Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son joined UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages list in 2025, bringing Vietnam’s total at that time to five. The earlier recipients were Thai Hai, Tan Hoa and Tra Que.
The 2025 awards were announced on 17 October. They recognise rural destinations for tourism development that supports communities, cultural heritage and the environment. Here is a closer look at the five Vietnamese villages honoured by the end of 2025.
Thai Hai, Thai Nguyen
Thai Hai received the award in 2022. This village preserves Tay cultural traditions through its stilt houses, community life and visitor experiences.
Restored wooden stilt houses stand among greenery, giving visitors an introduction to local architecture and rural surroundings.
Depending on the programme available, visitors can learn about weaving, tea growing, farming and traditional food preparation with local hosts.
Then singing and the tinh lute are part of the community’s cultural heritage. Choose locally hosted activities and ask before photographing people or entering homes.
Tan Hoa, Quang Tri
Tan Hoa was recognised in 2023. Set among limestone mountains and valleys, the village has developed community-based tourism alongside the surrounding cave landscape.
Activities in the area include authorised excursions to the Tu Lan cave system, village meals and homestays. Choose an itinerary suited to your fitness and check seasonal access with the operator.
Tra Que, Hoi An Area
Tra Que Vegetable Village received the award in 2024. A short trip from Hoi An Ancient Town, it is known for its vegetable plots and farming traditions.
Neat beds of herbs and vegetables form the heart of the village. Farming and cooking activities offer a closer look at the ingredients used in local meals.
Walk or cycle along the paths, or arrange an activity with a local host. Early morning and late afternoon are often more comfortable for exploring; avoid stepping into cultivated plots without an invitation.
Lo Lo Chai, Lung Cu Commune, Tuyen Quang
Near Lung Cu Flag Tower, Lo Lo Chai is known for Lo Lo cultural heritage, earthen-walled houses and tiled roofs against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Community-run stays and local food offer opportunities to spend more time in the village. Respect private homes and ask permission before taking portraits.
Quynh Son, Bac Son Commune, Lang Son
Quynh Son lies in the Bac Son Valley, within Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark. Tay stilt houses and rice fields are central to its landscape and community life.
Visitors can arrange homestays, local meals and cultural activities with community hosts. Nearby Na Lay Mountain offers valley views for those prepared for the climb; check access and conditions before visiting.
To include more local encounters in your holiday, explore Sustainable Vietnam: Villages and Local Life - 12 Days. Tell our team which traditions, places and everyday experiences interest you most.
Further information: UN Tourism: Lo Lo Chai; Vietnam News Agency: the two 2025 village award winners.
