Ta Xua recognized as Asia’s top emerging tourism destination

Ta Xua, located in Son La province, Vietnam, has been honored as the “Top Emerging Tourism Destination in Asia” at the 2026 World Tourism Awards. Situated at an altitude of 1,500–1,800 meters, the region is famous for its “dinosaur spine” ridge, which offers dramatic views of mountain landscapes and sea-of-clouds phenomena.

The destination is transitioning from a purely nature-based attraction to a cultural experience hub. Visitors can engage in trekking, tea tasting, and exploring the traditional lifestyles of the Hmong ethnic community, including the production of ancient Shan Tuyet tea.

In 2025, the area welcomed approximately 130,000 visitors, including over 3,100 international tourists, generating an estimated 75 billion VND in revenue. During the first six months of 2026, Ta Xua received an estimated 56,000 visitors, contributing roughly 54 billion VND to the local economy.