Linking together for sustainable tourism development.

The areas encompassing the communes of Mường La, Ngọc Chiến, Chiềng Hoa, Tà Xùa, Bắc Yên (Sơn La province) and Mù Cang Chải, Púng Luông, Tú Lệ, Văn Chấn, Hạnh Phúc (Lào Cai province) and Than Uyên (Lai Châu province) are adjacent to each other, sharing transportation routes and many commonalities in natural resources, climate, and indigenous culture. These 11 communes have engaged in numerous collaborative activities to develop tourism linked to the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identities, aiming for sustainable tourism development.

Eleven neighboring communes sign cooperation agreement for sustainable tourism development.

In recent years, destinations such as Fansipan Peak, Mu Cang Chai terraced rice fields, Suoi Giang ancient tea plantations, Ngoc Chien hot springs, Ta Xua cloud paradise, Muong Than rice paddies, Tu Le sticky rice valley, and Son La hydroelectric power plant have become famous and widely known, attracting a large number of tourists, especially young people, to experience them. These are the efforts of local authorities in developing tourism.

Tourism has been shaped and developed, becoming attractive destinations with inter-regional connectivity. This is especially true for experiential and eco-tourism in Ngoc Chien, Mu Cang Chai, and Van Chan. Tourism around the Son La hydroelectric reservoir is also gaining recognition, and the Son La hydroelectric dam, a landmark project, is a highlight of Muong La, a central hub connecting with communes in Son La and the bordering areas of Lao Cai province.

Ms. Mua Thi Sinh, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Muong La commune, said: "Regional linkage is an inevitable trend, helping each locality maximize its potential and creating an important foundation for building tourism products and routes connecting different regions. The cooperation of 11 communes in the area will create momentum to build and develop a new tourism route, connecting Muong La commune to famous tourist destinations in Bac Yen - Ta Xua, Ngoc Chien hot springs, Tu Le terraced rice fields - Mu Cang Chai, along with a series of cultural and ecological experiences in Van Chan, Pu Luong and Than Uyen, promising to become a unique and attractive product for tourists."

Floating houses in Da Giang Bay, Muong La commune.

Tourism development is thriving thanks to improved transportation connections between communes, which are being continuously invested in by local authorities in a synchronized manner, creating strong regional linkages. Notable examples include National Highway 32 connecting Van Chan - Mu Cang Chai - Than Uyen; National Highway 4D connecting Than Uyen - Sa Pa - Lao Cai; and Provincial Road 109 connecting Muong La - Ngoc Chien - Mu Cang Chai. Of these, Provincial Road 109 from Muong La to Ngoc Chien is currently undergoing upgrades. In 2024, the former Muong La district implemented the construction and repair of 14 road projects with a total length of 30km.

In addition, the upgrading and connecting projects along the Muong La - Bac Yen route (including sections connecting to Chieng Hoa, Muong La, Ngoc Chien, and connecting National Highway 37 with National Highway 279) are being prioritized and accelerated by Son La province. This will be a transportation route connecting the entire cloud-watching and mountain-climbing area of ​​Ta Xua, Bac Yen with Ngoc Chien and Muong La. On this route, Chieng Hoa will transform from a traffic "bottleneck" into a transit/stopover point, attracting tourists from Ta Xua and Ngoc Chien.

Construction is underway on Provincial Road 109 from Muong La to Ngoc Chien. (Photo by PV)

With experience in developing community-based tourism services in Ngoc Chien and understanding the difficulties in transportation infrastructure in this area, Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nam Nghep Cooperative, believes that: To truly connect the 11 expanded communes, the area needs to complete the upgrading of Provincial Road 109 (Muong La - Ngoc Chien) and reinforce landslide-prone areas on National Highway 32. Along with that, a network of horizontal bus routes connecting the communes is needed, along with investment in rest stops and appropriate services to promote passenger transport and attract tourists to the developing tourist destinations.

A delegation from 11 communes visited the Son La hydroelectric power plant.

Based on similarities in natural resources and distinctive cultural identities, 11 communes have unanimously signed a Memorandum of Understanding on linking and cooperating in tourism development associated with the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity. This will be a strategic solution, forming a sustainable tourism linkage chain and creating momentum for socio-economic development in the region.

Mr. Do Van Bach, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Tu Le commune, Lao Cai province, said: Tu Le commune borders Ngoc Chien commune of Son La province. In recent years, tourism in both localities has flourished and there is a connection between them in terms of exchange and organizing events, helping to connect tourist routes between the two sides. This is the foundation for Tu Le and Ngoc Chien communes and other communes in the area to continue linking and developing tourism after signing the cooperation agreement.

Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on linkage and cooperation in tourism development between 11 communes.

Localities are committed to supporting each other in promoting tourism; sharing experiences in managing homestay models, ecotourism, and community-based tourism. In particular, coordinating the organization of joint festivals and cultural events will create a strong media effect, attracting tourists not only to visit once but also to return for a complete experience of the "Northwest arc."

Mr. Giàng A Tang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Mù Cang Chải commune, Lào Cai province, said: "In the near future, we will strengthen linkages and cooperation between communes in the area, especially bordering localities, to exploit the strengths of each region. The signing of cooperation agreements between 11 communes will be an important basis for localities to implement activities to support each other's long-term and sustainable development."

A delegation from 11 communes surveyed tourism potential around the reservoir in Muong La commune.

Based on the signed agreement, localities will aim to collaborate in building a tourism map connecting typical destinations in the region, from Hanoi to the communes. Simultaneously, they will develop ideas for exploiting several tourism tours, such as: Hanoi - Muong La - Ngoc Chien - Mu Cang Chai - Hanoi and vice versa, or Hanoi - Ta Xua - Hanh Phuc - Tu Le - Ngoc Chien - Muong La - Hanoi and vice versa… They will also coordinate in developing a common set of documents, publications, and maps for the region. Support will be provided to connect tourism service businesses and tourism tours with other localities. Simultaneously, The focus is on exploiting the potential of agriculture, OCOP products, and local specialties, integrating them into tourism tours to both enhance commercial value and create sustainable livelihoods for local people.

A delegation from 11 communes surveyed tourism potential around the Son La hydroelectric reservoir.

The linkage and cooperation in tourism development among 11 communes has laid a solid foundation for inter-regional cooperation, initiating a journey to remove administrative boundary barriers towards sustainable development. This will be an important stepping stone to unlock resources and unleash the shared potential of the entire region.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/du-lich/lien-ket-de-phat-trien-du-lich-ben-vung-pcaDtg7DR.html