Discover the Untapped Charms of Hanoi’s Suburbs: Kim Anh, Thu Lam, and Phu Dong Poised to Attract International Tourists by 2030

Published on December 6, 2025

Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi, is well-known for its vibrant cityscape and historical significance. However, its suburban areas, which are rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, are emerging as new focal points for the city’s tourism industry. The Hanoi Department of Tourism, in collaboration with local leaders, recently held a conference to improve service quality and connectivity between Hanoi’s urban and suburban tourist destinations. The spotlight has focused on three key areas: Kim Anh, Thu Lam, and Phu Dong, which are expected to become major tourist destinations by 2030.

These suburbs, which are frequently overshadowed by Hanoi’s urban core, provide unique experiences that blend natural beauty, cultural richness, and sustainable tourism practices. By focusing on ecological and cultural tourism, these regions are being developed to appeal to both international visitors and Hanoi expatriates, with a strong emphasis on authenticity.

Kim Anh: A Hidden Ecological Treasure

Kim Anh, located within Hanoi’s metropolitan area, is an ecological gem waiting to be explored. Covering more than 52 square kilometres, Kim Anh is home to around 49,000 residents and is blessed with expansive forests, diverse mountain landscapes, and more than 60 historical sites. This rural district is renowned for its cultural and ecotourism potential, making it a prime candidate for visitors looking to immerse themselves in both nature and heritage.

Kim Anh offers a wide range of activities, including hiking through its lush forests, participating in community-based tourism, and exploring the area’s rich cultural festivals. The region is home to over 30 traditional festivals, adding a vibrant layer to its tourism appeal. As a burgeoning ecotourism destination, the local government has proposed developing themed tourism packages, such as “Forest & Culture”, which combine nature walks with cultural exploration.

While Kim Anh’s potential for growth is undeniable, the area faces challenges in terms of infrastructure development and the need to ensure sustainable tourism practices. The local government is focused on maintaining a balance between growth and environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving its forests and natural resources. With over 130 lodging facilities already established, Kim Anh is well-equipped to cater to tourists, but its future success will depend on careful management and sustainable practices.

Thu Lam: A Cultural Heritage Hub

Just 26 kilometres from Noi Bai Airport, Thu Lam is quickly gaining recognition for its deep cultural heritage and historical significance. The area boasts 96 historical sites and hosts 31 annual festivals, offering a wealth of cultural experiences for visitors. Thu Lam’s proximity to Hanoi makes it an attractive destination for international tourists seeking to explore the essence of Vietnamese traditions without venturing too far from the capital.

The region’s cultural offerings are abundant, ranging from traditional performances, such as water puppetry and folk music, to culinary experiences that showcase local specialities. Local farmers and artisans contribute to the cultural landscape by offering tours focused on agricultural practices and traditional crafts. Thu Lam’s tourism development plans include creating seasonal transportation services to improve accessibility, along with the introduction of artistic installations that highlight local traditions.

Thu Lam’s potential as a cultural tourism destination lies in its ability to blend traditional experiences with modern tourism amenities. With an emphasis on cultural storytelling, the area is seeking to develop new ways of connecting visitors to its rich history through immersive experiences. The region’s focus on culinary tourism, agricultural experiences, and heritage tourism is expected to attract a diverse range of international travelers.

Phu Dong: A Spiritual and Cultural Destination

Phu Dong, located to the east of Hanoi, is emerging as a key destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. Known for its ties to traditional crafts and agricultural practices, Phu Dong is poised to attract visitors interested in exploring the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The area’s tourism offerings include visits to local temples, spiritual retreats, and hands-on experiences with traditional craft-making and farming.

The development of Phu Dong as a cultural hub focuses on preserving its agricultural traditions and showcasing the unique spiritual practices of the region. Plans are underway to integrate cultural and agricultural tourism, with local artisans and farmers playing a central role in the development of immersive tourism experiences. By promoting traditional crafts and spiritual tourism, Phu Dong aims to offer a more intimate and authentic Vietnamese experience for international visitors.

As with Kim Anh and Thu Lam, Phu Dong’s success will depend on its ability to balance development with sustainability. The area’s unique blend of spirituality and agriculture presents a distinct opportunity for tourists to engage with local culture in meaningful ways. Local leaders are committed to preserving the area’s authenticity while fostering growth and enhancing its appeal to international tourists.

A Unified Vision for Tourism Growth

The Hanoi Department of Tourism’s strategy for promoting these suburban areas as international tourist destinations is based on a common vision of sustainable tourism development. Authorities hope to improve infrastructure, improve service quality, and ensure the preservation of the regions’ cultural and ecological treasures for future generations by emphasising the importance of collaboration between local government and tourism businesses.

The vision includes improving connectivity between Hanoi’s city centre and suburban destinations, resulting in more seamless travel experiences for tourists. This will entail not only improving transport networks but also forming alliances with local businesses to provide high-quality tourism services. Kim Anh, Thu Lam, and Phu Dong are poised to become key players in Vietnam’s tourism sector by 2030, with a focus on promoting ecotourism, cultural heritage, and authentic local experiences.

Hanoi’s suburbs are poised to become popular international tourist destinations by investing in sustainable practices, preserving cultural heritage, and improving tourism service quality. These areas provide a unique blend of nature, culture, and history, resulting in diverse experiences that will appeal to a wide range of tourists. As the city looks ahead, Kim Anh, Thu Lam, and Phu Dong are poised to become iconic symbols of Hanoi’s commitment to sustainable and culturally rich tourism development.