For tourism to flourish on the “Great Motherland”

Ha Hoa is a land steeped in historical and cultural traditions, deeply rooted in the era of the Hung Kings, who laid the foundations of the Vietnamese nation. Its harmonious blend of tradition, history, and natural beauty paints a vivid and captivating picture of the “Great Motherland.” Here, the “smokeless industry” of tourism is steadily developing, paving the way for significant breakthroughs in the years ahead.

The Great Mother Au Co Temple stands solemn and serene.

With 87 historical and cultural relics—21 of which have been officially recognized (including 7 national and 14 provincial relics)—Ha Hoa proudly boasts a number of remarkable spiritual destinations such as the Great Mother Au Co Temple, home to the nationally treasured Au Co Statue, as well as Chu Hung Temple, Nghe Temple, Dong Communal House, and more. Revolutionary relics like the Van Hien Luong and Dai Pham War Zones serve as powerful reminders of the district’s heroic past. Meanwhile, intangible cultural heritages, including the Mother Goddess Worship and the Chu Hung Temple Festival, further enrich the region’s distinct cultural identity.

Beyond its historical and spiritual significance, Ha Hoa also enchants visitors with its natural landscapes—Ao Chau Lagoon, the poetic Van Hoi Lagoon, and the mystical Ao Gioi–Suoi Tien. As a semi-mountainous region dotted with low hills, interlaced with lakes, and bordered by the Red River, Ha Hoa is blessed with fertile land and a temperate climate. These favorable natural conditions provide fertile ground for developing ecotourism, wellness retreats, and spiritual journeys to the roots of Vietnamese culture. This is the district’s strength—one that contributes meaningfully to restructuring its labor force and economy through tourism.

Each festival season, the Great Mother Au Co Temple becomes a vibrant spiritual destination in Ha Hoa district and Phu Tho province.

From 2021 to 2025, Ha Hoa has made consistent efforts and achieved remarkable results in its journey to develop tourism. Public awareness campaigns and tourism promotions have been actively and creatively executed. The local government has paid close attention to establishing a solid legal and planning foundation for the sector. Numerous plans and preferential policies have been introduced to attract investors to key projects such as the Cultural and Sports Urban Area, Ao Chau Golf Course, and rural residential areas integrated with eco-resorts. Efforts to restore relics and revive traditional festivals have not only helped preserve cultural values but also created attractive tourism products. Notably, Ha Hoa has collaborated in compiling a scientific dossier to recognize the Great Mother Au Co Temple as a provincial cultural tourism site while also gradually completing documentation for it to be designated a Special National Relic. These collective efforts have elevated local destinations and improved the overall experience for visitors.

A corner of Ao Chau Lagoon, peaceful and poetic.

The numbers speak for themselves. The number of overnight visitors to Ha Hoa increased sharply from 18,000 in 2021 to approximately 45,000 in 2024—well above projections. Likewise, total tourism and service revenue surged from VND 3.2 billion to around VND 25 billion during the same period. Today, more than 700 workers are directly and indirectly employed in the tourism sector, helping generate livelihoods and raise living standards for the local population.

To meet growing tourist demand and ensure sustainable development, Ha Hoa has focused on diversifying its tourism offerings and upgrading infrastructure. Local specialties such as Yen Ky green tea, Y Son bamboo shoots, Gia Dien honey, Bien Xanh melons, and Xuan Ang dried fruit are not only showcased at trade fairs but also widely promoted—boosting the profile of craft villages and the rural economy. The OCOP (One Commune One Product) program has also achieved success, with 20 recognized products that affirm the quality and branding of Ha Hoa’s agricultural goods. One innovative direction has been the development of educational tourism, which transforms historical sites into engaging, real-world learning spaces for students.

Tourism infrastructure has also received major investment. The district now hosts 21 accommodation facilities—including one hotel and 20 motels—ready to welcome visitors. Transportation has seen significant upgrades, especially the interregional project connecting DT321B–QL70B to key tourist destinations such as Ao Gioi–Suoi Tien, Great Mother Au Co Temple, and the IC11 intersection, with a total investment of VND 375 billion. This strategic route has enhanced Ha Hoa’s connectivity with neighboring provinces and cities, opening the gateway for visitors nationwide.

Preserving, restoring, and promoting tourism resources and the local environment remains a top priority. Degraded relics are being carefully restored with a focus on maintaining their authenticity. Strict management of natural resources, along with sustainable use practices, helps prevent environmental degradation. Ensuring public order, cleanliness, and safety are also central to building a civilized, welcoming, and friendly tourism environment. Tourism management capacity in the district has seen notable improvement, with staff regularly trained to enhance their professionalism—strengthening the image of Ha Hoa people as gracious and hospitable.

Awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism has been raised across the political system and among local residents. Ha Hoa is gradually shaping a tourism identity centered on spiritual culture and traditional festivals, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. The steady increase in tourist arrivals each year testifies to the rise of a land rich in potential—ready to take bold steps forward in its tourism development journey.

Hoang Giang