Gov't targets to transform Trang An- Tam Coc – Bich Dong scenic complex into global tourism hub

The Government has approved a master pan for the conservation, restoration, and revitalization of the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong scenic complex.

The plan aims to further define and enhance the values of the scenic complex; align conservation work with sustainable development; and position the landscape as the driver for tourism growth in Ninh Binh and the wider Red River Delta.

The plan reflects Viet Nam's commitment to UNESCO in safeguarding the site's universal heritage values.

The plan sets out boundaries, protection zones, land-use functions and spatial organisation, alongside phased infrastructure development. It provides a legal foundation for conservation projects and introduces policies to attract investment and boost community engagement.

Its scope spans zoning, conservation and restoration measures, spatial planning for heritage protection, safeguarding geological and intangible cultural assets, tourism development, infrastructure upgrades, and implementation mechanisms.

A central focus is balancing heritage preservation with economic development, ensuring community livelihoods while improving social, technical and tourism infrastructure. Conservation, restoration and value-enhancement efforts must maintain original elements and uphold the integrity of the World Heritage site.

Strict control will be imposed on visitor numbers, tourism activities and construction, coupled with measures to restore the environment, protect landscapes and enhance long-term resilience. Natural areas will be tightly safeguarded, while tourism zones must blend with the landscape and prioritise eco- and cultural tourism. Traditional villages will retain their existing character without urban expansion, preserving agricultural spaces, craft traditions and intangible heritage. Mixed-use conservation areas will be closely managed, with no unauthorised conversion of agricultural land.

The plan also highlights the preservation of traditional festivals and indigenous knowledge, including hallmark rituals of the former imperial capital region such as the Hoa Lu water procession and festivals at Thai Vi and Bai Dinh temples. Local knowledge linked to festivals, including herbal medicine practices in Sinh Duoc village and historical worship traditions associated with To Hien Thanh, will also be safeguarded.

At the same time, it promotes the development of distinctive tourism products tied to heritage, festivals, local lifestyles and cuisine, while strengthening links with cultural industries. Priority will be given to eco-tourism and diversified offerings aligned with market trends, including cultural and archaeological tourism, pilgrimage tours, adventure sports, craft village experiences, technology-driven tourism, wellness services, MICE, and educational tourism.

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex has received wide international recognition for its exceptional natural and cultural values. In 2014, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becoming Viet Nam's first mixed site for both cultural and natural heritage. The area has since earned multiple global accolades, with Trang An frequently ranked among the world's most beautiful destinations by leading travel platforms such as TripAdvisor. Tam Coc is often dubbed "Ha Long Bay on land" for its striking limestone karst landscapes, while the broader Ninh Binh destination has been listed among top emerging tourism hotspots by Forbes and other international media. These honours underscore the site's growing reputation as a must-visit destination and reinforce its potential as a global tourism hub./.