The proposed merger of Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces to form a new administrative unit is a major strategic move, aimed at creating a new growth driver for the northern midland and mountainous region. With favourable natural conditions, a unique geographical location, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural diversity, the future Lao Cai – Yen Bai province is expected to become a standout destination for green tourism in Vietnam and the wider region.
As society continues to evolve, preserving the traditional culture of ethnic minorities is becoming increasingly difficult. Yet, driven by love and pride for his heritage, artisan Vang A Mang from Suoi Giang commune, Van Chan district, Yen Bai province has devoted his life to researching, collecting, and safeguarding the Hmong language and script — with the hope of passing them down to future generations.
Van Chan, the western gateway district of Yen Bai province, is not only renowned for its majestic natural landscape but also as home to 18 ethnic groups. Each group contributes its own rich cultural values to the region’s ethnic diversity. Among them, the traditional costumes of the Mong ethnic people stand out for their intricate craftsmanship woven with stories, legends, and the deep spiritual traditions of the Mong community.
Located at the gateway to the Northwestern region, Yen Bai is home to 30 ethnic groups, each with its own unique cultural characteristics. Over the years, the province has focused on preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of its ethnic groups in conjunction with tourism development. This approach has helped local people maintain their cultural identity, while also providing a boost to tourism and contributing to improving the lives of the local population.
In 2025, Yen Bai aims to eliminate temporary houses for 2,208 families, including the construction of 1,815 new homes and the renovation of 393 existing ones, with total funding estimated at over 120 billion VND.
In 2025, Yen Bai launched a programme to eliminate temporary and dilapidated homes, aiming to support all 2,208 homes, with an estimated cost of 120.69 billion VND (4.7 million USD). The province aims to complete this goal before August 30.
A rare weather phenomenon surprised locals and visitors as thick frost blanketed Ta Xua Peak in Ban Cong commune, Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province. The frost formed overnight on March 18 and lasted until around 7:30 a.m. on March 19.
Ta Xua peak in Ban Cong commune, Tram Tau district, the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai, was coated in thick frost from the night of March 18 until 7:30 am on March 19.
With its traditional rituals, beautiful customs, and sacred significance, the forest worship ceremony of the Mong ethnic community in Na Hau commune, Van Yen district, Yen Bai province, was officially recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2024, as part of Vietnam’s national intangible cultural heritage.
The northwestern mountainous province of Yen Bai, which has emerged as an attractive destination, plans to turn its heritage into an "asset," by continuing to implement comprehensive policies to support tourism development and further invest in creating new tourism offerings in 2025.
Every year, from late October to early November, tourists from all over Vietnam flock to Mu Cang Chai in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai to marvel at the stunning terraced rice fields and the mesmerising white cloud sea atop Cao Pha Pass. But beyond the breathtaking natural scenery, it is the simplicity of life and the unique cultural heritage in the locality that truly captivate visitors.
The Yen Bai provincial Cooperative Alliance joined forces with the Cowater International of Canada to launch the “SMEs Promote Resilience, Inclusion and Innovation Transformation” (SPRINT) Project on November 22.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 12 gave on-site directions in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai on the settlement of the serious consequences of the downpour, landslides, and flooding entailing recent Typhoon Yagi.
Severe landslides caused by heavy rain in Yen Bai province have led to significant damage. Local authorities are swiftly mobilizing resources to support recovery efforts and ensure the safety of affected communities.
The terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province, present a breathtaking sight, particularly as they emerge amidst the clouds and mountains at dawn or dusk. The water pouring season has also evolved into a distinctive tourism attraction in this mountainous district.
Thac Ba Lake in Yen Bai province, often called 'Halong Bay on land,' has been approved by the Prime Minister for development into an international eco-tourism and cultural hub. Spanning over 53,000 hectares, including nearly 20,000 hectares of water, the Thac Ba National Tourism Area features over 1,300 islands and ranks among Vietnam's top three largest artificial lakes.
