Hanoi partners with northwestern province to attract international travelers

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has strengthened its tourism ties with Lai Chau Province in a bid to attract more international travelers to Vietnam’s northwestern region. 

Between November 11 and 14, the Hanoi Department of Tourism led a famtrip delegation to Lai Chau to explore collaboration opportunities and diversify tourism offerings between the two localities to connect the capital’s vibrant culture with the pristine landscapes and ethnic heritage of the northwestern highlands.

The delegation, including representatives from Hanoi’s top travel businesses and tour operators, visited several of Lai Chau’s standout attractions. Among them were the Rong May Glass Bridge Tourist Area, the scenic Sin Suoi Ho Eco-Village and the Pu Sam Cap Cave, each reflecting the province’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Luong Duy Doanh, Director of Five Star Travel Co., Ltd., highlighted the significance of the trip for Hanoi-based tourism enterprises. “Businesses gain a solid foundation for connecting and cooperating with local service providers, tourism sites and communities in Lai Chau, paving the way for new tour products that invite international visitors to explore this culturally rich and scenic land in Vietnam’s northwest,” he said.

The partnership marks a step forward in linking Hanoi’s tourism potential with that of the northwestern provinces, aiming to offer foreign travelers a more diverse and immersive experience of Vietnam.

Echoing this sentiment, Tran Van Cong, Deputy Director of Lai Chau’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighted the province’s tourism potential. “As a mountainous region in the northwest, Lai Chau is blessed with diverse natural resources and landscapes that appeal to visitors,” he said.

Since the start of the year, Lai Chau has welcomed over 1.24 million tourists, including more than 22,000 international travelers, generating VND1 trillion (US$43 million) in revenue, a 19% increase from the same period in 2024.

With such growth, the province aims to attract even more visitors by year-end, boosting both regional and national tourism.

“Our cooperation with Hanoi will be a key driver for developing more high-quality tourism products,” Cong added.

Nestled in the majestic Northwest mountains, Lai Chau Province, about 380 kilometers from Hanoi, is one of Vietnam’s most enchanting yet lesser-known destinations. With breathtaking landscapes, cool mountain air and rich ethnic cultures, Lai Chau appeals to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Travelers can admire the dramatic curves of O Quy Ho Pass, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain routes, or challenge themselves to climb Pu Ta Leng Peak, the country’s third-highest summit, for panoramic views above the clouds. The serene Sin Ho Plateau, often called the “second Sapa,” offers authentic ethnic markets, traditional stilt houses and the vibrant rhythms of highland life. The Nam Na River and Ta Tong Hydroelectric Dam provide ideal settings for eco-tourism and photography.