Explore Vietnam’s Best-Kept Secrets: Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son Win UNWTO’s Tourism Award

A huge step for Vietnam’s tourism industry is the sanction made by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The “Best Tourism Villages in the World for 2025” award has been given to the villages of Lo Lo Chai located in the Tuyen Quang Province and Quynh Son in the Lang Son Province. This recognition stems from the evaluation of 270 villages in 65 countries and the unique culture and natural beauty of these villages along with the tourism sustainability has been upheld to receive this award.

Lo Lo Chai is A Village of Tradition and Natural Beauty

Lo Lo Chai is located in Tuyen Quang Province and is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful villages with unique culture. The stunning surroundings and undiscovered culture makes it stand out from the other places in Vietnam. The Lo Lo ethnic group is one of the smallest and is settled in this village which also reflects the beautiful wooden houses along with scenic rice and bamboo fields.

The appeal of the village tourism lies mostly in the village’s unspoiled nature and practiced culture. Lo Lo Chai has adopted sustainable tourism by providing visitors with a genuine experience while upholding its traditions and the environment. Tourists can walk through the village and appreciate the calm countryside while learning about the Lo Lo people’s traditions, crafted works, and farming.

The core attraction of Lo Lo Chai is the chance to see the vibrant festivals and cultural activities of the community. The village also offers eco-tourism activities such as trekking and a unique homestay experience where tourists can live with the locals. With these unique immersive experiences, Lo Lo Chai allows people to go beyond the surface of Vietnamese rural life while practicing sustainable tourism that aims to aid the community through cultural tourism.

Quynh Son: An Underrated Treasure in Lang Son Province

Similar to many villages in Lang Son Province located in northern Vietnam, Quynh Son has also gained recognition abroad for economic tourism activities offered by the village. Indulged by its beautiful environment, with lush green, hills and rivers, Quynh Son encompasses all of the natural splendor, serving as an ideal place for eco tourism, where visitors can engage in activities like hiking, cruises on rivers, walking, and more.

Apart from the breath-taking landscapes, the village of Quynh Son is also inhabited by the Tay ethnic group, where visitors can indulge in activities that allow them to appreciate the traditions and customs of the people. The village has also made efforts towards the development of sustainable tourism by sourcing the food offered to visitors from local farmers and granting small local firms that offer special and marketing entertaining services. An adventurous Quynh Son village tour is never complete without getting the handmade crafts and local delicacies from the vibrant local markets.

Quynh Son still succeeds in maintaining natural resources and cultural heritage with environmental conservation and biodiversity promotion programs. Together with local organisations, the village started a project for visitors to educate them on the need to conserve the locality because of its rich biodiversity. The focus on sustainability has made Quynh Son a pioneer in offer eco-tourism in Vietnam because of the unique eco-friendly travel and tourism experience merged with local community offer.

Sustainable tourism in Vietnam: the Growing Magnet

Both Quynh Son and Lo Lo Chai have the honor of receiving a certificate of sustainable tourism from the UNWTO. These villages have pioneered eco-tourism in Vietnam with Quynh Son being a sustainable travel and tourism offer community heritage. UNWTO’s recognition of the villages emphasizes the pivotal role of Vietnam’s tourism to the world’s focus on rural and less-known areas for sustainable and genuine travel.

As Vietnam expands its tourism sector, sustainable tourism practices have started to take center stage. The government has adopted several steps to promote sustainable tourism, which includes responsible waste management, conservation programs at tourist sites, and providing green transportation to tourists. The promotion of rural tourism has also enabled the development of villages such as Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son, which has helped rural communities partake in tourism while at the same time preserving the environment and culture of Vietnam.

Effects on Local Residents and the Economy

The anticipated awarding of Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son as the Best Tourism Villages of 2025 will practically guarantee an increased flow of tourists, thereby boosting and expanding the economy. The development of tourism has a strong correlation with local development and has the potential to improve infrastructure and create employment opportunities. The revenue obtained from local businesspeople leaves the culture and traditions of the rural population untouched while supporting and promoting rural culture and tourism.

For tourists, these villages serve as gateways to the rural lifestyle of Vietnam while also sustaining ethical tourism. The combination of culture, beauty, and responsible Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son serve as perfect example of how to merge sustainable practices with tourism, making them great destinations for travelers.

Promoting the Untouched Spots in Vietnam

The recognition by the UNWTO also emphasizes the need to promote the untouched parts of Vietnam. Although the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are well-known tourist attractions and busy places, other rural places like Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son offer a clearer and calmer view of the Vietnam’s heritage and landscapes. These rural villages are also primed to reach the untapped international tourists wishing to engage in more off the beaten path travel than the traditional tourist attractions.

Conclusion

The recognition of Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son as The Best Tourism Villages of 2025 by the UNWTO is a monumental achievement, and a turning point in the Vietnam tourism history. These villages are a testament to the eco tourism and cultural tourism as they preserve eco- tourism and cultural heritage alongside the remarkable landscapes and nature. The growing tourism in Vietnam promises a bright future for the untouched spots Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son, which are likely to be the bases guiding tourists to the authentic, and eco-friendly rural Vietnam experience.