
community, and the localities, we are confident and
hopeful that the above goals will be realized by 2026,"
Binh said.
In 2026, Lao Cai aims to welcome over 11 million
tourists, including 1.5 million international visitors,
with total tourism revenue reaching 51,000 billion VND.
The positive signs in the first month of the year are
further boosting confidence for Lao Cai's tourism
sector, paving the way for a successful and sustainable
year of development.
Source:
Lao Cai sets ambitious goal for tourism in 2026
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