Unlocking the potential of rural tourism in Phu Tho

Rural tourism offers a distinct travel experience, blending cultural discovery with immersion in natural landscapes and local life. It encompasses agricultural tourism, craft village tourism, ecotourism, community-based tourism, and cultural experiences. With a wealth of tourism assets—ranging from scenic landscapes and traditional craft villages to distinctive agricultural products—Phu Tho province is gradually unlocking this potential to stimulate economic growth, elevate living standards, and foster a sense of pride in the countryside, where every local resident can become a storyteller and guide of their homeland.

International tourists experience Xoan singing at Hung Lo Communal House, Viet Tri City.

Harnessing Local Strengths

Phu Tho boasts a diverse terrain of mountains, hills, rivers, and fertile plains. Among its standout destinations are Xuan Son National Park, known for its biodiversity and allure for nature enthusiasts; Long Coc tea hills, where hundreds of green tea-covered mounds rise like upside-down bowls through the mist—both a center of high-quality tea production and an emerging tourist hotspot; Ao Chau Lagoon, Van Hoi Lagoon, and Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien in Ha Hoa District; May and Mo waterfalls in Thanh Son; Ly Lake in Yen Lap...

Phu Tho is also home to many vibrant craft villages, such as Ba Dong weaving village, Hung Lo noodle-making village, villages producing soy sauce (Duc My, Bo village), and traditional tea-processing communities. It features agricultural specialties like Doan Hung grapefruit, Dich Qua tea, Muong Kit tangerines, Tu Xa organic vegetables, and Ha Den grapes—each ripe for development into rural and agro-tourism products.

Alongside stunning natural beauty, destinations like Long Coc are now introducing activities like camping at sunrise and paragliding, enhancing the experiential value for visitors.

Mr. Ha Van Luan, owner of Tony Luan Homestay, shared, “Visitors—especially those from abroad—not only enjoy breathtaking moments at sunrise and sunset over the tea hills but also relish participating in harvesting and processing tea, gathering herbs and edible flowers for five-colored sticky rice, or preparing dishes like braised grass carp with Bat Tien tea leaves, grilled fish, and green tea chicken or duck.”

River tours combining “cultural heritage and craft village experiences” offer a unique window into the soul of Phu Tho. Traveling from Bach Hac to Hung Lo to Gia Thanh, tourists can visit centuries-old villages, Join Xoan singing performances, a UNESCO-recognized heritage. Participate in traditional craft-making: from conical hats and vermicelli to rice paper and banh chung. Discover local cuisine at rustic markets...

Such experiences leave a lasting impression of natural charm, cultural depth, and heartfelt hospitality among international visitors.

Several successful tour routes are currently in operation, including Lac Long Quan Ancestral Temple – Hung King Temple Historical Site – Lai Len Temple – Hung Lo Ancient Village; Hung King Temple–Xuan Son National Park–Thanh Thuy Hot Springs; Viet Tri–Xuan Son craft village exploration; and more.

Foreign visitors photograph the scenic Long Coc tea hills, Tan Son District.

Awakening Diversity, Cultivating Sustainability

To fully activate the potential of rural tourism, the Provincial People’s Committee issued Plan No. 837/KH-UBND (March 15, 2023), launching a rural tourism development program aligned with new-style rural development goals. The province now focuses on integrating agriculture, craft, culture, and ecology into tourism; enhancing material and spiritual quality of life in rural areas; and encouraging multi-value agricultural models (e.g., cooperatives and farms that blend production and tourism).

This approach brings more opportunities for young people to stay in their hometowns, channel creativity, and develop tourism initiatives rooted in local resources.

Many projects now link agricultural production and processing with tourism. Meanwhile, the province is actively developing OCOP (One Commune, One Product) offerings. With over 300 OCOP products meeting quality and safety standards and boasting attractive packaging, these goods are gradually being integrated into tourism experiences. Visitors can watch, participate in, and taste local specialties at sites like Hung Lo banh chung, Thanh Son sour pork, Long Coc tea processing...

“These products carry the soul of each village—authentic, unique, and proudly local.”

To ensure sustainable rural tourism, the province is offering training courses in hospitality, tour guiding, and English for homestay hosts. Upgrading infrastructure, including roads, accommodations, and visitor facilities; Diversifying tourism products that combine agriculture, nature, and culture; Promoting tourism via media and social platforms; Digitizing historical, cultural, and eco-tourism content.

Mr. Tran Thanh Son, Chairman of the Phu Tho Tourism Association, shared, “We’ve trained over 300 locals in services like hotel reception, restaurant service, and English. We’re also developing new tour programs and boosting eco-community tourism in Xuan Son, Long Coc, Thanh Thuy, and more.”

Rural tourism is emerging not only as a source of sustainable income for local people but also as a powerful tool to preserve traditional culture, protect the environment, and foster inclusive, sustainable development for generations to come.

Phuong Thanh