Sa Pa aims to become an international tourist destination

The Sa Pa National Tourist Area (Lao Cai province) is being developed into a national-level international resort tourism center, with synchronized and modern infrastructure and services. The local tourism product system is being gradually developed to be diverse, unique, rich, and of high quality.

Sa Pa is entering its most beautiful season of the year, when the colorful terraced rice fields are always a favorite experience for tourists. Conti, a tourist from Italy, said: "We are from Italy. Coming here, we feel very relaxed and peaceful, and we highly appreciate the natural landscapes you have." Sa Pa has many different traditional crafts, creating diverse products such as silver carving by the Mong and Dao people; weaving, embroidery, and making traditional clothing by the Mong, Dao, Giay, Tay, and Xa Pho people; making musical instruments and traditional medicine by the Dao people; and blacksmithing... Now, these traditional crafts have been creatively transformed by the locals into tourism products reflecting the local ethnic identity.

A view of Sa Pa, Lao Cai province.

Ms. Hoang Thi Vuong, Head of the Culture and Information Department of Sa Pa town, said: "We are advising on the development of souvenir gifts and goods based on traditional handicrafts of the local ethnic communities. Currently, we are proposing support and preservation for five basic groups and industries to serve tourists. Hopefully, when this support is completed, tourists coming to Sa Pa will have more new experiences and more choices."

In order to promote, support, and enhance the experience of tourists exploring tourist destinations, Sa Pa town has been implementing various technological solutions. Currently, Sa Pa town is applying a smart central control management system, which includes 360-degree virtual reality software and the Sa Pa Tour tourism app. These software programs help manage, search, and provide comprehensive and accurate information about tourism activities and services in the area.

Street festivals have become one of Sa Pa's tourism brands.

Mr. Hoang Trung Hieu, Deputy Head of the Tourism and Heritage Development Board of Sa Pa town, said: "Developing the Sa Pa tour application has brought many benefits. Firstly, it has created a connection among businesses in Sa Pa, allowing them to develop together and expand their reach to tourists. Domestic and international tourists are aware of Sa Pa's attractions and landmarks, as well as its restaurants and hotels, making it very convenient for them to visit thanks to the Sa Pa tour application." Recently, the British travel publisher Rough Guides announced the Top 10 most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia, with Sa Pa ranking 6th. The terraced rice fields in Sa Pa were voted one of the 7 most beautiful and magnificent terraced rice fields in Asia. Along with that, there are numerous positive reviews of Sa Pa from reputable domestic and international websites and experts. This shows that Sa Pa has the potential to become a world-class tourist destination.

Terraced rice fields in Sa Pa.

To develop Sa Pa into a modern, internationally-renowned national tourist area, the province of Lao Cai has focused on implementing the comprehensive master plan for the construction of the Sa Pa National Tourist Area - Sa Pa town until 2040, as approved by the Prime Minister . Alongside this, priority has been given to investing in the development of transportation and tourism infrastructure connecting localities with Sa Pa and its various tourist sub-areas. Regarding the development orientation of Sa Pa tourism, Mr. Ha Van Sieu - Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, stated: "For Sa Pa to develop to its full potential as a national tourist area of ​​international stature, a destination worth living in, worth visiting, and worth experiencing, it is clear that Sa Pa needs to continue to affirm itself as a destination with unique and sustainable tourism products. The development orientation for the Sa Pa national tourist area is based on sustainable development and must take the human element and local culture as the foundation to create high-quality tourism products, allowing tourists to have in-depth experiences and stay in Sa Pa longer." To achieve the goal of becoming a key national tourist area of ​​international stature by 2025, all levels, sectors, and people of Sa Pa have recognized their role and responsibility in exploiting and developing tourism in a sustainable direction, focusing on unique culture while preserving the ecological environment.

Manh Phuong

Source: https://vov.vn/du-lich/sa-pa-huong-toi-tro-thanh-khu-du-lich-mang-tam-quoc-te-post1116906.vov