Developing ecotourism

Leveraging its natural advantages, cultural values, and unique identity, Thai Nguyen is focusing on developing eco-tourism and resort tourism. However, the results achieved are still not commensurate with its potential, requiring all levels of government, sectors, and localities to develop comprehensive solutions and long-term strategies to effectively exploit this strength.

After more than 20 years of investment and attention, the Phoenix Cave and Mo Ga Stream complex (in Vo Nhai commune) has become an attractive ecotourism destination. Photo: HH

Potential that needs to be awakened.

Ecotourism is a type of tourism based on nature and local culture, linked to environmental education activities. Developing ecotourism not only contributes to the conservation and sustainable development of the environment with the active participation of local communities, but also brings economic value to people in the area. This is a type of tourism that the province is prioritizing and encouraging investment in.

In Thai Nguyen province, over the past five years, many ecotourism destinations have been established and developed. A prime example is the Phuong Hoang Cave tourist area in Mo Ga hamlet (Vo Nhai commune), which has been invested in and beautified, attracting tourists. In addition, the government has provided over 100 million VND per household to several families in Mo Ga hamlet to invest in homestay models, catering to the needs of tourists seeking accommodation and opportunities to explore the local land and people.

Mr. Nguyen Ta, Head of the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection: With nearly 24,000 hectares of tea plantations and over 150,000 hectares of agricultural land, Thai Nguyen has many favorable conditions for developing agricultural ecotourism. This model is easy to implement, requires relatively low investment capital, and has low staffing costs, so households with large areas of agricultural land can independently develop ecotourism models.

Nestled at the foot of Tam Dao mountain, La Bang commune possesses many advantages for developing ecotourism, with the rugged Kem stream and its waterfalls creating a pristine mountain and forest landscape. The stream originates from Tam Dao National Park, flowing through the commune with clear blue water, winding between large cliffs, forming a picturesque natural setting. Interspersed with this are lush green tea hills, contributing to a unique beauty that attracts tourists.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai, Chairwoman and Director of La Bang Tea Cooperative, shared: "Coming to La Bang, in addition to exploring the beautiful natural scenery, tourists also have the opportunity to experience working on the tea hills, picking, processing, and enjoying tea with the locals. Many tourists express delight at being immersed in the simple, close-knit lifestyle of the local people."

The Tan Cuong tea region is also an attractive ecotourism destination, where visitors can admire ancient tea gardens hundreds of years old. Mr. Pham Van Nhat, the owner of a 100-year-old tea garden in Lam Son hamlet, Tan Cuong commune, shared: "Immersing oneself in nature is already enjoyable, but the feeling of savoring ancient teas infused with lotus fragrance is even more captivating. This is one of the unique highlights in the development of ecotourism in the 'premier tea region'."

Nam Cat Lake (Phong Quang commune) has a capacity of over 12 million m3 and is planned as a provincial-level eco-tourism area for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

Surveys show that Thai Nguyen has many locations with rich potential for ecotourism development, concentrated in Vo Nhai, Nghinh Tuong, Sang Moc, Dai Tu, La Bang, and some communes in the northern part of the province. This area boasts beautiful landscapes, pristine forests and mountains, and a diverse ecosystem with over 10,000 plant species and more than 11,000 animal species. It is also home to the Tay, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups, preserving many tangible and intangible cultural values ​​that attract tourists.

Boost investment and promotion.

In reality, Thai Nguyen has not yet effectively exploited its existing potential and strengths to develop ecotourism. Most current tourist destinations are small-scale, fragmented, and spontaneously developed. Many tourist areas are invested in by local people who lack experience in planning and management, resulting in low efficiency.

In addition, the underdeveloped and narrow transportation infrastructure, along with the lack of upgraded food and accommodation services, are also major obstacles to the development of this type of tourism.

Ms. Pham Thi Ngan, Lam Son hamlet, Tan Cuong commune: The hamlet currently has many long-standing tea gardens, including many that are 50-60 years old, and some even over 100 years old. With its beautiful location near the Cong River and only about 15km from the provincial center, Lam Son possesses many advantages for developing ecotourism. However, this potential has not yet been adequately exploited and invested in by relevant authorities and agencies.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the province, emphasized: To develop ecotourism effectively, it is first necessary to promote awareness of the role and significance of tourism development in general, and 'green' tourism and ecotourism in particular. This will raise awareness and encourage the community to actively participate and work together to build and protect a sustainable tourism environment.

The rice harvest season in the highland villages of the province is a potential strength for Thai Nguyen to exploit and develop ecotourism.

Promoting tourism through diverse and varied forms on mass media, social media platforms, cultural and artistic activities, sports, and visual promotion is also one of the solutions that needs attention.

In addition, relevant authorities and sectors should invest in and develop tourism products related to cultural heritage and traditional crafts, and improve the quality of service for tourists.

In particular, it is important to conduct thorough surveys and develop suitable ecotourism tours; and to attract economically strong businesses to invest in areas with potential for ecotourism development. This includes focusing on developing transportation infrastructure, facilities, and tourism service systems such as standard guesthouses and hotels, along with entertainment areas capable of serving large numbers of tourists, and parking facilities.

The buckwheat flower fields of Lan Quan (Quang Son commune) are an attractive destination for tourists.

In today's fast-paced world, more and more urban dwellers are choosing to travel to peaceful rural areas for weekend getaways and relaxation. This presents an opportunity for households and businesses to boldly invest in building eco-tourism resorts in rural areas.

According to our research, investing in an agricultural ecotourism area does not require large expenditures for building modern guesthouses and hotels like many other types of tourism. Investors only need to create simple, airy, and traditional-style houses, and organize experiential activities such as planting seeds, watering vegetables, picking fruit, fishing, and chopping wood for tourists to participate in.

However, for an agricultural ecotourism area to operate smoothly and efficiently, investors need a sound construction plan and effective methods for attracting tourists. Mr. Hoang Thanh Nha, owner of Moc homestay in Mo Ga hamlet, Vo Nhai commune, believes that investing in software for managing guesthouses, homestays, and villas is crucial to optimize costs and increase operational efficiency.

Developing ecotourism is the right direction for the tourism industry, bringing economic benefits to the province while contributing to improving the lives of the people of Thai Nguyen. However, for this type of tourism to develop sustainably, it requires the province's attention and proper guidance, the active participation of businesses, and the collective spirit and responsibility of the community.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/du-lich-thai-nguyen/202508/phat-trien-du-lich-sinh-thai-a07140c/