The world just received a powerful reminder that the most rewarding travel experiences often lie off the beaten path, where culture, nature, and community intertwine. In a monumental win for authentic travel, the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has bestowed the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 title upon two hidden treasures of Vietnam: Lo Lo Chai Village and Quynh Son Community Tourism Village.
This dual recognition not only places these remote Vietnamese hamlets squarely on the global travel map but also celebrates the nation’s successful model of sustainable community tourism. For the traveler seeking genuine cultural immersion and untouched natural beauty, this news serves as the ultimate invitation.
UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages
Before diving into the destinations themselves, it’s crucial to understand the magnitude of this award. The “Best Tourism Villages” title, conferred by UN Tourism (formerly the World Tourism Organization), is not merely a beauty contest. It is a rigorous assessment of rural destinations that excel across nine key criteria, placing a heavy emphasis on sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
This is a testament to the dedication of the local people in these regions—the Lo Lo and Tay ethnic minorities—who have masterfully balanced welcoming international visitors with preserving their ancient way of life. By meeting the stringent standards of this global body, Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son set the gold standard for responsible travel worldwide.
Vietnam now proudly claims five villages with this prestigious status, cementing its position as a global leader in authentic, sustainable cultural tourism.
Lo Lo Chai: The Living Museum at the Frontier (Tuyen Quang)
Nestled at the very foot of the Lung Cu Flagpole, marking the northernmost point of Vietnam, Lo Lo Chai has long been an adventurous detour for intrepid travelers to Ha Giang Province. Now, it is a globally recognized beacon of cultural resilience.
The most striking feature of Lo Lo Chai is its signature architecture: the Trình Tường (earth-walled houses). These two-story structures, built from layers of compressed earth, are not only remarkably durable against the harsh mountain climate but are also a fundamental part of the Lo Lo people’s cultural identity.
- Many of these centuries-old homes have been lovingly converted into cozy homestays. Staying here is not just a night’s accommodation; it’s an immersive experience where you can examine the thick earthen walls, feel the cool interior, and directly support the local families who maintain this unique heritage.
The true magic of Lo Lo Chai lies in its people. Tourism here is a collaborative, community-driven effort:
- Brocade and Festivals: The women of the village are renowned for their exquisite brocade weaving, a skill passed down through generations. Travelers are often invited to witness or even participate in the meticulous process. Furthermore, the village is focused on keeping traditional Lo Lo rituals and festivals alive, offering guests a rare glimpse into a culture largely untouched by modernization.
- The Sustainable Model: Lo Lo Chai’s success under the UN criteria highlights its commitment to environmental stewardship. Local initiatives focus on waste sorting, reducing single-use plastics, and encouraging guests to support local agriculture. The village stands as a powerful example of how tourism can directly enhance, rather than degrade, a fragile mountain ecosystem.
Tip: Visit during the shoulder seasons (Spring for cherry blossoms or Autumn for the vast buckwheat flower fields of Ha Giang) to witness Lo Lo Chai’s landscapes at their most spectacular, while still avoiding peak crowds.
Quynh Son Village: Serenity and Stilt Houses (Lang Son)
Moving eastward to Lang Son Province, the second award-winner, Quynh Son Community Tourism Village, offers a distinct and equally rewarding journey into the heart of Tay ethnic culture within the tranquil Bac Son Valley.
Quynh Son is instantly recognizable by its idyllic setting. The village features traditional Tay stilt houses (Nhà Sàn) with characteristic curved tile roofs, all nestled among expansive, flat rice paddies surrounded by dramatic, towering limestone peaks.
- The panoramic views from the surrounding hills, such as Na Lay Mountain, reveal the iconic “rice bowl” shape of the valley, making it a dream destination for landscape photographers. The mist often hangs low in the mornings and evenings, adding a mystical quality to the already serene landscape.
The Tay people of Quynh Son have excelled in delivering an engaging and authentic tourist experience:
- Cultural Exchange: Unlike more commercialized areas, Quynh Son focuses on genuine cultural exchange. Guests can enjoy traditional Tay cuisine, learn about local farming techniques, or be invited to observe or join in celebratory events like traditional Tay weddings or folk music performances (Hát Then).
- Educational Tourism: The village integrates history and culture through dedicated “Education Routes” within the surrounding Bac Son Geopark area. This ensures that tourism also serves a didactic purpose, educating visitors about the region’s rich historical and revolutionary traditions.
Quynh Son exemplifies successful agri-tourism. Visitors can often take part in the rice planting or harvesting cycles, providing a hands-on connection to the region’s core agricultural heritage.
Planning Your Journey to Vietnam’s Best Tourism Villages
This global recognition is set to increase international demand for both Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son. If you are planning a trip to experience these globally recognized destinations, here are key takeaways for your investigational search intent:
| Destination | Province | Activities | Best Time to Visit |
| Lo Lo Chai | Tuyen Quang | Homestay, Cultural Exchange, Trekking, Lung Cu Flagpole | Oct-Dec (Buckwheat), Mar-May (Blossoms) |
| Quynh Son | Lạng Sơn | Photography, Tay Culture, Stilt Houses, Bac Son Valley views | Jul-Oct (Rice season) |
The triumphs of Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son mark a momentous chapter for Vietnamese tourism. They are living proof that true luxury in travel is found not in five-star resorts, but in the preservation of ancient traditions and the warmth of genuine human connection. Don’t just follow the crowds—seek out the authentic. Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son await to share their world-class story with you.
