Tourists enjoy the experience at the Golden Forest Ecotourism Area.

The Golden Forest Ecotourism Area in Chieng Sinh Ward, developed by the Golden Forest Agricultural Tourism Cooperative since 2019, focuses on creating an experiential space in harmony with nature. With its lush green bamboo forests, natural grassy areas, and year-round flowing streams, the cooperative has meticulously planned and constructed recreational areas, viewing pavilions, resting places, flower gardens, reed-covered hills, restaurants, and more. As a result, the ecotourism area has become an attractive weekend destination for locals and tourists alike.

Mr. Pham Van Kien, Director of the Rung Vang Agricultural Tourism Cooperative, said: The cooperative is currently allocated 8.7 hectares for tourism development within the overall 177-hectare plan of Chieng Sinh ward, which involves adjusting the land use from protective forest land to tourism service land. The cooperative's motto is to develop eco-tourism services in harmony with nature, protect the landscape and environment, and preserve the forest. In the near future, the cooperative will invest in additional amenities such as homestay accommodations, stream bathing, and herbal baths, offering many positive experiences for tourists.

A relaxing atmosphere at Moc Chau Island Resort.

In Ngoc Chien commune, located at an average altitude of over 1,800 meters above sea level, tourism is also gradually developing with unique characteristics and its own appeal. Particularly noteworthy are the cultural experiences, natural landscapes, and hot springs, focusing on hiking and trekking to explore the pristine and majestic nature of the highlands. Ngoc Chien is being shaped into an attractive destination in Son La. From the beginning of the year until now, the entire commune has welcomed over 15,000 visitors, with total tourism revenue exceeding 10 billion VND.

Mr. Lo Van Thoa, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ngoc Chien commune, said: The commune is orienting its development towards diverse and unique tourism products, focusing on community tourism destinations associated with the preservation and promotion of the cultural identity of ethnic groups in the commune. This includes focusing on community tourism destinations in Luot and Na Tau villages associated with Thai ethnic culture; and Nam Nghep village associated with Mong ethnic culture. Research and development of products suitable to tourist preferences are also being pursued. The commune is especially prioritizing tourism development in conjunction with the protection of the ecological environment and natural landscape.

Along with developing tourism by exploiting the advantages of natural landscapes, many businesses, cooperatives, and households have been shaping and building ecotourism associated with green and organic agriculture, offering meaningful and practical experiential and learning journeys. For example, at Loi Tuoi Farm in Van Son ward, a purely agricultural farm has transformed into a circular agricultural ecosystem serving visitors. Mr. Nguyen Thach Tung Linh, Director of Loi Tuoi Agrico Co., Ltd., said: "We cultivate organically, minimizing the use of chemicals. The closed-loop process combines livestock farming and crop cultivation with environmental and landscape protection. Visitors here not only get to admire the scenery but also get to harvest clean produce themselves, understand the circular agricultural production process, and enjoy the fresh, relaxing natural environment."

Loi Tuoi Farm in Van Son ward aims for a circular agriculture model to create a unique experience for tourists.

Son La province has 23 ranked scenic spots that are currently under conservation research. The majority of these are cave systems, along with primeval forest ecosystems and natural waterfalls. In addition, there are the Son La and Hoa Binh hydroelectric reservoir areas, rivers, and streams with stunning landscapes. Many places are being effectively developed for ecotourism and experiential tourism, creating attractive tourism products for visitors, such as: Dai Yem Waterfall ecotourism area; Ban Ang pine forest tourism area; Nang Tien Waterfall, Tat Nang Waterfall, Bat Cave... in Moc Chau National Tourist Area; Binh Yen Bay, Heart Island... in the Quynh Nhai reservoir area; and activities exploring nature, primeval forests, and high mountain peaks in Ta Xua, Ngoc Chien, and Xim Vang communes...

Developing ecotourism helps awaken local potential, increase the value chain of agricultural products, and raise awareness of environmental resource protection. It serves as both a solution and a goal to diversify tourism types in Son La, developing tourism in a green and sustainable direction.

Thanh Dao