Sa Pa ward in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai is planning to maximise its potential and advantages, with the goal of transforming itself into a green, sustainable, and smart tourism city worthy of its status as the core of the Sa Pa National Tourism Area and a destination of international stature.

The Muong Hoa mountain train enhances green tourism experiences for visitors to Sa Pa.

Established after the mergence of six central wards of Sa Pa township, Sa Pa ward lies at the heart of the national tourism area.

Speaking at the ward’s first Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term on August 11, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Lao Cai People’s Committee Nguyen Huy Tuan underscored the importance of sustainable, smart tourism development in harmony with the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural heritage and natural landscapes.

He also requested Sa Pa to step up administrative reforms, the building of e-administration and smart urban systems, placing residents and businesses at the centre of services, and enhancing administration–citizen interactions through digital platforms.

The ward has set ambitious targets, including raising annual state budget revenue to 3.5 trillion VND (133.3 million USD) by 2030, increasing per capita income to 150 million VND, welcoming 12.2 million visitors, generating over 57 trillion VND in tourism and service revenues, and reducing the poverty rate to 2.8%.

Suoi Tien's 30-year journey to becoming Vietnam's iconic cultural tourist destination

Suoi Tien, a 105-hectare cultural theme park in Vietnam, originally a 6,600 sq.m python farm, has evolved into a popular destination for Vietnamese children and a symbol of the country's entertainment industry.

Bai Dinh Pagoda named outstanding destination with green-tick honour by TripAdvisor

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the only in the list to be granted the green-tick status, indicating the site's remarkable credibility among international visitors.

 

Hanoi's double-decker train to debut on August 19

The 10-car train features five themed passenger coaches inspired by Hanoi’s historic gates, including O Quan Chuong, O Cau Den, O Dong Mac, O Cau Giay and O Cho Dua.

 

Vietnam grants 45-day visa waivers to citizens from 12 countries

Citizens from 12 countries will be granted visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days in Vietnam for tourism purposes, regardless of their passport types.

Hanoi National Day pageant becomes tourism magnet

Booking of tours to Hanoi has increased by 40% in the south for the National Day military pageant on Sept. 2 to mark 80 years of independence.

Viet Nam among top Asian destinations with highest return rates of international tourists

According to booking data from the digital travel platform Agoda, Viet Nam has risen to third place among the top five Asian countries with the highest return rates of international tourists, ranking behind only Japan and Thailand. Notably, Da Nang has, for the first time, made it into the top 10 Asian cities with the highest rate of returning visitors.