Hanoi: Nestled at the gateway to Vietnam's northwestern region, Yen Bai Province is turning its rich cultural heritage into a powerful engine for sustainable tourism, enriching local communities while captivating global travellers with authentic experiences. Being home to 30 distinct ethnic groups, Yen Bai is a vibrant mosaic of cultural identities, boasting 137 historical and cultural relics, over 40 traditional festivals, and more than 510 intangible cultural treasures. In Mu Cang Chai, a highland district where over 90% of residents are Hmong, cultural traditions are the heartbeat of a burgeoning tourism sector. According to Vietnam News Agency, the province's focus on cultural tourism is not only aimed at attracting visitors but also at preserving the diverse heritage of its ethnic communities. The local government is actively promoting cultural events and festivals to showcase the unique traditions of its people. These efforts are designed to create a sustainable tourism model that benefits both the lo cal population and the environment. Yen Bai's strategy involves collaboration with local artisans and cultural practitioners to ensure that tourism development respects the area's cultural integrity. This approach includes the revitalization of traditional crafts and the promotion of homestay experiences where visitors can immerse themselves in local lifestyles. The province is also investing in infrastructure to improve accessibility to remote areas, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach even the most isolated communities. The province's commitment to cultural preservation and tourism development is seen as a blueprint for other regions with similar ethnic diversity. By leveraging its cultural assets, Yen Bai aims to establish itself as a premier cultural tourism destination in Vietnam, offering unique experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. The initiative is expected to boost the local economy, providing new opportunities for income and employment for residents.