Ta Xua, a highland area of the former Bac Yen district in Son La, is known as one of the famous "cloud paradises" of Vietnam, attracting many tourists thanks to its landscape and distinct travel experiences. 

There, tourists can check in at many characteristic destinations such as the Dinosaur Backbone, Ta Xua Peak, Xim Vang terraced fields, Hang Dong primeval forest, Dolphin Rock, and the Lonely Tree.

In 2023, Ta Xua welcomed 132,800 visitors, generating VND46.5 billion in revenue. In 2024, visitor numbers were similar to the previous year at 131,760, but revenue rose sharply to over VND72 billion. 

In just the first nine months of 2025, Ta Xua welcomed 125,429 visitors and generated VND72.3 billion in revenue, surpassing the full-year figure of 2024.

Nguyen Thang Phuc, head of the Bac Yen tourism sub-association and owner of Mua Homestay, said the number of international visitors to Ta Xua is steadily increasing, mainly from South Korea, the UK, France, the US, Germany and China. 

“Ta Xua is not only appearing more frequently on Vietnam’s tourism map but is also gradually being recognized on the international tourism map,” he said.

Beyond Ta Xua, many other tourism areas and destinations in Son La have also been upgraded to better serve visitors. 

In Moc Chau, many new attractions have been put into operation, such as Bach Long glass bridge, Moc Chau night market, Happy Land tourist area, and popular check-in sites including Heart-shaped Tea Hill, Mocha Hill, Na Ka plum valley and rose gardens, along with community-based tourism sites in Ang village (Dong Sang commune), Vat Village and others. The destination network has continued to expand to Van Ho, Quynh Nhai, Phu Yen, Muong La and Son La City.

At the same time, many historical and cultural relics have been restored and renovated, becoming attractive tourist destinations, such as Son La Prison (a special national relic), King Le Thai Tong Temple (Son La City), General Vo Nguyen Giap Memorial Temple at Nhot Pass (Phu Yen), and the memorial temple for fallen soldiers of the Dien Bien Phu campaign at Pha Din (Thuan Chau). Traditional festivals have also been restored and organized in association with tourism activities.

Tour routes and itineraries have been developed to connect tourist sites with experiential activities, particularly in Moc Chau, Quynh Nhai, Ta Xua, Ngoc Chien (Muong La), Suoi Chieu (Phu Yen) and Son La City. Local travel businesses have also strengthened cooperation with partners from other provinces to exchange tourists and expand markets.

Notably, during the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 2024), the number of visitors to Son La surged sharply, while service prices remained stable and safety and security were ensured.

Six key tasks identified

According to Ha Trung Chien, vice chair of the Son La provincial People’s Committee, tourism is increasingly asserting its role as an important business field, making a contribution to the province’s overall growth.

In 2019, Son La received only about 2.5 million visitors with revenue exceeding VND1.915 trillion. In 2024, the figure rose to 4.9 million, with revenue reaching VND5.8 trillion, an increase of nearly 203 percent. 

In 2025, the province is estimated to welcome nearly 6 million visitors, generating around VND7 trillion in revenue.

To maintain growth momentum and address existing bottlenecks, Son La has identified six key tasks for the coming period.

First, complete the review and adjustment of the general planning for Moc Chau tourism development, expanding from 4,000 hectares to 205,000 hectares, to diversify the province's tourism products.

Second, review the province's mechanisms and policies in the field of tourism development, attracting investors and supporting the development of community tourism.

Third, remove obstacles work and difficulties, creating a favorable legal corridor for people to participate in and benefit from tourism activities.

Fourth, focus on infrastructure development, accelerating the completion of the Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway (4-lane) and at the same time, implement procedures to start construction on the section from Moc Chau to Son La City.

Fifth, build a roadmap to recognize key tourism areas and spots.

Finally, continue to organize cultural and tourism activities associated with nature conservation and the promotion of the unique identity of the ethnic groups in Son La.

Ha Giang