Thriving tourism has contributed to the preservation of indigenous cultures and created an impetus for growth and economic restructuring in the northern mountainous region.
The Mu Cang Chai terraced fields in Yen Bai province, covering a total area of around 2,200ha, were designated as a special national relic by the Prime Minister in 2019.
Earlier, the UK newspaper, The Telegraph, listed Mu Cang Chai among the 12 most beautiful terraced fields in the world. These fields not only provide local residents with a stable livelihood but also represent a unique indigenous cultural aspect, making Mu Cang Chai an attractive tourist destination.
Since 2015, Yen Bai has held various activities to honour the beauty of Mu Cang Chai terraced fields and showcase the cultural values of the Mong ethnic group. These efforts aim to raise public awareness of heritage preservation and attract more tourists. Notably, the annual paragliding festivals “Flying over the Golden Season” and “Flying over the Water Season” have become attractive tourism products.
Apart from ecotourism and community-based tourism, Yen Bai is expanding into adventure tourism, with activities such as mountain climbing, paragliding, and kayaking.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai district, Sa Pa town and Bat Xat district of Lao Cai province, and Hoang Su Phi district of Ha Giang province have been classified as national heritage and scenic landscapes with over 2,076ha in the protected zone.
Recently, the eight provinces in the expanded northwestern region and Ho Chi Minh City announced two regional tourism products for 2023, namely the journey connecting national terraced fields Hanoi – Phu Tho – Nghia Lo, Cang Chai (Yen Bai) – Than Uyen. Tam Duong, Phong Tho (Lai Chau) – Sapa, Bac Ha (Lao Cai) – Xin Man, Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang), and the “majestic northwest” product linking Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Son La – Dien Bien – Lai Chau – Sapa, Bac Ha (Lao Cai) and Xin Man, Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang)./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency
