Hà Nội’s New Tourism Strategy Boosts Suburban Travel with Cultural and Eco-Tourism Initiatives, Get the Details Here

Published on December 6, 2025

The vibrant capital of Vietnam, Hà Nội, is fast-tracking efforts towards diversification in its tourism sector, focusing on suburban, not-so-popular parts of the city. This comes as global tourism increases, with the Hà Nội Department of Tourism, in cooperation with local authorities, striving to showcase its suburbs as hotspots with unique offerings that help attract foreign visitors. Areas like Kim Anh, Thu Lam, and Phu Dong – districts boasting an assortment of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and ancient sites – have been developed as new destinations for foreign visitors. This will help ease the burden of visitor numbers in Hà Nội’s popular urban spots while providing fresh, rustic experiences for tourists visiting the Vietnamese countryside.

Kim Anh: A Suburban Eco-Tourism Gem

Located within the Hà Nội metropolitan area, Kim Anh is a district that embodies the perfect balance of nature and culture. With its stunning ecological landscape, the region offers a wide range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and cultural tourism. Kim Anh is home to vast forests, picturesque mountain scenery, and a community that celebrates over 60 historical sites and 30 traditional festivals.

Main Attractions in Kim Anh

• Cultural and Eco-Tourism: Kim Anh’s natural beauty, combined with its rich cultural heritage, creates an unforgettable experience for visitors. Tourists can hike through its forests, learn about local traditions, and participate in community-based tourism initiatives.
• Outdoor Activities: Visitors can engage in various outdoor sports and eco-resort experiences, such as birdwatching, nature walks, and visits to the region’s eco-resorts.

Strategic Goals for Growth

Local leaders have set ambitious goals for Kim Anh’s tourism development. They aim for the area to become a key eco-tourism destination by 2025, with specialized packages like “Forest & Culture” designed to attract international visitors and expatriates residing in Hà Nội. To support this growth, the region plans to develop infrastructure for eco-resorts and environmental education, ensuring sustainable development while preserving the region’s natural beauty.

However, experts highlight that the future success of Kim Anh’s tourism will depend on managing its natural resources wisely and preserving the environment. The community is already home to over 130 lodging facilities, and the infrastructure is poised for growth, making it a viable destination for future tourists.

Thu Lam: Tapping Into Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage

Thu Lam, just 26 kilometers from the international Noi Bai Airport, is another suburb of Hà Nội that is rapidly gaining attention for its potential in cultural tourism. The area is rich in history and tradition, featuring 96 historical sites and 31 annual festivals that highlight its unique cultural fabric.

Development Plans for Cultural and Agricultural Tourism

The development strategy for Thu Lam includes creating seasonal transportation services to make it easier for tourists to visit. Furthermore, local authorities plan to establish artistic installations that will connect modern audiences with traditional Vietnamese art forms. Combining cultural, culinary, and agricultural tourism, Thu Lam is shaping up to be a multi-faceted destination for international tourists who want to explore the depths of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

The government has emphasized the need for modern storytelling techniques that will appeal to global visitors. By enhancing these cultural offerings, Thu Lam aims to become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authenticity and immersion in Vietnamese traditions.

Phu Dong: Cultural and Spiritual Tourism Hub

Phu Dong, situated to the east of Hà Nội, is positioning itself as a destination for cultural and spiritual tourism. The region is rich in traditional crafts, agricultural practices, and religious landmarks, offering a unique blend of rural life and spiritual exploration. Phu Dong’s emphasis on cultural heritage and its serene landscapes make it an attractive option for those seeking to explore the spiritual and artistic side of Vietnam.

Spiritual and Cultural Tourism in Phu Dong

Visitors to Phu Dong can explore traditional craft villages, learn about ancient farming practices, and visit historical temples and pagodas that highlight the region’s spiritual significance. These experiences allow travelers to connect with the deeper, often overlooked aspects of Vietnamese culture.

A Unified Vision for Tourism Growth Across Hà Nội

To further enhance tourism in these suburban areas, the Hà Nội Department of Tourism has emphasized the importance of collaboration between local governments, tourism businesses, and community partners. The newly formed Presidential Tourism Task Force, which includes representatives from key government departments and the private sector, will oversee the development of these regions.

One of the key goals is to create a more interconnected tourism network that offers visitors diverse experiences. By promoting both the natural beauty and cultural wealth of Hà Nội’s suburbs, the task force hopes to encourage tourists to explore beyond the city center and experience Vietnam’s rural charms.

Infrastructure and Service Quality Enhancement

The success of these tourism initiatives will also depend on improvements in infrastructure and service quality. By improving transportation, accommodations, and tourism services, Hà Nội aims to make its suburban regions more accessible to international travelers. These efforts will ensure that tourists enjoy a seamless travel experience, whether they are visiting Kim Anh, Thu Lam, or Phu Dong.

Sustainability and Community Inclusion

Sustainability will be at the core of these tourism efforts. By integrating local communities into the tourism development process, the government aims to ensure that economic benefits reach rural areas. Additionally, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability are key priorities in the development plans for these regions. This approach will help maintain the authenticity and beauty of Hà Nội’s suburban areas while supporting long-term growth in the tourism sector.

Hà Nội’s Tourism Transformation

With a strategic focus on its suburban areas, Hà Nội is well on its way to becoming a leading destination for international tourists who seek to understand and appreciate Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Tourism development will be focused on Kim Anh, Thu Lam, and Phu Dong, promising visitors a much larger portfolio of experiences and assisting in sustainable economic growth. By enhancing its tourism infrastructure and offering authentic cultural immersion experiences, Hà Nội will increasingly assert itself as a major player in the Southeast Asia tourism marketplace.