Promoting cooperation in developing tourism in the Northwest

The Northwest has long been known as a land rich in identity, with majestic natural landscapes and diverse cultural treasures. Hoang Lien Son range with Fansipan peak, Muong Hoa valley, Moc Chau plateau or Muong Thanh fields have become attractive destinations. In addition, the festivals and unique customs of the Mong, Thai, Dao, Ha Nhi, Tay ethnic groups... create a different attraction compared to many other regions.

In recent years , tourism promotion activities between the extended Northwestern provinces and Ho Chi Minh City have always been carried out.

Over the years, the expanded Northwest tourism development cooperation program has made a clear mark through common products, such as: "Travel back to the roots" tour, Northwest Quintessence Festival, annual tourism fair. Building a common brand identity system with the slogan "Take the path less travel - Choose the pristine trail" also contributes to improving competitiveness and promoting the image of the Northwest to international friends.

According to statistics, in the first 6 months of 2025, the expanded Northwestern provinces welcomed nearly 23 million visitors, with total tourism revenue estimated at more than 135,512 billion VND. These figures show the growing attraction of this land with great potential.

If the Northwest is considered a "pristine land", Ho Chi Minh City is the most vibrant tourism and commercial center in the country, playing an important role in welcoming and distributing international visitors. Strengthening the connection between the two regions is considered a strategic step to exploit complementary strengths: Ho Chi Minh City brings visitors to the Northwest, while the Northwest provides unique tourism products, contributing to enriching the experience journey. Since 2020, a tourism development cooperation agreement between Ho Chi Minh City and 8 extended Northwest provinces has been signed, bringing many positive signals. Many promotion programs have been jointly organized in Hanoi , Da Nang, and Can Tho, helping to expand the market, promote products, and strengthen connections between travel businesses.

Lao Cai delegation surveyed tourism in Yunnan (China) in 2024.

In addition, with rich natural resources, a close location and more than 25 ethnic groups living together, Yunnan is currently one of China's vibrant tourist centers. In 2024, Yunnan welcomed over 50 million visitors, of which Vietnamese visitors increased by about 20% compared to the previous year. After the Covid-19 pandemic, Yunnan became a popular destination, accounting for up to 40% of the total number of Vietnamese visitors to China during peak seasons. This shows that attracting just a small portion of visitors from Yunnan will create great growth opportunities for tourism in the Northwest and Vietnam.

The international cycling race “One track - two countries” Lao Cai, Vietnam - Hong Ha, China always leaves an impression every time it is held.

With such potential, many tourism cooperation activities between the two sides have been implemented, such as the international cycling race “One track - Two countries”, the tour “Two countries - Six destinations” connecting Kunming - Hekou - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh. These are new international products that also contribute to strengthening friendly relations.

Mr. Tran Son Binh - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province spoke at the Conference on promoting and developing tourism in the Northwest - Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Tran Son Binh, Deputy Director of Lao Cai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed: “Yunnan is not only a potential market but also a market that must be connected. Cooperation and tourism linkage with Yunnan will contribute to bringing Vietnam-China cooperation to a new level, diversifying products and affirming the position of Northwest tourism on the regional map”.

Localities in the extended Northwest provinces have also agreed on a number of key solutions to promote tourism cooperation between the parties. First of all, expanding links to connect markets, products and promotional activities. On that basis, research is being done to upgrade the program "Two countries - Six destinations" to "Two countries - Many destinations", with the participation of the extended Northwest provinces, Ho Chi Minh City and Yunnan. In addition, the construction of a clear and synchronous coordination mechanism is also focused on, to ensure in-depth and effective cooperation. Bilateral and multilateral tourism promotion activities will be held annually in both Vietnam and China, contributing to expanding the market and attracting international visitors.

Dounan Flower Market is an attractive destination for Vietnamese tourists when coming to China.

According to experts, the three-way tourism linkage not only brings economic benefits but also helps build a common brand, avoid product duplication, and improve competitiveness. In the context of the increasingly popular trend of green tourism and sustainable tourism, the Northwest's close cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City and Yunnan will contribute to the formation of different products that are both attractive to tourists and environmentally friendly.

Mr. Tran Son Binh further emphasized: "Effective cooperation and linkage will contribute to promoting the development of new products, building the Northwest tourism brand, and at the same time opening up new development space, new potential and advantages for the whole region."

The Northwest with many attractive destinations promises to strongly attract tourists from localities.

With the available potential and determination of the localities, the Northwest - Ho Chi Minh City - Yunnan tourism linkage program promises to open up strong development opportunities, making an important contribution to the overall development of Vietnam's tourism industry.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/thuc-day-hop-tac-phat-trien-du-lich-tay-bac-post883372.html