The figure represents about 80 per cent of the province's full-year tourism revenue target of VND 51.1 trillion.
Tourism activity remained strong at major destinations including Sapa, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty, Suoi Giang and Nghia Lo, as well as community-based tourism sites across the province.
The National Day holiday in early September provided a significant boost. During the five-day break, Lao Cai received an estimated 450,155 visitors, twice the number recorded during the same period last year.
International arrivals reached about 34,068 during the holiday, while tourism revenue was estimated at VND 2.21 trillion. Accommodation occupancy across the province exceeded 75 per cent, rising to about 95 per cent at hotels rated three stars or above in Sapa.
By September 2, Lao Cai had received nearly 9.47 million visitors, equivalent to 83.4 per ent of its annual target, including more than 1.31 million international arrivals.
Tourism activity continued after the holiday as the autumn rice harvest drew visitors to the province's mountainous areas, where ripening terraced fields have become a major seasonal attraction.
Mu Cang Chai received more than 110,425 visitors in the first eight months of 2026, including 16,865 international tourists, generating more than VND263 billion in tourism revenue.
During the National Day holiday alone, the area attracted about 27,000 visitors and earned an estimated VND48.5 billion.
The 2026 Mu Cang Chai Golden Season Festival features cultural and sporting activities including traditional costume performances, Hmong khèn dancing, beeswax pattern drawing and banh day making, alongside community experiences.
Other destinations including Bac Ha, Y Ty, Sapa, Suoi Giang and Nghia Lo are also developing tourism around natural landscapes and local culture, incorporating traditional festivals, agricultural products, crafts and community activities into visitor experiences.
In Pung Luong, the Hmong community's new rice celebration has been incorporated into the 'Golden Heritage' tourism programme, combining traditional cultural practices with tourism activities.
Lao Cai is also expanding the use of technology in tourism, including digital maps, destination information and online platforms aimed at improving access to information and connections between tourist sites.
