The pristine beauty of nature in Na Hang, Tuyen Quang (photo by Quang Hoa)
Mid-autumn Festival held annually in Tuyen Quang (photo on Tuyenquang online)
Tuyen Quang: A Land of History and Cultural Heritage
Tuyen Quang, with a natural area of approximately 5,870 km² and a population exceeding 780,000, is a repository of numerous significant historical and cultural relics. Notably, the province boasts appealing ecotourism and community-based tourism destinations such as Na Hang and Lam Binh. The Tan Trao Historical Relic Area, a testament to Vietnam's revolutionary past, and the pristine beauty of the Na Hang ecotourism area with its primeval forests and majestic waterfalls, are key attractions. Furthermore, the distinctive traditional festivals of the Tay, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups add to its cultural allure. In 2023, Tuyen Quang welcomed around 1.5 million tourist arrivals, making a noteworthy contribution to the local economy.
Ma-pi-leng pass in Ha Giang (photo on vietgoing.com)
Ha Giang: Majestic Beauty and Unique Identity
Ha Giang, located at the northernmost tip of the nation, is renowned for its magnificent natural landscapes and the diverse culture of its 19 ethnic groups. Highlights include the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO-recognized global geopark with its towering limestone formations, the iconic Lung Cu Flag Tower symbolizing the nation's northernmost point, and the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass, often dubbed one of Vietnam's four great passes. The stunning terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi are also a major draw. In 2024, the province received over 3.2 million tourist visits, including nearly 223,000 international tourists, generating an estimated tourism revenue of 4,200 billion VND, underscoring the region's strong appeal.
Joining Forces for Sustainable Tourism Development
The merging of Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang would not only create a larger administrative unit in terms of area and population but also unlock opportunities for comprehensive and sustainable tourism development. The synergy between Tuyen Quang's rich cultural heritage and historical significance, and Ha Giang's majestic natural scenery and unique cultural identities, promises to create a compelling tourist destination catering to a wide range of interests.
To realize this potential, a joint tourism development strategy is essential. This strategy should focus on preserving and promoting cultural values, enhancing the quality of tourism services, and investing in tourism infrastructure. Simultaneously, training the local workforce and fostering community-based tourism models will contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the region.
The merging as one between Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang holds the promise of forging a new, attractive, and sustainable tourist destination, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of Vietnam's northern mountainous region. It's a symphony of heritage and nature waiting to be discovered.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
