Tourism site’s high-end hotspot bid

The central province of Thua Thien-Hue boasts a plethora of natural splendor in the form of beaches, coral reefs, and lagoons

The site, located in Phu Loc district, is one of the areas with abounding potential for tourism development in the province particularly and the central region in general. It hopes to take advantage of marine tourism with one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, and there are favourable links to three world heritage sites including the ancient towns of Hue and Hoi An, and My Son Sanctuary.

The master plan of the Lang Co-Canh Duong National Tourism Site to 2025, with a vision towards 2030, was approved by the prime minister in Decision No.1774/QD-TTg enacted last December. Accordingly, the site, located in Chan May-Lang Co Economic Zone in Lang Co town and Loc Vinh commune, will cover almost 10,000 hectares of space, with the core area to cover 1,350ha.

In light of the master plan, by 2025, the site is set to be built into a leading destination for the province and the central region, with comprehensive and modern technical infrastructure, an appealing investment venue, and recognition as an important tourism attraction for the entire country. By 2030, it is expected to grow into an international tourism destination. The location’s National Park is set to focus on promoting mainstream tourism products, such as relaxation, ecotourism, golf and other sports, entertainment, and development of auxiliary tourism products with eight main tourism zones.

Notably, the 70ha Lap An Lagoon tourism zone in Lang Co will be built into a service centre for the site. Priority will be given to the development of ecotourism, entertainment, and food services through taking advantage of the nature of the lagoon.

The Lang Co sea tourism zone, belonging to the town and a part of Loc Vinh commune, will focus on the development of marine and community tourism in association with learning the culture and experiencing the life of local people.

Meanwhile, the Nam Hai Van landscape protection zone, positioned south of Hai Van Pass, will be a strictly-protected area in terms of the landscape as well as the flora and fauna south of the famous Hai Van Pass. Priority will be given to activities to experience the distinct local ecosystem, adventure tours, and sightseeing.

According to Phan Ngoc Tho, Chairman of the Thua Thien-Hue People’s Committee, Lang Co-Canh Duong National Tourism Site will feature a variety of accommodation types. High-class resorts, tourist villas, and high-end hotels associated with top healthcare and entertainment will be mainly concentrated in the Cu Du-Canh Duong area, Lang Co Beach, and Lap An Lagoon. Low-rise hotels and services associated with urban, marine, and evening entertainment will be developed south of Lap An Lagoon. Hotels, entertainment parks, sports, and services related to marinas will be prioritised for development in the Lang Co coastal area and at Chan May Port.

Developing marina, floating houses, coral reefs, and activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and boating will be the focus on Son Cha Island, whereas homestay services will be promoted in the Lang Co town, Hoi Mit, and Hoi Dua residential areas.

Lang Co-Canh Duong National Tourism Site aims to receive more than 1.5 million visitors by 2025, including 600,000 international visitors, generating total tourism revenue touching VND3.4 trillion ($147.8 million). It is expected that by 2030, the area will welcome over 2.5 million visitors, including 950,000 foreign visitors, bringing in about VND7 trillion ($304.34 million) in tourism revenue.

Also in light of the master plan, the money streams to materialise it will come from diverse sources including the state budget, official development assistance, and foreign direct investment, as well as capital contributions from organisations and businesses. Priority will be given to using part of the state budget to develop core tourism infrastructure at the site and other related areas.