To help tourism in Thai Nguyen take off.

In recent years, tourism in Thai Nguyen province has seen positive developments, with stable growth in visitor numbers and revenue, keeping pace with major tourism centers in the region. However, for tourism to truly fulfill its role as an important economic sector, effective consensus and linkages among all levels, sectors, businesses, and the tourism community are essential.

Tourism in Thai Nguyen province continues to make positive strides, with stable growth in visitor numbers and revenue, keeping pace with major tourist centers in the region. (In the photo: A view of Ba Be Lake tourist area. Photo: Contributor)

New signals

For the "non-polluting industry" (tourism), this is a positive sign. Less than 10 years ago, the number of tourists that Thai Nguyen province received, including both Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan provinces before the merger, only fluctuated around 2 million visitors per year.

Notably, the majority of visitors to Thai Nguyen during this period were delegations from the central government or local authorities, combining work with sightseeing. Accommodation, food, and sightseeing expenses were primarily covered by the state budget or provincial agencies and units, meaning tourism activities did not truly operate according to market mechanisms.

The current tourism landscape in Thai Nguyen has undergone many changes. The mindset for tourism development is now clearly defined as economic development, not limited to sightseeing, viewing, or administrative reception activities.

Based on a thorough understanding of the economic benefits of tourism, Thai Nguyen province has proactively implemented tourism development projects and programs, intensified promotion, expanded regional linkages, and developed new tourism products associated with local culture, gradually creating an attraction for domestic and international tourists.

The results are clearly demonstrated by the increase in visitor numbers and revenue. In 2024, Thai Nguyen tourism welcomed over 4 million visitors, generating revenue of approximately 3,500 billion VND. By 2025, the number of visitors is projected to increase to over 7.3 million, with revenue exceeding 7,446 billion VND, the highest level ever. However, the number of international visitors remains modest, at around 274,000 for the whole year.

Domestic and international tourists visit and experience the tea hills in Thai Nguyen.

Aiming to become a friendly and competitive destination, in recent years Thai Nguyen province has focused on overcoming limitations in infrastructure and providing high-quality services, gradually approaching the high-value segment and integrating more deeply with the international market.

Tourists are increasingly taking the initiative to choose their own attractions, tours, and experiences, and paying for the services they use, reflecting a clear shift in the tourism market.

Along with the increase in the number of tourists, the accommodation system in the province continues to expand in both scale and quality. Currently, the province has 785 tourist accommodation establishments, including 94 hotels.

The hotel system is structured into segments from 1 to 3 stars, including 10 3-star hotels, 7 2-star hotels, 3 1-star hotels, and 74 hotels meeting tourism service standards. In addition, the province also has 691 tourist guesthouses and houses with rooms for rent.

Alongside accommodation facilities, the food and beverage service system has also developed strongly. The province currently has over 4,700 restaurants and food service establishments, including over 100 large-scale restaurants capable of serving large groups of tourists and major events.

Many familiar establishments have built a reputation, such as: Dung Tan Restaurant (Song Cong Ward); Viet Phuong Royal Palace, Da Huong Hotel, Dong A Plaza, Kim Thai (Phan Dinh Phung Ward); Trong Dong Palace (Gia Sang Ward), Thai Hai Eco-tourism Area (in Tan Cuong Commune)...

The extensive network of restaurants helps meet the diverse culinary needs of tourists, while also promoting the cultural value of local cuisine, from traditional dishes of ethnic minorities to products bearing the distinctive mark of Thai Nguyen tea region.

Tourists experience cycling during a tour at ATK Dinh Hoa.

A notable highlight in the culinary tourism landscape of Thai Nguyen in 2025 is the restaurant located in the Thai Hai Ethnic Village Ecological Conservation Area, which was awarded the "Best Restaurant for Customer Service in 2025" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

This award recognizes the quality of service and professional service style, while also contributing to affirming the brand of Thai Nguyen's culinary tourism on the national tourism map. From a culinary space linked to cultural preservation, Thai Hai has demonstrated a sustainable approach by combining tourism development with the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values.

Towards green tourism

Located at the gateway to the Viet Bac region, with its diverse natural and cultural tourism resources, and appropriate guidance and management, Thai Nguyen province has many advantages to develop tourism to a level commensurate with its potential.

In particular, Thai Nguyen is known as the "tea capital" of the country, and is also a land rich in revolutionary traditions, a place where many national cultural values ​​converge and intertwine, creating a unique attraction for domestic and international tourists.

Recognizing tourism as a key economic sector, Thai Nguyen province is focusing on directing and creating favorable conditions for organizations and individuals to invest in the construction of amusement parks, entertainment areas, and ecotourism destinations.

Discussing the potential for tourism development in Thai Nguyen, many economic experts believe that the province is located in the center of the Northeast region and possesses a convenient transportation system. From Thai Nguyen, it is possible to flexibly connect tours and routes with the Northeast and Northwest provinces, Hanoi, and the delta region.

This is a significant advantage in attracting domestic and international tourists. In the near future, Thai Nguyen has many conditions to become an attractive destination, chosen by a large number of tourists.

In recent years, the social service system in the province, including telecommunications, transportation, tourist attractions, accommodation facilities, restaurants, and shopping areas, has been invested in and developed synchronously and quite rapidly, with a wide variety of goods, gradually meeting the needs and tastes of tourists.

Along with that is a rich system of historical and cultural relics, scenic spots, and a treasure trove of intangible cultural heritage. The province currently has 3 special national relics, 67 national relics, 323 provincial relics, and 45 intangible cultural heritages recognized at the national level. In addition, there are traditional craft villages and folk festivals that reflect the unique cultural identity of the ethnic groups, often held at the beginning of spring.

The system of tangible and intangible cultural values ​​has become an important resource, providing a foundation for the long-term and sustainable development of the tourism industry, while also creating jobs and stable income for thousands of workers, contributing to increased revenue for the locality.

The peach orchards in Ngan Son commune are ideal places for children to experience and enjoy the spring festivities.

Recognizing tourism as a key economic sector, Thai Nguyen province has focused on directing and creating favorable conditions for organizations and individuals to invest in the construction of amusement parks, entertainment areas, and ecotourism destinations. Many projects and facilities, after being put into operation, have proven effective, contributing to improving the environmental landscape, diversifying tourism products, and providing more reasons for tourists to extend their stay.

Some notable destinations include: Dung Tan Tourism and Trade Center (Song Cong ward); the entertainment area of ​​Nui Coc Trade Union Hotel and Tourism Joint Stock Company (Dai Phuc commune); An Binh Eco-tourism Area and Thai Hai Eco-stilt House Conservation Area (Tan Cuong commune); Yasmin Farm Eco-tourism Area (Linh Son ward); Song Cau Garden House tourist destination (Bac Kan ward)... Each destination has its own unique character, from eco-tourism and agricultural experiences to exploring local culture.

Thai Nguyen's tourism sector has been experiencing remarkable growth in both scale and quality. However, to shift from extensive to intensive growth, from mass tourism to high-value tourism, the province is focusing on implementing comprehensive, long-term solutions, including attracting investment in high-end accommodation systems meeting 4-5 star standards.

The newly inaugurated Thai Nguyen Stadium is a key sports facility and venue for major cultural and sporting events, contributing to boosting tourism in the province.

These efforts are gradually meeting the needs of the high-end tourist segment, business travelers, and international experts working in industrial zones in the province, especially in the context of Thai Nguyen's efforts to attract investment, develop high-tech industries, and integrate internationally.

On its path to making tourism a key economic sector by 2030, Thai Nguyen province continues to effectively implement tourism development programs and projects, aiming to create jobs for approximately 10,000 workers in the tourism sector; develop at least 300 more accommodation establishments; establish at least 5 hotels meeting 4-5 star standards; and strive to welcome around 12 million visitors, including 11 million domestic and 1 million international tourists. Total revenue from tourism activities is expected to exceed 25,000 billion VND per year.

To truly boost tourism and establish Thai Nguyen as a worthwhile destination to visit, stay at, and experience, the province is steadfast in its goal of sustainable tourism development, aiming for green tourism.

Integrating tourism development with cultural preservation, environmental protection, and ensuring the interests of local communities is identified as the foundation for building a sustainable, distinctive, and culturally rich destination image.

With the established conditions and directions, Thai Nguyen tourism has a solid foundation to break through and gradually assert its position as an attractive destination in the Northern Midlands and mountainous region in the near future.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/du-lich-thai-nguyen/202602/de-du-lich-thai-nguyen-cat-canh-6c62ed9/