Chau Duc - A destination rich in emotions

Based on its rural agricultural resources, Chau Duc has developed several emotionally rich eco-destinations for tourists to experience.

Tourists can experience biodiversity by cycling at Suoi Rao Ecolodge.

Awakening indigenous resources

Charming wooden houses with tiled roofs nestle beneath the trees. Lush green meadows and stone-paved paths are lined with colorful ornamental plants. The greenery doesn't diminish but only increases, primarily consisting of medicinal plants. Every small detail respects nature but is also carefully arranged and nurtured by humans. The space is quiet, peaceful, and refreshing. That's our impression when we visited Suoi Rao Forest (Hamlet 2, Suoi Rao Commune).

Representatives from Suoi Rao Forest stated that the resort was established during the COVID-19 pandemic when the trend of rural tourism and closeness to nature began to flourish. Benefiting from its proximity to the Xuan Son-Suoi Rao protected forest and its year-round cool climate, Suoi Rao Forest has developed a model of rejuvenating tourism based on nature, including trekking and exploring the Xuan Son-Suoi Rao forest. Currently, Suoi Rao Forest has become a popular resort destination for families seeking a peaceful vacation in the countryside.

Not far away, Suoi Rao Ecolodge—the first carbon-neutral destination in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province—is a prime example of respecting and harmoniously connecting with nature for tourism development. Located adjacent to a diverse ecosystem of sea, lakes, and forests, Suoi Rao Ecolodge has undertaken biodiversity conservation efforts for the past 16 years, with systematic consultation from experts and landscape architects. As a result, over 95% of Suoi Rao Ecolodge's area is covered by greenery, with over 1 million identified trees representing approximately 700 species and more than 300 types of medicinal plants. In particular, the tree planting, forest management, soil quality improvement, and high biodiversity conservation efforts have given Suoi Rao Ecolodge a significant carbon footprint. The total amount of _CO2 stored in trees and soil at Suoi Rao Ecolodge is 1,558.86 tons/6 years (equivalent to 260 tons of _CO2 /year), while the measured _CO2 emissions are 19 tons/year.

By relying on nature, respecting nature, and constantly enhancing its beauty, Suoi Rao Ecolodge also selects its guests. Here, it doesn't welcome mass visitors, but only those who appreciate nature and the environment, with a focus on sustainability and ecology.

After a truly rejuvenating two-day getaway at Suoi Rao Ecolodge, Ms. Hoang Lan ( Ho Chi Minh City) shared: "Waking up to the sound of forest birds singing, the sunrise filtering through the leaves still glistening with dew. Sipping a cup of coffee in a tranquil space filled only with the natural sounds of the forest, trees, and birds… things I haven't experienced in a long time, it was absolutely relaxing. Even though it was a short vacation, it was incredibly fulfilling and the mental balance was clearly noticeable. I will definitely come back many more times," Ms. Hoang Lan said.

Tourists stroll and take photos amidst the scenery of Suoi Giau Lake.

A convergence of the finest crafts.

Chau Duc District is the largest industrial and fruit-growing area in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, boasting numerous orchards of specialty fruits such as cocoa, durian, avocado, and mangosteen. Furthermore, Chau Duc is situated between Phu My City, the province's largest industrial hub, and Xuyen Moc, a newly emerging tourist destination. It also serves as a gateway bordering Dong Nai province . This favorable location facilitates trade, connectivity, and tourism attraction for Chau Duc.

According to Mr. Do Chi Khoi, Vice Chairman of the Chau Duc District People's Committee, with favorable conditions such as a mild climate, many beautiful reservoirs, and picturesque landscapes rarely found elsewhere, Chau Duc is suitable for developing community tourism, ecotourism, and experiential tourism. Chau Duc District also aims to develop agriculture combined with tourism to exploit and promote its existing strengths.

More than 10 agricultural tourism models have been established in the area, offering products to meet the needs of tourists, visitors, and those wishing to purchase agricultural products. Chau Duc district also has many activities to promote and improve the quality of agricultural products, increase farmers' income, and help the agricultural sector move in the right direction towards sustainable production along the value chain, such as the "One Commune One Product - OCOP" program, developing typical rural industrial products, launching OCOP stores, and agricultural product fairs…

The Suoi Rao Forest grounds are filled with lush greenery.

Several destinations are now welcoming visitors in Chau Duc.

* Suoi Rao Ecolodge (Hamlet 2, Suoi Rao Commune) - a net-zero destination for relaxation, tree planting tours, meditation, and enjoying pristine nature.

Dragon Land - Dinh Gia Trang (village 1, Suoi Rao commune) offers sightseeing around the lake, dining, and accommodation.

* Suoi Rao Forest (Hamlet 2, Suoi Rao Commune) offers camping, accommodation, meals, and forest trekking opportunities.

* Charm Village (Hamlet 1, Suoi Rao Commune) offers relaxation, dining, and entertainment.

At Buon Go Rin (Song Xoai 1, Lang Lon commune), experience the culture of the Central Highlands and enjoy Central Highlands-style cuisine.

* OCA Vietnam-Japan (Quang Thanh commune) offers tours, cocoa harvesting, and cocoa chocolate making.

Recently, during a survey of community tourism potential in Chau Duc, Dr. Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research of Ho Chi Minh City, commented that Chau Duc has all the necessary elements to develop community tourism. However, to form sophisticated and impactful community tourism models that will create a significant impact in the future, Chau Duc should pursue an integrated and convergent development approach. The core values ​​should be the forest ecosystem, the trees, the selling of the air, and the selling of stories about culture, the value of creative and innovative labor, and the essence of traditional crafts from the OCOP product chain.

“In the future, connectivity is crucial. Connectivity is needed to create a symbiotic and mutually supportive ecosystem, fostering interaction so that tourism products become unique and memorable experiences for visitors. Chau Duc should position itself as a continuously connected ecological space linking various points within the province,” suggested Dr. Duong Duc Minh.

Text and photos : KIM VINH

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/du-lich/202503/chau-duc-diem-den-giau-cam-xuc-1036208/