Developing tourism in tandem with health care

As travelers increasingly seek green, sustainable tourism and personalized wellness experiences, destinations that offer relaxation and healing are rising to the top of their bucket lists. Nestled underground in the communes of La Phu and Bao Yen, the Ngoc Son natural hot mineral spring—with its rare and rich radon content—has emerged as a unique asset for luxury wellness tourism, helping position Thanh Thuy District on Vietnam’s health tourism map.

Discovered in 1982 by Geological Group 303 during the creation of a 1:25,000-scale hydrogeological map, the Ngoc Son hot mineral spring has since been studied extensively by leading scientists. The spring boasts impressive reserves, with B-level capacity reaching 704 m3/day and C1-level capacity at 366 m3/day. The standout characteristic of this mineral water lies in its high mineralization (over 2.6 g/l) and consistent temperature, ranging from 38.9°C to 39.1°C. This makes it an ideal resource for therapeutic bathing and health rehabilitation. Notably, radon levels in several water samples from the spring have reached 5.89 nCi/l—exceeding the European radon mineral water standard (5 nCi/l) and four to six times higher than the general international threshold. This places Thanh Thuy among a rare group of global locations—on par with renowned hot spring regions in Germany, Austria, and Japan.

Experts collect and analyze Ngoc Son mineral water samples.

Radon mineral water has been used in Germany since 1911 and gained formal recognition in Japan in 1983. Since then, numerous medical studies have shown that, in appropriate doses, radon can stimulate the immune system and support treatment for musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, and dermatological conditions. It is also known to reduce stress and restore mental clarity.

While countries around the world must actively seek out and invest in exploiting rare radon sources, Thanh Thuy is already blessed with a stable, high-quality supply—an invaluable foundation for developing medical tourism, wellness retreats, and high-end resorts.

At a recent workshop titled “Mineral Water, Hot Springs, and Natural Mineral Mud—Potential for Exploitation and Use,” Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Binh, Head of the Department of Environment at the University of Mining and Geology, stated, “Based on analysis of 113 water samples, Ngoc Son mineral water is of high quality and suitable for various uses—bathing, relaxation, bottling, cultural tourism, agricultural drying, and even heating in winter. With its inherent advantages, Thanh Thuy can become a standout destination for wellness tourism in northern Vietnam.”

Experts closely monitor the water level, temperature, and quality of Thanh Thuy’s mineral spring.

In recent years, Thanh Thuy has prioritized the development of hot spring tourism by integrating natural resources with hospitality, wellness, and recreation. Prominent destinations include Thanh Lam Resort, Tre Nguon Resort, Wyndham Lynn Times Thanh Thuy, Vuon Vua Resort & Villas, and the Dao Ngoc Xanh eco-tourism area. These resorts offer comprehensive services: hot mineral baths, saunas, therapeutic massages, weekend getaways, nutritious cuisine, and tranquil, natural landscapes.

Visitors can soak in the therapeutic radon-rich waters while also joining community-based experiences—sampling local specialties, learning about indigenous culture, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Da River. Many resorts have begun offering immersive activities such as weekend countryside markets, traditional cooking classes, and Muong handicraft workshops—deepening the tourist experience and encouraging longer stays.

Mr. Vu Duc Kien, Head of the Department of Culture, Science, and Information in Thanh Thuy District, emphasized, “We’ve actively partnered with investors to develop large-scale hot spring resorts that also highlight local culture, cuisine, and ecotourism. Promoting health care tourism is a strategic pillar to boost the local economy and sustainably improve people’s livelihoods.”

Wyndham Lynn Times Thanh Thuy Resort hosts Xoan singing performances for guests.

The Thanh Thuy radon hot spring is clearly a unique and valuable natural asset, both medically and economically. However, to ensure sustainable development and avoid overexploitation that could damage the hydrogeological structure, proper management, strategic planning, and regulated investment are essential. Authorities must soon issue guidelines on the extraction and use of radon mineral water—not only to protect the resource but also to ensure public health.

Another major challenge is the shortage of qualified personnel in health tourism. There is an urgent need to train skilled therapists, professional tour guides, and service staff to meet international standards and elevate the Thanh Thuy brand in wellness travel.

In the near future, Thanh Thuy has the potential to become the “Vietnamese Onsen”—a place where visitors don’t just rest and relax but truly heal, both physically and mentally. Developing radon hot spring tourism is not just an economic opportunity; it is a strategic path to building a national identity in the wellness tourism sector—an area poised for growth in the post-pandemic era and amidst a rapidly aging population.

Quoc An