In 2025, the total number of tourists visiting Lao Cai is expected to reach 10.5 million, an increase of 1.41% compared to 2024, achieving 102.5% of the set target. More notably, total revenue from tourism is estimated to exceed 46 trillion VND, an increase of 61.4% compared to 2024 and 2.4 times higher than in 2020. This result clearly reflects the positive shift in the province's tourism development structure, with significant increases in average spending, service value, and length of stay for tourists.
This is the biggest highlight that the Lao Cai tourism industry wants to emphasize: the revenue growth rate far exceeds the visitor growth rate, confirming a correct strategic direction: fewer tourists visit, but they spend more, stay longer, and have deeper experiences. This is a sign of a maturing tourism industry – a true shift from "extensive development" to "intensive development".
To achieve this transformation, the province has focused on investing in tourism infrastructure by removing connectivity bottlenecks, notably accelerating the Sa Pa Airport project and completing connecting highway routes such as the Mong Sen Bridge. Better infrastructure not only shortens travel time but also expands the spending range of tourists - from high-end accommodations to ancillary service experiences.
Along with this, there is a focus on developing and improving the quality of tourism products. Lao Cai has built a diverse product ecosystem, maximizing the natural advantages and cultural identity of the highlands. From adventure sports tourism with the International Mountain Marathon, trekking routes to Fansipan, Lao Than, and Ta Xua; to healing tourism with the Red Dao herbal bath service in Sa Pa and Ta Van; and community tourism with two tourism villages being built according to ASEAN standards in Nghia Do and Lam Thuong; successfully organizing major events such as the Bac Ha White Plateau Festival, "Sa Pa to Love," and forming a linked chain of "Journey to Discover the Heritage of Northwest Terraced Rice Fields." In particular, 18 OCOP products ranging from 3 to 5 stars specializing in tourism services are proof that the locality has known how to turn local cultural values into branded products.
The province has also focused on strengthening international market promotion efforts. In addition to participating in major tourism fairs such as VITM Hanoi and ITE Ho Chi Minh City, Lao Cai has proactively organized nine charter ship trips to welcome Chinese tourists, launched direct promotion delegations in Yunnan, and developed cross-border tours along the Kunming - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh economic corridor. The target for international tourists in 2025 is 1.46 million – a crucial foundation for further increasing per capita spending.
Entering the first quarter of 2026, the growth momentum continues to be maintained: the total number of visitors is estimated at over 3.4 million, including 515,085 international visitors; total revenue is estimated at 12,872 billion VND - closely following the annual plan.
The tourism management and promotion system has been comprehensively digitized. The smart tourism platform (laocaitourism.vn) operates effectively with functions such as: digital tourism maps, virtual tour guides, 3D tours, and online payment. Phase 1 of the digital tourism map has been completed, building a digital data warehouse integrated into the "Digital Citizen" application. VR 360-degree and Flycam technologies are being actively applied to create virtual experiential tours at key locations such as Sa Pa, Mu Cang Chai, and Bac Ha.
Beyond simply attracting tourists, Lao Cai province is steadfastly building a truly sustainable tourism industry – a place where every visitor comes not just to "check-in," but to experience, to spend meaningfully, and to return. This is the foundation of a national-level and internationally-oriented tourist destination in the next decade.
Source: https://www.laocai.gov.vn/tin-trong-tinh/du-lich-lao-cai-but-pha-ve-chat-va-luong-1574163
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