Integrating green tourism and preserving traditional culture.

In the context of climate change, developing green, environmentally friendly tourism linked to the preservation of ethnic culture is a suitable direction. In Ha Giang 1 ward, Tuyen Quang province, models have emerged that leverage traditional cultural values ​​and natural landscapes to develop ecotourism and resort tourism.

An Chang Resort is nestled at the foot of the Tay Con Linh mountain range.

The project “Integrating Climate Change Resilience and Environmental Protection for the Development of Green Cities of Type 2” (the Project) is funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) through the Asian Development Bank; the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is the managing agency. The Project is implemented in several provinces and cities, including the former Ha Giang city, now Ha Giang 1 and 2 wards, Tuyen Quang province.

Recently, the Project organized a Media Tour at An Chang Resort, Ha Giang 1 Ward, with the theme "Green Tourism - A Sustainable Pathway for Mountain Communities in the Context of Climate Change".

Located at the foot of the majestic Tay Con Linh mountain range, An Chang Resort is a prime example of green, environmentally friendly tourism development in the area. It was built and put into operation in October 2025 on an area of ​​over 2 hectares.

Mr. Pham Tien Viet Anh, the resort manager, said: “The overall design of the resort is inspired by the image of a palm leaf, a common tree in mountainous provinces and closely associated with ethnic minorities. The resort minimizes the use of concrete in construction and landscaping; prioritizes preserving the natural mountain scenery and considers nature as a unique asset.”

Stepping into An Chang, visitors are greeted by a tranquil atmosphere and guesthouses nestled beneath lush greenery. All 18 guesthouses are designed in the traditional Tay ethnic architectural style; the building materials are environmentally friendly, and the roofs are thatched with palm leaves. The construction density is approximately 10% of the land area, with the majority of the space dedicated to greenery and natural pathways. Therefore, visitors feel as if they are living in the forest, close to nature, and isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visitors not only relax but also experience the cultural life of the local ethnic groups, such as the traditional cuisine of the Tay people or evenings of traditional folk singing and playing the zither in the tranquil atmosphere of the northern mountains. Hoang The Hung, a visitor from Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi, said: “I find it peaceful, fresh, and I feel like I'm living at a slower pace amidst nature. This is a destination that suits the growing trend of eco-friendly tourism.”

Ha Giang 1 Ward was formed by merging Phuong Thien, Phuong Do communes, and Nguyen Trai ward (formerly Ha Giang city). After the merger, this area has many advantages for developing eco-tourism and resort tourism due to its location at the foot of the Tay Con Linh mountain range, which boasts a rich forest ecosystem, clean air, and diverse natural landscapes. Furthermore, it is a land rich in the cultural traditions of the Tay and Dao ethnic groups; the people still preserve many cultural features, notably traditional clothing, house architecture, cuisine, and customs in their daily lives.

Based on that potential, over the years, Ha Giang 1 ward has gradually oriented its tourism development towards a green and sustainable direction, linked with the preservation and promotion of the cultural values ​​of ethnic groups. Many eco-tourism and community tourism models have been formed and are operating effectively. In addition to the An Chang Resort, there are also community tourism villages in hamlets 32 Tha, 31 Ha Thanh, 27 Khuoi My, 26 Lung Vai, and 28 Na Thac. In these cultural villages, many eco-tourism, resort, and experiential tourism models are run by local people. They both engage in tourism and preserve the natural landscape and traditional culture, thereby creating tourism products with unique characteristics.

Mr. Le Xuan Manh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ha Giang 1 Ward, said that developing green tourism is not only a short-term choice but also a long-term orientation. The locality clearly recognizes that sacrificing the environment and culture for short-term growth will result in the loss of its greatest advantage. Therefore, all tourism activities are carefully considered on the basis of harmonizing economic development, protecting the landscape, and preserving community cultural values.

Text and photos: KHANH TOAN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/gan-ket-du-lich-xanh-va-giu-gin-van-hoa-truyen-thong-post945276.html