The two mountainous villages of Vietnam, Lo Lo Chai (Tuyen Quang) and Quynh Son (Lang Son), have just been recognized by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) as "Best Tourism Villages 2025".
Previously, the three villages of Thai Hai (Thai Nguyen), Tan Hoa (Quang Tri) and Tra Que (Da Nang) were also honored in this category.
Located in the middle of majestic mountains and forests, Lo Lo Chai impresses with the rustic, pristine and unique beauty of the Lo Lo people.
The houses with Yin-yang tiled roofs, traditional festivals, brocade weaving and colorful costumes have created the unique characteristics of the stone plateau.
In recent years, Lo Lo Chai community tourism has developed strongly. Visitors can join the locals in producing, processing cuisine, or stay at homestays renovated from ancient houses but still maintain the local appearance.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Hoai, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyen Quang, said that Lo Lo Chai being honored by UN Tourism is a testament to the dynamic and sustainable development of tourism in the province.
This event not only honors the efforts of the community in preserving culture, preserving resources and developing livelihoods, but also spreads the Vietnamese community tourism model to the world.
According to Ms. Hoai, Tuyen Quang is building Lo Lo Chai into a green and sustainable tourist destination, focusing on improving infrastructure, protecting the environment, preserving the landscape, and controlling the number of visitors to ensure ecological balance.
People are trained in tourism skills, develop livelihoods through homestay models, cuisine, handicrafts and cultural experiences. This creates stable jobs and encourages the participation of women and young people.
"Promoting work has also been promoted on digital platforms, spreading the image of "Lo Lo Chai - a green, friendly cultural destination". In the coming time, the province will continue to invest in infrastructure, expand the sustainable tourism model and promote the brand "Tuyen Quang - Live Heritage Area" internationally," said Ms. Hoai.
In Lang Son, Quynh Son village is a typical representative of community tourism associated with the preservation of Tay ethnic culture.
Located in the Bac Son New Year's Special National Monument and part of the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark, Quynh Son converges natural beauty, historical values and cultural depth.
Mr. Trinh Minh Tuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Son commune, shared: "The special thing about Quynh Son is that the houses are all facing the South, also known as the dragon direction. According to the people's beliefs, this is a good direction, bringing stability and fortune. 100% of the village's residents are Tay people, mainly Duong surnames".
According to Mr. Tuan, this title opens up new development opportunities for Quynh Son, but the locality still faces many difficulties, especially in terms of funding to invest in infrastructure and promote tourism commensurate with its potential.
"In the coming time, the commune will organize the Bac Son Golden Season Festival in conjunction with Quynh Son tourism promotion activities. We hope to receive support and support from all levels, sectors and tourism businesses to improve service quality, promote unique identity and attract tourists, he said.
With the title of "Best tourist village in the world 2025", Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son have contributed to enhancing the image of Vietnamese tourism in the international arena.
This is a worthy recognition of the efforts of local people in developing tourism associated with cultural preservation, and at the same time an important step towards the sustainable tourism goal that Vietnam is pursuing.
