With unique architecture and peaceful landscape, Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu in Thanh Liem district is considered a fairyland in Ha Nam. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Ha Nam province, which sits at Hanoi’s southern gateway about 65 kilometers from the capital, has a huge potential for spiritual, cultural, ecological, and culinary tourism.

Popular tourist destinations are the Tam Chuc religious and scenic complex, Dia Tang Phi Lai pagoda, Ba Danh pagoda, Tran Thuong temple, Long Doi Son pagoda, and So Kien Royal Palace. Ha Nam is the home of several famous craft villages, including Nha Xa silk village, Ngoc Dong bamboo and rattan weaving village, and Vu Dai braised fish village.

Le Thi Thuy, Secretary of the Ha Nam provincial Party Committee, said: “Ha Nam was honored by the World Travel Awards as Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination and Asia's Leading Local Cultural Destination. This is an acknowledgement of Ha Nam’s huge advantages for tourism development.”

Nha Xa silk village in Moc Nam commune, Duy Tien district is a fancinating destination in Ha Nam province. (photo: The Trang/Ha Nam newspaper)

Ha Nam is pursuing ambitious initiatives to transform its urban landscape and elevate its status as a regional and global destination. In addition to its strong emphasis on spiritual tourism, it is also developing rural tourism, leveraging its traditional culture and beautiful natural landscapes.

Truong Quoc Huy, Vice Chairman of the Ha Nam provincial People’s Committee, said: “We are focused on developing spiritual tourism along with other tourism products such as agricultural tourism. We’re introducing new agricultural production models to farmers and businesses that will give tourists an agricultural experience and a better understanding of green, sustainable growth.”

To promote its brand as the “World’s Leading Local Cultural Destination”, Ha Nam province has stepped up its efforts to attract large investors. The Sun Urban City project of the SunGroup Corporation, which just began construction in Phu Ly city, will transform the city’s appearance, connect regions, and create new tourism attractions by revitalizing cultural festivals, craft villages, and traditional cuisine.

Truong Quoc Huy said: “We are inviting major investors to invest in the province, create tourism products, and connect tourism sites to attract more domestic and foreign tourists and help Ha Nam tourism develop sustainably.

Conferenec to promote Ha Nam's investment and tourism development in 2024 (photo: Duc Huy/ Ha Nam newspaper)

Ha Nam province is looking for investors in high-end projects. The Government just approved a new investment policy for the Dong Van VI Industrial Park and is creating favorable conditions for developing inter-regional tourism products.

The province is determined to make its tourism products and services more attractive so tourists will come to Ha Nam all year round.

Nguyen Le Phuc, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, said: “Ha Nam should use modern promotional tools and digital technology to promote its tourism attractions globally. Investment should be concentrated in tourism infrastructure, hotels and restaurants, entertainment areas, and activities that preserve and promote cultural values. It should develop smart tourism, including building a digital information system and introducing creative new tourism products.”

In the first nine months of 2024, Ha Nam welcomed 4.2 million visitors. Tourism is a large part of the local economy and provides momentum to other sectors. New investment projects will enhance Ha Nam’s attractiveness and support its goal of receiving 5-6 million tourists this year.

Ha Nam hopes to welcome 10 million tourists a year by 2030 and become a destination that tourists who come to Vietnam won’t want to miss.