Hanoi (VNA) 𓂃– The northern province of Bac Giang is known for one of the highest economic growth rates nationwide, as well as its impressive investment attraction and industrial production indexes. However, few people know that this place also boasts rich tourism potential with magnificent natural landscapes that it is working to fully tap into.

“Ha Long Bay on land”

Bac Giang is home to a great diversity of lakes, of which the most beautiful are Khuon Than, Bau Tien, and Cam Son in the mountainous district of Luc Ngan. Those who visit these lakes shared that they felt like they were immersed in a poetic atmosphere with a vast lake surrounded by a pine forest and numerous islets in green and crystal clear water. Many people describe this northern area as “an inland Ha Long Bay”. The Bau Tien Lake tourism area, about 5km from Chu town of Luc Ngan district, is believed to hold much potential for developing community-based ecotourism. Fruit trees like orange, pomelo, and lychee are grown in this 26-ha area. Located next to this site is the Bau Lay Lake which is connected with the Khuon Than Lake tourism area. These places are also the cultural confluence of different ethnic groups such as Tay, Nung, Hoa, San Diu, and San Chi, thus boasting a rich cultural tapestry. Nearly 30km long, Cam Son Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Vietnam, covering many communes, including Son Hai, Tan Son, Ho Dap, and Cam Son, in Luc Ngan district. A natural lake combined with the construction of a dam created this body of water, which is also the biggest reservoir for agriculture in the northern region. Normally, the lake surface spreads over 2,600ha but in the rainy season, its area could reach 3,000ha. Cam Son is surrounded by high mountains and is the home of the Tay and Nung ethnic minority groups. Bau Tien and Cam Son lakes are ideal tourist areas which are linked with Khuon Than Lake, a must-see destination for visitors arriving in Bac Giang, especially those who love nature and camping. Lying tranquilly amidst an endless pine forest and green lychee trees, Khuon Than has established itself as a magnet for tourists. Located in the Kien Lao commune of Luc Ngan district, over 40km to the northeast of Bac Giang city, the 240ha Khuon Than is dotted with five small islets on which about 800ha of pine trees, creating a picturesque landscape. Despite such advantages, Cam Son and Khuon Than are places where tourists only drop by occasionally. They still lack the tourism infrastructure to bring tourists back to visit again.

High hope for tourism breakthrough

Tourism services are not yet up to international standards, the reason behind the modest number of visitors to these tourist areas. Many investors have planned to develop tourism but poor infrastructure, incomplete planning, and lack of approval from authorities means there is still a long way to go. Facing that fact, Bac Giang wants to turn Khuon Than Lake into a large-scale tourism area. Le O Pich, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said Bac Giang has assigned agencies to speed up processes to develop Khuon Than on par with its potential. The administration is adjusting the zoning plan for the Khuon Than residential, ecotourism, and sports tourism area. This lake is expected to become a key area for leisure, ecological, sports, and entertainment tourism along with housing in Bac Giang. In its orientation for infrastructure and transport development until 2025, the province will build new roads to boost socioeconomic development in disadvantaged communes in the districts of Yen The, Luc Nam, Son Dong, and especially Luc Ngan, where Khuon Than Lake is an important place of interest. Bac Giang is also stepping up the creation of favourable conditions for the expansion and upgrade of roads, including national highways and provincial roads, in the post-2030 period to serve socio-economic and tourism development. With strategic steps being taken, this region holds a great opportunity to turn tourism into a key and professional industry./.