Lai Chau (VNA) – Lao Chai 1 Community Tourism Village in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau has been honoured at the VITA Awards 2026, receiving recognition for offering tourism products with strong cultural value.
The prize was presented at the inaugural VITA Awards, jointly organised by the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) and the Ninh Binh provincial People's Committee to honour outstanding contributions to the development of Vietnam's tourism industry.
Among 106 awards presented across nine categories, Lao Chai 1, located in Khun Ha commune, was recognised in the category of "Destination with Tourism Products Rich in Cultural Value."
Launched to mark the 66th anniversary of Vietnam's tourism sector, the VITA Awards 2026 are the first professional awards organised by the Vietnam Tourism Association under a framework designed to ensure objectivity, transparency and professionalism. They recognise localities, destinations, businesses and tourism models that have made outstanding contributions to destination development, service quality, branding, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism.
For Lao Chai 1, the award reflects years of commitment by local authorities and residents to developing community tourism centred on the traditional culture of the Mong ethnic minority group.
The village has gradually built a range of authentic tourism experiences, including homestay accommodation, traditional handicraft workshops, ethnic cuisine, cultural festivals, community activities and nature-based tourism.
Alongside tourism development, local residents have continued to preserve traditional Mong houses, costumes, language, folk songs, linen weaving, brocade embroidery and long-standing customs. Tourism has been developed in a way that balances economic opportunities with environmental protection and the conservation of indigenous cultural values, helping create jobs and improve local livelihoods.
The recognition is expected to further raise Lao Chai 1's profile as one of the northwestern region's leading community tourism destinations while encouraging additional investment in infrastructure, service quality and new visitor experiences.
At the awards ceremony, VITA also officially launched the VITA Awards 2027, which will continue to honour outstanding destinations, businesses and initiatives promoting green tourism, digital transformation, digital communications and responsible tourism development./.
