(VOVWORLD) - Hanoi’s Huong Son Commune, home to the nationally renowned Huong Pagoda Festival, aims to develop tourism year-round instead of relying mainly on the festival season, local authorities said.
 Yen stream in the Huong Son complex (Photo: Thanh Huyen/VOV2) |
Tran Duc Hai, Secretary of the Huong Son Party Committee and Chairman of the commune’s People’s Council, unveiled the idea at a recent conference on Huong Pagoda tourism development in 2026. The event brought together the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the UNESCO Hanoi Travel Club, travel businesses, and local authorities.
Participants proposed that Huong Son capitalize on its natural landscape through seasonal and thematic tourism. Spring would remain linked to festivals, while autumn, when water lilies are in bloom, could focus on experiential tourism and photography. They stressed the need to better tell local stories, deepen visitor experiences, and develop accompanying services, including all-inclusive one- to two-day tour packages to attract more international visitors.
Under the proposed itinerary, visitors would explore Yen Stream in the morning, visit Thien Tru Pagoda, and enjoy well-prepared introductions to its historical, cultural, and religious values. Afternoon activities could include hands-on experiences such as making traditional peanut candy and harvesting and using local medicinal herbs.
 Tran Duc Hai (C), Secretary of the Party Committee of Huong Son Commune, speaks at a conference on Huong pagoda tourism development, Hanoi, January 9, 2026. (Photo: Thanh Huyen/VOV2) |
Other destinations, including Cay Khe Pagoda, Long Van Pagoda, and the Cave of Ancient People, were identified as having strong potential for trekking, meditation, wellness, and team-building tourism. The ancient cave could also serve as a natural film set.
Huong Son’s cultural and community-based tourism is expected to be linked with local specialties such as Huong Tich apricots, wild vegetables, and yams.