Vietnam heritage-based economic development

Provinces in Vietnam are increasingly utilizing cultural and natural heritage to drive economic development and sustainable tourism. In Quang Ninh, the economic model is transitioning from a reliance on coal mining toward a ‘green’ growth strategy. This approach leverages over 600 historical and cultural sites, including Ha Long Bay, to integrate culture, tourism, and creative industries. The province’s strategy for the 2025-2030 term focuses on linking culture with the night economy and urban economics to enhance international competitiveness. Tuyen Quang is transforming cultural assets into market-oriented products by preserving traditional architecture, folk music, and ethnic customs. Since the start of 2026, the province has hosted over 2.093 million visitors, including 406,368 international and 1.686 million domestic travelers, with total spending exceeding 225.27 million USD. Local communities, such as those in Lo Lo Chai and Lam Binh, have adapted traditional housing and customs, like Then singing, to support food services, handicrafts, and organized tours. In Phu Tho, authorities are shifting toward creating interconnected tourism chains that link sites like the Hung Kings' Temple, Thanh Thuy hot springs, and Hoa Binh Lake. The province has reported over 10.5 million visitors with revenues exceeding 10,755 billion VND. Additionally, in mountainous regions like Aur Village, the Co Tu people are utilizing community-based tourism to preserve traditions such as the New Rice Festival and ‘Tung tung da dá’ dances, integrating these experiences with agricultural product promotion. Recent developments show a strategic shift toward enhancing economic value through modernized agricultural value chains and improved connectivity. In regions like Tan Mai and Quang Tri, authorities are focusing on connecting remote destinations via new flight routes and transport links. Simultaneously, the agricultural sector is undergoing digital and industrial transformation, with companies investing in processing centers and standardized supply chains to compete globally.