Vietnam’s Dong Van Karst Plateau wins top regional cultural destination award

The award highlights the region’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors and marks the first time Tuyen Quang Province has received a WTA honor in the cultural category following its merger with former Ha Giang Province in July.

Nguyen Trung Ngoc, director of Tuyen Quang’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the recognition confirms the plateau’s cultural and natural significance while encouraging further sustainable development.

“International recognition is not only an honor but also a responsibility,” Ngoc said.

“It motivates local authorities to innovate and meet high standards for sustainable tourism that integrates with the global community.”

The Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010, is renowned for its karst landscapes, ancient fossil sites, caves, and winding mountain passes.

It is also home to 17 ethnic minority groups who have preserved traditional lifestyles for generations.

Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Group, said Tuyen Quang has been developing tourism carefully, attracting international visitors who often return and recommend the region to friends.

“Maintaining the award is not difficult; preserving the authenticity of local culture is the real challenge,” he said.

“Language, festivals, traditional crafts, and daily life are invaluable.

“Local communities are the storytellers who share the region’s culture with visitors.”

Authorities plan to leverage the award by improving quality and diversifying tourism offerings, including community-based tourism, eco-resorts, and cultural experiences.

They also aim to strengthen international partnerships for training, planning, and promotion, and to create attractive cross-province travel routes.

Digital initiatives are underway, including building a database of destinations, digitizing maps and guides, and applying technology for promotion.