Lo Lo Chai in Vietnam has been recognized as a top tourism village, prompting Lung Cu Commune to establish a management team for sustainable tourism development from 2025-2030. Strict operational standards ensure quality while preserving local culture. Support for businesses has improved service, ensuring a safe, appealing destination for travelers.
Nestled in Vietnam’s northernmost region, Lo Lo Chai, recently recognised as one of the Best Tourism Villages, has become a vibrant destination for travelers seeking authentic indigenous experiences. To safeguard its pristine beauty and ensure a safe, well-managed tourism environment, authorities in Lung Cu Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, have rolled out a coordinated set of measures.
According to Ma Doan Khanh, Vice Chairman of the Lung Cu Commune People’s Committee, the commune has issued a decision establishing a 19-member management team tasked with overseeing the construction, conservation, and development of the tourism village from 2025-2030. The team includes local police, border guards, market management officials, and health workers, all dedicated to supervising construction activities, monitoring business operations, and guiding residents in sustainable community tourism.
Immediately after its formation, the committee required all homestays, restaurants, and service providers to meet strict operational standards, ranging from food safety and hygiene certification to fire prevention compliance, environmental sanitation, proper business registration, clear signage, and transparent price listing. Deadlines for compliance were publicly announced in each hamlet to ensure fairness and accountability.
Rather than focusing solely on penalties, the management team has adopted a support-oriented approach. Officials regularly visit Lo Lo Chai to help households organise legal documents, upgrade facilities, and adjust processing areas and emergency exits to align with safety regulations.
Local business owners say the changes have strengthened service quality.
Vang Thi Xuyen, owner of Hien Xuyen Homestay, shared that her property welcomes hundreds of guests each month.
“Through the team’s guidance, we reviewed our entire kitchen workflow and storage areas. Operating in full compliance with regulations gives customers peace of mind and makes our service more professional,” she said.
Similarly, Tran Xuan Hanh, owner of Pasu Homestay, noted that while the inspection process was thorough, the support offered was sincere and practical.
“We updated our residence records, posted prices publicly, and upgraded our restrooms. Guests have reacted very positively to these improvements,” he added.
Khanh emphasised that the overarching goal is to develop Lo Lo Chai into a model tourism village – friendly, professional, and culturally rich.
Beyond service quality, the commune places strong emphasis on preserving the cultural identity of the Lo Lo ethnic minority. Strict guidelines protect traditional trinh tuong (earthen-wall) architecture, ethnic costumes, handicrafts, and folk arts. Households continue to maintain cultural practices for visitors, including bronze drum performances and daily life experiences.
By preventing price gouging, discouraging solicitation, and ensuring a fair business environment, Tuyen Quang Province is working to ensure that Vietnam’s northernmost point remains a safe, attractive, and culturally meaningful destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 