The northern Lao Cai provincial People’s Committee announced a plan for developing Sapa District into an international tourist destination by 2030.

Tourists climbing up Fansipan Moutain. Photo by Yeudulich

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 yearly by 2030.