Phu Tho Province: Awakening the Tourism Potential of the Ancestral Land

After the merger, the new Phu Tho province has opened up a vast development space with abundant potential, especially in tourism.

In the consciousness of the Vietnamese people, Phu Tho has long been known as the ancestral land, home to the sacred Hung Kings Temple and many unique cultural and spiritual values recognized by UNESCO.

Since July 1, 2025, when the three provinces of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, and Hoa Binh were merged, the new Phu Tho has entered a new phase of development with a completely different outlook. A broader space, richer natural resources, and a more diverse cultural identity have opened up opportunities to make the Ancestral Land a year-round destination.

The enchanting beauty of Canh Tang Lake in Phu Tho captivates visitors.

The first remarkable feature is the combined scale and resources of tourism from all three former provinces. The former Phu Tho was renowned for its heritage tied to the worship of the Hung Kings, Xoan singing, and hundreds of traditional festivals. The former Vinh Phuc added the advantages of a dynamic economy, strong urbanization, modern tourism infrastructure, and well-known resorts such as Tam Dao and Dai Lai. The former Hoa Binh contributed its majestic rivers, mountains, and lakes, together with the distinctive cultures of the Muong, Thai, and Dao ethnic groups.

This combination has enabled the new Phu Tho to become not only the land of festivals but also a destination offering diverse experiences, from spiritual, ecological, and resort tourism to community-based, agricultural, adventure, and MICE tourism.

Recent statistics show impressive growth. By July 2025, the province had 2,778 historical and cultural relics, nearly 1,000 of which are officially recognized, including six special national relics and six national treasures. In terms of intangible heritage, the province boasts 2,000 heritages, with five recognized by UNESCO.

In the first half of 2025, Phu Tho welcomed approximately 14.5 million visitors, generating more than VND 14,800 billion in revenue, achieving an average annual growth rate of over 10%.

The accommodation system has also been upgraded, with more than 1,500 establishments and over 20,000 rooms, including several 5-star hotels. This forms a solid foundation for large-scale and sustainable tourism development.

Thanh Lanh Golf Course in Phu Tho is recognized as one of the most beautiful golf courses in northern Vietnam, attracting numerous domestic and international visitors for tournaments and leisure experiences.

Beyond impressive figures, geography provides another strategic advantage. Viet Tri (the provincial administrative center) is located less than 80 kilometers from Hanoi, conveniently connected via the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway and National Highways 2 and 32. As the gateway to the midland region, Phu Tho serves as an ideal transit point for travelers from Hanoi heading to the northwestern provinces. With this advantage, Phu Tho has the potential to become the first stop for international visitors exploring northern Vietnam.

Phu Tho — the ancestral land of the Hung Kings, where history, culture, and nature converge. Following the merger, the new province stands at a major turning point, poised to transform these values into a driving force for sustainable growth.

Quang Nam