Lao Cai Ward promotes cross-border tourism development

In mid-October, the Lao Cai - Ha Khau international border gate area entered a bustling time as many people and tourists came to complete immigration procedures across the border.

As a student studying in Hanoi, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Huong and her friends went to Lao Cai to travel to China. After researching online and through travel agencies, Ms. Huong was very excited because the trip would give her new experiences in Lao Cai province as well as Yunnan province (China) with famous tourist attractions.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Huong said: "This is the first time I have completed exit procedures to China at Lao Cai - Ha Khau International Border Gate, so I am still confused. Luckily, I received enthusiastic support from the Lao Cai International Border Gate Border Guard Station, so I was able to complete the exit procedures quickly and conveniently to start my trip across the border."

As a Chinese tourist traveling to Vietnam and preparing to enter Yunnan province, Mr. Vuong Tan Trieu shared that he was very happy to visit the modern Lao Cai city on the banks of the Red River. In particular, Lao Cai has many Chinese restaurants , attractive destinations such as Thuong Temple, Mau Temple, Coc Leu, Lao Cai Railway Station, all near the international border gate. In addition, I can also visit famous tourist areas of Lao Cai such as: Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai in the beautiful ripe rice season.

Not only Ms. Huong and Mr. Trieu, but in recent years, cross-border tourism from Lao Cai to China and vice versa has become a type of tourism that many tourists are interested in. Being familiar with tourist destinations in the province and in the country, tourists are very excited about the journey to explore attractive destinations abroad. Meanwhile, the conditions for entry and exit are increasingly favorable, the prices of foreign tours are also reasonable, so it attracts many tourists. On weekends, the number of people and tourists completing exit and entry procedures at Lao Cai International Border Gate reaches hundreds of people, even more than 1,000 people.

Ms. Tran Thi Thanh - Viet Image Travel Company said: In previous years, our company welcomed about 400 to 500 tourists across the border each week. For Chinese tourists to Vietnam, they usually go on 3-day, 4-night tours to famous destinations such as Ha Long (Quang Ninh).

Along with that, bringing tourists from Vietnam to travel to Yunnan province (China). This year, due to the influence of many factors, the number of visitors decreased compared to last year, however, the potential for cross-border tourism development is still very good, tourists really like it, and travel companies are also given favorable conditions by local authorities and functional sectors to develop.

According to the assessment of local authorities and tourism experts, Lao Cai ward has a lot of potential and strengths to develop cross-border tourism. Lao Cai ward is a modern border gateway urban area connecting with Yunnan province (China), a traffic hub connecting with many localities; has a system of modern motels and hotels to meet the needs of a large number of tourists staying. In the ward, there are many service businesses such as shopping, entertainment, cuisine, notably Coc Leu market, An Duong Vuong street on the banks of the Red River... In addition, Lao Cai ward also has historical and cultural relics such as Thuong temple, Mau temple, Cam temple, Quan temple, Van Hoa temple.

In fact, although there is a lot of potential for cross-border tourism development, in recent years the development of this type of tourism has not been as expected. According to the assessment of some travel companies, the number of cross-border tourists in 2025 is only 1/3 compared to the previous year. Currently, Lao Cai ward has not yet built truly outstanding cross-border tourism products to attract domestic and international tourists.

To overcome these difficulties, immediately after implementing the two-level local government, Lao Cai Ward People's Committee focused on implementing solutions to promote tourism development in general, and cross-border tourism in particular. Typically, in September 2025, Lao Cai Ward People's Committee organized a workshop to discuss solutions to build Lao Cai Ward into a tourism connection center, with the participation of many experts, researchers, leaders of a number of departments, branches, and representatives of tourism businesses.

In early October, Lao Cai ward continued to hold a meeting to discuss the plan of "Scenic train Lao Cai - Ha Khau - Lao Cai" - a unique tourism product exploiting the existing international railway route. Accordingly, the train route is expected to depart from Lao Cai Station, pass Ho Kieu Bridge - a symbol of Vietnam - China friendship, to Ha Khau Bac Station (China) and then return, with a time of about 45 - 60 minutes.

According to Captain Nguyen Minh Hieu - Deputy Head of Lao Cai International Border Guard Station, on weekends and holidays, the number of tourists entering and exiting through Lao Cai International Border Guard Station is very large, up to thousands of people. To facilitate tourists, the Border Guard Station has increased its inspection and supervision forces, ensuring security and order, helping the border gate to be clear, safe and civilized. Along with that, the Station has applied professional techniques and equipment to serve immigration and exit work; arranged to open more immigration and exit routes to shorten the time for people and tourists to enter and exit across the border on the basis of ensuring the provisions of law.

Talking to us, Mr. Nguyen Hong Que - Deputy Head of the Department of Culture and Society of Lao Cai Ward said: "Currently, Lao Cai Ward is implementing many solutions to effectively exploit the potentials and strengths to promote cross-border tourism development. In particular, focusing on creating the most favorable conditions for travel companies and businesses; beautifying the urban area; enhancing exchanges, coordination, building unique tourism products; connecting tours - tourist routes and promoting the local image; ensuring security and order, building a peaceful and friendly border area. From there, enriching tourism products, promoting cultural exchanges, tourism, and trade in the border area, creating momentum for socio-economic development, affirming the proactive and creative role of Lao Cai Ward in the integration and development process".

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/phuong-lao-cai-day-manh-phat-trien-du-lich-qua-bien-gioi-post885450.html