From Tan Trao to Lung Cu: A journey across Vietnam’s newest travel frontier

The merger of Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang under the unified name of Tuyen Quang Province is opening up new development space for tourism in Vietnam’s northern midland and mountainous region. Travel publications and blogs have assessed the province as having the potential to become a new growth pole thanks to the synergy of revolutionary heritage, ecological assets and distinctive indigenous cultures.

Tourists enjoy wearing traditional Lo Lo ethnic costumes.

From the “Capital of the Revolution,” home to the Tan Trao and Kim Binh Special National Relic Sites, to the poetic Na Hang – Lam Binh eco-lake and the primeval forests of Tat Ke – Ban Bung, the former Tuyen Quang already held strong appeal. Following the merger, the province now also encompasses the sacred northernmost frontier, featuring Lung Cu Flag Tower, the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass, the terraced fields of Hoang Su Phi and the Twin Mountains of Quan Ba. Together, these destinations form a seamless corridor of historical, ecological and cultural experiences.

Community-based tourism has emerged as a highlight. In Lo Lo Chai village (Lung Cu commune), homestays rich in ethnic identity attract visitors year-round. Lake View Homestay Lo Lo Chai offers four-season experiences tied to Lo Lo culture and connects tours stretching from the Tan Trao banyan tree to Lung Cu. In Hong Thai commune, community homestay models run by Dao Tien households, supported under Resolution 09/2021/NQ-HĐND, have enabled families to invest boldly and increase incomes, at times welcoming dozens of guests per day.

Community accommodation rates range from VND120,000–150,000 per person for dormitory rooms to VND500,000–800,000 per double room, catering to diverse market segments. Hong Thai commune currently has 16 lodging facilities and is orienting tourism development alongside the preservation of Dao Tien culture, environmental protection and the promotion of OCOP products such as Shan Tuyet tea, forest honey and traditional corn liquor fermented with herbal yeast.

On October 30, 2025, the provincial People’s Committee approved the outline for a Tourism Development Plan to 2035, with a vision to 2045, aiming to make tourism a key economic sector linked to poverty reduction and new rural development. Following the merger, authorities are shaping a large-scale tourism space that connects natural and cultural ecosystems to build a strong regional brand.

Several models have already earned recognition. H’Mong Village Resort in Lung Tam commune received an award in the Best Green Hotel category, while the Pa Vi Ha H’Mong Community-Based Tourism Village in Meo Vac commune was honored as a Best Community Tourism Destination. With assets ranging from a “karst plateau in the sky” to a “Ha Long Bay amid the mountains,” the new Tuyen Quang is steadily affirming its place on Vietnam’s tourism map.

Le Duy