Lao Cai (VNA) – The northern province of Lao Cai expects to welcome about 360,000 visitors during the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays from January 25 to February 2, an increase of 40% year-on-year, according to the provincial Department of Tourism.
Of the visitors, the province expects to serve 13,000 foreigners and hopes to get tourism revenue of 1.29 trillion VND (51.39 million USD), 43% higher than that of the same period last year.
The resort township of Sa Pa – the key tourist destination of Lao Cai – is expected to attract 130,000 visitors during the Tet holidays.
Tourism businesses report an occupancy rate for hotels and accommodations across the province of about 70-75%, with Sa Pa alone reaching around 90-95%. High-end hotels and resorts with 3-5 star standards anticipate occupancy rates exceeding 95% from February 2-4. Unrated accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, are projected to have an occupancy of about 70-75%.
Hoang Thi Vuong, Head of the Division of Culture and Information of Sa Pa, said that during the Lunar New Year and the extended spring festival events running until the end of March 2025, Sa Pa expects to welcome 300,000 visitors.
She noted that the extended holidays not only provides tourists with more options but also allows businesses ample time to prepare services, distribute visitor flow more effectively, and alleviate transport and guide pressures during peak days.
In response to tourist demands, Lao Cai province has proactively prepared for cultural, sports, and tourism events for this occasion.
It plans to hold more than 80 events. Key spiritual festivals will take place in Lao Cai city and Sa Pa, including the Thuong temple festival, featuring various cultural and sporting events from February 10-12, and the heavenly gate opening ceremony at the Fansipan Cable Car Tourist Area on January 31.
Additionally, cultural festivals will be held throughout the province until mid-February, creating unique highlights to attract visitors. Bac Ha district expects to welcome around 80,000 visitors, while Bao Yen district hopes to serve 86,000 tourists. To welcome tourists, Bac Ha will kick off the 2025 White Plateau Festival, themed “Nghieng say mua Xuan” (Drunk with Spring) along with the fire jumping festival on February 8.
Known for its sacred spiritual tourism, Bao Yen district will host the traditional Phuc Khanh temple festival in Pho Rang town from February 6-7, and the Hai Co temple festival on February 17-18.
Based on tourist preferences, spring tours exploring the mountainous province of Lao Cai are increasingly combining sightseeing with cultural experiences and relaxation. Survey results indicate that travelers are leaning towards 3-day, 2-night and 4-day, 3-night tour packages.
Lao Cai boasts 1,570 accommodation establishments with around 16,000 rooms, ranging from 1 to 5 stars, alongside 890 unclassified accommodations and 468 homestays. Additionally, over 2,430 service establishments cater to tourists. Currently, accommodations and tourist services in Lao Cai are fully prepared to meet the needs of visitors by investing in developing products, enhancing quality, and innovating services.
Room rates in Sa Pa for the Lunar New Year remain stable, ranging from 400,000 to 800,000 VND (16-32 USD) for budget rooms, 800,000 to 1,500,000 VND for homestays, and several million VND for 4-5 star hotels. Some accommodations report booking rates of 50-70%, with peak days from February 2-4 expected to reach 95%./.
