Ta Xua named Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination

Ta Xua, a mountainous commune in Vietnam's northern Son La province, has won the award for Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards 2026. The ceremony was held in the Maldives.

Located at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, the destination is characterized by its sea of clouds, ancient Shan Tuyet tea gardens, and the culture of the Mong ethnic community. Ta Xua secured the victory against other regional nominees, including Koh Kood in Thailand, Melaka in Malaysia, Morioka in Japan, Sumba in Indonesia, and Taipei.

Tourism development has significantly impacted the local economy. In 2025, the commune welcomed approximately 130,000 visitors, generating an estimated 75 billion VND in revenue. Local officials report that many households have transitioned from traditional farming to operating homestays or supplying agricultural products to the tourism sector. This shift contributed to a decrease in the local poverty rate from 37% in 2024 to 33.64% in 2025.