Sun Group inaugurated the first five-star international boutique hotel in Sa Pa, the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, on Saturday.

Belonging to the world’s leading hotel management group AccorHotels Group, Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery by Sofitel boasts nearly 250 rooms designed by architect Bill Bensley, who fused the local culture, French history and vibrant modern ambiance of Sapa into one impressive property.

Its restaurant, bar and French bakery offer a variety of delectable selections while its heated swimming pool, spa, junior club and convention rooms also serve guests to five-star standards.

Vice president and CEO of Sun Group Dang Minh Truong said the new hotel marks a milestone for Sun Group in its journey in Lao Cai Province to bring tourism in Sa Pa to greater heights.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dang Xuan Phong also committed his support for businesses investing in Lao Cai.

Together with Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery by Sofitel, Sa Pa also boasts a cable car up Mount Fansipan, Sun World Fansipan Legend Resort and a complex of cultural and spiritual tourism at the peak of Fansipan.

The number of tourist arrivals to Lao Cai is expected to surpass 4.3 million this year, up 22.7 per cent year-on-year. Three million of them visited Sa Pa, up 60 per cent annually.

It is forecast that Sa Pa will serve nearly four million visitors by 2020 and eight million by 2030. – VNS