Hue City taps green resources to promote sustainable tourism

From rivers and lagoons to beaches and primeval forests, the central city of Hue has abundant natural resources that can support sustainable tourism.​

As green travel becomes increasingly popular, connecting natural and cultural assets is opening up new opportunities for the city to enhance its appeal, extend visitors’ stays and increase the value of tourism.​

Beyond its heritage sites, Hue boasts diverse ecosystems stretching from mountainous and midland areas to plains, lagoons and the sea. These include the Huong and Bo rivers, the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon system – the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia – Lap An Lagoon, and beaches such as Thuan An, Phu Thuan, Canh Duong and Lang Co.​

The city also has forests, streams and waterfalls in its western mountainous areas, as well as rural villages, craft villages, gardens and fields interspersed with residential areas.​

Hoa Chau ward is home to Ru Cha, the largest primeval mangrove forest on Tam Giang lagoon. Nearby is Con Te, a wetland area along the lagoon and opposite Thuan An estuary.​

During the recent National Day holiday, Hoa Chau piloted a community-based ecotourism model at Ru Cha. Visitors can explore trails through the mature mangrove forest, enjoy views of Tam Giang Lagoon and learn about the lifestyles and cultural traditions of local communities.​

Ru Cha has become a popular green tourism destination, attracting large numbers of visitors, particularly at weekends and during holidays.​

Le Uy Phuong, a visitor from Quang Tri province, said the cool, green surroundings and fresh air at Ru Cha, together with the peaceful setting of Con Te, make the area ideal for both nature exploration and relaxation.​

Ngu My Thanh fishing village in Dan Dien commune is another distinctive green tourism destination on Tam Giang Lagoon. Visitors can experience traditional fishing activities while exploring the mangrove ecosystem.​

The protection and restoration of mangrove forests are considered crucial to sustainable ecotourism development. Dan Dien has more than 2,500ha of water surface on Tam Giang lagoon, with around 150ha of mangrove forest now being planted.​

According to Pham Cong Phuoc, Vice Chairman of the Dan Dien commune People’s Committee, the locality encourages residents to both sustainably use aquatic resources and protect and expand mangrove forests.​

During a recent inspection of infrastructure for inland waterway tourism along the Huong River, Chairman of the Hue City People’s Committee Le Tri Thanh said the river and its banks have strong potential for distinctive tourism products.​

He stressed that development should be carefully planned with a long-term vision, creating new experiences and extending visitors’ stays while protecting the landscape, environment, culture and heritage. Authorities are studying ways to diversify river tourism products and develop piers, stops and service areas linked to attractions and historic sites.​

A visitor could begin with the Hue Imperial City, continue with a cruise on the Huong River, cycle through rural villages, enjoy local food, explore Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon and finish the day at the beach. Such an itinerary could extend stays and spread tourism spending from the city centre to rural, coastal and community areas.​

For Hue, green tourism is therefore not merely a trend. It is a way to preserve the heritage of the former imperial capital while creating new growth, livelihoods and a greener, more liveable and competitive heritage city.