During the four-day New Year's holiday in 2026, Son La was one of the ideal destinations for tourists thanks to its pleasant climate, magnificent natural scenery, and rich cultural traditions of its ethnic groups. Besides the Moc Chau National Tourist Area, famous landmarks such as Ta Xua, Pha Din, Ngoc Chien, and Quynh Nhai also attracted local ecotourism.
.jpg)
Pha Din Top tourist area, Binh Thuan commune.
Located atop the legendary Pha Din Pass, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, Pha Din Top tourist area is one of the most attractive destinations for tourists during this year's holiday season. Spanning nearly 30 hectares, the resort includes an ecological forest, flower gardens, and comfortable bungalows, offering an impressive retreat on one of the "four great mountain passes" of Northwest Vietnam.
.jpg)
Tourists visit and take photos with cherry blossoms at Pha Din Top Tourist Area, Binh Thuan commune.
To refresh the tourist experience, the Pha Din Tourism Cooperative has planted and cared for many seasonal flowers; and revamped impressive check-in points to attract visitors. Ms. Bui Hoai Linh, Deputy Director of the Pha Din Tourism Cooperative, said: During the holiday, the tourist area welcomed over 2,000 visitors. To ensure the best possible reception, we have added staff, collaborated with local performing arts groups to serve tourists, and added services such as camping and renting traditional ethnic costumes. The entire accommodation area and landscape have also been upgraded to provide the most relaxing experience for customers.
Enthusiastically capturing beautiful photos with cherry blossoms, Ms. Lo Thi Hong Phuong from Tuan Giao commune, Dien Bien province, shared: "I am very impressed with the well-planned layout at Pha Din Top. The attentive service and stunning natural scenery make it a truly ideal destination for my family to enjoy a complete holiday without having to travel too far."
.jpg)
Tourists take photos at the tea plantation in Binh Thuan commune.
Dubbed the "cloud paradise," Ta Xua commune in early 2026 delighted travelers with a sea of pristine white clouds, gently embracing the mountain peaks. Taking advantage of the extended holiday, tens of thousands of visitors flocked here to experience the thrill of cloud hunting. The number of visitors increased dramatically, by 50% to 70% compared to normal weekends.
Ta Xua commune currently has 148 households engaged in commercial and service businesses, including 88 households operating community guesthouses capable of accommodating approximately 1,500 guests per day and night; and 60 households providing other types of services, creating an important foundation for tourism development. To best serve tourists, these businesses have proactively linked with nearby homestays to help visitors find the most ideal accommodation during peak seasons like holidays.
Ngoc Chien, on the other hand, attracts tourists with its pristine, majestic natural scenery and the unique cultural features of the Thai and Mong ethnic groups. Visiting the "fairytale countryside" of Ngoc Chien, tourists feel as if they have stepped into a refreshing space with traditional stilt houses roofed with time-worn Pơ-mu wood, immerse themselves in the natural hot mineral springs in Luot village, and conquer mountain climbing. Mr. Luong Van Xien, Director of the Ngoc Chien Community Tourism Cooperative, informed that during the 2026 New Year holiday, the number of visitors to Ngoc Chien increased by about 30-50% compared to normal days, bringing a lively and vibrant atmosphere to the villages.

Tourists taking photos at Loi Tuoi Farm, Van Son Ward, Moc Chau.
The atmosphere of welcoming the Lunar New Year at other tourist destinations in the province is equally vibrant, with a significant increase in the number of visitors compared to normal days. The Son La Prison National Special Monument recorded a large number of tourists visiting to learn about its history. Located near the city center, the Golden Forest tourist area has become an ideal destination for visitors thanks to its lush green spaces, fresh air, and picturesque bamboo forests, perfect for early-year outdoor activities.
For those who love the beauty of rivers and lakes, Quynh Nhai Lake – often referred to as "Ha Long Bay in the Northwest mountains" – attracts visitors with its boat tours, visits to Linh Son Thuy Tu Temple, and unique local cuisine.
.jpg)
Tourists experience picking strawberries in a garden in Mai Son commune.
In addition, services related to agricultural tourism are attracting a large number of visitors. From the very first days of the new year, strawberry gardens in Moc Chau and Mai Son have been bustling with visitors, who come to experience picking fruit and enjoying the fresh air of the highlands.
.jpg)
Young tourists experience picking strawberries in a garden in Mai Son commune.
The diversification of tourism products, from resort and agricultural experiences to historical and spiritual tourism, has helped Son La attract a large number of tourists during this year's New Year holiday. This vibrant start not only promises a year of strong tourism economic growth but also demonstrates the province's correct direction in developing sustainable tourism, linking nature conservation with promoting the unique cultural values of the nation.
Phan Trang