Awakening the Tourism Potential of Thanh Son Land

Bringing together natural landscapes, unique cultural identities of ethnic minority communities, and expansive development potential, Thanh Son Commune possesses strong advantages for tourism growth. The locality is leveraging infrastructure and investment resources to gradually awaken its potential, creating momentum for socio-economic development.

Situated along a strategic corridor connecting the Northwest mountainous region with the Red River Delta, Thanh Son Commune enjoys a favorable location for economic and cultural exchange. It acts not only as a regional connecting hub but also as a converging point for the unique cultural values of diverse ethnic groups.

Blessed by nature, Thanh Son features picturesque scenery with sprawling green tea hills, crystal-clear streams meandering through villages, and rolling mountain ranges cloaked in morning mist.

Leaders of Thanh Son Commune visit local tourism development models.

The peaceful natural setting serves as a rich resource for developing eco-tourism, experiential trips, and weekend retreats. Intertwined with the landscape is a system of historical, cultural, and religious relics alongside long-standing traditions, creating appealing destinations for visitors journeying to the Ancestral Land.

Beyond natural assets, the rich intangible cultural heritage of the Muong ethnic people represents a vital internal resource for Thanh Son to expand community-based tourism while preserving ethnic identity.

Discussing this direction, Mr. Nguyen Manh Thang, Vice Chairman of the Thanh Son Commune People’s Committee, noted that creative approaches linking heritage conservation with community tourism have begun drawing socialized resources. The locality actively encourages enterprises and residents to establish folk art clubs to perform for tourists, enriching local tourism offerings.

An indispensable element of any journey to Thanh Son is its culinary culture. Visitors can savor rich mountain flavors such as traditional leaf platter feasts, five-color sticky rice, wild animal wine, and bamboo-cooked rice.

Foreign tourists visit Ngoc Dong Eco-Tourism Village in Thanh Son Commune.

Notably, Thanh Son sour meat —originating as a traditional Muong dish—has become a branded product integrated into experiential tours. Tourists can explore verdant tea hills, learn about traditional processing techniques, try making sour meat themselves, and purchase packages as gifts.

Alongside cultural preservation, Thanh Son’s tourism sector is gaining momentum from eco-resort investment projects. The commune currently hosts multiple ongoing tourism projects with capital investments ranging from VND 30 billion to over VND 100 billion, gradually completing infrastructure and diversifying services.

Among active destinations, Ngoc Dong Eco-Tourism Village stands out as a prime model for community retreats and weekend nature experiences. Set amidst lush greenery and fresh air, Ngoc Dong offers close-to-nature stays tied to local life. The site features vernacular homestays, a community house, team-building spaces, grape gardens, fishing ponds, and a swimming pool.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, owner of Ngoc Dong Homestay, the facility has become a preferred destination for domestic and international travelers seeking relaxation alongside local landscape and cultural exploration.

The growth of tourism establishments enriches local services while creating jobs and boosting incomes. The Thanh Son Tourism Association branch currently counts over 20 members, with local accommodation providers focusing on staff training to enhance service quality.

Highlighting human resource strategies, Mr. Hoang Trinh Sam, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Tourism Association and Head of the Thanh Son Tourism Branch, emphasized that human factors play a decisive role in building professional, sustainable tourism. Alongside facility investments, training and skill development remain essential.

Despite its vast potential, local leaders candidly acknowledge that Thanh Son’s tourism brand remains modest compared to established hubs like the Hung Temple Historical Relic Area, or the Thanh Thuy and Kim Boi hot mineral spring regions.

A view of tea hills developed for tourism in the Thanh Son Commune area.

To overcome these limitations, Mr. Nguyen Manh Thang stated that the locality is focusing on several key solution groups: prioritizing resources to upgrade regional transport connections, mobilizing social funds for relic restoration, and streamlining administrative procedures to foster a transparent investment environment.

At the same time, the commune actively coordinates to establish inter-regional travel routes—particularly connecting with the Thanh Thuy hot spring area—to attract vacationers to local ecological, cultural, and spiritual sites.

Looking toward 2030, Thanh Son aims to efficiently tap high-potential tourist spots, centering on natural landscapes and cultural identity to build signature products, attract investment, and enhance local tourism competitiveness.

With determination from local authorities, consensus among residents, and partnership from the business community, Thanh Son is step-by-step turning its advantages into distinct tourism products, providing sustainable livelihoods and asserting its standing on the provincial tourism map.

Hong Trung