Sapa - “Switzerland of Vietnam" captivates RoK travelers
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture.
At the peak of Mount Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina. (Photo: VNA)
Seoul (VNA) - Bookings from Korean tourists for all-inclusive tours to Sapa in Vietnam's Lao Cai province in the first half of 2025 surged by 333% compared to the same period in 2024, according to Hana Tour – the Republic of Korea (RoK)’s largest travel agency.
Notably, in January 2025 alone, the number of Korean tourists booking tours to this highland destination skyrocketed by 1,138%, marking a record-breaking growth rate.
Sapa quickly becomes a "new tourism phenomenon" in the RoK market thanks to its majestic mountain landscapes, year-round cool climate, and distinctive local culture. (Photo: VNA)
According to an analysis by Hana Tour, Sapa has quickly become a "new tourism phenomenon" in the RoK market thanks to its majestic mountain landscapes, year-round cool climate, and distinctive local culture. The destination has gained strong exposure through digital entertainment platforms, video content, and social media, boosting its appeal among younger travellers.
A representative of the agency noted that Sapa is emerging as an ideal alternative destination for RoK travelers who have previously visited Vietnam. In the third quarter of 2025, hotel bookings in the area increased more than fourfold compared to the same period last year.
Anticipating this trend, Hana Tour has launched a signature package called the “Fansipan WOW PASS,” offering visitors a chance to explore Mount Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina - via a modern cable car and monorail system. The five-day Hanoi–Sapa tour is also designed as an experience, combining visits to renowned attractions such as Cat Cat village, Muong Hoa valley, and the signature terraced rice fields of the northwest highlands in Vietnam.
﷽ Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres above sea level, Sapa is dubbed the “Switzerland of Vietnam” for its temperate climate, breathtaking scenery, and European-inspired architecture. At the same time, the harmony between its natural beauty and the rich cultural identity of local ethnic minorities is creating a unique appeal for international holidaymakers, particularly those from Northeast Asia./.
Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Pham Van Thuy emphasised the RoK as a top tourism market, noting 1.58 million Korean arrivals in Vietnam in the first four months of 2025.
The Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Ministry of Justice announced to extend the pilot e-group visa programme for citizens of three Southeast Asian countries of the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam by two years.
With nearly 200,000 KRW in each per-capita card transaction, Vietnamese tourists spent the most among international visitors to the Republic of Korea (RoK) in 2022, according to the RoK’s credit card and financial service company BC Card.
A quick search for “Vietnam is calling” on TikTok reveals a myriad of clips capturing the excitement of visitors setting off for Vietnam, with short videos showing tourists holding their passports, wheeling their suitcases through airports or exploring Vietnam’s scenic landscapes, diverse cuisine and unique culture - all set to upbeat, catchy soundtracks.
The number of visitors increased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, while total tourism revenue surged by 48.8%, or nearly 88% of the year’s target.
“There is no more atmospheric way to haul into Vietnam’s twin metropolises as this train rattles through historic cities and swooshes beside spectacular coastlines,” according to Lonely Planet.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
![sapa2.jpg](http://mediaufabetindo.in/images/790ffb7916bf348155e2236b4070dfe449c7308b78487f100949b26e72053175/sapa2.jpg "Sapa quickly becomes a "new tourism phenomenon" in the RoK market thanks to its majestic mountain landscapes, year-round cool climate, and distinctive local culture. (Photo: VNA)")
