The "golden" route of tourism in Lao Cai.

The heartwarming bonfires in Muong Lo, the healing hot springs in Tram Tau, and the stairways to heaven in Mu Cang Chai are converging to form a "golden" tourism route in Lao Cai province, creating a diverse experiential ecosystem with green and sustainable tourism.

Land of white rice and clear water

The first stop on the journey connecting the three main heritage regions is the old Nghia Lo town - the heart of the vast Muong Lo plain, the second largest in Northwest Vietnam. While Mu Cang Chai captivates with its visual appeal, the Muong Lo region conquers visitors with its cultural diversity.

When visiting Muong Lo, tourists cannot fail to mention the Thai Xoe dance – an intangible cultural heritage of humanity recognized by UNESCO. Amidst the festive atmosphere, the sounds of drums and flutes resound, and the dance circles expand, connecting strangers and making them feel like brothers and sisters in one family.

The vibrancy of the Muong Lo region lies in its community-based tourism villages with traditional stilt houses, where visitors can enjoy dishes like Thia stream fish, five-colored sticky rice, and smoked meat. In addition, the Muong Lo market is a hub for highland products, from exquisite brocade fabrics to unique local dishes.

The "Sparkling Circle Dance" competition in 2026 attracted many tourists.

During the April 30th and May 1st holidays, the opening event of a series of unique cultural activities is the "Sparkling Xoe Dance" competition in 2026, jointly organized by the People's Committees of Nghia Lo, Trung Tam, Cau Thia wards and Lien Son commune, taking place from April 28th to 30th, 2026. With 8 Xoe dance teams from various localities, and the participation of numerous artisans and amateur performers, the competition will offer visitors spectacular performances, harmoniously blending tradition and creativity, vividly recreating the cultural life of the Thai people in the Muong Lo region.

Tourists experience the authentic culture of the Muong Lo region.

With meticulous preparation and enthusiastic training, the "Sparkling Circle Dance" competition in 2026 created a unique cultural space, rich in national identity, contributing to the continued preservation and promotion of the sustainable value of Thai Xoe dance art in community life.

Mr. Dinh Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Nghia Lo Ward People's Committee, said: "The competition is a strategic step to 'transform heritage into assets.' This is not only a cultural playground but also a key tourism product to attract visitors during major holidays. We hope to develop the Muong Lo region so that tourists can experience the most authentic local culture directly from the local people; stimulating community tourism and bringing it closer to tourists."

The love song of stone and water

Leaving Nghia Lo, the winding road took us about 30 kilometers uphill to Hanh Phuc – formerly a remote, highland commune that was once a "blank spot" on the tourism map. But in recent years, it has become an attractive destination for those who love unspoiled nature.

Tourists soak in the open-air hot springs.

The highlight that defines the brand of Tram Tau (formerly), now Hanh Phuc commune, is its wonderful natural hot springs. Amidst the cool mountain air, soaking in the open-air hot springs while gazing out at the lush green terraced rice fields or the mist swirling across the mountain slopes is a truly "healing" experience.

Mr. Vu Manh Cuong, Chairman of Cuong Hai Tourism Cooperative, shared: "During holidays, the demand from tourists increases significantly. All 38 rooms were fully booked 2-3 weeks before the holiday, operating at 100% capacity to serve thousands of visitors coming for mineral baths and relaxation. In addition, we focus on cultural experiences, allowing tourists to directly participate in traditional dances and folk songs with the local people; we are committed to transparency in the origin of food, using fresh, clean local ingredients to serve traditional meals."

The lush green terraced rice fields in Hanh Phuc commune.

Another highlight of Hanh Phuc commune for adventure seekers is its land of towering peaks. Ta Xua Peak with its majestic "Dinosaur's Backbone" and Ta Chi Nhu Peak – dubbed Vietnam's "ocean of clouds" – are becoming landmarks that challenge the willpower and adventurous spirit of tourists, especially young people. Particularly noteworthy is Cu Vai village, isolated on a mountaintop, shaped like a phoenix spreading its wings amidst a sea of ​​clouds, a clear testament to the surreal beauty of this region.

Having traveled hundreds of kilometers, tourist Hoang Thi Mai from Hanoi shared her feelings: "Although I've been here many times, every time I have free time, I want to come back here. Here, I feel deeply moved by the combination of majestic nature, simple yet warm experiences from the services, and especially the hospitality of the highland people."

Steps carved into the mountaintop.

On the way to the special national historical site of the terraced rice fields, during the April 30th and May 1st holidays, visitors can admire the Lim Thai village from above through paragliding activities such as "Flying over the Tu Le rice paddies during the rainy season". In addition, they can also experience firsthand through combined tours such as: checking in at the terraced rice fields and learning about Thai-Mong culture.

Tourists experience paragliding "Flying over the Tú Lệ waterfall season".

The final destination and also the summit of the journey is Mu Cang Chai. After crossing the Khau Pha Pass – one of the "four great mountain passes" with its breathtaking hairpin bends – upon arriving in Mu Cang Chai commune, a magnificent man-made wonder unfolds before your eyes: the terraced rice fields.

Currently, the total area of ​​terraced rice fields is over 385 hectares, of which 217.2 hectares were recognized by the Prime Minister as a Special National Monument of Terraced Rice Fields in 2019. Among them are several famous spots, such as the round, rice-shaped hill symbolizing prosperity, and the gently curving Horseshoe Hill under the sunset. Each viewpoint evokes admiration for the creativity and perseverance of people in the face of harsh nature, attracting many tourists. The Special National Monument of Terraced Rice Fields is distributed across the villages of Ta Cho, Sang Nhu, Thao Chua Chai, De Thang, Trong Tong, and Che Cu Nha.

Terraced rice fields attract tourists to visit.

Along with its natural beauty, Mu Cang Chai commune organizes activities for the April 30th Reunification Day and the "Waterfall Season" tourism with many attractive programs and contents: the first Mu Cang Chai terraced rice field climbing competition; booths displaying and introducing local products; and competitions in traditional flute and scarf dances for primary, secondary, and high school students.

In addition, there are many supplementary activities, cultural performances, folk dances, street dances; exhibitions of beautiful photos of Mu Cang Chai; experiences of terraced rice cultivation, exploring community cultural values ​​and the natural landscape of Mu Cang Chai. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in nature, relieve stress, relax their minds, and return to continue their studies and work.

Mr. Giàng A Tạng, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Mù Cang Chải commune, said: "We are ready to welcome tourists to visit and experience. At this time, the commune has added more experiential tourism, sightseeing, and community cultural sites to avoid overcrowding at existing locations; accommodation facilities have been carefully prepared to welcome guests. A new highlight this year is the first-ever Mù Cang Chải Terraced Rice Field Climbing Competition, aimed at showcasing the unique beauty of the terraced rice fields."

The tourist route from Muong Lo - Hanh Phuc - Mu Cang Chai is not just a destination for taking photos, but also a place to learn to respect nature and appreciate unique cultural values. Lao Cai has awakened and is becoming a shining gem on the Vietnamese tourism map, inviting visitors to admire, experience, and love it.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/cung-duong-vang-cua-du-lich-lao-cai-post898868.html