Positioning the new eco-tourism 'capital' of the Capital

After being established on the basis of merging 3 communes Minh Tri, Minh Phu and Tan Dan (old Soc Son district), Kim Anh commune is mentioned as a "lowland" with great potential for eco-tourism - resort in the suburbs of Hanoi. With a large forest area, rich mountainous landscape, rare lake - forest ecosystem, 60 historical and cultural relics and more than 30 traditional festivals, this place possesses a rare "gene set" of resources.

Tourists at an eco-tourism area in Kim Anh commune. Photo: thethaovanhoa.vn

Opening new destination of Hanoi

In recent years, more than 130 accommodation establishments such as homestays, resort villas, eco-tourism areas, etc. have appeared, becoming familiar destinations for inner-city tourists on weekends. Typical agricultural models, typically the 4-star OCOP organic chicken model, along with rich local cuisine, are contributing to creating a unique identity for this land.

Not only is it blessed with natural resources, the connecting infrastructure of Kim Anh commune is about to take a "leap" when the route from Noi Bai airport to Dai Lai tourist area will be upgraded and expanded in the period 2026 - 2029, opening up a convenient travel route between the international airport, Dai Lai lake (old Vinh Phuc) and Kim Anh commune. This is considered a "golden artery" to promote tourism development, service industry and attract investment for the whole region. However, currently, the number of tourists to Kim Anh is still not commensurate with the available advantages and potential.

At the conference "Upgrading service quality and connecting tourist destinations in Kim Anh commune" organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism in coordination with the Commune People's Committee on December 2, Mr. Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Department, affirmed that the goal of Kim Anh tourism is to "standardize the management model, upgrade infrastructure - utilities to serve tourists and build a safe - friendly - civilized tourism environment". This is also the general orientation of the Capital with the slogan "Safe - friendly - quality - attractive".

The conference “Upgrading service quality and connecting tourist destinations in Kim Anh commune” aims to strengthen the connection between the locality and travel agencies, gradually forming new tours and routes, connecting Kim Anh with neighboring tourist destinations. From there, build a series of unique products with “Kim Anh quality”, meeting the diverse needs of domestic and international tourists.

According to Mr. Doan Hiep, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Kim Anh Commune, the locality currently owns 5/8 large lakes of the old Soc Son district. All lakes are located in the pine forest ecosystem, protective forest with pristine landscape, clean water surface and no wastewater encroachment. With more than 2,000 hectares of forest, for many years, Kim Anh has also been a place to live and relax for artists, intellectuals and investors looking for a quiet space near the inner city.

The commune has identified development according to the model of “industry - service - tourism - clean agriculture”; in which, tourism plays a leading role. Many orientations have been built such as: Developing sports and adventure tourism (rowing, climbing, trail running), spiritual tourism combined with relaxation, community tourism, environmental education as well as attracting investment in sports areas - supporting industrial zones.

Mr. Doan Hiep emphasized that tourism development must go hand in hand with resource protection. “We are determined to manage lakes and forests, maintain a clean environment; exploitation facilities must ensure that they do not destroy the landscape.”

Green tourism - a strategic direction

According to tourism experts, Kim Anh's greatest strength lies in its particularly rich forest - lake - mountain ecosystem, close to Hanoi, convenient for 1-day, 2-day 1-night tours or weekend trips.

According to Mr. Vu Van Tuyen, Tourism Development Consultant, in the past 5 years, Kim Anh has been the fastest growing area in the old Soc Son area, attracting a large number of accommodation facilities and high-end customers. Mr. Vu Van Tuyen proposed a series of models suitable for international guests, such as "Eco Retreat - Wellness in the Forest": Ecological resort, comprehensive health care suitable for Korean, Japanese, and European guests. "Forest Experience & Biodiversity Education": Forest experience, environmental education suitable for international families, international schools, and young guests who love nature. "Cultural integration - Slow living with Kim Anh people": Experience culture - community life, rural cuisine, and local life. "Outdoor Sports & Light Adventure": International standard light adventure sports, suitable for foreigners living in Hanoi and MICE guests.

However, Mr. Vu Van Tuyen also pointed out many limitations such as: No strong tourism brand; lack of synchronous supporting infrastructure (parking lots, international WC); lack of foreign language tour guides; waste and risk of forest fires; some accommodation facilities do not meet green standards.

Mr. Phung Quang Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam Green Tourism Association, said that Kim Anh possesses "exemplary" resources for developing green tourism such as: pine forests, natural lakes, large agricultural spaces and friendly, knowledgeable communities. In particular, Dong Do Lake is considered a "green pearl" with a large water surface, suitable for SUP, kayaking, zero-waste camping, sunset watching, and light art performances. This can become an outdoor sports tourism center of Hanoi. Soc Son Forest has a cool climate, stable humidity, suitable for limited-visitor trekking routes, ecological education tours, storytelling about forests, and vegetation conservation. The agricultural - farm space is suitable for experiential tours: Harvesting agricultural products, processing local cuisine, making green handicrafts, producing souvenirs from bamboo - rattan - wood, and a "zero-waste" model.

According to Mr. Phung Quang Thang, challenges such as plastic waste around the lake, lack of unified green standards, service infrastructure not ready for a circular economy and the need to build a digital tourism system for effective management and promotion.

With available resources, if planned and invested properly, Kim Anh can completely position its brand as the "capital" of eco-tourism and green resorts in Hanoi, where pristine forests - lakes - mountains, long-standing culture and unique slow-living experiences in the suburbs converge. In which, the 4 brand pillars are: Ecology - forest - lake, focusing on forest ecosystems, Dong Do lake, hills and fresh climate; Resort - health care developing forest spa (Forest Spa), meditation, yoga, detox, forest bathing; Culture - community exploiting 60 relics, 30 festivals, craft villages, indigenous cuisine; Sports - light adventure such as: Rowing, mountain climbing, trail running, camping, SUP, mountain biking. Priority strategic products are: 1 day - 2 days 1 night tour: Hanoi - Kim Anh - Dong Do lake - Soc Son forest; “5 Lakes Journey” route: Explore 5 large lakes with different experiences; “A day as a Kim Anh” community tour; creative resort village: green villa, wellness retreat, international standard glamping; environmental education for international schools.

To have a "Kim Anh - Green to the breath", in addition to investing and exploiting its inherent potential, the commune needs to implement a communication and promotion strategy such as: Organizing the annual Kim Anh green tourism week; launching the Kim Anh digital tourism map; creating 3D videos about 5 lakes, Soc Son forest and ecosystem. At the same time, the locality connects deeply with Hanoi travel businesses, especially international tourist groups; encouraging people to participate in the green standard community homestay model.

With its unique natural advantages, cultural identity and the growing trend of eco-tourism and resort tourism, Kim Anh is facing a great opportunity to become a new tourist center in the North of Hanoi. However, to make a breakthrough, the locality needs a clear brand positioning strategy, synchronous infrastructure, unique products and a green, sustainable development model. If done well, Kim Anh can completely become "a typical eco-tourism and resort area of ​​Hanoi in the period of 2025 - 2030" - a place where tourists can find balance and explore a land that is both pristine and rich in cultural values.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/dinh-vi-thu-phu-du-lich-sinh-thai-moi-cua-thu-do-20251204103744558.htm