''''Golden region'''' of Northwest tourism when Lao Cai and Yen Bai merge

According to the list of proposed names and political-administrative centers (provincial capitals) of 34 new provinces and cities after the merger under Resolution No. 60 of the 11th Central Conference, Lao Cai and Yen Bai will merge, named Lao Cai province, with the administrative center located in Yen Bai.

In fact, in the past, from 1976 to 1991, the three provinces of Yen Bai - Nghia Lo - Lao Cai merged into an administrative entity called Hoang Lien Son. That was the period when there existed a "giant" tourist area stretching from Fansipan peak to Thac Ba lake - names that have entered the tourism map of Vietnam and the world.

The re-merger after more than 30 years of separation not only means streamlined administrative management, but also opens up new prospects for the Northwest tourism industry.

Highlights of Sa Pa, Mu Cang Chai

On the Northern tourism map, there are few pairs of provinces that are as perfectly complementary as Lao Cai and Yen Bai. If Lao Cai is considered the "highland tourism gateway" with the international brand Sa Pa, then Yen Bai is the "original land" with places closely associated with ethnic culture and wild scenery.

Lao Cai owns Sa Pa - one of the most famous tourist towns in Vietnam, the only one in the top 16 most beautiful towns in the world voted by Time Out magazine (UK).

With a cool climate all year round, Sa Pa is likened to a "little Europe" in the heart of the Northwest. Not only does it have the "roof of Indochina" Fansipan or the majestic Muong Hoa valley, Sa Pa is also a place rich in the identity of the Mong and Red Dao people through the love market, brocade weaving and peaceful villages nestled in the clouds.

Moreover, the "foggy land" of the Northwest used to be a resort destination for special guests, including politicians, billionaires, and celebrities.

For example, during a trip to Vietnam in late 2012, Mark Zuckerberg, founder of the social network Facebook, and his girlfriend (now wife) Priscilla Chan chose Sa Pa as a stop after visiting Ha Long Bay.

Here, Zuckerberg stayed at the Topas Ecolodge, visited Tay and Mong villages. Notably, he especially enjoyed buffalo riding, an experience that is deeply rooted in local culture.

Sa Pa is considered a "little Europe" in the heart of the Northwest. This place was once ranked in the top 16 most beautiful towns in the world by an international travel magazine. Photo: Blog Cua Rot.

In addition, in April 2015, during her official visit to Vietnam, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg visited Sa Pa and became the first foreign Prime Minister to set foot in this mountainous region. The visit was part of a series of activities related to education, health and forest protection projects funded by the Norwegian Government in Lao Cai.

Meanwhile, Yen Bai stands out with Mu Cang Chai, a terraced rice field area recognized as a special national monument, often praised by international press as the most beautiful destination in Southeast Asia. The pristine space, the brilliant color of ripe rice in autumn, traditional festivals of the Mong people such as Independence Day, highland markets... create a whole rich in emotions and experiences.

Furthermore, Suoi Giang with its ancient Shan Tuyet tea forest, Thac Ba Lake with more than 1,300 large and small islands, or Nghia Lo town with its rich Thai culture are also unique destinations, leaving their own mark on the Vietnamese tourism map.

Traffic connections are gradually improving.

Geographically, Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces are adjacent to each other, have a relatively complete transportation system, and play a transit role between the highlands and midlands of the North. The merger will help form a large tourism linkage area, opening up the possibility of developing cross-provincial tourism routes and clusters with better scale, quality, and media coverage.

The "golden season" of terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai is the time that attracts thousands of international tourists to explore.

The Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway is currently the main artery taking tourists from Hanoi to Sa Pa in just 4-5 hours. Meanwhile, Yen Bai is connecting to the expressway axis connecting the lowlands with the Northwest heritage areas such as Mu Cang Chai - Tram Tau - Nghia Lo. If planned properly, the inter-regional traffic system between Sa Pa - Mu Cang Chai - Van Chan - Thac Ba Lake can become a key tourist axis in the North.

The formation of a "heritage belt" stretching from Fansipan peak to Thac Ba lake not only expands the destination fund, but also increases the length of stay, spending ability and level of experience of tourists.

Merger is not only a matter of administrative boundaries. In the case of Lao Cai - Yen Bai, it is also a strategic addition in tourism, when the two localities can complement each other: one is strong in brand and infrastructure, the other stands out for its depth of identity and original beauty.

(According to Znews)

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/226/349048/Vung-vang-du-lich-Tay-Bac-khi-Lao-Cai-va-Yen-Bai-sap-nhap.aspx