UN Tourism Names Lô Lô Chải Among the World’s Best Tourism Villages 2025

When the travel world buzzes with new favourites, it’s all the more exciting when one pops up in a quiet mountain commune in northern Vietnam. This time, the spotlight shines on Lô Lô Chải, a remote settlement in Lũng Cú Commune, Tuyên Quang Province — which has just been honoured as one of the “Best Tourism Villages in the World 2025” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

Why this mountain village?

In a pool of 270 applications from 65 countries, Lô Lô Chải stood out for its blend of natural beauty, cultural integrity, and sustainable tourism development. The village sits high in the northern highlands, where stone houses, terraced fields, and the traditions of the Lô Lô ethnic community offer an authentic escape from the usual tourist map.

Officials say the recognition is more than just a title — it’s a sign of how tourism can work for rural communities: protecting culture, nature and creating livelihood opportunities. “Tourism can be a powerful tool to progress shared prosperity, inclusive growth and territorial cohesion in rural areas,” said UN Tourism’s Secretary-General.




What to expect when you go

Landscape & setting: Imagine waking up surrounded by misty rice-terraces, mountain peaks touching the sky, and a gentle rhythm of village life. Lô Lô Chải offers this and more: traditional houses built with natural materials, stone fences, ancient footpaths, and a sense that time has slowed for reflection.

Cultural immersion: The Lô Lô people have preserved weaving, herbal gardens, rituals and communal life in a way few places do. Visitors can stay in homestays, join in weaving or cooking workshops, watch traditional dances, and get a real sense of how remote communities live and thrive.


 

Sustainable touch: What really impresses is the sustainable practices. Lô Lô Chải has upgraded its infrastructure — proper waste collection, reduction of single-use plastics, improved sanitation, and considered visitor management so nature and culture aren’t overwhelmed.

A few highlights to plan for

• Stay in a local homestay to get the full experience — share meals with the host family, learn about their daily routines.
• Walk the village paths at dawn when light spills into the terraced fields and you might meet local farmers off to work.
• Join a weaving or craft session — maybe participate in making textiles or traditional artefacts.
• Take in the scenery: mountain silhouettes, pristine forests, and community life that remains connected to nature.
• If you’re adventurous, link your visit to the neighbouring regions of Tuyên Quang to explore more off-beat villages, highland trails and local festivals.

Why this puts Vietnam onto the global map




According to the announcement, Lô Lô Chải is one of 52 winners from 29 countries selected by UN Tourism. For Vietnam, it’s a meaningful moment: showcasing that the country can shine not only through its beaches and cities, but through highland culture, rural life and sustainable tourism models.

It also highlights how tourism is being used as a tool for development in remote zones — offering economic opportunities while protecting heritage. As one article notes, the local community was trained in hospitality skills, food safety, fire-prevention, and environmental protection, ensuring that the tourism growth is inclusive and responsible.

What this means for you, the traveller

For the curious traveller, Lô Lô Chải offers something rare: authenticity. Instead of the usual resort or packed city itinerary, this is about stepping into another world — one where the story of place matters. It’s ideal if you’re seeking reflections, slower pace, cultural interaction.

That said, as this recognition spreads, the place may become more visited — so part of the experience is arriving open-minded, respectful of local culture, and embracing the idea of learning rather than just ticking a tourism box.

In summary
Lô Lô Chải might have been off the beaten path until now, but with the “Best Tourism Village 2025” accolade, it’s inviting the world in — gently, thoughtfully, deeply. Whether you stay a night or longer, you’ll likely leave with more than photos: you’ll have memories of a community, a landscape, and the possibility of travel that truly connects.