Sapa - “Switzerland of Vietnam" captivates RoK travelers

Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture.

At the peak of Mount Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina. (Photo: VNA)
At the peak of Mount Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina. (Photo: VNA)

Seoul (VNA) - Bookings from Korean tourists for all-inclusive tours to Sapa in Vietnam's Lao Cai province in the first half of 2025 surged by 333% compared to the same period in 2024, according to Hana Tour – the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s largest travel agency.

Notably, in January 2025 alone, the number of Korean tourists booking tours to this highland destination skyrocketed by 1,138%, marking a record-breaking growth rate.

sapa2.jpg
Sapa quickly becomes a "new tourism phenomenon" in the RoK market thanks to its majestic mountain landscapes, year-round cool climate, and distinctive local culture. (Photo: VNA)

According to an analysis by Hana Tour, Sapa has quickly become a "new tourism phenomenon" in the RoK market thanks to its majestic mountain landscapes, year-round cool climate, and distinctive local culture. The destination has gained strong exposure through digital entertainment platforms, video content, and social media, boosting its appeal among younger travellers.

A representative of the agency noted that Sapa is emerging as an ideal alternative destination for RoK travelers who have previously visited Vietnam. In the third quarter of 2025, hotel bookings in the area increased more than fourfold compared to the same period last year.

Anticipating this trend, Hana Tour has launched a signature package called the “Fansipan WOW PASS,” offering visitors a chance to explore Mount Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina - via a modern cable car and monorail system. The five-day Hanoi–Sapa tour is also designed as an experience, combining visits to renowned attractions such as Cat Cat village, Muong Hoa valley, and the signature terraced rice fields of the northwest highlands in Vietnam.

Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture. At the same time, the harmony between its natural beauty and the rich cultural identity of local ethnic minorities is creating a unique appeal for international holidaymakers, particularly those from Northeast Asia./.

VNA

See more

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a major attraction for visitors to Ninh Binh. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam tourism accelerates green transition to power 2026 growth

Looking ahead to 2026, the tourism sector targets about 25 million international arrivals, 150 million domestic holidaymakers and total revenue of around 1.12 quadrillion VND (approximately 43 billion USD), reflecting its ambition to develop tourism into a spearhead economic sector in line with the Government's goals.

Fireworks illuminate the Han River during the 2025 Da Nang International Fireworks Festival. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang announces theme of signature international fireworks festival

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2026 will feature two Vietnamese teams and eight international teams from China, Italy, Germany, Portugal, France, Japan, Macao (China) and Australia. Four of these teams will be participating in the festival for the first time, promising fresh highlights and surprises.

Built in 1895, the stone church has been carefully restored and preserved in its original state, and remains an iconic symbol of the misty town of Sa Pa. (Photo: VNA)

Sa Pa listed fastest-growing destination in Asia: Agoda

Based on Agoda’s comparison of accommodation bookings between January-November last year and the same period in 2024, Sapa climbed 15 places in the rankings of Asia’s top 100 destinations, making it the fastest-growing destination in the region.

Tourists visit the Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument, which was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. (Photo: VNA)

Positive signal for Dien Bien’s tourism sector in 2026

Tourism in the north-western province of Dien Bien is showing clear signs of revival in the opening days of 2026, reflecting efforts to realise the resolution of the 15th Provincial Party Congress, which identifies tourism as a spearhead economic sector.

Tourists enjoy exploring Ho Chi Minh City by Vespa. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City tourism pivots to quality-driven growth

Tourism development is being steered towards a multi-product, multi-space model that closely links the city centre with riverside, coastal and ecological forest areas, within the broader vision of a post-merger mega-city.

Foreign tourists in Vinh Long. The Mekong Delta locality welcomed nearly 9.5 million visitors in 2025, with a total revenue of 8 trillion VND. (Photo: VNA)

Vinh Long tourism gears up for breakthrough in New Year

The Mekong Delta locality has enhanced tourism promotion activities with an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, steadily building the brand of Vinh Long as a safe, hospitable, and high-quality destination.

In Dong Van, the beauty of karst formations formed hundreds of millions of years ago remains the soul of the journey. (Photo: VNA)

Dong Van transforms advantages into smart tourism

Dong Van is opening a new journey, where each scan by visitors is not only a marker on their travel map but also a stream of live data helping the highland region step into the era of smart tourism.

Quang Ninh province welcomes first foreign visitors on the occasion of the New Year holiday. (Photo: baoquangninh.vn)

Quang Ninh sees tourism surge during New Year holiday

From December 31, 2025 to January 2, 2026, Quang Ninh welcomed around 530,000 visitors, including 44,400 foreign tourists. The number of overnight guests was estimated at 158,000, while total tourism revenue reached approximately 1.28 trillion VND (over 48.55 million USD).

Visitors at a tourist site in Hue (Photo: VNA)

Hue tourism set for further breakthrough in 2026

Favourable weather on the first day of the New Year helped attract a large number of visitors to Hue via air, sea, road and rail. The Complex of Hue Monuments remained the city’s most popular attraction, with more than 8,700 tickets sold on January 1 alone, generating nearly 1.5 billion VND in revenue.