The tourism programme, which aims to introduce historic sites and regional cultural value, kicked off on February 3 from Viet Tri town to Au Co Temple, in Phu Tho province.

The programme included the festival of "hat xoan" (traditional midland singing) in Phu Ninh district and the Hung Kings’ temple festival starting on the 10^th day of the third lunar month.

Activities in Yen Bai province included a festival at Tuan Quan Temple in Yen Bai town and Muong Lo cultural activities in Nghia Lo town, at Thac Ba and Dong Cuong temples in Yen Binh and Van Yen districts as well as and Dai Cai Temple in Luc Yen district, all in February.

The Lao Cai festival took place at Sa Pa mountain resort and also at Thuong, Bao Ha and Thac Ba Temples in the province.

To raise the effectiveness of the programme, the three provincial tourism services have focused on advertising their tourist sites and establishing joint venture tours, providing personnel training and calling for investment.