Son Tay, a historic town on the outskirts of Hanoi, officially kicked off its tourism year on May 27 with the announcement of Long Ho's recognition as a tourist destination. 

Long Ho is recognized as a tourist destination. Photos: Magnolia Travel

Long Ho is well known for eco-tourism, spiritual tourism, and cultural experiences in recent years. The spot in Kim Son Commune has 90 hectares of natural land with a peaceful view of Dong Mo Lake and maintains a rustic charm while offering easy access to the romantic lake and other tourist attractions in Ba Vi District. 

Since 2020, the local authorities have collaborated with 14 tourism businesses to develop multiple diversified tourism models, leading to the recognition of Long Ho as an official tourist destination by the Hanoi People's Committee.

The recognition of Long Ho as a tourist destination is expected to attract more visitors to Son Tay and boost the local economy. The town's authorities have pledged to continue promoting and developing tourism, encouraging locals to invest in the sector and create more quality products and services for tourists. 

Several tourist destinations in the locality have recently attracted many visitors, including Asean, Quang Tay, Thao Vien Resort, Mit Village, Glory Resort, and Long Ho. 

According to Ngo Dinh Ngu, Chairman of Son Tay People's Committee, the town is a land steeped in history and natural beauty. Visitors to Son Tay can explore famous landmarks such as the Duong Lam Ancient Village, the Mia Pagoda, the Ngo Quyen Mausoleum, the Cultural Village of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups, and local delicacies such as Phu Nhi rice cakes, Mia rice, and Cam Lam sweet soup.

In addition to cultural and culinary experiences, the town is blessed with natural beauty, including vast green meadows and large lakes, the most famous of which is Dong Mo Lake, covering an area of approximately 200 hectares. The town has invested in building modern infrastructure, including resorts, to harness its potential.

Delegates attend the opening ceremony of the festival. Photos: Hanoimoi newspaper

At the event's opening ceremony on May 27, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong emphasized the importance of recognizing Long Ho as a new tourist destination and encouraged the locals to promote and develop tourism in the region.

He also urged the Hanoi Department of Tourism to support Son Tay in building diverse and attractive tourism products, connecting businesses with the town's tourism sector, and developing smart tourism models that combine traditional cultural values with modern technologies.

Stand-up paddling is the most exciting activity on Long Ho spot.