In the first days of the new year, the atmosphere at Lao Cai International Border Gate is bustling as the number of tourists entering and leaving the country has increased sharply. The procedures are implemented quickly and conveniently, along with reasonable costs and many attractive experiences, making cross-border tourism a priority choice for a large number of people and tourists at the beginning of spring.
According to statistics, from January 1 to February 12, 2026, the total number of people entering and leaving the Lao Cai International Border Gate increased significantly compared to the same period. In which, for passengers using passports, the number of exits reached 49,515, and entrys reached 48,614.
With the form of using border area passports, the number of departures reached 424,105 and entry reached 359,932.
Lao Dong's records show that the number of visitors increased sharply from the morning of February 18 (ie, the 2nd day of Tet), many groups of tourists lined up neatly to wait for procedures. Thanks to the scientific control process and smooth coordination between functional forces, customs clearance time was shortened, creating convenience for people and tourists.
Convenient travel time, reasonable cost and many rich sightseeing and shopping spots in the border area are factors that make tourism through the border gate more attractive at the beginning of the year.
Ms. Pham To Loan, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "This year's holiday is long, my family chose to go abroad to Ha Khau for tourism. Travel and accommodation costs are reasonable, suitable for economic conditions, so we chose a 3-day 2-night tour, mainly visiting points near the border gate area. All procedures are quick and convenient.
To ensure smooth entry and exit operations, Lao Cai province's functional forces increase personnel, arrange additional control channels, and effectively apply professional equipment to reduce people's waiting time.
As the central area for border trade and tourism activities, Lao Cai ward is gradually promoting its advantages from international border gates. The locality not only plays the role of a transit point but also aims to become an important tourism connection center of the province and the region.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Dung - Vice Chairwoman of Lao Cai Ward People's Committee, in the last 6 months of 2025, the number of visitors through international border gates increased sharply, especially foreign visitors. This shows that cross-border exchange and tourism activities are recovering positively after a period of interruption.
In 2026, the locality aims to welcome about 1.6 million visitors, and at the same time strengthen coordination with travel businesses, promote the image of civilized, friendly, and safe border tourism.
