There is still a lot of work to be done.

Hanoi, with its vast suburban area encompassing 18 districts and towns, is gradually exploiting its potential for developing agricultural and rural tourism. This is not only a new direction in economic development but also an opportunity to preserve cultural values ​​and natural landscapes, linked to the new rural development program.

Hanoi's rural tourism has enormous potential.

The outskirts of Hanoi boast a rich ecosystem, famous traditional craft villages, and many ancient cultural and historical relics. Bat Trang pottery village (Gia Lam), Van Phuc silk village (Ha Dong), and Duong Lam historical site (Son Tay) have become familiar destinations. Eco-farms in Ba Vi and Soc Son also attract tourists seeking a green environment.

Currently, many rural tourism models have been implemented, such as Thanh Xuan Organic Vegetable Cooperative (Soc Son), Dong Que Farm (Ba Vi), and Long Viet Agricultural Park (Soc Son). These are places where tourists can not only enjoy the fresh air but also participate in activities such as picking vegetables, harvesting fruits, or visiting modern agricultural production processes.

The strengths in agricultural and rural production are opening up potential for developing tourism products, attracting visitors to the locality. Pictured is Ha Dong Silk Village, also known as Van Phuc Silk Village (now part of Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District), a famous silk weaving village with a history dating back thousands of years. Van Phuc silk boasts a wide variety of patterns and is among the oldest in Vietnam.

However, according to experts, Hanoi's advantages lie not only in its natural landscapes or distinctive agricultural products but also in its ability to combine cultural and historical values ​​with tourism activities. Thanh Oai district, notable for its 266 historical sites and 51 traditional craft villages, could become an ideal destination for cultural and ecological tourism.

Rural tourism not only contributes to economic development but also creates momentum for changing the face of rural areas. In many places, people have shifted from purely agricultural work to providing tourism services, thereby increasing their income. For example, Hong Van commune (Thuong Tin district), formerly an agricultural commune, has developed into a village specializing in ornamental plants combined with ecotourism, welcoming nearly 70,000 visitors annually before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, rural tourism is also a way to preserve cultural values ​​and promote community education. Agricultural experience programs not only attract tourists but also help the younger generation better understand Vietnamese agriculture and traditional culture.

Highlights and challenges in rural tourism development.

Despite its great potential, rural tourism in Hanoi still faces many challenges. Firstly, spontaneous development and a lack of planning have prevented many tourist destinations from fully exploiting their advantages. According to Mr. Nguyen Khanh Binh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Oai District, awareness of tourism development in the locality remains low, and distinct tourism products have yet to be defined.

Furthermore, infrastructure in rural areas is not yet fully developed, lacking standard accommodation services and convenient transportation. While the local people are experienced in agricultural production, they lack the skills to provide professional service to tourists.

Another problem is the lack of distinctive tourism brands. While localities like Da Lat and Sa Pa have built their own unique images of agricultural tourism, Hanoi still lacks products that are competitive enough to attract tourists.

To overcome these limitations, Hanoi is implementing the Plan for the Development of Agricultural and Rural Tourism Economy for the period 2022-2025. Accordingly, the city focuses on developing unique and distinctive tourism products, emphasizing experiential aspects and high added value.

When visiting Bat Trang, tourists shouldn't miss this interesting check-in spot: the Center for the Quintessence of Vietnamese Craft Villages, often referred to as the "Bat Trang Pottery Museum." Located in Hamlet 5, Bat Trang Commune, this facility, which opened in June 2021, has become a popular tourist attraction due to its distinctive architecture, mimicking the shape of clay molded on a potter's wheel. Photo: Hoang Lan

Thanh Oai is emerging as a model for developing rural tourism in conjunction with the new rural development program. With numerous historical sites such as the Noi Binh Da communal house and temple, Boi Khe pagoda, and famous craft villages like Chuong village (making conical hats) and Cu Da village (making vermicelli), the district is focusing on developing cultural and ecological tourism products.

According to Mr. Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, Thanh Oai is located on the Day River tourism belt, possessing advantages for developing craft village tourism, cultural tourism, and ecotourism. To realize this goal, the district is strengthening connections between historical sites and craft villages and developing tour packages to serve tourists.

Developing rural tourism in conjunction with building new rural areas is not only an economic development strategy but also a sustainable solution for preserving culture and improving people's lives. Hanoi, with its existing potential, needs to continue investing in planning, upgrading infrastructure, and building a distinct tourism brand. If implemented comprehensively, agricultural and rural tourism will become an important driving force, making the capital a bright spot on the tourism map of Vietnam and internationally.

This information page is a collaboration with the Program Coordination Office.

Building new rural areas in Hanoi city.

Source: https://danviet.vn/phat-trien-du-lich-nong-thon-gan-voi-xay-dung-nong-thon-moi-o-ha-noi-con-nhieu-viec-phai-lam-20241128175405008.htm