Sa Pa tourism wins big on September 2nd holiday

Sa Pa town was one of the most popular tourist destinations during the recent National Day holiday, with nearly 123,000 visitors; total tourism revenue during these days reached nearly 420 billion VND, an increase of 93 billion VND compared to 2023.

Fansipan Peak - where heaven and earth meet.

Sa Pa contributes greatly to the tourism industry of Lao Cai province. According to the latest figures from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, during the past 4 days of the holiday, the whole province welcomed about 196,500 visitors, of which domestic visitors reached more than 183,000 and international visitors reached more than 13,470 (an increase of 46.4% over the same period last year). The national tourist area of ​​Sapa has become a "golden destination" bringing in large revenue for Lao Cai. The Fansipan Sapa cable car alone welcomed more than 23,950 visitors in the first 3 days of the holiday, the Cat Cat tourist area welcomed 20,080 visitors and community tourism sites welcomed over 19,000 visitors. Visitors to Sa Pa during this time were especially impressed when witnessing the flag-raising ceremony on the top of Fansipan on the morning of National Day, September 2.

Sa Pa people and tourists solemnly look up at the national flag.

Also during this holiday, the total revenue from tourists in the province reached about 606 billion VND. Of which, revenue from international visitors reached 48 billion VND, domestic visitors reached 558 billion VND. The room occupancy rate at accommodation establishments in Lao Cai province is estimated at over 70%. In particular, Sapa town has a room occupancy rate of about 98% for segments from 3 stars and above. The mid-range segment reached about 82%. In addition, homestay businesses reached about 85%.

Many tourists feel the sacredness when witnessing the flag-raising ceremony on top of Fansipan - the roof of Indochina.

This year, although the number of visitors is not as high as last year, tourists are still gathering in Sapa for vacation in large numbers, staying longer and spending more. This has helped total tourism revenue increase compared to the same period last year. Mr. Ha Quoc Trung, Head of Tourism Management Department, Department of Tourism, said that these are very encouraging signs for tourism in Sapa in particular and Lao Cai province in general. The next encouraging point is that the number of international visitors to Sapa increased by 46%.

Fansipan welcomed more than 23,950 visitors in the first 3 days of the holiday.

Compared to other tourist destinations nationwide, Sa Pa is chosen by many tourists because of its cool weather, Fansipan peak, terraced fields in the ripe rice season and especially the Sa Pa Golden Autumn Festival which opens right before the first day of the holiday. To attract tourists to Sa Pa to experience on the occasion of the National Day holiday, the Organizing Committee of the Golden Autumn Festival has selected 5 out of 11 events of the Sa Pa Autumn Festival program in 2024 to organize on this occasion. In addition to the Opening Ceremony, there is the Sa Pa Music Night welcoming autumn, the "Fairy Muong Hoa" Circus Art Performance. Mong Village Cultural Festival, Ban May Golden Season Festival. It can be said that visitors coming here every day can witness and immerse themselves in the cultural activities here. The series of events has brought visitors impressive and unique experiences when coming to Sa Pa. Sa Pa’s cultural identity has always attracted tourists. These days, tourist destinations have prepared well, effectively exploiting the cultural and natural values ​​of Sa Pa, thus creating a highlight to attract visitors. Ta Van village is chosen by many tourists as a destination after conquering Fansipan peak.

Ta Van in the rice ripening season.

Ta Van village is located only about 12km from Sa Pa town, the road is quite convenient. Tourists can drive themselves, or hire a taxi or motorbike taxi to come to the village to experience the ripe rice season. Ta Van is not as bustling as in the town center but is quite quiet, the scene of golden ripe rice fields mixed with green mountains and white clouds makes many tourists surprised. When arriving in Ta Van, tourists are really impressed by the majestic and poetic natural scenery here. The terraced fields are lush green, looming with the golden color of the heavy rice fields. The air in Ta Van in particular and Sa Pa in general is very fresh and pleasant. Many tourists choose to walk to explore the majestic and poetic scenery of Ta Van as well as the ethnic culture of the people here. Sa Pa cuisine also really impresses tourists. On September 1-2, most restaurants were full. Dishes with Sa Pa flavor are mostly made from salmon, sturgeon, local pigs, local chickens, black pigs... made in their own style, bearing the mark of Sa Pa. At the central market of Sa Pa or the traditional markets along the road from Lao Cai city to Sa Pa, there is always a bustling scene of buying and selling.

Grilled sturgeon with galangal in Sa Pa.

Although Sa Pa is quite crowded, due to the good security and order during the holiday, there have been no complaints to the hotline. Passenger transportation activities are still taking place normally. However, during peak days, there are still cases of price gouging for services (motorbike taxis, taxis, electric cars). In addition, local traffic congestion still occurs at some key intersections in the town, especially the tennis court area - the center of Sa Pa.

At Sa Pa central market, green vegetables are the best-selling item.

Although in just 4 days, the number of visitors flocking to Sapa at times caused congestion, Mr. Trung commented that "the situation was still well controlled and no security or safety issues occurred". In order to attract domestic and international visitors, Lao Cai province has directed and oriented sustainable tourism development with the goal of "green, smart, different". Sapa is expected to offer high-quality tourism products, including high-class resorts to meet the needs of international visitors. In addition, Lao Cai province has organized many activities imbued with traditional cultural identity to attract visitors such as a space to display the culture of 5 ethnic groups: Mong, Tay, Giay, Dao, Xa Pho; a brocade and flower road; reenacting the hand-embroidered brocade process; displaying and introducing brocade products typical of each ethnic group, performing arts, and folk games./.

Article and photos: Q. Lien