A mock-up of Sa Pa Airport in the northern mountainous province of Lào Cai. (Photo baogiaothong.vn)

Construction is scheduled to start this year and will be completed in 2021. The 250 million USD airport will be used for both civil and military purposes. It will be able to handle a maximum of nine Airbus A320, Airbus A321 or the equivalent. 

5 million tourists are expected to visit Lao Cai this year. Sa Pa, a small, mountainous town, welcomes a diverse range of visitors, attracted by the highland tribes, iconic rice paddies and forest treks.