The remote village of Lô Lô Chải, nestled in the northern province of Tuyên Quang, has been awarded the prestigious “Best Tourism Village 2025” title by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This recognition marks a significant milestone for the village, its residents, and the burgeoning tourism industry of Tuyên Quang, signaling a shift towards sustainable and culturally rich travel experiences.
A Decade of Dedication Culminates in Global Acclaim
“Ten years ago, when I and the Lô Lô people in the village started doing tourism, there were still many confusions and difficulties, sometimes laughing and sometimes crying. But last night, when the whole village officially heard the news that Lô Lô Chải had become the Best Tourist Village in the world 2025, we were overjoyed and extremely excited. The sweat and tears of those days have now paid off,” shared Sình Dỉ Gai, the village chief of Lô Lô Chải. His words encapsulate the decade-long journey of transformation the village has undertaken, from a place grappling with poverty to a thriving tourism destination.
Gai, a pioneer in Lô Lô Chải, was the first to establish a homestay in the village back in 2011. His success served as a catalyst for others. “By 2015, when my family’s homestay had results, I started encouraging people to participate in tourism. In 2017-2018, a number of homestays were added in the village and started more in the period of 2022. To date, 56/120 households in the village run homestays, the rest do business in restaurants, cafes, medicinal herb baths, livestock – growing crops to provide clean food…,” Gai proudly stated.
The shift towards tourism has had a profound impact on the villagers’ livelihoods. According to the village chief, many families have successfully escaped poverty and are now thriving economically thanks to tourism, enabling them to purchase cars and invest in their children’s education.
Preserving Tradition Through Tourism
Lô Lô Chải boasts approximately 40 traditional trình tường houses, most of which have been converted into homestays. These homestays are designed to reflect the traditional Lô Lô style, showcasing antique artifacts and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for visitors. This commitment to preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage is a key factor in the village’s success.
The village’s transformation into a tourist destination has been gradual but impactful. The homestays offer visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to connect with the local culture and learn about the Lô Lô people’s way of life. This cultural exchange benefits both the visitors and the residents, fostering understanding and appreciation.
UN Tourism Recognizes Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
The “Best Tourism Village” award, presented on October 17th in Zhejiang, China, by UN Tourism, recognizes rural destinations that demonstrate excellence in preserving cultural and natural heritage, promoting sustainable tourism, and improving the livelihoods of their communities. Lô Lô Chải shares this year’s honor with Quỳnh Sơn Community Tourism Village in Lạng Sơn province.
The award criteria are rigorous, focusing on governance, innovation, sustainability, environmental impact, and contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This prestigious recognition sets an international standard for high-quality community-based tourism models.
UN Tourism evaluated over 270 applications from 65 countries before selecting Lô Lô Chải and Quỳnh Sơn. The organization cited the villages’ rich cultural and natural resources, as well as their dedication to sustainable tourism practices, as key factors in their decision.
Tuyên Quang’s Investment in Sustainable Tourism Pays Off
The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyên Quang province has emphasized the province’s commitment to developing Lô Lô Chải as a green and sustainable community-based tourism destination. This strategic focus, along with the hard work and dedication of the villagers, has contributed to the village’s recent success.
The province has invested in various training programs to enhance the skills of the local community, including training in hospitality, service management, food safety, fire prevention, environmental protection, and responsible tourism practices. These initiatives have empowered the villagers to provide high-quality services and ensure a positive experience for visitors.
Lô Lô Chải and Quỳnh Sơn join three other Vietnamese villages, Thái Hải (Thái Nguyên), Tân Hóa (Quảng Trị), and Trà Quế (Đà Nẵng), in receiving this prestigious recognition from UN Tourism. This growing list of award-winning villages highlights Vietnam’s increasing prominence as a destination for sustainable and culturally rich tourism.
A Source of Pride and a Stepping Stone for the Future
“The success of Lô Lô Chải is not only a source of pride for the local community but also an important milestone in the journey to affirm the Tuyên Quang tourism brand on the world map,” affirmed the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyên Quang province.
The recognition from UN Tourism is expected to further boost tourism in Lô Lô Chải, attracting more visitors and creating new economic opportunities for the community. However, the village is committed to maintaining its focus on sustainability and preserving its cultural heritage as it continues to develop as a tourism destination.
The story of Lô Lô Chải serves as an inspiring example of how tourism can be a force for good, empowering communities, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development. The recognition as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” in the world is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of the people of Lô Lô Chải.
The village of Lô Lô Chải’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of sustainable tourism, showcasing how a community’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and embracing responsible practices can lead to global recognition and a brighter future.
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