Sa Pa is revitalizing its tourism products through the organization of a series of events and festivals.

According to a report by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, in January 2026 alone, the province welcomed approximately 950,000 visitors, including nearly 140,000 international tourists, accounting for more than 14% of the total. This figure not only surpasses the same period in previous years but also demonstrates the increasingly clear attractiveness of Lao Cai on the international tourism map.

Sa Pa - the "locomotive" driving the acceleration of tourism in Lao Cai.

In that overall picture, Sa Pa continues to play the role of the "locomotive" of tourism in Lao Cai, recording over 345,000 visitors, accounting for approximately 36% of the total number of visitors to the entire province in the first month of the year.

In the early days of the year, Sa Pa seems to be adorned with a vibrant cloak of festivals, mist, clouds, and the colors of local culture. Located in the heart of Sa Pa ward, the cultural tourism space operated by the Community-Connecting Cultural Cooperative is becoming a familiar destination for tourists, especially international visitors. Although it only opened at the beginning of 2026, it already welcomes thousands of visitors every week for sightseeing and experiences.

Ms. Hoang Thi Vuong, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and General Director of the Cooperative, said: On weekends, this tourist destination can welcome 200-300 visitors per day, mostly foreign tourists who want to learn about the local culture.

Beyond just offering cultural experiences, Sa Pa continuously reinvents itself through a series of winter events and festivals coinciding with the New Year celebrations. Street art programs, traditional festivals, and the unique mountainous landscape have created a strong attraction, keeping tourists staying longer.

Fruit-growing regions attract tourists

Not only Sa Pa, but many other destinations in Lao Cai have also recorded a high increase in visitors since the beginning of the year. Bac Ha, Y Ty, Mu Cang Chai… are gradually asserting their position on the tourism map thanks to effectively exploiting their natural advantages and cultural identity.

From vibrant flowering seasons to sweet, ripe fruit seasons, many localities have been exploiting their natural advantages to develop unique seasonal tourism products. This approach not only creates appeal for tourism but also contributes to increasing the value of agricultural products and boosting income for local people.

In the early days of spring, the white plateau of Bac Ha is resplendent with the white blossoms of plum trees covering the hillsides. The sight of villages hidden in the mist, interspersed with the pristine white flowers, has left many tourists in awe.

In Y Tý, the early-year cloud-hunting season continues to be a major tourist attraction. The fluffy sea of clouds stretching across the mountain slopes, along with the simple lifestyle of the Hà Nhì people, creates a unique and captivating experience.

Meanwhile, Mu Cang Chai attracts tourists with tourism products associated with nature, terraced rice fields, and experiences of highland life.

A common trend is that localities are shifting strongly from seasonal tourism to year-round tourism development, from sightseeing to experiential tourism, thereby enhancing the value and competitiveness of their destinations.

The tourism industry aims for sustainable growth

The impressive results in the first month of 2026 are seen as a very positive sign for the tourism industry in Lao Cai after a period heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and natural disasters.

Mr. Tran Son Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, commented: "This is a very encouraging sign for the tourism industry right at the beginning of the new year. It shows that Lao Cai tourism has overcome the recovery phase and moved into a state of relatively stable and sustainable growth."

According to assessments by relevant authorities, this positive development reflects the correctness and timeliness of the implementation of the Resolution of the Provincial Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term and Project No. 10 on tourism development, which identifies tourism as one of the four economic pillars of the province.

With its current growth momentum, Lao Cai confidently aims to welcome approximately 11 million tourists in 2026, generating around 12,000 billion VND in tourism revenue, and striving for tourism to contribute about 20% of the province's GRDP by 2030.

The breakthrough achieved in early 2026 is not only the result of the tourism industry's own efforts but also the achievement of close coordination among departments, localities, businesses, and the community. With the right strategy and strong determination, Lao Cai's tourism is gradually asserting its role as a key economic sector, making a significant contribution to the province's rapid and sustainable development goals in the new phase.