Connecting the “golden triangle” to develop tourism and services

As Vietnam’s tourism industry enters a period of strong growth, the need to restructure tourism products and orient strategic development has become increasingly urgent. One of the most sustainable approaches is to strengthen regional and local linkages, especially in areas that share similar cultural backgrounds, geographical features, and natural resources. The three former provinces of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, and Hoa Binh, now merged into the new Phu Tho province and located in the Northern midland and mountainous region, possess all the elements to form a “golden triangle” for tourism and service development, grounded in rich and long-standing cultural values.

Known as the “Da Lat of the North,” the Tam Dao tourist area boasts breathtaking scenery with unspoiled and majestic nature.

The merger of the three provinces into the new Phu Tho province marks a strategic decision to foster socio-economic integration, enhance tourism and service development, and unlock the full potential of each region based on cultural assets, natural endowments, and infrastructure connectivity. With visionary planning, a strong investment attraction strategy, and a focus on regional cooperation, Phu Tho is well-positioned to establish a “golden tourism triangle” that offers diverse, appealing products for both domestic and international visitors, ushering in a new era of development for the Northwest region.

Mutual support of tourism products

Following the merger, Phu Tho has emerged as a multi-faceted destination, with strengths in spiritual and ancestral tourism, eco-resorts, and community-based culture, creating a complementary tourism ecosystem that enriches the visitor experience. Current tourism trends favor “multi-destination in one journey” experiences, blending cultural exploration, relaxation, and culinary discovery. Phu Tho is fully capable of meeting this demand, especially for tourists from Hanoi, Red River Delta provinces, and overseas markets.

The land of the Hung Kings, the cradle of the ancient Van Lang state, is home to spiritual treasures such as the Hung Kings Temple, with the worship of Hung Kings and Xoan singing both recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The province also boasts a diverse natural landscape with destinations such as Xuan Son National Park, Ly Lake, and Thanh Thuy hot mineral springs. Tay Thien, one of the country’s largest Buddhist centers, adds further spiritual depth, while traditional craft villages, countryside markets, and the vibrant cultural spaces of the Muong, Dao, and San Diu people offer distinct cultural appeal.

Festivals such as Xen Ban, Cau Mua, Com Moi, Xoan singing, Gheo singing, Then singing, Trong Quan, and Xoe dance are living cultural assets that breathe life into community and experiential tourism. Destinations like Ban Lac, Kim Boi hot spring, Thung Nai, and Hoa Binh Lake stand out as unique highlights. The stunning cave systems, pristine mountain ecosystems, and expansive hydroelectric reservoirs, complemented by local ethnic cuisine, contribute to a flourishing tourism profile. Premium resorts like Flamingo Dai Lai, Belvedere Resort, Serena Resort Kim Boi, and Victoria Hoa Binh have helped elevate the region’s service quality, while a growing network of hotels, restaurants, and homestays continues to enhance the visitor experience.

The merged province also enjoys significant geographic advantages. Located close to Hanoi and well connected via highways and national roads such as the Noi Bai–Lao Cai Expressway, National Highways 6 and 32, Ho Chi Minh Road, and the Hanoi–Lao Cai railway, Phu Tho is ideally situated to develop seamless one-day or weekend tourism circuits.

The local tourism industry continues to be boosted by promotional campaigns and the development of signature tourism products, attracting an increasing number of domestic and foreign visitors.

Developing a regional linkage strategy

Despite its strong potential, the regional linkage process in Phu Tho still faces several challenges, including the absence of a comprehensive regional master plan, limited infrastructure connectivity, and fragmented data-sharing systems among tourist destinations. Many local cultural values remain confined within community festivals and have yet to be transformed into compelling tourism products that captivate modern travelers.

As the new province begins operating, authorities at all levels must work together to formulate a tourism development strategy that matches its vast potential. It is essential to clearly define each locality’s strengths within the tourism value chain and to craft a unified regional brand.

Efforts should be made to expand integrated tourism products and design inter-provincial tours such as the journey through Hung King Temple, Tay Thien, and Thac Bo Temple; the Dai Lai-Tam Dao-Hoa Binh Lake-Thanh Thuy mineral spring route; or eco-tourism in Kim Boi. Community-based tourism experiences in Dao village, Ban Lac, Pom Coong, and Mai Chau should be enhanced. There is also tremendous potential in blacksmithing in Ly Nhan, carpentry in An Tuong, ceramics in Huong Canh, and snake farming in Vinh Son. Experiences such as making banh chung, learning Xoan singing and Thai Xoe dance, brocade weaving, and Dao herbal bathing should be developed into authentic, marketable products. Supporting homestay models that are rooted in indigenous culture, providing tourism training for local people, and producing unique handicraft souvenirs will further enrich the tourism landscape.

At the same time, the application of digital technology must be promoted to connect destinations, facilitate online booking, and provide real-time information and payment solutions. A strong digital presence across social media, tourism websites, and mobile applications will amplify the region’s visibility and appeal.

With the right strategy and united efforts from Party committees, government agencies, businesses, and the public, Phu Tho’s “golden tourism triangle” is poised to become a bright spot in Vietnam’s tourism map in the coming years. Regional linkage is not only an effective economic strategy but also a powerful means to preserve and promote national cultural values in a sustainable and inclusive way.

Three lands, three cultural identities, now gathered under one roof and moving forward on the same path. When culture harmonizes with nature, tourism becomes more than an industry—it becomes a bridge connecting people, nurturing heritage, and shaping a shared future across a land rich in Vietnamese identity.

Trieu Ngoc Toan – Khanh Linh