Perhaps no other region in Điện Biên Province embodies the distinctive charm of the Northwestern region as vividly as Tủa Chùa. Located in a mountainous area approximately 130km from Điện Biên Phủ City, Tủa Chùa is home to seven ethnic groups, contributing to a rich tapestry of traditional cultural identities and unique tangible and intangible cultural heritage, creating a distinct local imprint.

Tủa Chùa benefits from its proximity to the Sơn La Hydropower Reservoir, forming part of a tourism development corridor alongside Điện Biên, Sơn La, and Lai Châu Provinces. The area boasts a system of nationally recognized caves and breathtaking natural attractions, such as Khó Chua La Cave (Xá Nhè Commune) and Pê Răng Ky Cave (Huổi Só Commune). Other highlights include an ancient Shan Tuyết tea forest with nearly 4,000 century-old tea trees in Sín Chải Commune, the vast rocky highlands spanning Tả Phìn, Sín Chải, Lao Xả Phình, and Tả Sìn Thàng Communes as well as the provincial-level architectural heritage site of Vàng Lồng Citadel (Tả Phìn Commune). These assets form the foundation for diverse and unique tourism products, fostering eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural experiences.

Each season brings a unique charm to Tủa Chùa, but the most picturesque period lasts from August of the previous year to May of the following year. During this time, visitors can enjoy refreshing climate, while marveling at the vibrant colors of terraced rice fields at harvest time, and the endless vistas of jagged limestone formations. In spring, Tủa Chùa becomes even more enchanting, offering visitors the chance to participate in traditional Mông ethnic festivals, marvel at the blossoming peach, plum, and bauhinia flowers, and experience cloud-hunting for stunning and unique snapshots.

A special highlight of Tủa Chùa is its traditional weekly markets, such as the Tả Sìn Thàng Market (held on the days of the Rat and Horse in the lunar calendar) and the Xá Nhè Market (held on the days of the Cat and Rooster). Additionally, a vibrant night market takes place every Saturday and Sunday evening in the town center, offering a wide array of goods, from handcrafted brocade clothing to locally grown agricultural products. These items, cultivated, raised, or foraged by ethnic communities, showcase the region’s authentic rural economy. More than just commercial hubs, these markets serve as cultural gatherings where highland residents gather and exchange goods after a week of hard work.

Mr. Lường Tuấn Anh, Chairman of the Tủa Chùa District People’s Committee, shared that Tủa Chùa has identified tourism development as a long-term strategic priority and a collective responsibility of the entire political system. With the goal of making tourism a key economic sector by effectively leveraging local natural conditions and cultural identities, the district aims to develop sustainable, focused, professional, and high-quality tourism. This includes linking tourism development with ecological protection, climate change adaptation, and preservation and promotion of historical and cultural values, ensuring social welfare and national defense-security in the area.

“At the same time, we are building distinctive tourism products to attract visitors, especially international tourists, while developing comprehensive services to meet their needs, creating long-term, stable revenue streams, and harmonizing the interests of the people, businesses, and the State”, he added.

Departing from Tủa Chùa before dawn, with mist still enveloping the mountain peaks and hills, we were convinced that with a right vision, well-structured strategies, and effective solutions, a tradition of unity, and a determined spirit, coupled with the coordinated and resolute efforts of the entire political system and the broad participation of the people, Tủa Chùa’s tourism industry will continue to grow, contributing to elevating its tourism brand and value.