Lao Cai Promotes Tourism with Mountain Bike Race Amidst Golden Rice Terraces

A mountain bike race, "Mường Bo X-Rice vút bay trên sóng lúa vàng" (Mường Bo X-Rice Soaring on Golden Rice Waves), was held in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, amidst rice terraces during the autumn harvest season. The event is expected to promote the tourism potential of the Muong Bo region domestically and internationally, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. The race course wound through the golden rice paddies, captivating numerous tourists and local residents. This initiative is part of Lao Cai Province's broader strategy to establish itself as a "four-season tourist destination." Lao Cai Province considers its rich natural landscapes and diverse culture as key tourism assets. The terraced fields, the setting for this race, are particularly drawing attention from domestic and international visitors for their scenic beauty. Lao Cai's tourism sector has shown steady growth in recent years. For instance, over 363,000 tourists visited the province during the New Year holiday in 2026, reflecting the province's efforts to improve its tourism infrastructure and offer attractive programs. This mountain bike race represents a new approach to showcasing regional attractions through sports events, with expectations that it will boost the local economy, especially rural tourism. In Vietnam's one-party system, revitalizing local economies is a key policy objective for the central government, and such community-led events can serve as a driving force. Furthermore, while strengthening economic ties with China, there is also a trend towards developing unique regional tourism resources and exploring diverse markets.