Expanding space, elevating status.

Following the formation of the new Phu Tho province, tourism development is not only a task to boost the economy but also a mission to preserve and sustainably promote cultural, historical, and ecological values. Repositioning tourism spaces, creating a unified identity, improving service quality, and connecting the region have become key factors in helping Phu Tho rise to become a major tourism center in the North and the whole country. With its diverse ecosystem, a culmination of culture, history, nature, and people, this land holds a golden opportunity to expand its development space and elevate its position on the national and international tourism map.

Phu Tho tourism :

New space, new potential.

Phu Tho possesses vast land, a location adjacent to Hanoi, a well-connected transportation infrastructure, and diverse topography stretching from the midland and mountainous regions to the plains, creating a harmonious convergence of three distinct cultural regions: the sacred ancestral land, the legendary Muong culture of Hoa Binh , and the misty Tam Dao - Vinh Phuc region with its modern and sophisticated atmosphere. These three main "sources" form a continuous flow of history, culture, and nature, providing a solid foundation for comprehensive tourism development and the creation of high-quality tourism products such as: spiritual and cultural tourism ("returning to the roots"); eco-tourism, resort, and health care; community tourism linked to the ethnic identities of the Muong, Thai, Dao, and Cao Lan people; sports and golf tourism; and MICE tourism.

The procession of palanquins to Hung Temple is one of the prominent activities organized during the annual Hung Kings' Commemoration Day, attracting a large number of visitors.

As the cradle of the Vietnamese nation, Phu Tho has long been a prominent cultural and spiritual destination. The Hung Temple National Historical Site – a symbol of the Hung King worshiping tradition, recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity – serves as a spiritual focal point, connecting the Vietnamese community both domestically and internationally. In addition, valuable heritages such as Xoan singing, Ca Tru singing, the tug-of-war festival, and the Tam Phu belief system create a unique cultural identity that attracts both domestic and international tourists.

Beyond its rich cultural heritage, Phu Tho is also an ideal land for ecology and relaxation. Xuan Son National Park – where the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range meets the clear springs – is the region's "green lung," containing a rare ecosystem. It is home to the Dao and Muong ethnic communities with their pristine cultures. Meanwhile, Hoa Binh Lake, Thanh Thuy hot spring resort, Ao Chau lagoon, Ly Lake, Tam Dao, and Dai Lai are ideal destinations for tourists seeking tranquility and closeness to nature. These are invaluable resources for developing ecotourism, resort tourism, and community-based tourism – trends particularly favored by both domestic and international tourists.

Hoa Binh, the cradle of the globally renowned "Hoa Binh Culture," is a testament to the long-term development of humankind. The rich Muong cultural identity is evident in the sound of gongs, ancient stilt houses, traditional festivals, and community-based tourism models in Lac village, Ke hamlet, Mo hamlet, etc., attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. Simultaneously, the system of lakes, caves, mountains, and the rare Kim Boi hot springs create advantages for the development of adventure sports tourism, health tourism, and high-end resort tourism. Vinh Phuc, the "Da Lat of the North," boasts a modern charm with the dreamy Tam Dao, classic French architecture, and international-standard golf courses and resorts. The resort spaces at Dai Lai, the Flamingo complex, and high-end entertainment centers have positioned Vinh Phuc as an ideal destination for middle-to-high-end tourists and international visitors.

Elevating our position for development

To elevate the status of tourism to match its potential and expectations, Phu Tho province needs to implement a comprehensive and effective set of key solutions. Based on the vast area formed after the merger of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, and Hoa Binh provinces, tourism development is not only an opportunity but also an urgent requirement to transform this region into a leading and distinctive tourism center in Northern Vietnam.

First and foremost, a comprehensive regional tourism development strategy needs to be developed based on the principle of "One journey - many destinations," connecting the sacred cultural space of Hung Temple, the ecological beauty of Tam Dao, Dai Lai, Hoa Binh Lake, and the unique cultural identities of the Muong, Dao, and Thai ethnic groups. Ms. Vu Thi Hoai Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized: "In this new tourism development space, there are many favorable conditions for effectively exploiting the unique tourism potential of the locality. Tourist destinations with diverse tourism products and services create a chain of complementary products, increasing competitiveness and attracting investment and tourists to the province."

Phu Tho currently has 2,778 historical sites, of which 979 are classified (6 special national sites, 176 national sites, and 797 provincial sites); 6 national treasures; and nearly 2,000 intangible cultural heritage items, including 5 recognized by UNESCO. During the 2021-2025 period, the province invested over 1,100 billion VND in heritage preservation and restoration, with nearly 250 historical sites and over 40 intangible heritage items restored. Many strategic projects have been implemented, such as: the Xoan Singing Preservation Project, the Muong Ethnic Culture Preservation and Promotion Project, the Hoa Binh Culture Project, etc. Along with this, tourism infrastructure has significantly improved. The province currently has 1,520 accommodation establishments with over 20,000 rooms, including 182 hotels, of which 9 are 4-5 star hotels. Phu Tho currently has 94 travel agencies, including 15 international ones. By 2025, Phu Tho is expected to welcome 14.5 million tourists, including 4.5 million overnight visitors; total tourism revenue is estimated at 14,800 billion VND; and the average growth rate is over 10% per year... These figures affirm its strong potential and significant growth prospects.

In the coming period, the province is determined to continue investing in upgrading the transportation infrastructure system and expanding regional connectivity routes. Alongside this, it will focus on developing high-quality tourism products, strengthening international tourism promotion and marketing with distinctive and outstanding products. Another important direction is digital transformation in tourism, through building a smart tourism data system, integrating digital maps, online service booking, enhancing promotion on digital platforms, and connecting with domestic and international travel agencies and airlines. Finally, the province needs to continue promoting investment attraction, prioritizing large-scale projects in the fields of high-end resorts, entertainment, golf courses, hot spring resorts, etc. If implemented effectively, these large-scale projects will be a "lever" to elevate Phu Tho's tourism to a new level. With its expanded space, rich cultural and ecological potential, and well-planned and decisive development strategy, Phu Tho is facing a golden opportunity to become a diverse and sustainable tourism center in the North, contributing to enhancing the position of the ancestral land on the national and regional tourism map.

Anh Tho

Source: https://baophutho.vn/mo-rong-khong-gian-nang-tam-vi-the-240372.htm