Land of the Ancestors Tourism: A Destination of Diverse Experiences

In its new phase of development following the provincial merger, Phu Tho is steadily establishing itself as a destination where historical heritage, rich cultural identity, breathtaking natural landscapes, and modern resort tourism come together in harmony. Beyond being the cradle of the Worship of Hung Kings, the province now offers a vast and diverse tourism landscape with outstanding development potential.

Infrastructure at Tam Dao National Tourist Area has been upgraded to better meet visitors' needs.

A visitor from Hanoi, Mr. Tuan chose a newly developed inter-regional tour linking Hung Kings Temple – Thanh Thuy – Hoa Binh Lake, rather than more familiar destinations. The two-day journey offered memorable experiences for his family.

On the first day, they paid tribute to the Hung Kings at the Hung Kings Temple Special National Relic Site, visited the Hung Kings Museum, and learned about the legends of the Hung Kings era. They then travelled to Hung Lo Ancient Village, where they interacted with local artisans and experienced Phu Tho Xoan Singing, a UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The second day shifted from cultural exploration to wellness and nature-based tourism. In the morning, the family enjoyed mineral bathing and therapeutic hot spring services at the Thanh Thuy Hot Mineral Spring Tourist Area, followed by a visit to Lang Xuong Temple, dedicated to Tan Vien Son Saint. In the afternoon, they took a cruise on Hoa Binh Lake, admired the spectacular scenery of the Da River, and visited Thac Bo Temple, one of the province’s best-known spiritual tourism attractions.

Mr. Tuan shared that while visitors previously tended to stop at only one destination, improved regional connectivity has enabled Phu Tho to develop new inter-regional travel itineraries, allowing tourists to explore the nation’s ancestral roots while enjoying premium resort experiences. This has helped extend visitors' length of stay and allowed them to fully appreciate the province’s diverse attractions.

His family’s journey clearly illustrates the transformation of Phu Tho’s tourism industry. In the province’s expanded development space, Phu Tho is increasingly recognised as a destination where historical heritage, cultural identity, ecological landscapes, and modern resort tourism coexist in harmony.

The province is currently home to two national tourist areas—Hung Kings Temple and Tam Dao—while Hoa Binh Lake and Dai Lai Lake are completing the requirements for recognition as national tourist areas.

Tourism infrastructure has expanded rapidly, with more than 1,500 accommodation establishments offering over 20,000 guest rooms, including 10 four- and five-star hotels.

Phu Tho now offers a diverse portfolio of tourism products, ranging from cultural and spiritual tourism, eco-tourism and community-based tourism to wellness tourism centred on valuable hot mineral springs, as well as sports tourism, adventure tourism, and lake tourism. At the same time, a growing number of high-quality resorts, golf courses, and eco-urban developments are enhancing the province’s appeal and competitiveness as a tourism destination.

Thac Bo Temple on Hoa Binh Lake is a popular destination for sightseeing and pilgrimage.

According to Dang Tuan Hung, Head of the Tourism Management Division under the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in the context of the province’s expanded development space, Phu Tho remains committed to developing tourism into a key economic sector under the guiding principle of "High-quality Services – Distinctive Products – Sustainable Development."

The province is focusing on tourism development by promoting the unique cultural values and identity of the Land of the Ancestors, regarding them as an important endogenous resource and a long-term driver of sustainable growth.

These efforts have already produced encouraging results. During the first six months of 2026, Phu Tho welcomed an estimated more than 10.5 million visitor arrivals, including 3.216 million overnight visitors, who accounted for 3.859 million guest nights. Total tourism revenue was estimated at VND 10.755 trillion, making a significant contribution to economic growth, job creation, and improvements in local living standards.

To sustain this momentum, Phu Tho aims to become Vietnam’s national centre for culture and festivals, the leading hub for cultural, spiritual, ecological, and resort tourism in northern Vietnam, and a major tourism growth pole to the west of Hanoi.

To achieve this goal, the province is continuing to improve its legal framework, introduce preferential policies on land and administrative procedures, and encourage investment in environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism projects capable of creating inter-regional tourism value chains. Alongside preserving its cultural heritage, Phu Tho will further strengthen regional tourism cooperation and promote tourism products that combine ecological experiences with high-end resort services, thereby extending visitors' stays and reinforcing its position as one of Vietnam’s must-visit destinations.

Huong Lan