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According to Resolution No. 60 from the 11th Central Committee Conference, the provinces of Lao Cai and Yen Bai are expected to merge under the name Lao Cai, with the political and administrative center located in Yen Bai.
Lao Cai and Yen Bai share similar natural conditions, socio-economic profiles, and revolutionary histories. Over the years, the two provinces have jointly developed interregional tourism routes to maximize their combined strengths and potentials.
Lao Cai is home to Sa Pa, one of Vietnam’s most famous tourist destinations and recently named among the 16 most beautiful small towns in the world by Time Out magazine (UK).
Meanwhile, Yen Bai has gained international attention with Mu Cang Chai, which topped Wanderlust Storytellers’ list of 25 breathtaking destinations with surreal beauty.
In recent years, both provinces have seen rapid growth in mountain tourism and trekking. Locals are increasingly shifting from agriculture to tourism and services, embracing environmental conservation and preserving cultural heritage.
After the merger, the new province will become a “paradise” for hiking lovers, boasting numerous peaks ranked among the 15 highest in Vietnam and offering awe-inspiring scenery.
Fansipan - 3,143m: Roof of Indochina
Fansipan stands at 3,143 meters and lies at the heart of the 280-kilometer-long Hoang Lien Son range. It is the tallest mountain in Vietnam, often dubbed the “Roof of Indochina.”
Located about 9 kilometers southwest of Sa Pa, Fansipan enchants visitors with blooming rhododendrons in spring and early summer, and occasionally offers a rare glimpse of snow and frost in winter.
Tourists can either hike from Hoang Lien National Park or take the cable car from the Fansipan station to the summit.
The Fansipan tourism complex in Sa Pa was honored as the world's leading natural scenic destination in 2024 by the World Travel Awards.
Nhiu Co San - 2,965m
In the H’Mong language, Nhiu Co San means “buffalo horn,” named after its two sky-piercing peaks shaped like massive horns. Located in Sang Ma Sao commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai, this mountain is around 60 kilometers from Sa Pa.
At 2,965 meters above sea level, Nhiu Co San has become a popular destination in recent years, praised for its pristine beauty and rich flora.
Each season offers a different charm: frost blankets the summit in early spring, while vibrant rhododendrons emerge as the sun grows stronger. In late autumn, red and golden maple leaves paint a spectacular path through the ancient forest.
Ngu Chi Son - 2,858m
Also called the “hand mountain,” Ngu Chi Son is located near the Hoang Lien Son Pass, straddling the border of Tam Duong (Lai Chau) and Sa Pa (Lao Cai).
Renowned for its rugged cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse vegetation, and surreal cloud seas, Ngu Chi Son is known as the "greatest mountain of the Northwest." Despite being the 15th highest peak in Vietnam at 2,858 meters, it is one of the most challenging treks.
Ta Xua - 2,865m
Located in Tram Tau, Yen Bai, Ta Xua is one of Vietnam’s highest mountains, reaching 2,865 meters.
In recent years, it has become a sought-after destination for its dreamy sea of clouds, blooming rhododendrons, and mystical moss-covered forests - offering a one-of-a-kind visual experience.
Ta Chi Nhu - 2,979m
The highest peak in Tram Tau, Yen Bai, and the sixth highest in Vietnam, Ta Chi Nhu is part of the Pu Luong massif in the Hoang Lien Son range.
Often referred to as the “roof of Yen Bai,” this peak attracts large numbers of mountain lovers for trekking, cloud hunting, and admiring the chi pau flower (also known as dragon honey grass).
The ideal time to conquer Ta Chi Nhu is from September to April of the following year.
Lung Cung - 2,913m
Lung Cung Peak, located in Lung Cung village, Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai, ranks among Vietnam’s 15 tallest mountains. It draws trekkers with its stunning scenery and relatively accessible terrain spanning 20 kilometers.
The summit is also a prime location to watch the sunset and sunrise above a 360-degree panorama of drifting clouds.
Linh Trang
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