Vietnam's highland villages make the world admire

Two mountain villages in Vietnam, Lo Lo Chai (Tuyen Quang) and Quynh Son (Lang Son), have been recognized by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) as the "Best Tourism Villages 2025".

Previously, three villages – Thai Hai (Thai Nguyen), Tan Hoa (Quang Tri), and Tra Que ( Da Nang ) – were also honored in this category.

Nestled amidst majestic mountains and forests, Lo Lo Chai impresses with its rustic, pristine beauty and rich cultural identity of the Lo Lo ethnic group.

The traditional houses with earthen walls and yin-yang tiled roofs, the traditional festivals, the brocade weaving craft, and the vibrant costumes have created a unique and unmistakable character for the rocky plateau region.

Houses with earthen walls and roofs

Traditional houses with rammed earth walls and yin-yang tiled roofs in Lo Lo Chai. Photo: Hoang Minh Duc

In recent years, community-based tourism in Lo Lo Chai has developed strongly. Tourists can participate with the locals in production and food preparation, or stay in homestays renovated from old houses that still retain their original local character.

Ms. Nguyen Thu Hoai, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyen Quang province, said that the recognition of Lo Lo Chai by UN Tourism is a testament to the dynamic and sustainable development of tourism in the province.

This event not only celebrates the community's efforts in cultural preservation, resource conservation, and livelihood development, but also spreads the Vietnamese community tourism model to the world.

According to Ms. Hoai, Tuyen Quang is developing Lo Lo Chai into a green and sustainable tourist destination, focusing on improving infrastructure, protecting the environment, preserving the landscape, and controlling the number of visitors to ensure ecological balance.

Locals are trained in tourism skills and develop livelihoods through homestay models, culinary arts, handicrafts, and cultural experiences. This creates stable jobs and encourages the participation of women and youth.

Tuyen Quang is developing Lo Lo Chai into a green and sustainable tourist destination. Photo: Hoang Minh Duc

“Promotional efforts have also been intensified on digital platforms, spreading the image of ‘Lo Lo Chai – a green, friendly cultural destination’. In the future, the province will continue to invest in infrastructure, expand the sustainable tourism model, and promote the brand ‘Tuyen Quang – A Living Heritage Region’ internationally,” Ms. Hoai said.

In Lang Son, Quynh Son village is a prime example of community-based tourism linked to the preservation of Tay ethnic culture.

Located within the Bac Son Uprising National Special Historical Site and part of the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark, Quynh Son boasts natural beauty, historical value, and cultural depth.

Quynh Son village is located in the middle of Bac Son valley. Photo: Tran Duc Hoang

Mr. Trinh Minh Tuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Son commune, shared: "What's special about Quynh Son is that all the houses face south, also known as the 'dragon direction'. According to the people's beliefs, this is an auspicious direction, bringing stability and wealth. 100% of the villagers are Tay people, mainly bearing the surname Duong."

According to Mr. Tuan, this title opens up new development opportunities for Quynh Son, but the locality still faces many difficulties, especially in terms of funding to invest in infrastructure and promote tourism commensurate with its potential.

Golden season in Bac Son, Lang Son. Photo: Tran Duc Hoang

“In the coming time, the commune will organize the Bac Son Golden Harvest Festival in conjunction with promoting tourism in Quynh Son. We hope to receive support and cooperation from all levels, sectors, and tourism businesses to improve service quality, promote unique characteristics, and attract tourists,” he said.

With the title of "World's Best Tourist Village 2025," Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son have contributed to elevating the image of Vietnamese tourism on the international stage.

This is well-deserved recognition for the efforts of local people in developing tourism while preserving culture, and is also an important step towards the sustainable tourism goals that Vietnam is pursuing.

Laodong.vn

Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/nhung-ngoi-lang-vung-cao-viet-nam-khien-ca-the-gioi-nguong-mo-1595009.ldo