Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Against the backdrop of Vietnam's tourism industry's transformation towards sustainable development based on cultural heritage, Hung Yen province and Hai Phong city, boasting thousands of historical sites, religious sites, and distinctive architecture, possess unique advantages for developing in-depth cultural tourism products. However, both regions still face numerous challenges in transforming their heritage into "soft power" for socio-economic development, requiring long-term strategic solutions.
Regarding challenges, Hung Yen province faces significant pressure for heritage protection, with many sites at risk of damage. The fact that only over 210 sites were repaired between 2021 and 2025 reflects the severity of heritage damage. Hai Phong city, on the other hand, suffers from insufficient investment in heritage and a weak tourism industry chain: French-style villas and religious sites are damaged; the connection between heritage sites and tourism services is poor; nighttime tourism and walking tours lack distinctive features; digital transformation is lagging; and interpretive resources are scarce and the content is not attractive enough. A representative from the Hai Phong Department of Culture and Tourism admitted that despite possessing high-quality resources such as the An Bien Ancient Temple, Hang Ching Temple, and the city museum, there is insufficient coordination in areas such as developing distinctive products, connecting heritage sites, and investing in reception facilities.
Despite numerous challenges, both regions have actively implemented various measures to balance heritage preservation and tourism development, contributing to the sustainable upgrading of the tourism industry.
Hung Yen province is focusing on cultural and religious tourism as core products, simultaneously promoting diverse tourism formats such as handicraft villages, coastal areas, and ecotourism. Leveraging key attractions like the Tuy Huen National Special Relics Area and Tuyen Quang Pagoda, it is developing a "Heritage Route – Multiple Stops in One Journey" model, linking Hanoi and Haiphong to form a diversified tourism chain. Utilizing distinctive handicraft villages such as Nam Cao Silk Village (with over 200 years of silkworm history) and its 54-kilometer coastline, it is developing coastal leisure tourism spots like Khun Van and Khun Lantern, enriching the visitor experience. From 2021 to March 2025, the province has invested 1.15 trillion VND in the restoration of 210 relics, strengthening the foundation for heritage protection.
Haiphong city, on the other hand, is focusing on developing heritage experience products, launching themed routes such as "One Journey to Five World Heritage Sites" and "Following the Footsteps of the Three Ancestors of Bamboo Grove," covering themes such as famous figures, imperial examinations, handicraft villages, and traditional festivals. Meanwhile, efforts will be strengthened to enhance cross-regional and inter-enterprise collaboration, overcome bottlenecks in coordination, promote publicity and human resource development, contribute to the achievement of sustainable tourism goals, improve community and business benefits, and focus on attracting international tourists. (End)
