Tourists camping in Son Doong cave in Quang Binh Province. (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)

On the basis of this unique and attractive tourism resource, the province has made efforts to create tourism products of its strength, thereby positioning Quang Binh’s tourism brand and developing in a “green” and sustainable manner.

Magnificent caves and pristine beaches

Compared to other provinces and cities in Vietnam, Quang Binh has the narrowest area because it is located in the "knot" part of the S-shaped country map. This is a place in which the terrain conditions of plains, forests, mountains, rivers, sea and islands fully converge. In addition, Quang Binh possesses famous primeval forests or nature reserves such as Khe Net, Khe Ve and Giang Man. Notably, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park was recognised by the UNESCO as a world’s natural heritage in 2003 thanks to its special values of geology and geomorphology. It hosts many rare and precious species of flora and fauna recorded in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang has long been known as the “kingdom of caves” thanks to its magnificent cave system, which includes Phong Nha, Tien Son, Vom Cave and Toi (Dark) Cave. In particular, Phong Nha was evaluated by scientists as one of the most beautiful caves with the longest water cave, the most beautiful underground river, the highest and widest cave mouth, the most beautiful underground lake, the widest dry cave and the most magical and magnificent stalactite system.

Referring to the “kingdom of caves”, it is impossible to not mention Son Doong Cave which was assessed by the British Royal Caves Association as the world’s most beautiful and largest cave. It surprised the whole world when it appeared in the programme “Good morning America” by ABC Television (the US) in 2015. In addition, Quang Binh has many other wonderful caves such as En, Doi, Tu Lan, Small To Mo and Big To Mo.

In addition to the magnificent cave system, Quang Binh is famous for many other attractive landscapes including Ngang – Hoanh Son Pass, Ly Hoa Pass, Bang Mineral Hot Spring and Hac Hai Lagoon. Possessing a 116km long coastline with beautiful and pristine beaches, clear blue waters and long stretches of fine white sand dunes, Quang Binh has great potential for the development of high-class beach resorts, boosting the province’s “smokeless industry” in a “green” and sustainable manner.

Efforts to create a "new wind"

Ho Xuan Phuc, General Director of Hanoi Tourism, Trade and Investment Joint Stock Company (Hanotours), one of the businesses that has brought many visitors to Quang Binh in recent years, said: “Quang Binh owns extremely rich tourism potential, especially in ecotourism, experience, discovery and adventure tourism. The pristine landscapes and hospitable locals are also the province’s strengths that have impressed visitors. However, the province should have foresight and in-depth investment to develop unique and different products towards attracting more tourists in the future”.

To overcome limitations in tourism development, Deputy Director of Quang Binh Provincial Department of Tourism Dang Dong Ha said: “In the context of COVID-19 epidemic, the province has been making efforts to find methods to overcome the consequences. Accordingly, the development of tourism products is among the top concerns regarding the attraction of tourists following the epidemic. In recent time, the province has continued to direct the exploitation of tourism products of its strength such as the tours to explore Hoa Son Mountain, Ruc Mon Cave, Yen Phu Lake, Son Doong Cave and Va – Nuoc Nut Cave via different routes. In addition, we have also piloted new products such as exploring nature and culture of the Van Kieu ethnic minority people in the districts of Quang Ninh and Le Thuy and sightseeing tours with cruises on Nhat Le River combined with visits to scenic spots and historical sites”.

Ha added that in addition to focusing on exploration of caves, Quang Binh will develop complementary services and diversify sea tourism and leisure travelling products during the 2021-2025 period.

Specifically, sea sports services including windsurfing, parachuting, sailing racing, scuba diving and coral viewing will be encouraged; meanwhile, the construction of resorts and sports entertainment areas at Bao Ninh Beach, Nhat Le – Quang Phu Beach and Da Nhay Beach will be accelerated. The coastal tourist campsites are expected to be formed in the upcoming years.

The diversification of tourism products in combination with the protection of natural and tourism environments will bring a “new wind” that helps the local smokeless industry position its brand and develop in a “green” and sustainable manner.

hanoimoi/Translated by NDO