Lao Cai provincial People’s Committee in the North Vietnam made a plan for developing Sapa district into an international tourist destination by 2030. By this plan, Sapa would not only be a town center, but have new urban areas with luxury resorts as well, which create more favorable conditions for economic and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and China in general and attracts more tourists who travel to Vietnam.

Specifically, this plan would divide the district into nine areas which include, not only town centre (with the population of 13,000 people), but also new urban areas with luxury resorts.

The district is seeking permission to build a golf course as well.

Some other sites slated for development are Ham Rong Mountain, agricultural and production areas and eco-tourism locations.

Protected forest lands have also been included.

Under the proposed plan, the town of Sapa would be separated from the district on the basis of the boundaries of new tourism areas and provincial borders.

A feature of the plan is the building of a 3,143-metre cable car to the top of Fansipan Mountain.

Economic and cultural exchanges will be fostered between ethnic minorities in the northern part of Vietnam and southwest China, in hopes that it could act as a bridge between the two countries.

Once completed, the Hanoi – Lao Cai Highway, is expected to bring more tourists, who would save half their time on the commute between Hanoi and Sapa.

The aim is to attract 3 million tourists who travel to Vietnam yearly by 2030.