(VOVWORLD) - The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the socio-economic development of Lai Chau province in northern Vietnam. As soon as a resolution on safe adaptation to, and effective control of, the coronavirus was issued, Lai Chau’s tourism sector rolled out measures to prove that Lai Chau is a safe, friendly destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
The O Quy Ho heaven gate and the Rong May glass bridge are the most popular tourist destinations in Lai Chau province. Lai Chau is also famous for adventure tours into the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Tourists are flocking back to Lai Chau province now after a long absence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tran Diep Anh, a tourist from Nam Dinh province, came to the O Quy Ho heaven gate after being homebound for months. Crossing O Quy Ho pass over one of the four great peaks of the Vietnam’s northwest mountains and scanning the panoramic view of the magnificent landscape below was a memorable experience for her family.
She said, “The COVID-19 pandemic of the past two years has caused difficulties in our lives and society. I hope it will completely disappear this year and everyone will be healthy and safe to do whatever they want.”
 Rong May glass bridge in Lai Chau province (Photo: VOV) |
Visitors to O Quy Ho are led to a garden and a yard covered in clouds. An elevator built inside the mountain takes visitors up to the Rong May glass bridge, built on craggy cliffs 2,200 meters above sea level.
Nguyen Ngoc Son, manager of the O Quy Ho heaven gate, said this 50-hectare tourist site employs professional tour guides. Tourist arrivals to O Quy Ho in the first two months of 2022 have skyrocketed compared to the same period last year.
A rare frost blanketed O Quy Ho when the latest cold spell hit the region and was a big hit with the tourists. Some days the site drew as many as 5,000 visitors, a strong sign that tourism is rebounding.
Son said, “Tourists appear less reluctant to travel long distances since late 2021 when policies encouraging them to travel were adopted. The number of tourists has increased dramatically – 600 on weekdays and 1,600 on weekends and holidays”.
 Outdoor activities are a plus point for Lai Chau province. (Photo: VOV) |
The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism says 100,000 tourists came to Lai Chau in the first two months of 2022, up 30% from the same period last year.
According to Tran Quang Khang, Vice Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Lai Chau wants to let all tourists inside and outside Vietnam know that it is a safe, friendly, and exciting destination, which is adapting flexibly to the pandemic. Lai Chau has hosted field trips by travel agencies, which are operating more and more tours here.
Khang said, “More field trips will take place this year to design new tours to mountain peaks, rivers, and farms, where Lai Chau is promoting local specialties. We are preparing to welcome back foreign visitors.”
Lai Chau’s tourism rebound is partly due to closer links this year between eight northwestern provinces and Ho Chi Minh City.