@article{ART003366014},
author={Hoang Anh Minh and Nguyen Van Dzung},
title={Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam},
journal={SUVANNABHUMI},
issn={2092-738X},
year={2026},
volume={18},
number={2},
pages={153-181},
doi={10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153}
TY - JOUR
AU - Hoang Anh Minh
AU - Nguyen Van Dzung
TI - Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam
JO - SUVANNABHUMI
PY - 2026
VL - 18
IS - 2
PB - Korea Institute for ASEAN Studies
SP - 153
EP - 181
SN - 2092-738X
AB - This study analyzes the spatial and socio-economic transformation of Sa Pa, evolving from an isolated colonial hill station into a key tourism growth pole in the Doi Moi era. Engaging with James C. Scott’s concept of “Zomia,” which views the highlands as a space of “state evasion” and isolation, this paper does not refute Zomia but examines its explanatory limits in the post-1990 context of Sa Pa, where deep integration into national and global flows has become the dominant condition. By examining the role of large-scale infrastructure and tourism projects (such as the Noi Bai-Lao Cai Expressway, the Fansipan cable car, and high-end hotels) alongside the surge of private investment, the study proposes the concept of the “Flat Plateau.” This concept elucidates how technology and capital have “flattened” geographical barriers, transforming Sa Pa from a periphery into a strategic “node” within the Kunming (China)-Lao Cai-Hanoi (Vietnam) economic corridor. The findings not only reposition the role of highland urban areas within inter-regional networks but also highlight emerging challenges regarding social rupture, cultural commodification, and inequality in benefit distribution, thereby suggesting policy implications for sustainable development.
KW - Sa Pa;Zomia;Flat Plateau;inter-regional connectivity; highland urbanization;post-Zomia condition
DO - 10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153
ER -
Hoang Anh Minh and Nguyen Van Dzung. (2026). Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam. SUVANNABHUMI, 18(2), 153-181.
Hoang Anh Minh and Nguyen Van Dzung. 2026, "Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam", SUVANNABHUMI, vol.18, no.2 pp.153-181. Available from: doi:10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153
Hoang Anh Minh, Nguyen Van Dzung "Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam" SUVANNABHUMI 18.2 pp.153-181 (2026) : 153.
Hoang Anh Minh, Nguyen Van Dzung. Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam. 2026; 18(2), 153-181. Available from: doi:10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153
Hoang Anh Minh and Nguyen Van Dzung. "Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam" SUVANNABHUMI 18, no.2 (2026) : 153-181.doi: 10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153
Hoang Anh Minh; Nguyen Van Dzung. Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam. SUVANNABHUMI, 18(2), 153-181. doi: 10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153
Hoang Anh Minh; Nguyen Van Dzung. Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam. SUVANNABHUMI. 2026; 18(2) 153-181. doi: 10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153
Hoang Anh Minh, Nguyen Van Dzung. Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam. 2026; 18(2), 153-181. Available from: doi:10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153
Hoang Anh Minh and Nguyen Van Dzung. "Flattening the Highlands: Sa Pa and the Reconfiguration of Inter-regional Connectivity Patterns in Contemporary Vietnam" SUVANNABHUMI 18, no.2 (2026) : 153-181.doi: 10.22801/svn.2026.18.2.153
