The Lao Cai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued a directive to strengthen management of tourism businesses, travel services and tour guides, with particular attention to activities that could pose risks to visitors’ safety.
The move follows guidance from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on managing high risk tourism products, broadly classified as adventure tourism.
Local authorities have been asked to raise public awareness and regularly update information on adventure tourism activities in their areas, while ensuring businesses and visitors comply with legal regulations.
Communes and wards are also required to review and compile lists of individuals and organisations providing adventure tourism services, including trekking guides, mountain guides, porters and related support services.
Authorities will also identify emerging forms of adventure tourism not yet covered by existing regulations and propose amendments to improve the legal framework.
Tourism associations, travel companies and tourist sites offering adventure activities must strictly comply with business requirements and proactively assess risks. They are required to prepare rescue and emergency response plans, particularly during unpredictable weather.
Lao Cai has encouraged adventure tourism development in areas such as Bat Xat, Y Ty, Sapa, Ta Van, Ta Phin and Bac Ha. Businesses must notify the provincial tourism department at least 15 days before launching new services.
Travel companies must also closely manage tour guides, including collaborators, and submit programme details and contact information to the department before March 15, 2026 to support oversight.
Companies operating in Lao Cai without a registered office in the province are encouraged to establish branches or representative offices in line with business regulations.
The department also stressed that accommodation providers and individuals are prohibited from organising travel services or adventure tourism programmes without proper licences or required safety conditions.