To help tourism in Y Tý "take off"

Y Tý has long been considered a unique destination in the Northwest region of Vietnam, boasting majestic landscapes, a cool climate, and the diverse cultural identity of the Ha Nhi, Mong, and Dao ethnic groups. However, socio-economic development, especially tourism, has not kept pace with its potential, and one of the biggest bottlenecks is its transportation infrastructure.

Y Tý has long been considered a unique destination in the Northwest region of Vietnam, boasting majestic landscapes, a cool climate, and the diverse cultural identity of the Ha Nhi, Mong, and Dao ethnic groups. However, socio -economic development, especially tourism, has not kept pace with its potential, with one of the biggest bottlenecks being transportation infrastructure. Therefore, investing in the construction of a road connecting the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway - Lao Cai Border Economic Zone and the Sa Pa National Tourist Area is becoming urgent to create momentum for Y Tý tourism to "take off".

Located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, Y Tý is considered a "rough gem" of Northwest Vietnam tourism. By 2025, Y Tý is expected to welcome over 30,000 visitors, generating estimated revenue exceeding 49 billion VND. However, its tourism products are not yet diverse, lacking high-quality accommodation facilities, and failing to attract national and international investors. This reality clearly reflects the paradox of possessing significant tourism resources but failing to transform them into commensurate economic value. The core reason lies in the limited and inconsistent transportation network, lacking large-scale projects to create breakthroughs and shorten travel distances to Y Tý.

Y Tý is considered a "rough gem" of Northwest Vietnam tourism.

Currently, from the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway, tourists traveling to Y Ty must take the route via Lao Cai ward - Bat Xat - Ban Xeo - Muong Hum - Den Sang - Y Ty (via Provincial Roads 156, 156B, 155, and 158), approximately 66 km long; or the route via Lao Cai ward - Bat Xat - Trinh Tuong - Y Ty, approximately 65 km long. These are all narrow, mountainous roads with many curves and steep slopes. Furthermore, these roads are frequently affected by landslides during the rainy season, posing a significant traffic safety risk and sometimes even cutting off access. This directly impacts tourism, reduces the attractiveness of the destination, and limits its ability to attract high-spending tourists.

The Ha Nhi people in Y Ty.

Recognizing this problem, the provincial authorities have recently been researching investment options for a road connecting the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway to the Y Ty tourist area.

All proposed solutions must overcome the challenging terrain of high mountains and rugged landscapes, requiring the construction of large-scale structures such as viaducts, cable-stayed bridges, arch bridges, and tunnels through the mountains. This presents significant challenges in terms of engineering, investment capital, and environmental impact.

According to transportation experts and the Lao Cai Tourism Association, the proposed westward route development is considered highly feasible. This option combines an elevated bridge over the Ngoi Phat stream and a tunnel through the mountain, reducing overall investment costs, minimizing impact on natural forests, and opening up new development opportunities for tourism and urbanization along the route.

Improved transportation infrastructure will create favorable conditions for further development of tourism in Y Tý.

At this stage, if a shorter route is prioritized to create a quick boost, the option of connecting from the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway via Kim Thanh - Ngoi Phat - Trinh Tuong - Phin Ho - Y Ty, approximately 47 km long, is considered a worthwhile choice. Once completed, this route will significantly shorten travel time, facilitating access to Y Ty for tourists and investors. However, this option primarily addresses transportation issues, while the connectivity between tourist destinations remains limited. Therefore, the choice needs careful consideration to ensure a balance between tourism development, economic growth, and environmental protection.

Transportation development options in Y Tý.

According to Mr. Pham Cao Vy, Chairman of the Lao Cai Tourism Association, along with researching the option of building a road connecting the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway with Y Ty via Lao Cai ward and Bat Xat commune, relevant authorities also need to consider researching a plan to connect Sa Pa to Muong Hum and then to Y Ty. Sa Pa is currently a major tourism center in the region, with a relatively complete infrastructure and service system. Meanwhile, Y Ty possesses a pristine, unique beauty that remains relatively untouched. If connected effectively, the two destinations will complement each other, forming a diverse chain of tourism products. This will not only increase the attractiveness of Y Ty but also help alleviate congestion in Sa Pa during peak season, while expanding the tourism development space of the entire region.

If the plan to build a road connecting Sa Pa to Muong Hum and then to Y Ty is implemented, it will not only create a boost for tourism in Y Ty but also for Muong Hum. Muong Hum has many famous tourist attractions such as Pu Ta Leng peak (the second highest mountain in Indochina) and Ky Quan San peak, the ancient Pavie stone road, Dragon Waterfall (the largest waterfall in Northwest Vietnam), Muong Hum market, and the famous silver carving village… Here, tourists will be able to experience exciting discovery tours, extending their stay and enhancing the competitiveness of local tourism.

- Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh - Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Hum Commune

According to Mr. To Van Thanh, Secretary of the Party Committee of Y Ty commune, community tourism in Y Ty has developed quite strongly with homestay models and experiential services. However, the scale of accommodation facilities is still small, and especially, there are no large investors coming to Y Ty to build national and international-class hotels and resorts due to several factors, especially difficult transportation conditions.

If major connecting transportation routes are implemented, it will create opportunities to attract large investors and develop tourism in a professional manner. At the same time, it will open up conditions for the development of specialty agriculture such as temperate fruit trees, medicinal plants, cold-water fish, etc., and contribute to improving disaster response and ensuring national defense and security.

- Mr. To Van Thanh added.

From the perspective of the people, businesses, and local authorities, expectations for the Y Tý transportation project are very high. However, choosing the optimal solution is not only a technical problem but also a strategic one. The options need to aim for shorter travel times, ensure traffic safety, and consider the potential for connecting tourist destinations, expanding urban development and service areas, and attracting investment.

Solving the traffic bottleneck will be key to Y Tý unlocking its potential, becoming an attractive destination, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the locality.

Solving the traffic bottleneck will be key to Y Tý unlocking its potential, becoming an attractive destination, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the locality. Then, this "rough gem" on the border will have the opportunity to shine, gradually asserting its position on the national tourism map.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/de-du-lich-y-ty-cat-canh-post896960.html