Tam Đảo Tourist Area has long been recognised as one of northern Việt Nam’s most attractive destinations. — Photo laodong.vn

PHÚ THỌ — With its mist-covered mountains, year-round cool climate and diverse ecosystem, Tam Đảo Commune in Phú Thọ Province is increasingly emerging as one of northern Việt Nam’s most attractive examples of sustainable tourism development.

Perched high at an altitude of more than 900 metres above sea level, Tam Đảo Tourist Area has long been recognised as one of northern Việt Nam’s most attractive destinations, thanks to its cool climate throughout the year.

During the summer months, average temperatures remain around 18°C, creating ideal conditions for leisure and eco-tourism activities.

In addition to its striking mountain landscapes, Tam Đảo benefits from a rich and diverse ecosystem.

Tam Đảo National Park is home to more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species, adding significant value to the locality’s tourism resources.

Beyond its natural attractions, Tam Đảo is also known for popular landmarks such as the Stone Church, Silver Waterfall, the Temple of the Lady of Forests and its distinctive cloud-viewing routes.

These attractions draw large numbers of domestic and international visitors each year.

The locality is also home to nearly 50 historical, cultural and spiritual heritage sites, as well as numerous traditional festivals celebrated by local ethnic communities.

The preservation and promotion of these cultural assets have enriched tourism offerings and helped create a distinctive identity for the area.

Natural assets

The harmonious combination of nature and culture provides a strong foundation for the development of eco-tourism, community-based tourism and experiential travel, all of which are becoming increasingly popular among visitors.

In recent years, Tam Đảo has focused on developing tourism infrastructure, improving service quality and diversifying tourism products to meet growing visitor demand.

The commune currently has 194 accommodation establishments including hotels, guesthouses, homestays and villas, with 2,456 rooms.

Many of these facilities have been developed with modern, environmentally friendly designs that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

Alongside service development, local authorities have prioritised environmental protection, festival management, landscape preservation, and ensuring visitor safety and security.

These efforts are regarded as essential to building Tam Đảo’s image as a civilised, welcoming and responsible destination.

The area’s growing appeal is reflected in rising visitor numbers. In 2025, Tam Đảo welcomed approximately 350,000 visitors.

During the first five months of 2026, the locality received around 180,000 visitors for sightseeing and holiday breaks.

Nguyễn Thu Hương, a visitor from Hà Nội making her first trip to Tam Đảo with her family, said she was impressed not only by the fresh, cool air but also by the increasingly diverse accommodation and service options that catered well to visitors seeking relaxation and new experiences.

Notably, Tam Đảo’s international profile has been enhanced by its recognition as the “World’s Leading Town Destination” at the World Travel Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025.

Tam Đảo is steadily strengthening its position as a green and sustainable destination. —VNA/VNS Photo

Tourism growth

According to Trần Anh Tú, chairman of the Tam Đảo Commune People’s Committee, tourism development must go hand in hand with preserving natural resources and safeguarding cultural identity.

In addition to refining planning strategies and attracting investment, the locality has placed considerable emphasis on raising awareness among residents and businesses about building a tourism environment that is friendly, responsible and welcoming.

Tourism promotion campaigns have been implemented through a variety of channels, while cooperation with travel agencies has been strengthened to expand markets and improve the effectiveness of tourism products.

Drawing on its distinctive natural and cultural resources, Tam Đảo is gradually diversifying its tourism portfolio, ranging from leisure and eco-tourism to experiential, community-based and sports tourism.

These efforts are helping to extend visitor stays and increase tourism spending.

Alongside tourism development, a number of local specialities, including cordyceps products, ba kích herbal vitality wine, and the traditional hump-shaped sticky rice cake of the Sán Dìu ethnic group, are increasingly being incorporated into tourism activities.

These products help promote the image and cultural identity of Tam Đảo.

Tam Đảo Mushroom Cooperative is a notable example of integrating local OCOP (One Commune One Speciality Product) programme products with experiential tourism.

Established in 2009, the cooperative has successfully developed a range of products derived from medicinal mushrooms and cordyceps, many of which have received three-star and four-star OCOP certification.

Nguyễn Quốc Huy, director of Tam Đảo Mushroom Cooperative, said the cooperative views OCOP products not merely as commercial goods but also as tourism products that enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding of local culture and the production activities of local residents.

Green future

Since 2024, the cooperative has welcomed more than 12,000 visitors to experience its OCOP products and learn about cordyceps cultivation.

It has also partnered with travel companies to develop tour programmes that combine sightseeing with shopping for OCOP products and the use of local tourism services, enhancing visitor experiences while promoting the area’s distinctive products.

Regularly organised cultural and tourism events throughout the year are also helping to inject new vitality into the destination, attracting visitors during different seasons and supporting Tam Đảo’s ambition to become a year-round tourism destination.

As visitor numbers continue to rise, Tam Đảo is demonstrating how natural beauty, cultural heritage and sustainable planning can work hand in hand. By protecting the resources that define its identity while expanding high-quality tourism services, the mountain destination is steadily strengthening its reputation as one of northern Việt Nam’s leading sustainable tourism destinations. — VNS