Famtrip delegation surveyed at Happy Land Moc Chau.

Notably, our province has completed and reached the finish line 1 year ahead of schedule for 2 major goals identified in the Resolution of the 15th Provincial Party Congress, term 2020 - 2025, which are: Moc Chau National Tourist Area was officially recognized as a national tourist area according to the provisions of the Law on Tourism (the 8th tourist area nationwide to be recognized). Son La Hydropower Reservoir Area was officially included in the national tourism system planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045. Along with that, Moc Chau National Tourist Area was voted by the World Tourism Awards Organization as "Asia's Leading Regional Natural Destination" for 3 consecutive years and "World's Leading Regional Natural Destination" for 2 consecutive years.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, Vice Chairwoman of Moc Chau District People's Committee, shared: Moc Chau was recognized as a national tourist area and continued to be honored as "The world's leading regional natural destination", creating a very positive effect. In 2024, the district attracted nearly 2.6 million tourists, with social revenue reaching over VND 3,367 billion. This is an important driving force for the district to continue to strive to develop tourism more and more, affirming its position on the world tourism map, worthy of being a national tourist area.

Tourism promotion and promotion activities of our province are organized on a large scale, in diverse forms, promoting the image of Son La tourism to domestic and international tourists. Typically, such as: "Son La - Hua Phan Cultural Tourism Festival, Lao PDR"; organizing tourism promotion and promotion activities and announcing the decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to recognize Moc Chau National Tourist Area. Implementing cooperation activities to develop tourism in 8 expanded Northwestern provinces and Ho Chi Minh City in 2024 with many activities, including: Propagating and promoting Moc Chau National Tourist Area on the fanpage of 8 provinces; participating in events on National Tourism Year in Dien Bien, VITM Hanoi Fair, River Festival in Ho Chi Minh City; Dien Bien Northwest Fair in 2024; National Food Festival in 2024...

Dai Yem Waterfall Ecotourism Site, Moc Chau District.

The province has paid attention to attracting investment and developing tourism infrastructure, basically meeting the local tourism service capacity. During the year, capital sources were allocated to implement 3 infrastructure investment projects at tourist areas with a total capital of more than 37 billion VND; districts and cities have arranged their own investment capital and called for socialized investment in many infrastructure projects at tourist areas and spots; creating favorable conditions for connecting and shortening the travel time of tourists, promoting the development of tourism in the province.

Son La province has approved investment policies for 11 tourism projects with a total registered investment capital of VND1,321 billion. To date, the province has attracted 65 tourism projects with a registered capital of VND25,654 billion. Currently, the province has over 600 accommodation establishments, including 8 hotels of 3 stars or higher, the rest are community guesthouses, homestays... to meet the needs of tourists when coming to Son La.

Mr. Tran Xuan Viet, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: The industry has coordinated with the General Department of Tourism, travel companies and districts and cities in the province to conduct surveys to assess the current status of tourism resources, potentials and strengths of each locality; thereby, orienting the construction and development of unique, different and professional tourism products, building new products and renewing tourism products to attract tourists to Son La.

During the year, 2 tourist destinations were assessed and recognized. Currently, the whole province has 12 recognized tourist areas and destinations, including: 1 national tourist area, 1 provincial tourist area and 10 provincial tourist destinations. Son La tourism was formed on the basis of inheriting, promoting and perfecting 5 types of tourism that have been formed, including: Agricultural eco-tourism; cultural and historical tourism; community tourism; resort, entertainment and health tourism; thematic tourism with gradually synchronized, modern and professional tourism infrastructure.

Heart Island on the hydroelectric reservoir in Quynh Nhai district.

In 2024, Son La will welcome 4.9 million visitors, an increase of 7.5% compared to 2023; estimated revenue will reach VND 5,800 billion, an increase of 22.1% compared to 2023. The position of the tourism industry in the socio-economic development of the province is increasingly enhanced.

Entering the new year 2025, Son La province focuses on developing tourism in a diversified and multi-disciplinary direction based on selective exploitation of nature, culture, history, society and humanity. Focus on developing fast and sustainable tourism associated with preserving and promoting national cultural identity, tangible and intangible cultural heritage and local products. Strengthening activities to promote, advertise, build the brand and image of Son La tourism; gradually building Son La province into a tourism center of the Northwest region.

According to Son La Newspaper