Along National Highway 6, heading northwest from Hanoi, passing through the welcome gate of Moc Chau district (Son La province). Photo:Tung Dinh.

Many plans have been formulated and implemented in accordance with the province's socio-economic development plan, such as: the PlanSon La provinceFor the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, the general plan and sub-area plans, detailed plans for the Moc Chau National Tourist Area; the inter-district regional plan along National Highway 6; the regional plan along the Da River reservoir; the sub-area plan for the Moc Chau District's characteristic agricultural ecosystem conservation area; the general plan for the construction of the Ta Xua tourist area and surrounding areas; the sub-area plan for the construction of the Pha Din Pass tourist area...

Tourism infrastructure is receiving investment in a synchronized manner, with over 1,149 billion VND allocated to 14 projects during the 2021-2025 period. From 2021 to July 2024, the province attracted 13 investment projects in the fields of tourism, services, trade, and agriculture with a registered capital of 14,515 billion VND.

"Through these projects, the people of Son La, especially ethnic minorities, have the opportunity to develop their household economies and improve their quality of life," shared Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Son La province.

Many large-scale, modern tourism projects and resorts, built to international standards, have been established and are in operation. Numerous tourism products have been developed, linked to ecology, agriculture, and culture.

Son La is strengthening investment in socio-economic infrastructure development. Priority is given to diversifying investment forms for key sectors. Focus is placed on investing in the construction of the Hoa Binh-Moc Chau expressway; completing the bypass section of National Highway 6 through Son La city; renovating and upgrading Na San Airport; and renovating and upgrading national highways, etc.

By October 2024, the national tourist areaMoc ChauOfficially recognized under the provisions of the Tourism Law, and voted by the World Travel Awards as the "Leading Regional Nature Destination in Asia" for three consecutive years and the "Leading Regional Nature Destination in the World" for two consecutive years.

Ban Ang pine forest (Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district) - a brand new destination and camping spot for tourists. Photo:Quang Dung.

The Son La hydroelectric reservoir area has been included in the national tourism system plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045. Twelve tourist areas and destinations have been recognized, including: 1 national tourist area, 1 provincial-level tourist area, and 10 provincial-level tourist destinations.

With over 12 million tourists and tourism revenue reaching 12,600 billion VND, the province has experienced rapid and stable growth at 13% per year, contributing approximately 6% to its GRDP. The role of the tourism industry in the province's socio-economic development is increasingly enhanced, gradually building Son La province into a tourism hub of the Northwest region.

"In the coming time, Son La will invest in the construction of the Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway; prioritize investment resources for infrastructure development in the Moc Chau National Tourist Area and the Son La hydroelectric reservoir area; and make tourism a key economic sector of the province by 2030... Enhancing the position of the tourism industry in the socio-economic development of Son La province, gradually building Son La into a tourism center of the Northwest region," Mr. Khanh further emphasized.

Duc Binh