According to the deputy director of the Lai Chau Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Tran Quang Khang, trekking and mountain climbing have become popular among tourists visiting the province.
"However, we've recently seen people cutting mountain azalea and organising fireworks displays, which threaten the mountains and forests in the area," Khang said. "We'll strictly punish these violations."
The official said they would co-operate with travel companies on tours that ensure forest protection.
The move came after a video clip showing a group of tourists enjoying fireworks in a local forest.
An investigation by Lai Chau Police Department showed that the fireworks display was organised by 22 tourists at a birthday party in a forest on the Pu Ta Leng Mountain on the evening of March 16.
A member of another tourist group, Vu Duc Tam, tried to persuade the group to stop the fireworks display and posted the video on social networks.
Lai Chau is home to six out of Vietnam’s 10 highest mountains.
Pu Ta Leng Mountain is famous for its dense primaeval forests and has become a popular destination for mountain climbing. Tourists can admire the beautiful azalea in full blossom when reaching the height of 2,000-2,600 metres at this time of the year.
