Chau Duc - the 'capital' of ecotourism

With its mild climate, numerous beautiful lakes, and picturesque landscape, Chau Duc District (Ba Ria - Vung Tau) is well-suited for developing community-based, eco-tourism, and experiential tourism. The district also aims to integrate agriculture with tourism, effectively exploiting its existing potential.

Transform barren hills into luxury resorts.

Suoi Rao Ecolodge resort (Suoi Rao commune, Chau Duc district) is situated on a gently sloping hillside covering 5 hectares, adjacent to the Xuan Son protective forest. Nearly 20 years ago, this area was just rocky land, mainly used for growing short-term agricultural crops. As a landscape designer and biologist, Ms. Le Thi Nga (owner of Suoi Rao Ecolodge resort) transformed her barren, rocky hill into a forest to promote biodiversity and fulfill her passion for her profession.

Suoi Rao Ecolodge resort is 95% green.

PHOTO: NL

Throughout its journey of restoring and regenerating pristine natural values, Suoi Rao Ecolodge has benefited from the systematic and scientific work of scientists , experts, and landscape architects, with a strong commitment to conservation and biodiversity. Currently, over 95% of Suoi Rao Ecolodge's area is covered by greenery. This includes over 1 million identified trees of approximately 700 species, among which are 18 rare and valuable timber species from Ba Ria - Vung Tau, along with about 300 types of medicinal plants. Flowers such as sunflowers, wild sunflowers, butterflies, bird of paradise, roses, and hydrangeas bloom year-round. Tree planting, forest management, soil quality improvement, and biodiversity conservation have helped Suoi Rao Ecolodge achieve significant carbon sequestration. In 2024, the Institute for Applied Research and Business Innovation (under the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City) awarded Suoi Rao Ecolodge carbon-neutral destination certification.

I like terrain with hills, streams, and forests.

Mr. Van (an architect) and his wife, who worked as accountants at a company in Ho Chi Minh City, were tired of the hustle and bustle of city life. They decided to leave the city and return to the countryside, buying over 1 hectare of land in Suoi Rao commune and starting their journey to build Suoi Rao Forest, an eco -tourism destination. Mr. Van said: "I chose Suoi Rao to start my business because I like the terrain here with its many hills, streams, and forests." After more than 10 years of designing and constructing it themselves, Suoi Rao Forest is now well-known to many tourists. Located away from residential areas and close to the forest, the space is quiet, peaceful, and the air is always cool, making it ideal for groups of visitors who enjoy being close to nature and trekking to explore the forest.

Suoi Rao Ecolodge resort has been awarded carbon neutral destination certification.

PHOTO: NL

Two years ago, after being invited to Suoi Rao by a friend, Ms. Tam Lua (37 years old, residing in Ho Chi Minh City) and her husband immediately fell in love with the area and decided to make it their second home. Despite having a thriving spa business in Ho Chi Minh City, living in a modern urban area, and their children attending international schools, Ms. Lua decided to leave the city and buy a small, beautiful plot of land in Suoi Rao. The Nha Lua Retreat eco-tourism resort was born on this barren hillside, a testament to the couple's dedication and passion. With a spa and meditation rooms situated along the stream, Nha Lua Retreat is more than just a tourist destination. Taking advantage of the surrounding forests, medicinal herb gardens, and organic vegetables, Ms. Lua regularly organizes detoxification and cleansing courses, free meditation sessions, yoga, and health care services to serve the community.

Mr. Tran Van Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Suoi Rao commune, said that previously, the livelihoods of most local people mainly depended on livestock farming and agriculture. In the last 5 years, thanks to investment in connecting transportation infrastructure, Suoi Rao has attracted many investors. Resources from society have helped change the face of the rural area, with more spacious houses and improved quality of life for the people. "In the commune, there are nearly 10 rest stops and eco-tourism models built by local people and investors from other places. These areas and sites help promote the local beauty to tourists, especially those who love the natural beauty of forests and lakes," Mr. Dung added.

Chau Duc District has many natural streams suitable for experiential tourism.

PHOTO: NL

Developing agriculture in conjunction with tourism.

Mr. Le Thanh Liem, Chairman of the People's Committee of Chau Duc District, said that Chau Duc is one of the famous agricultural regions of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province with specialties that have become brands such as coffee, cocoa, pepper, and various fruits. In recent years, Chau Duc's agricultural sector has also brought another advantage to the locality in exploiting agricultural tourism. Especially with the natural advantages bestowed upon Chau Duc land, such as cool springs and a cool midland climate, it is an ideal condition for the formation of eco-tourism areas, which have become a trend chosen by many tourists.

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 to Dong Nai province, creating favorable conditions for trade, connectivity, and tourism. Recently, the government approved the Long Thanh Airport - Ho Tram expressway project, with the entire route passing through Chau Duc district. Furthermore, the existing National Highway 56, along with routes 991, 992, 995, 997, and the Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 4, will greatly facilitate tourism and leisure activities in Chau Duc once operational. "In the area, more than 10 agricultural tourism models have been established, offering products to meet the needs of sightseeing, tourism, and purchasing agricultural products. Chau Duc also has many activities to promote and improve the quality of agricultural products, increase income for farmers, and help the agricultural sector move in the right direction towards sustainable production along the value chain," Mr. Liem added.

A tourist attraction in Suoi Rao.

PHOTO: NL

During a survey of community tourism potential in Chau Duc, Dr. Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research, 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 focus on integrated and convergent development. The core values ​​should be forest ecology, trees, selling the atmosphere, and selling stories about culture, the value of creative and innovative labor, and the essence of traditional crafts from the OCOP product chain. Dr. Minh suggested: "In the future, linkages are crucial. Linkages should create a symbiotic and mutually supportive ecosystem, with forms of interaction to ensure that tourism products become unique and memorable experiences for visitors. Chau Duc should position itself as a continuously connected ecological space linking to other points in the province."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chau-duc-thu-phu-du-lich-sinh-thai-185250428160553247.htm