The July 27 Historical Site in Dai Phuc Commune, Thai Nguyen Province

Nature has generously blessed Thai Nguyen Province with a rich and diverse tourism resource system. Most notable is Nui Coc Lake Tourist Area, a "green gem" with a water surface area of approximately 2,500 hectares. Beyond its romantic landscapes, the area is associated with the legend of the Lady Cong and Lord Coc, lending it a distinctive appeal for visitors. Nui Coc Lake is currently receiving concentrated investment to develop into a national Tourist Area, offering a range of products including resort and recreation, ecotourism and spiritual tourism.

In addition, a system of dozens of natural and man-made lakes, such as Ghenh Che Lake, Vai Mieu Lake, Suoi Lanh Lake… along with limestone mountain ranges and spectacular caves, creates a majestic natural landscape that is conducive to ecotourism and exploration. This constitutes a distinct competitive advantage for Thai Nguyen Province compared to many other localities in the region.

Beyond its rich natural resources, Thai Nguyen Province is also a land that brings together many distinctive traditional cultural values of the Tay, Nung and Dao ethnic groups, with folk songs and dances such as Then singing, Sli singing, Tac Xinh dancing... These values not only enrich spiritual life but also serve as an important resource for developing cultural tourism and community-based tourism.

In particular, renowned tea-growing areas such as Tan Cuong, La Bang, Trai Cai, Dai Phuc, Bang Phuc… are gradually becoming popular destinations on agritourism itineraries. Visitors can not only enjoy fine tea but also take part directly in the production process, gaining deeper insight into the tea culture that is a source of pride for the people of Thai Nguyen Province.

Renowned tea-growing areas such as Tan Cuong, La Bang, Trai Cai, Dai Phuc, Bang Phuc… are gradually becoming attractive destinations on agritourism itineraries. (Photo: Cau Da tea zone, La Bang Commune)

In the development strategy, Dai Phuc Commune is identified as a key area linked to Nui Coc Lake Tourist Area. The locality sets a target of attracting more than 3 million visitors per year by 2030, including 100,000 to 150,000 international visitors. To realize this target, Dai Phuc is focusing on planning functional zones such as entertainment, high-end resorts, cultural and spiritual tourism and community-based tourism. In parallel, transport infrastructure and tourism services are being progressively invested in and upgraded. Connecting roads, parking areas, accommodation facilities, commercial services… are being prioritized to improve service quality and meet the increasingly diverse needs of visitors.

Ms. Duong Thi Hong Van, Head of the Department of Culture and Society of Dai Phuc Commune, shared: The locality is oriented toward diversified development with a clear identity, with particular emphasis on distinctive products such as high-end resort and healthcare tourism; spiritual tourism; community-based tourism linked to agritourism and tea culture experiences; and outdoor sports and recreational tourism. In parallel, the commune is also focused on developing a range of supplementary products to enrich visitor experiences and extend their length of stay.

Ms. Van also affirmed that in the coming period, Dai Phuc will accelerate the application of digital technology in tourism management and promotion, aiming to build the image of a green, smart and sustainable destination. Alongside economic development, the locality places particular emphasis on protecting the ecological environment of Nui Coc Lake and preserving indigenous cultural identity, viewing these as the foundation for long-term and sustainable tourism development.

Thai Nguyen's tourism sector stands before a great opportunity for breakthrough, built on a foundation of rich resources. (In the photo: Visitors exploring the magnificent natural scenery of Hua Ma Cave, Ba Be Commune)

Ms. Tran Nu Ngoc Anh, Vice Chairwoman of Thai Nguyen Province Tourism Association, noted: The Association currently comprises more than 200 members, including enterprises, organizations and individuals operating in the tourism sector. In the first quarter of 2026, the Association implemented a range of practical activities, including strengthening connectivity and supporting members in developing tourism products; coordinating the provision of information and promoting the image of Thai Nguyen's tourism. At the same time, difficulties and obstacles faced by enterprises were promptly aggregated and reflected to relevant authorities. Going forward, the Association needs to continue renewing its operational approaches in a more professional direction, promoting its role as a bridge between enterprises and state management agencies, contributing to the creation of a transparent and effective environment for tourism development.

Mr. Nguyen Chu Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, assessed: Thai Nguyen's tourism sector stands before a great opportunity for breakthrough. With a strong resource base, a clear strategic direction and the engagement of the entire political system, enterprises and the people, the province has every basis to develop strongly in the coming period. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to advise on the issuance of mechanisms and policies supporting community-based tourism development; attract investment into key tourism zones; strengthen human resource training; develop smart tourism; digitize destinations; and expand regional linkages to enhance the competitiveness of Thai Nguyen's tourism sector.

For the 2026–2030 period, Thai Nguyen Province sets a target of welcoming approximately 12 million tourist arrivals, with total revenue exceeding VND 25,000 billion per year. This is an ambitious but entirely grounded target, as the province is implementing a synchronized range of solutions, from planning and infrastructure investment to product development and human resource training. It is clear that with the right orientation and the concerted engagement of the entire political system, enterprises and people, Thai Nguyen's tourism sector is undergoing a strong transformation.

Thai Nguyen can fully become an attractive, identity-rich destination on the tourism map of Vietnam (In the photo: Nui Coc Lake Tourist Area)

Tourism development not only generates economic benefits but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values, creating sustainable livelihoods for the people, particularly for ethnic minority communities. On this development journey, what matters most is maintaining a balance between exploitation and conservation, between economic growth and the preservation of cultural identity. By achieving this, Thai Nguyen can fully become an attractive, identity-rich destination on the tourism map of Vietnam in the years ahead.