During the weekend of November 22–23, thousands of tourists descended upon Lo Lo Chai village in Lung Cu Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, which was recently honored as one of the “World’s Best Tourism Villages 2025” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

With tam giac mach (buckwheat) flowers blooming across Lung Cu and ideal weather conditions, the narrow paths of Lo Lo Chai overflowed with tourists. Visitors had to jostle for space at scenic photo spots and popular eateries.

Hoang Hieu, a 25-year-old tour guide from Ha Giang, remarked that this weekend’s crowds were even larger than during Tet, the traditional New Year holiday. He noted a sharp uptick in tourism since the village received its prestigious international accolade in October.

“Tourists arrive nonstop all week. At famous photo corners, they queue for over an hour. I often have to guide clients to lesser-known spots for a chance to check in without the wait,” said Hieu.

Securing a room or booking a meal in the village has also become difficult. “This weekend I brought six guests here. The quietest times are early in the morning or after 10 p.m.,” Hieu added.

Ha Thuy Dung, a visitor from Hai Phong, shared that despite searching 10 days in advance, she couldn’t find any weekend accommodation in Lo Lo Chai. She and her friend opted for a day trip instead and waited in line to take photos beside early-blooming peach trees and heavily laden persimmon branches.

“The village was as crowded as a city. It’s a shame we came at such a busy time. I’ll definitely return to experience its true peaceful beauty,” she said.

According to Tran Duc Chung, chairman of Lung Cu Commune People's Committee, since October the number of visitors to the area has surged to around 10,000 per week - sometimes reaching 12,000 to 15,000. Lo Lo Chai has been the top draw.

Chung attributes the spike not only to the UN accolade but also to the tam giac mach flower festival and various cultural activities organized locally.

However, concerns have arisen over environmental hygiene and price gouging by middlemen who hoard accommodations and inflate prices by three to four times.

To address the issue, Chung said authorities have launched strict corrective measures.

Inspection teams were formed to monitor service prices at homestays, requiring all 62 licensed operators in Lo Lo Chai to publicly post their rates to prevent tourists from being overcharged.

Currently, the village has 62 certified homestays with a combined maximum capacity of 1,000 guests per night. Due to high demand, finding a room during weekends is extremely difficult. Visitors are advised to consider staying in the nearby village of Then Pa.

Nestled at the foot of the Lung Cu flagpole - Vietnam’s northernmost point - Lo Lo Chai is home to over 120 households, primarily of the Lo Lo ethnic group. The village is famed for its walled earthen houses, some over 200 years old.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of the Lo Lo people, participating in traditional activities such as weaving linen, planting corn, brewing local spirits, and sampling ethnic delicacies like “thang co” (a horse meat stew), smoked buffalo, bamboo rice, and corn wine.

The best time to explore Lo Lo Chai is from late autumn through early spring. However, travelers should plan carefully to avoid the weekend rush.

Linh Trang