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Sapa remains leading destination for in northern Vietnam

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.

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.

Sapa train booking - Traveling by train to Sapa remains one of the most popular and classic experiences in Vietnam. As Sapa is a mountain town, the train actually stops at Lao Cai Station, which is about 33–35 km away. You can book tickets online through Sapa Train Ticket or Vietnam Railways, an official partner.