Sa Pa: Developing tourism into a key economic sector

Lao Cai is developing tourism into a spearhead and breakthrough economic sector, gradually becoming a key economic sector and a driving force for socio-economic development. In particular, priority is given to developing the Sa Pa National Tourist Area to international standards.

In 2024, tourism activities in Sa Pa town had positive developments. Tourism promotion and advertising were increasingly in-depth, effectively exploiting the cultural values and potential strengths of Sa Pa. This made an impression on delegates, people and domestic and international tourists by successfully organizing many large-scale events, attracting a large number of tourists. The number of visitors to Sa Pa reached 4.6 million (100% of the plan, increasing 22.3% compared to that of 2023). Total revenue from tourists was 15,500 billion VND (100% of the assigned plan, increasing 2,793 billion VND compared to that of 2023). Sa Pa has entered the Top 10 most popular destinations in the world in 2024 (Travellers' Choice Best of the Best) voted by the world's leading online travel platform Tripadvisor; Sun World Fansipan Legend tourist area continued to be voted as "the world's leading natural scenic tourist destination - 2024" by World Travel Awards.


Sa Pa was in the Top 10 most popular destinations in the world in 2024.

The work of calling for and attracting investment has been effectively implemented, especially prioritizing investment in hotel projects of 4 stars or higher and high-quality entertainment and recreation projects, green resorts, etc. Up to now, there have been 14 investment projects in the tourism service sector with a total investment of 12,250 billion VND. The province launched a high-end entertainment and recreation product, the Alpine Coaster mountain toboggan system at the high-end resort of Ban Moong, Cau May ward.

Tourism infrastructure has been invested in, with the traffic system connecting routes and tourist spots has been invested in, namely upgrading DH 92 road to Cat Cat; expanding connecting roads, walking routes for tourists from Lao Chai to Ta Van; high-quality amusement park and park projects such as Muong Hoa Cultural Park have been completed.

State management of tourism has been strengthened, digital transformation in the tourism sector has received special attention. Establishments are requested to commit and list the implementation of the "5 none" message. The Sa Pa Tour tourism app is put into use, integrating information on accommodation, dining, shopping and sightseeing services, entertainment services in the area. Training of tour guides has been enhanced by organizing 5 training courses to improve knowledge and skills for 350 laborers who need to be granted tour guide cards at the destination. The State timely proposed a plan to restore tourism after the impact of the storm no. 3 with key tasks including: Restoring infrastructure and facilities for tourism; building and developing attractive tourism products and services; building a destination image communication strategy with the close support of the Provincial Tourism Association and tourism - service establishments and media units.


Sa Pa town welcomes nearly 1.7 million visitors in the first 3 months of 2025.

Commercial and service businesses have increased sharply to meet the needs of people and tourists. Investment has been made to upgrade and expand Sa Pa market to reach 4.0 era, and Sa Pa Night Sales Point has been put into operation. There are currently 1,300 tourism and service businesses in the area, of which, 842 are accommodation establishments, 314 are food and beverage establishments, 27 are passenger transport units, 16 are international and domestic travel agencies, and 14 are tourist attractions. Up to now, 900 hotels and motels, more than 60 restaurants, 70 OCOP products, 5 banks and Sa Pa's tourist attractions have been updated on the App integrated with the Website https://sapa-tour.vn.

In particular, the locality focuses on surveying, upgrading and repairing key routes connecting tourism, assessing the safety level and physical conditions of accommodation establishments, homestays, food and beverage services, gifts, announcing safe points and fixing unsatisfactory establishments. In addition, they invest, complete and put into operation tourism products such as "Dao - Ta Phin Cultural Heritage Road", "Giay Cultural Heritage", Sa Pa Ethnic Cultural Space at the Ethnic Cultural Park, Sa Pa Ancient Stone Carving Area.

Tourism promotion activities are promoted with many new and unique activities, making the number of tourists increased compared to the same period (up 17.3%). Tourism recovers quickly after natural disasters. Non-state budget revenue increases sharply, reaching 130.4% of the plan.

In 2025 and the following years, the mission of building and developing Sa Pa town is very formidable, but with new faith and new aspirations, the Party Committee, the government and people of all ethnic groups in Sa Pa continue to promote the revolutionary tradition, uphold the spirit of solidarity, unity of will and action, maintaining full faith, and focusing on successfully organizing and implementing key political tasks. It is the duty to develop Sa Pa town progressively, becoming worthy of being a national tourist area of international stature.

Nguyen Quang

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